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Trip Summary
There are 3 daily trains from Santa Maria to San Juan Capistrano. Traveling by train from Santa Maria to San Juan Capistrano usually takes around 7 hours and 21 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 6 hours and 44 minutes.
| Distance | 187 mi (302 km) |
| Fastest train | 6h 44m |
| Lowest price | £52.30 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
Which train should you take from Santa Maria to San Juan Capistrano?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Santa Maria to San Juan Capistrano. However, there are 3 trains per day to choose from.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 3 | 7h 21m | £55.68 |
Amtrak is the largest passenger railroad service in America, offering daily intercity trains to hundreds of destinations across the contiguous United States, as well as several cities in Canada. Every Amtrak train comes equipped with comfortable seats with extra legroom, as well as several four-seat areas with tables in the middle. In addition, each car has a freshly cleaned restroom, free WiFi and power outlets at every seat. There are also snack bars where you can purchase drinks or food during your journey. On average, there are 3 Amtrak trains from Santa Maria to San Juan Capistrano every day, as well as 3 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from £52.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Santa Maria and San Juan Capistrano is approximately 187 miles, or 302 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 7 hours and 21 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 6 hours and 44 minutes.
Looking for ways to pass the time? Most trains are equipped with Wi-Fi, which means you can stream music, browse social media or get some work done during your ride. That said, in case your train has a spotty signal, or is among the few without Wi-Fi, we also recommend downloading TV shows and movies to your mobile device in advance of your trip. That way the ride will fly by whatever the Wi-Fi situation.
Trains from Santa Maria to San Juan Capistrano are the most crowded on Monday. Tickets also tend to be more expensive then. If you are looking for a great deal on your train tickets or just want extra room to stretch out, consider traveling on Sunday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
The earliest train departs Santa Maria at 04:00 while the last train of the day leaves at 20:00. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
There are 3 scheduled trains on most days. Unfortunately, none of them are direct connections, so you will need to disembark from your original train and board a connecting train during your journey. Don't forget to bring your carry-on luggage when you switch trains. In some instances, you may also be responsible for transferring your own checked baggage.
You can also take a train for your return trip from San Juan Capistrano to Santa Maria.
City Information
San Juan Capistrano
Image credit: Unsplash
Located in Orange County, California, San Juan Capistrano is a small city founded by the Spanish in 1776. Although largely destroyed by an earthquake in 1812, this city is a growing destination south of Los Angeles and is often used as a backdrop in major Hollywood movies.
San Juan Capistrano has many historical religious sites to explore, and Mission San Juan Capistrano is one of its most renowned. The "Jewel of California Missions" includes a chapel with regular Mass, stunning gardens, and a museum to learn about the many Native American, Mexican, and Spanish influences in the region. Visit in mid-March to experience the annual Return of the Swallows celebration. Local cliff swallows return from winters in Argentina, and the Mission plans parades, fairs, and other events to welcome them home.
The area around the Mission is a historic downtown with local restaurants, green spaces, and retail services. In the center of this historic core, San Juan Capistrano's Amtrak station welcomes Pacific Surfliner trains that run from Los Angeles to San Diego.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Santa Maria?
Main departure station: Santa Maria Bus Stop
There is one train station in Santa Maria.
All train stations in Santa Maria:
Santa Maria Bus Stop
Where is the train station in San Juan Capistrano?
Main arrival station: 26701 Verdugo St
San Juan Capistrano has one train station.
Train stations in San Juan Capistrano:
26701 Verdugo St
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Need a return trip from San Juan Capistrano to Santa Maria?
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