Bedroom
- Power plugs
- Extra legroom
- Free Drinks
- Free meal
- Lounge Access
Cheapest price on 06 Sept
£26
Average ticket price on 06 Sept
£38
Fastest journey on 06 Sept
2 h 17 m
Average journey duration on 06 Sept
2 h 31 m
Trains on 06 Sept
16
Distance
140 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Los Angeles, 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 Los Angeles, CA to Santa Barbara, CA will cost around £38 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £26.
On Sun 06 Sept, we found 16 trains from Los Angeles, CA to Santa Barbara, CA, including 13 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 140 km distance in an average of 2 h 31 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 17 m .
The slowest trains will take 2 h 42 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.
765 Pacific Surfliner
757 Pacific Surfliner
777 Pacific Surfliner
769 Pacific Surfliner
785 Pacific Surfliner
14 Coast Starlight
765 Pacific Surfliner
777 Pacific Surfliner
769 Pacific Surfliner
761 Pacific SurflinerOmio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Los Angeles, CA to Santa Barbara, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £21 For those with little time, consider booking a coach, which has an average total journey time of 2h 58m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.0 - 0.1kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £21, while a train costs an average of £25.
Distance: 140 km
Most popular Train | Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£25 Average Price | £21 Average Price Cheapest | £15 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 11m Average total duration 2h 41m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 58m Average total duration Fastest 2h 28m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 44m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Los Angeles, CA to Santa Barbara, CA:
A coach is £4 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Los Angeles, CA to Santa Barbara, CA costing on average £25.
Other travel options to Santa Barbara, CA take longer:
Train takes on average 2h 41m.
Tickets start at around £25 compared to roughly £15 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £-10.29. The journey takes 2h 41m versus 1h 44m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
The table below shows live departures for Los Angeles, CA to Santa Barbara, CA trains for today, Saturday 5 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
757 Pacific Surfliner | 5:13 Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 3h00 | 8:13 Goleta Station, Goleta, CA | 0 changesdirect | |
757 Pacific Surfliner | 5:13 Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 2h43 | 7:56 Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 0 changesdirect | |
761 Pacific Surfliner | 7:13 Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 2h56 | 10:09 Goleta Station, Goleta, CA | 0 changesdirect | |
761 Pacific Surfliner | 7:13 Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 2h42 | 9:55 Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 0 changesdirect | |
765 Pacific Surfliner | 9:13 Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 2h45 | 11:58 Goleta Station, Goleta, CA | 0 changesdirect | |
765 Pacific Surfliner | 9:13 Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 2h31 | 11:44 Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 0 changesdirect | |
765 Pacific Surfliner · 14 Coast Starlight | 9:13 Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 2h55 | 12:08 Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 1 change | |
14 Coast Starlight · 794 Pacific Surfliner | 9:51 Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 8h45 | 18:36 Goleta Station, Goleta, CA | 1 change | |
14 Coast Starlight · 794 Pacific Surfliner | 9:51 Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 9h06 | 18:57 Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 1 change | |
14 Coast Starlight | 9:51 Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 2h17 | 12:08 Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 0 changesdirect | |
769 Pacific Surfliner | 11:13 Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 2h33 | 13:46 Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 0 changesdirect | |
769 Pacific Surfliner | 11:13 Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 2h49 | 14:02 Goleta Station, Goleta, CA | 0 changesdirect | |
777 Pacific Surfliner | 15:13 Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 2h32 | 17:45 Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 0 changesdirect | |
777 Pacific Surfliner | 15:13 Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 2h47 | 18:00 Goleta Station, Goleta, CA | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Trains from Los Angeles, CA to Santa Barbara, CA run on average 13 times per day, taking around 2h 41m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £19 but you can travel from only £12 by coach.
There are 11 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 05:13, the last at 19:59. The fastest train covers the 140 km distance in 2h 23m.
Distance 140 km |
Average train duration 2h 41m |
Cheapest ticket price £19 |
Trains per day 13 |
Direct trains 11 |
Fastest train 2h 23m |
First train 5:13 |
Last train 19:59 |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 3 days |
Compare Amtrak classes and the amenities included in each one.
Discover the best of Santa Barbara, CA — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Santa Barbara, CA trip today.
Major art museum with American, Asian and European works. A strong central stop for varied collections in a handsome downtown setting.
