- Must visit
Santa Barbara Museum of Art
Major art museum with American, Asian and European works. A strong central stop for varied collections in a handsome downtown setting.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Los Angeles, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 21 Oct
Cheapest price on 21 Oct
£27
Average ticket price on 21 Oct
£29
Fastest journey on 21 Oct
2 h 17 m
Average journey duration on 21 Oct
2 h 32 m
Trains on 21 Oct
14
Distance
140 km
Cheap tickets
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 £29 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £27.
Fast trains
On Wed 21 Oct, we found 14 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 32 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.
777 Pacific Surfliner15:132h32Union Station, Los Angeles, CA17:45Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA£271One-way0 changes- 785 Pacific Surfliner19:132h43Union Station, Los Angeles, CA21:56Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA£271One-way0 changes
- 757 Pacific Surfliner5:133h00Union Station, Los Angeles, CA8:13Goleta Station, Goleta, CA£271One-way0 changes
- 769 Pacific Surfliner11:132h49Union Station, Los Angeles, CA14:02Goleta Station, Goleta, CA£271One-way0 changes
- 785 Pacific Surfliner19:132h59Union Station, Los Angeles, CA22:12Goleta Station, Goleta, CA£271One-way0 changes
- 14 Coast Starlight9:512h17Union Station, Los Angeles, CA12:08Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA£421One-way0 changes
- 777 Pacific Surfliner15:132h32Union Station, Los Angeles, CA17:45Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA£271One-way0 changes
- 769 Pacific Surfliner11:132h33Union Station, Los Angeles, CA13:46Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA£271One-way0 changes
- 765 Pacific Surfliner9:132h34Union Station, Los Angeles, CA11:47Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA£271One-way0 changes
- 761 Pacific Surfliner7:132h42Union Station, Los Angeles, CA9:55Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA£271One-way0 changes
Journey information
Overview: Train from Los Angeles, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
USAUSA
Trains from Los Angeles, CA to Santa Barbara, CA run on average 14 times per day, taking around 3h 21m. 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 13m.
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 £12
Distance 140 km |
Average train duration 3h 21m |
Cheapest ticket price £19 |
Trains per day 14 |
Direct trains 11 |
Fastest train 2h 13m |
First train 5:13 |
Last train 19:59 |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 3 days |
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 £12
Live departures
Los Angeles, CA to Santa Barbara, CA train times
The table below shows live departures for Los Angeles, CA to Santa Barbara, CA trains for today, Tuesday 20 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| 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 | |
| 761 Pacific Surfliner | 7:13 Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 2h56 | 10:09 Goleta Station, Goleta, CA | 0 changesdirect | |
| 765 Pacific Surfliner | 9:13 Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 2h48 | 12:01 Goleta Station, Goleta, 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 | 2h47 | 18:00 Goleta Station, Goleta, CA | 0 changesdirect | |
| 785 Pacific Surfliner | 19:13 Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 2h59 | 22:12 Goleta Station, Goleta, CA | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Train companies: Amtrak from Los Angeles, CA to Santa Barbara, CA trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Los Angeles, CA and Santa Barbara, CA from £12. 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 Amtrak Duration
2h 13m
Cheapest Amtrak Price
£19
Amtrak frequency
14 a day
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
Complete guide to Santa Barbara, CA
Things to do in Santa Barbara, CA
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.
- Recommended
Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History
Engaging natural history museum with regional exhibits, astronomy and family-friendly displays. A good choice near Mission Canyon.
- Recommended
Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara
Contemporary art museum on State Street showing rotating exhibitions. Best for visitors interested in current visual culture and smaller-scale galleries.
- Must visit
State Street
Lively downtown pedestrian-friendly stretch with shops, historic architecture and regular people-watching. Ideal for browsing and an easy city walk.
- Recommended
West Beach
Waterfront neighbourhood with beaches, harbour access and a long palm-lined promenade. Excellent for walking, cycling and sunset views.
- Recommended
Franceschi Park
Scenic hillside viewpoint reached by a short hike or drive. Popular for panoramic views over the city, coastline and Channel Islands on clear days.
- Gluten-free
Santa Barbara Sea Urchin (Uni)
Grilled local sea urchin roe served fresh from nearby waters. It is a prized Santa Barbara coastal delicacy known for its sweet, creamy taste.
- Gluten-free
Santa Barbara Spot Prawns
Fresh spot prawns from the Santa Barbara Channel, often simply grilled or sautéed. They are celebrated for their sweet flavour and short seasonal availability.
- Gluten-free
California Spiny Lobster
Spiny lobster from local waters, commonly grilled or roasted. It is a classic regional seafood treat during the local lobster season.
Los Agaves
Lively Mexican restaurant famous for tacos, grilled seafood and vibrant salsas. A dependable choice near the waterfront.
Santa Barbara Shellfish Company
Refined seafood restaurant on Stearns Wharf known for local catch, ocean views and a polished but relaxed setting.
Lucky's
Elegant steakhouse and seafood restaurant focused on premium ingredients, classic service and a special-occasion atmosphere.
US dollar ($)
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.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- $12-20 for fast food or a casual meal.
- Mid-range
- $25-45 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- $75+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- $4-6 for a cappuccino or latte.
Tipping culture
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.
FAQs: Los Angeles, CA to Santa Barbara, CA train
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.
