4.0
Pros: Lower prices. Cons: Lower prices. Tips: Lower prices.
Lowest Prices
We find the cheapest bus & train tickets, so you can wander for less.
Best Travel Options
We partner with 500+ carriers to bring you the most bus & train options.
Quick & Easy Booking
Book trips quickly with a simple, hassle-free checkout – online & on our app.
Fast Customer Support
We don’t monkey around. We respond within minutes to help you out.
Trip Summary
There are usually 2 daily train trips available from San Juan Capistrano to Santa Maria. Traveling by train from San Juan Capistrano to Santa Maria usually takes 5 hours and 55 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 5 hours and 51 minutes.
| Distance | 187 mi (302 km) |
| Fastest train | 5h 51m |
| Lowest price | $72.00 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Average score for trains from San Juan Capistrano to Santa Maria
(Based on 1 ratings and reviews)
4.0
Which train should you take from San Juan Capistrano to Santa Maria?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects San Juan Capistrano to Santa Maria. The schedule is relatively limited as the train only runs twice a day.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 2 | 5h 56m | $72.00 |
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 San Juan Capistrano to Santa Maria every day, as well as 2 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $72.
Frequently Asked Questions
While the train is the main method of transportation from San Juan Capistrano to Santa Maria, it will only take you part of the way there. Please note that part of your trip will be on a different vehicle, most commonly a bus or express shuttle.
The distance between San Juan Capistrano and Santa Maria is approximately 187 miles, or 302 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 5 hours and 55 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 5 hours and 51 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 San Juan Capistrano to Santa Maria are the most crowded on Tuesday. 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 San Juan Capistrano at 7:00am 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.
Trains leave the station in San Juan Capistrano twice a day, so there are a couple of options depending on your preferred travel time. However, there are no direct trains. This means that you will need to disembark from your original train and board a connecting train at some point during your journey. You will need to remember to bring your carry-on luggage with you when you change trains. Depending on the carrier's policy, you may also be responsible for transferring your own checked baggage.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Santa Maria to San Juan Capistrano.
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 San Juan Capistrano?
Main departure station: 26701 Verdugo St
There is one train station in San Juan Capistrano.
All train stations in San Juan Capistrano:
26701 Verdugo St
Where is the train station in Santa Maria?
Main arrival station: Santa Maria Bus Stop
Santa Maria has one train station.
All train stations in Santa Maria:
Santa Maria Bus Stop
Get around town with Moovit
Find the best way to get to and from any station in Santa Maria by public transit, courtesy of Moovit. Search now
Need a return trip from Santa Maria to San Juan Capistrano?
Search Train Tickets
Wanderu is the simplest way to book bus and train travel.
With just a quick search on Wanderu, you can compare bus and train schedules and prices from hundreds of travel companies in one convenient place to find the trip that works best for you. Wanderu’s simple checkout process makes it easy to book cheap bus and train tickets hassle-free. Most importantly, as Wanderu is an official partner of all leading bus and train companies, we always have the best bus and train deals out there.
Book buses and trains on the go with the Wanderu app.
Download our app and snag the best travel deals across North America & Europe.Learn more