Engaging natural history museum with regional exhibits, astronomy and family-friendly displays. A good choice near Mission Canyon.
Contemporary art museum on State Street showing rotating exhibitions. Best for visitors interested in current visual culture and smaller-scale galleries.
Lively downtown pedestrian-friendly stretch with shops, historic architecture and regular people-watching. Ideal for browsing and an easy city walk.
Waterfront neighbourhood with beaches, harbour access and a long palm-lined promenade. Excellent for walking, cycling and sunset views.
Scenic hillside viewpoint reached by a short hike or drive. Popular for panoramic views over the city, coastline and Channel Islands on clear days.
Grilled local sea urchin roe served fresh from nearby waters. It is a prized Santa Barbara coastal delicacy known for its sweet, creamy taste.
Fresh spot prawns from the Santa Barbara Channel, often simply grilled or sautéed. They are celebrated for their sweet flavour and short seasonal availability.
Spiny lobster from local waters, commonly grilled or roasted. It is a classic regional seafood treat during the local lobster season.
Lively Mexican restaurant famous for tacos, grilled seafood and vibrant salsas. A dependable choice near the waterfront.
Refined seafood restaurant on Stearns Wharf known for local catch, ocean views and a polished but relaxed setting.
Elegant steakhouse and seafood restaurant focused on premium ingredients, classic service and a special-occasion atmosphere.
Santa Barbara is pricier than many US beach cities, with higher hotel and dining costs. Public transport is modestly priced, but tourist areas and coastal restaurants raise daily spend.
Tip 15-20% in restaurants, more for excellent service. Round up or tip 10% for taxis. Tip $1-2 for café drinks only if there is table service.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Los Angeles, 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.

Most Los Angeles, CA to Santa Barbara, CA trains use the Union Station to Santa Barbara Station station pair, with some services arriving at Goleta Station. Use this guide to compare Los Angeles, CA and Santa Barbara, CA train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Union Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Shower, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, Information Desk and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Traxx Restaurant, Union Station Cafe, Philippe The Original
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Union Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Union Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Union Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Union Station: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Union Station: Elevators, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include DoubleTree by Hilton Los Angeles Downtown, Miyako Hotel Los Angeles, Omni Los Angeles Hotel at California Plaza.
Van Nuys, Metrolink Station is 25 km from Los Angeles city centre. Public transport options include:
Van Nuys, Metrolink Station has practical services for this route, including Lockers, Parking, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Car Rental, Information Desk and Luggage Carts.
Ticket office support is available at Van Nuys, Metrolink Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Van Nuys, Metrolink Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Van Nuys, Metrolink Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Van Nuys, Metrolink Station: Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Van Nuys, Metrolink Station.
Chatsworth Station is 39 km from Los Angeles city centre. Public transport options include:
Chatsworth Station has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Information Desk and Luggage Carts.
Food and drink options are available at Chatsworth Station.
Ticket office support is available at Chatsworth Station. Information desks are located near the main entrance.
Available at Chatsworth Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Chatsworth Station: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Chatsworth Station: Ramps, restrooms.
Santa Barbara Station has practical services for this route, including Lockers, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Information Desk and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: The Lark, Santo Mezcal
Ticket office support is available at Santa Barbara Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Santa Barbara Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Santa Barbara Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Santa Barbara Station: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Santa Barbara Station: Ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Californian, Harbor View Inn, Hotel Milo Santa Barbara.
Goleta Station is 1 km from Santa Barbara city centre. Public transport options include:
Goleta Station has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Information Desk and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: The Habit Burger Grill, Pepe's Mexican Restaurant
Ticket office support is available at Goleta Station. Information desks are located near the platform.
Available at Goleta Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Goleta Station: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Goleta Station: Ramps.
Nearby hotels include Hampton Inn Santa Barbara/Goleta, Courtyard by Marriott Santa Barbara Goleta.
Santa Barbara, University of California is 13 km from Santa Barbara city centre. Public transport options include:
Santa Barbara, University of California has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Food court located nearby on campus.
Free Wi-Fi available for passengers. ATMs are aTM located near the entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Santa Barbara, University of California.
Available at Santa Barbara, University of California: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Santa Barbara, University of California: Wheelchair accessible with elevators and ramps.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need