Los Angeles, CA to Santa Barbara, CA train with Amtrak

Thu 05 Mar
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Great Western Rail
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1,000+ travel companies
Amtrak
Great Western Rail
Avanti West Coast
West Midlands Trains
Regionale
1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Los Angeles, CA to Santa Barbara, CA

Showing times and prices for 05 Mar

Cheapest price

£28

Average price

£40

Fastest journey

2 h 23 m

Average duration

2 h 33 m

Trains per day

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 £40 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £28.

Fast trains

Of the 14 trains that leave Los Angeles, CA for Santa Barbara, CA every day 11 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

These direct trains cover the 140 km distance in an average of 2 h 33 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 23 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.

Amtrak785 Pacific Surfliner
19:132h43
Union Station, Los Angeles, CA
21:56Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA
£281One-way
0 changes
Amtrak765 Pacific Surfliner
09:132h48
Union Station, Los Angeles, CA
12:01Goleta Station, Goleta, CA
£281One-way
0 changes
Amtrak765 Pacific Surfliner
09:132h34
Union Station, Los Angeles, CA
11:47Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA
£281One-way
0 changes
Amtrak777 Pacific Surfliner
15:132h54
Union Station, Los Angeles, CA
18:07Goleta Station, Goleta, CA
£281One-way
0 changes
Amtrak761 Pacific Surfliner
07:132h42
Union Station, Los Angeles, CA
09:55Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA
£281One-way
0 changes

Travel Information

Compare train and coach for Los Angeles, CA to Santa Barbara, CA

Omio 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 prices starting from £9. For those with little time consider booking a coach which can get you there in 2h 28m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £9, and a train costs an average of £22.

Distance: 140 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Coach

£26

Average Price

£23

Average Price

Cheapest

3h 10m

Average total duration

2h 40m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

2h 58m

Average total duration

Fastest

2h 28m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

0.0 - 0.1kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.1 - 0.3kg

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

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 tomorrow, Thursday 5 March. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 20:57
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
amtrak761 Pacific Surfliner15:13 Union Station, Los Angeles, CA
2h42
17:55 Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA0 changesdirect
amtrak761 Pacific Surfliner15:13 Union Station, Los Angeles, CA
2h56
18:09 Goleta Station, Goleta, CA0 changesdirect
amtrak765 Pacific Surfliner17:13 Union Station, Los Angeles, CA
2h48
20:01 Goleta Station, Goleta, CA0 changesdirect
amtrak765 Pacific Surfliner17:13 Union Station, Los Angeles, CA
2h34
19:47 Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA0 changesdirect
amtrak765 Pacific Surfliner · 14 Coast Starlight17:13 Union Station, Los Angeles, CA
3h01
20:14 Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA1 change
amtrak14 Coast Starlight · 794 Pacific Surfliner17:51 Union Station, Los Angeles, CA
8h37
02:28 Goleta Station, Goleta, CA1 change
amtrak14 Coast Starlight17:51 Union Station, Los Angeles, CA
2h23
20:14 Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA0 changesdirect
amtrak14 Coast Starlight · 794 Pacific Surfliner17:51 Union Station, Los Angeles, CA
8h56
02:47 Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA1 change
amtrak769 Pacific Surfliner19:13 Union Station, Los Angeles, CA
2h49
22:02 Goleta Station, Goleta, CA0 changesdirect
amtrak769 Pacific Surfliner19:13 Union Station, Los Angeles, CA
2h33
21:46 Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA0 changesdirect

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Los Angeles, 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
05 Mar
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How far in advance should I book train tickets from Los Angeles, CA to Santa Barbara, CA?

The best time to book your train from Los Angeles, CA to Santa Barbara, CA is 63 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Los Angeles, CA to Santa Barbara, CA route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Los Angeles, CA to Santa Barbara, CA per month. Insights are sourced from fares found by Omio users in the last 12 months. Current prices may differ as prices vary depending on the time of day, class or how far in advance you book your train from Los Angeles, CA to Santa Barbara, CA.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Los Angeles, CA to Santa Barbara, CA

USAUSA
USAUSA
Icon of train

Trains from Los Angeles, CA to Santa Barbara, CA run on average 13 times per day, taking around 2h 40m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £22 but you can travel from only £9 by coach.

There are 10 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 06:00, the last at 19:59. The fastest train covers the 140 km distance in 2h 23m.

