Irvine, CA to Santa Barbara, CA train with Amtrak

Wed 11 Feb
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1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Irvine, CA to Santa Barbara, CA

Showing times and prices for 12 Feb

Cheapest price

£32

Average price

£32

Fastest journey

4 h 1 m

Average duration

4 h 5 m

Trains per day

2

Distance

192 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Irvine, CA to Santa Barbara, CA is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Irvine, CA to Santa Barbara, CA will cost around £32 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £32.

Fast trains

Of the 2 trains that leave Irvine, CA for Santa Barbara, CA every day 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

These direct trains cover the 192 km distance in an average of 4 h 5 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 1 m .

The slowest trains will take 4 h 9 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.

Amtrak
14:494h01
Irvine, CA
18:50Santa Barbara, CA
£321One-way
0 changes
Amtrak
21:494h09
Irvine, CA
01:58Santa Barbara, CA
£331One-way
0 changes

Travel Information

Compare train and coach for Irvine, CA to Santa Barbara, CA

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Irvine, CA to Santa Barbara, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from £32. For those with little time consider booking a coach which can get you there in 4h 0m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £32, and a coach costs an average of £28.

Distance: 192 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Coach

£32

Average Price

Cheapest

£36

Average Price

4h 35m

Average total duration

4h 5m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 30m

Average total duration

Fastest

4h 0m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

0.1 - 0.2kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.2 - 0.5kg

CO2 emissions

Amtrak

Most popular train company

FlixBus

Most popular bus company

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

Live departures

Irvine, CA to Santa Barbara, CA train times

The table below shows live departures for Irvine, CA to Santa Barbara, CA trains for today, Wednesday 11 February. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 02:00
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
Metrolink Trains05:20 Irvine, CA
4h35
09:55 Santa Barbara, CA1 change
Metrolink Trains07:20 Irvine, CA
4h30
11:50 Santa Barbara, CA1 change
Metrolink Trains08:20 Irvine, CA
3h54
12:14 Santa Barbara, CA1 change
Metrolink Trains09:20 Irvine, CA
4h29
13:49 Santa Barbara, CA1 change
Metrolink Trains13:20 Irvine, CA
4h26
17:46 Santa Barbara, CA1 change

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Irvine, CA to Santa Barbara, CA by train or coach

Compare train and coach prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.

Thu
12 Feb
Fri
13 Feb
Sat
14 Feb
Sun
15 Feb
Mon
16 Feb
Tue
17 Feb
Wed
18 Feb

Journey information

Overview: Train from Irvine, CA to Santa Barbara, CA

USAUSA
USAUSA
Icon of train

Trains from Irvine, CA to Santa Barbara, CA run on average 15 times per day, taking around 4h 5m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £32 but you can travel from only £28 by coach.

There are 10 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 05:49, the last at 18:57. The fastest train covers the 192 km distance in 4h 4m.

Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £28
Distance
192 km
Average train duration
4h 5m
Cheapest ticket price
£32
Trains per day
15
Direct trains
10
Fastest train
4h 4m
First train
05:49
Last train
18:57
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £28

Train companies: Amtrak, Metrolink Trains from Irvine, CA to Santa Barbara, CA trainsAmtrak, Metrolink Trains trains will get you between Irvine, CA and Santa Barbara, CA from £28. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Amtrak

About
Amtrak is the main passenger train operator in the United States, providing medium- and long-distance intercity services across 46 states and three Canadian provinces. Operating over 300 trains daily and serving more than 500 destinations, Amtrak connects cities and regions nationwide through routes such as the high-speed Acela in the Northeast Corridor, the scenic Coast Starlight along the West Coast, and the Empire Builder linking Chicago to the Midwest and the Pacific Northwest. Other notable services include the Northeast Regional, Keystone Service, and the unique Auto Train, which allows passengers to bring their cars onboard. Amtrak offers a variety of classes to suit different budgets and travel needs, including Coach, Business, First Class, and Sleeper Class with options like Roomettes, Bedrooms, and Bedroom Suites for overnight journeys. Ticket types include Saver, Value, Flexible, Business, and Premium. Onboard amenities vary by service but may include comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, power outlets, dining options, and lounge access on select trains. Popular routes include Washington, D.C.–Boston, San Diego–San Luis Obispo, San Jose–Sacramento, and Chicago–Seattle.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
4h 1m
Cheapest Price
£32
Luggage included
2 personal items and 2 carry-on bags included free
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, under seats, and designated luggage areas at end of cars
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies depend on ticket type and timing
Refund
Full refund if train is canceled by Amtrak
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Café car with snacks, beverages, and light meals. Long-distance trains have full-service dining cars
Seat reservation
Included in ticket price for Business and First Class. Optional fee for Coach Class
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible restrooms, Red Cap assistance service, accessible platforms and stations
Pets
Small pets under 20 pounds allowed for $26 fee. Must be in carrier. Service animals travel free
Quiet zone

