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Trip Summary
There are usually 3 daily train trips available from Carlsbad to Santa Ana. Traveling by train from Carlsbad to Santa Ana usually takes one hour, but some trains might arrive slightly earlier or later than scheduled.
| Distance | 50 mi (81 km) |
| Fastest train | 1h 0m |
| Lowest price | $19.30 |
| Trains per day | 3 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak Pacific Surfliner |
| Train lines | 1 |
Which train should you take from Carlsbad to Santa Ana?
Amtrak Pacific Surfliner is the one and only train line which connects Carlsbad to Santa Ana. However, there are 3 trains per day to choose from.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak Pacific Surfliner | 3 | 1h 7m | $19.30 |
The Pacific Surfliner is Amtrak’s passenger train service that runs along the Pacific coast of Southern California, connecting San Luis Obispo to the north with San Diego to the south. The line is among the most famous Amtrak routes due to the unique scenic views it presents, as the train parallels the coastline for large portions of the 268-mile railroad stretch. The Pacific Surfliner offers first-class amenities like onboard restrooms, free WiFi, seats with extra legroom and power outlets, as well as storage racks for surfboards. On average, the service offers 3 train trips from Carlsbad to Santa Ana every day, and prices for a one-way train ticket start from $19.
Frequently Asked Questions
On a weekly basis, the greatest number of passengers tend to travel by trains from Carlsbad to Santa Ana on Wednesday. Tickets for Wednesday tend to also be the most expensive. For savvy travelers looking for cheaper priced tickets search for travel departing on Monday. Monday also tend to have less passengers which may make boarding faster and let you snag your perfect seat.
The earliest train departs Carlsbad at 9:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 9:00pm. 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 daily scheduled trains, all of which are direct trains that take you the entire way from Carlsbad to Santa Ana.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Santa Ana to Carlsbad.
City Information
Santa Ana
Image credit: Unsplash
Santa Ana is a sunny city in Orange County located between Anaheim and Irvine in the greater Los Angeles area. Downtown Santa Ana bustles with independent breweries, diverse restaurants, unique retail shops, weekly pop-up markets, and art centers. This lively downtown area, in addition to Santa Ana's live-work housing and creative working spaces, make it attractive to young professionals.
One of the most popular spots for visitors is the Santa Ana Zoo, where little ones can enjoy a carousel and mini-train ride along with the animal exhibits. Architecture enthusiasts will love seeing the Bowers Museum, built in a Mission Revival style, and the Heritage Museum, which has restored homes from the 1890s.
The Orange County Transportation Authority and several shuttle services provide transit within Santa Ana. Santa Ana is easily accessible from over 20 other cities by Amtrak Thruway bus or on the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner train. The primary airport for Orange County, John Wayne Airport, is located in Santa Ana and also makes it easy to travel to this vibrant SoCal spot.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Carlsbad?
Main departure station: 2775 State St - Coaster Station
There is one train station in Carlsbad.
All train stations in Carlsbad:
2775 State St - Coaster Station
Where is the train station in Santa Ana?
Main arrival station: Reg Transp Ctr - 1000 E Santa Ana Blvd
Santa Ana has one train station.
All train stations in Santa Ana:
Reg Transp Ctr - 1000 E Santa Ana Blvd
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Need a return trip from Santa Ana to Carlsbad?
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