5.0
Pros: It was wonderful for a day trip. Cons: No! Tips: Learn the difference between Amtrak and Metrolink so you do not get mixed up.
5.0
Pros: I am very hapy. Cons: Nothing. Tips: Good to try.
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Trip Summary
There are usually 6 daily train trips available from Irvine to Santa Barbara. Traveling by train from Irvine to Santa Barbara usually takes 4 hours and 18 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Pacific Surfliner train can make the trip in 3 hours and 57 minutes.
| Distance | 120 mi (194 km) |
| Fastest train | 3h 57m |
| Lowest price | $37.00 |
| Trains per day | 5 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak Pacific Surfliner |
| Train lines | 2 |
Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Average score for trains from Irvine to Santa Barbara
(Based on 3 ratings and reviews)
5.0
What is the price of a train ticket from Irvine to Santa Barbara?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Irvine to Santa Barbara was $41.06. Compared to most train fares, this is an excellent price. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 19 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $3.57 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average prices by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Irvine to Santa Barbara will cost between $39 and $44. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Monthly avg. prices
The price of a train ticket from Irvine to Santa Barbara remains pretty stable, regardless of when you plan to travel. Tickets on this route usually cost $44 throughout the year.
Prices as travel date approaches
The average price of train tickets from Irvine to Santa Barbara is pretty stable year-round. However, we still suggest buying your train tickets at least 48 hours prior to departure to avoid unexpected price hikes and the possibility of the train being sold out.
Which train should you take from Irvine to Santa Barbara?
2 train services operate from Irvine to Santa Barbara. Amtrak Pacific Surfliner usually has more trains scheduled, with 4 trips per day. That said, it's still worth comparing the prices and trip durations:
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 2 | 4h 46m | $46.78 |
| Amtrak Pacific Surfliner | 4 | 4h 3m | $39.01 |
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 2 Amtrak trains from Irvine to Santa Barbara every day, as well as 2 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $37.
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 4 train trips from Irvine to Santa Barbara every day, and prices for a one-way train ticket start from $39.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, there are some trains that travel the entire distance from Irvine to Santa Barbara. However, in some cases you will have to take a bus for part of your journey in addition to taking the train.
The distance between Irvine and Santa Barbara is approximately 120 miles, or 194 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 4 hours and 18 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 3 hours and 57 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 Irvine to Santa Barbara are the most crowded on Saturday. 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 Tuesday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
The earliest train departs Irvine at 5:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 5:00pm. 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 6 scheduled trains on most days. 5 of these are direct connections to Santa Barbara. While direct trains may still make stops along the way, you will not need to switch trains at any point. If you're looking to get to your destination faster, a direct train is the convenient and time-efficient choice.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Santa Barbara to Irvine.
City Information
Irvine
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Though Irvine is probably most famous for its corporations and university campuses, the city is well worth the trip for its variety of attractions and activities. Start with a date night at the Irvine Barclay Theatre, which boasts an intimate atmosphere and superb acoustics. You could also check out the UCI Arboretum, where you can learn more about the unique flora of the coastal California region. The Beall Center for Art + Technology features interesting exhibitions that fuse modern art with futuristic technologies.
When you've worked up an appetite, you can find a wide variety of dining options available in the city. For some of the best Japanese dishes in town, check out Fukuda, which serves udon and soba dishes. If you are craving a good chicken parm, North Italia has just what you need!
It's easy to get to Irvine from anywhere in Southern California via intercity buses or Amtrak trains. Flights operate through the nearby John Wayne Airport-Orange County Airport, just 4.3 miles away from downtown.
Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara is a major travel destination along the southern coast of California. Dramatically situated between the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Ynez Mountains, Santa Barbara offers incomparable scenery with a comfortably warm climate year-round. White stucco buildings with Mediterranean-style architecture, gorgeous beaches, and upscale local cuisine give Santa Barbara the nickname "The American Riviera."
There are many kinds of vacations to enjoy in Santa Barbara. You can spend days on the soft sand of Leadbetter Beach, surfing in the swells at Rincon Point, or shopping for trinkets along Stearns Wharf. Or embrace the area's history by visiting the Mission Santa Barbara, a Spanish mission founded in 1786. Highlights from the mission include Spanish architecture, a rose garden, a museum, and even crypts.
Santa Barbara Airport, only a few miles from downtown, serves passengers to the region. Amtrak's Pacific Surfliner stops in Santa Barbara on its way from San Diego to San Luis Obispo, with plenty of connections to other SoCal hotspots. Intercity buses, including FlixBus, offer routes from Santa Barbara to destinations like L.A., San Diego, and Las Vegas.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Irvine?
Image credit: Adam Moss
Link to image attributionMain departure station: Irvine Transp Ctr - 15215 Barranca Pkwy
Irvine Station – also known as Irvine Transportation Center – is the busiest station in South Orange County, serving over a million passengers annually. It first opened in 1990 on the south side of the decommissioned Marine Corps Air Station El Toro in the Spectrum district. The station serves Amtrak's Pacific Surfliner, Metrolink (Southern California's commuter rail system), and various local transit bus lines part of the Orange County Transportation Authority's network. In the vicinity of the station, there are hotels, offices, and shops. Irvine Station is also close to the Irvine Spectrum Center, one of SoCal's most popular entertainment and shopping destinations.
All train stations in Irvine:
Irvine Transp Ctr - 15215 Barranca Pkwy
Where is the train station in Santa Barbara?
Main arrival station: 209 State Street
Santa Barbara has one train station.
All train stations in Santa Barbara:
209 State Street
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Continue by train from Santa Barbara
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