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 £9
Distance
140 km
Average train duration
2h 40m
Cheapest ticket price
£22
Trains per day
13
Direct trains
10
Fastest train
2h 23m
First train
06:00
Last train
19:59
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 £9

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 £9. 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
2h 23m
Cheapest Price
£22
Amtrak frequency
13 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

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.

FAQs
The cost of a train ticket from Los Angeles, CA to Santa Barbara, CA can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £22, while the average price tends to be around £26.
The train journey from Los Angeles, CA to Santa Barbara, CA covers a distance of 140 km and takes approximately 2h 23m. Trains run 13 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 6:00.
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 13 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 10 times per day, provided by Amtrak.
To get from Los Angeles, CA to Santa Barbara, CA, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
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.
The cheapest way to get from Los Angeles, CA to Santa Barbara, CA is by coach, costing approximately £9.
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.
A day trip from Los Angeles, CA to Santa Barbara, CA is not feasible as the journey takes 2h 23m. Trains operate with a frequency of 12 per day over a distance of 140 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 Los Angeles, CA to Santa Barbara, CA.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Los Angeles, CA and Santa Barbara, CA

Los Angeles
Santa Barbara
The major train station for departures in Los Angeles is Union Station. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Union Station for your trip from Los Angeles to Santa Barbara.
Union StationWifiLockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelShowerLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation DeskLuggage Carts
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
ShowerShower
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
Luggage CartsLuggage Carts
information
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • 4:30 AM - 1:00 AM Monday - Sunday
platformCount
Number of platforms
12
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free
Parking
Parking
  • The car park is open 24/7. Access via Vignes Street and Cesar Chavez Avenue.
Dining
Dining
  • Traxx Restaurant
  • Union Station Cafe
  • Philippe The Original
Taxis
Taxis
  • Outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Elevators, restrooms.
WC
WC
  • $1
Hotel
Hotel
  • DoubleTree by Hilton Los Angeles Downtown
  • Miyako Hotel Los Angeles
  • Omni Los Angeles Hotel at California Plaza
Shower
Shower
  • Cost $10
Lounge
Lounge
  • Located in the main hall
Lost and Found Office
Lost and Found Office
  • Located in the main hall
Car Rental
Car Rental
  • Avis
  • Enterprise
  • Hertz
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Located in the main hall
Luggage Carts
Luggage Carts
  • Free
Station Plan
  • Hall 1: Main entrance, platforms for Amtrak and Metrolink
  • Hall 2: Metro Rail connections
  • Hall 3: Bus terminal
Public transport options for Union Station
  • Metro: Red Line, Purple Line, Gold Line
  • Bus: Several lines available including DASH and Metro Bus
Van Nuys, Metrolink StationLockersParkingTaxisAccessibilityWCLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeCar RentalInformation DeskLuggage Carts
Amenities at train station
LockersLockers
ParkingParking
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
Luggage CartsLuggage Carts
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
25 km
platformCount
Number of platforms
2
Parking
Parking
  • Parking is available at the station.
Taxis
Taxis
  • Outside the main entrance.
WC
WC
  • $0.50
Lost and Found Office
Lost and Found Office
  • Located in the main hall
Car Rental
Car Rental
  • Enterprise
  • Hertz
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Located in the main hall
Luggage Carts
Luggage Carts
  • Free
Public transport options for Van Nuys, Metrolink Station
  • Bus: Several lines available
  • Metro: Orange Line
Chatsworth StationParkingDiningTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket OfficeBike ParkingInformation DeskLuggage Carts
Amenities at train station
ParkingParking
DiningDining
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Information DeskInformation Desk
Luggage CartsLuggage Carts
information
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • 6:00 AM - 9:00 PM Monday - Friday
  • 7:00 AM - 9:00 PM Saturday - Sunday
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
39 km
platformCount
Number of platforms
2
Parking
Parking
  • Parking is available at the station.
Taxis
Taxis
  • Outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Ramps, restrooms.
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Located near the main entrance
Luggage Carts
Luggage Carts
  • Free
Station Plan
  • The station is a single-level facility with platforms for Metrolink and Amtrak services.
Public transport options for Chatsworth Station
  • Bus: Several lines available
  • Metrolink: Ventura County Line

More options for your journey from Los Angeles, CA to Santa Barbara, CA

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Most popular trains to and from Santa Barbara, CA and Los Angeles, CA

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