Metrolink Trains

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 54m
Cheapest Price
£70
Metrolink Trains frequency
5 a day

FAQs: Irvine, CA to Santa Barbara, CA train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Irvine, CA to Santa Barbara, CA by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Santa Barbara, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
The cost of a train ticket from Irvine, CA to Santa Barbara, CA can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £32, while the average price tends to be around £32.
The train journey from Irvine, CA to Santa Barbara, CA covers a distance of 192 km and takes approximately 4h 4m. Trains run 15 per day.
The train distance from Irvine, CA to Santa Barbara, CA is 192 km.
The first train from Irvine, CA to Santa Barbara, CA leaves at 5:49.
The last train from Irvine, CA to Santa Barbara, CA departs at 18:57.
Trains from Irvine, CA to Santa Barbara, CA run approximately 15 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Irvine, CA to Santa Barbara, CA.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Irvine, CA to Santa Barbara, CA.
To get from Irvine, CA to Santa Barbara, CA, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
There is no night train service from Irvine, CA to Santa Barbara, CA.
The train station in Irvine, CA that goes to Santa Barbara, CA is Irvine Transportation Center, Irvine, CA, and it arrives at Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA.
The cheapest way to get from Irvine, CA to Santa Barbara, CA is by coach, costing approximately £28.
Booking trains from Irvine, CA to Santa Barbara, CA in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
Yes, the train journey from Irvine to Santa Barbara is considered scenic, offering views of the Pacific Ocean, picturesque beaches, and charming coastal towns.
A day trip from Irvine, CA to Santa Barbara, CA is not feasible as the journey duration is 4h 4m. However, there are 14 trains available per day for this route. The distance is 192 km.
In Santa Barbara, CA, you can explore State Street with its vibrant shopping, dining, and entertainment, or visit the Santa Barbara Museum of Art for a diverse collection of artwork. Take a wine tasting tour in the Santa Ynez Valley, known for its beautiful vineyards. Enjoy a scenic hike in the Santa Ynez Mountains for breathtaking views, or visit the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum to learn about the region's maritime history. For sights, the Santa Barbara Mission offers stunning architecture and gardens, while Stearns Wharf provides shops and ocean views. The Santa Barbara Botanic Garden showcases native plants, the Santa Barbara Zoo offers family-friendly animal exhibits, and Lotusland features exotic botanical gardens.
Three to four days in Santa Barbara, CA, is ideal to explore the key attractions, enjoy the beaches, and experience the local cuisine and culture.
Yes, you can take the train from Irvine, CA to Santa Barbara, CA.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Irvine, CA and Santa Barbara, CA

Irvine
Santa Barbara
The major train station for departures in Irvine is Irvine Station. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Irvine Station for your trip from Irvine to Santa Barbara.
Irvine StationWifiLockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingCar RentalInformation DeskLuggage Carts
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
Luggage CartsLuggage Carts
information
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
8 km
platformCount
Number of platforms
2
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free
Parking
Parking
  • Parking is available 7 days a week with multiple lots around the station.
Dining
Dining
  • Del Frisco's Grille
  • The Cheesecake Factory
Taxis
Taxis
  • Outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Ramps, restrooms.
WC
WC
  • $1
Hotel
Hotel
  • Marriott Irvine Spectrum
  • Courtyard by Marriott Irvine Spectrum
  • DoubleTree by Hilton Irvine Spectrum
Lost and Found Office
Lost and Found Office
  • Located in the main hall
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • 54 places, covered
Car Rental
Car Rental
  • Enterprise
  • Hertz
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Located in the main hall
Luggage Carts
Luggage Carts
  • Free
Station Plan
  • Hall 1: main entrance, ticket office, and waiting area
  • Hall 2: platforms for Metrolink and Amtrak
Public transport options for Irvine Station
  • Bus: Several lines available
  • Shuttle: Local shuttle services

Most popular train connections from Irvine, CA

More options for your journey from Irvine, CA to Santa Barbara, CA

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Most popular train connections to Santa Barbara, CA

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