The cost of a train ticket from Los Angeles, CA to Santa Barbara, CA can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £19, while the average price tends to be around £38.
The train journey from Los Angeles, CA to Santa Barbara, CA covers a distance of 140 km and takes approximately 2h 13m. Trains run 14 per day.
The train distance from Los Angeles, CA to Santa Barbara, CA is 140 km.
The first train from Los Angeles, CA to Santa Barbara, CA leaves at 5:13.
The last train from Los Angeles, CA to Santa Barbara, CA departs at 19:59.
Trains from Los Angeles, CA to Santa Barbara, CA run approximately 14 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Los Angeles, CA to Santa Barbara, CA.
Yes, there is a direct train between Los Angeles, CA and Santa Barbara, CA. The service operates 11 times per day, provided by Amtrak.
There is no night train service from Los Angeles, CA to Santa Barbara, CA.
The train station in Los Angeles, CA that goes to Santa Barbara, CA is Union Station, Los Angeles, CA, and it arrives at Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA.
Booking trains from Los Angeles, 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 Los Angeles to Santa Barbara is considered scenic, offering stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, picturesque hills, and charming coastal landscapes.
Yes, you can take the train from Los Angeles, CA to Santa Barbara, CA.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Los Angeles, CA and Santa Barbara, CA
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.
Departure train stations in Los Angeles
Arrival train stations in Santa Barbara
Which Los Angeles, CA station do trains to Santa Barbara, CA leave from?
Trains from Los Angeles, CA to Santa Barbara, CA leave from Union Station. The station is 1 km from Los Angeles, CA city centre at 800 N. Alameda Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012, USA.
Union Station800 N. Alameda Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012, USA+1 213-683-6875
City-centre transport
Getting to Union Station from Los Angeles city centre
TrainSouthwest Chief, Texas Eagle · 57h 43m · £746
Southwest Chief, Texas Eagle · 60h 6m · £797
BusGreyhound US1210 · 59h 10m · £402
Union Station 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 and drink
Food options include: Traxx Restaurant, Union Station Cafe, Philippe The Original
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Union Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Union Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Union Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Union Station: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Union Station: Elevators, restrooms.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include DoubleTree by Hilton Los Angeles Downtown, Miyako Hotel Los Angeles, Omni Los Angeles Hotel at California Plaza.
Van Nuys, Metrolink Station7720 Van Nuys Blvd., Van Nuys, CA 91405, USA
City-centre transport
Getting to Van Nuys, Metrolink Station from Los Angeles city centre
Van Nuys, Metrolink Station is 25 km from Los Angeles city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainPacific Surfliner · 30m · £6
VC Line · 31m · £7
Bus20 · 2h 30m · £4 · every ~8 min
Van Nuys, Metrolink Station train station facilities and services
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.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Van Nuys, Metrolink Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Van Nuys, Metrolink Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Van Nuys, Metrolink Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Van Nuys, Metrolink Station: Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Van Nuys, Metrolink Station.
Chatsworth Station10046 Old Depot Plaza Road, Chatsworth, CA 91311, USA+1 800-371-5465
City-centre transport
Getting to Chatsworth Station from Los Angeles city centre
Chatsworth Station is 39 km from Los Angeles city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainPacific Surfliner · 45m · £8
VC Line · 48m · £8
Bus419 · 1h 16m · £4
419 · 1h 27m · £4
Metro G Line · 1h 36m · £4 · every ~11 min
Chatsworth Station train station facilities and services
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
Food and drink options are available at Chatsworth Station.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Chatsworth Station. Information desks are located near the main entrance.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Chatsworth Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Chatsworth Station: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Chatsworth Station: Ramps, restrooms.
Which Santa Barbara, CA station do trains from Los Angeles, CA arrive at?
Trains from Los Angeles, CA to Santa Barbara, CA most often arrive at Santa Barbara Station. Some services arrive at Goleta Station, so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Santa Barbara, CA arrival station.
Santa Barbara Station209 State Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101, USA+1 800-872-7245
City-centre transport
Getting to Santa Barbara Station from Santa Barbara city centre
Bus33 · 5m · £2 · every ~2 min
Santa Barbara Station train station facilities and services
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 and drink
Food options include: The Lark, Santo Mezcal
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Santa Barbara Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Santa Barbara Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Santa Barbara Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Santa Barbara Station: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Santa Barbara Station: Ramps, restrooms.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Hotel Californian, Harbor View Inn, Hotel Milo Santa Barbara.
Goleta Station25 South La Patera Lane, Goleta, CA 93117, USA
City-centre transport
Getting to Goleta Station from Santa Barbara city centre
Goleta Station is 1 km from Santa Barbara city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainPacific Surfliner · 14m · £3
Bus12X, 6 · 53m · £2 · every ~5 min
Goleta Station train station facilities and services
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 and drink
Food options include: The Habit Burger Grill, Pepe's Mexican Restaurant
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Goleta Station. Information desks are located near the platform.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Goleta Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Goleta Station: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Goleta Station: Ramps.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Hampton Inn Santa Barbara/Goleta, Courtyard by Marriott Santa Barbara Goleta.
Most popular train connections from Los Angeles, CA
More options for your journey from Los Angeles, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Santa Barbara, CA and Los Angeles, CA
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