How to Book Train Travel From Los Angeles To Santa Barbara

Only two hours from Los Angeles, Santa Barbara offers mild weather and good shopping, as well as a balanced assortment of classy, upscale restaurants and college bars. The day trip of choice for Hollywood stars in the 1920s, Santa Barbara is an even more appealing getaway if you travel by train.

Find Rail Service in Los Angeles

1 Find convenient train service. The choice for traveling the Southern California coastline is Amtrak's Coast Starlight or Surfliner trains. They offer daily service as well as amazing views of the Pacific Ocean.

2 Locate the nearest Amtrak station. Leave from Union Station in downtown Los Angeles or from stations closer to your residence or hotel.

Select an Itinerary for Your Trip to Santa Barbara

1 Choose your time and date of departure. Use a schedule and timetable from an Amtrak station or download one from Amtrak Web site to select a train that satisfies your travel needs.

2 Select your traveling preferences. Amtrak's Coast Starlight service offers only one train to Santa Barbara per day but offers seating options that include sleeping accommodations. The Pacific Surfliner offers unreserved coach or reserved business class seats approximately seven times daily.

Purchase Tickets from Los Angeles to Santa Barbara

1 Find out whether you are eligible for discounts before you book tickets. Amtrak offers discounts for children and seniors, as well as for students, veterans, and active military personnel.

2 Reserve your tickets. Use credit cards to book tickets on the phone (1-800-USA RAIL) or online. Go to the Amtrak station to reserve tickets in person or use a travel agent to reserve tickets for you.

Get On Board Your Train to Santa Barbara

1 Pick up your tickets at the train station from an agent or use your credit card at a ticket kiosk. Tickets purchased in advance can also be mailed to you.

2 Arrive early for departure. Coach seats are first-come, first-served seating.