- Must visit
Santa Barbara Museum of Art
Leading regional art museum with American, Asian, and contemporary works in a refined downtown setting with strong rotating exhibitions.
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Travel Information
Compare train, flight, and bus for Anaheim, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Anaheim, CA to Santa Barbara, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $51 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 4h 9m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.2kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $51, while a flight costs an average of $747.
Distance: 109 miles (177 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$51 Average price Cheapest | $54 Average price | $747 Average price | $25 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 20m Average total duration 3h 50m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 9m Average total duration Fastest 3h 39m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 38m Average total duration 3h 38m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 2h 21m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.2 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.5 - 1.1kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
 Most popular bus company |  Most popular train company |  Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
The cheapest way to travel from Anaheim, CA to Santa Barbara, CA is a bus with an average price of $51.
This is compared to other travel options from Anaheim, CA to Santa Barbara, CA:
A bus is $3 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Anaheim, CA to Santa Barbara, CA costing on average $54.
A bus is $696 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Anaheim, CA to Santa Barbara, CA costing on average $747.
The fastest way to travel from Anaheim, CA to Santa Barbara, CA is by flight with an average journey time of 3h 38m.
Other travel options to Santa Barbara, CA take longer:
Train takes on average 3h 39m.
Bus takes on average 3h 50m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Anaheim, CA and Santa Barbara, CA including taking a train, flight, and bus.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Anaheim, CA to Santa Barbara, CA among Omio's users.
Take the bus. It's the cheapest way to make this trip, and the price gap is usually bigger than people expect.
Tickets start at around $51 compared to roughly $25 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-25.94. The journey takes 3h 50m versus 2h 21m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can use the time productively rather than spending it behind the wheel. No parking to sort, no fuel stops, and most coaches have Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Driving is worth considering if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), or want the flexibility to stop along the way.
Compare prices and tickets Anaheim, CA to Santa Barbara, CA by train, flight, or bus
Compare train, flight, and bus prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
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Journey information
Overview: Bus from Anaheim, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
USAUSA
Buses from Anaheim, CA to Santa Barbara, CA run on average 1 times per day, taking around 3h 50m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $35 if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 06:00, the last at 23:45. The fastest bus covers the 109 miles (177 km) distance in 3h 50m.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Distance 109 miles (177 km) |
Average bus duration 3h 50m |
Cheapest ticket price $35 |
Buses per day 1 |
Fastest bus 3h 50m |
First bus 6:00 AM |
Last bus 11:45 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 14 days |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Complete guide to Santa Barbara, CA
Things to do in Santa Barbara, CA
Discover the best of Santa Barbara, CA — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Santa Barbara, CA trip today.
- Must visit
Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History
Natural history museum in Mission Canyon with exhibits on wildlife, geology, and Chumash heritage, plus a popular butterfly pavilion seasonally.
- Recommended
Santa Barbara Maritime Museum
Waterfront maritime museum covering Channel history, shipwrecks, navigation, and regional seafaring culture in a polished harbor location.
- Must visit
State Street
Lively main street lined with Spanish-style architecture, shops, theaters, and landmarks, making it the heart of downtown walking routes.
- Must visit
Cabrillo Boulevard
Classic beachside promenade ideal for walking and biking, with palm-lined ocean views, parks, and access to the harbor and wharf.
- Must visit
Santa Barbara Harbor
Popular waterfront district with marina views, boat activity, museums, and easy walking access to coastal paths and sunset scenery.
- Gluten-free
Santa Barbara Uni
Fresh sea urchin roe landed from the Santa Barbara Channel. Briny, sweet, and prized because the region is one of California's best-known uni sources.
- Gluten-free
Santa Barbara Spot Prawns
Spot prawns from local waters, often grilled or served simply to highlight their sweetness. Seasonal and celebrated for their freshness on the Central Coast.
- Gluten-free
California Spiny Lobster
Local spiny lobster, usually prepared grilled or roasted. A prized seasonal catch tied to the Santa Barbara Channel fishing tradition.
Barbareño
Refined downtown restaurant serving elegant Central Coast cuisine with strong local seafood and wine in a polished setting.
The Lark
Long-running fine dining restaurant focused on seasonal ingredients and local catch, with a classic upscale atmosphere.
Brophy Bros.
Historic waterfront oyster bar known for very fresh local seafood, chowder, and a lively harbor setting.
US Dollar ($)
Santa Barbara is pricier than many US beach cities, with higher hotel rates, dining, and parking; transit is affordable but limited for tourists.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- $12-20 for fast food or casual lunch.
- Mid-range
- $25-45 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- $75+ per person for upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- $4-6 for coffee or cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, 15-20% for taxis and rideshares, and $1-2 at cafes for counter service or drinks.
FAQs: Bus from Anaheim, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Anaheim, CA to Santa Barbara, CA by bus. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest bus, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Santa Barbara, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap bus tickets from Anaheim, CA to Santa Barbara, CA can start from as little as $35 when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Anaheim, CA to Santa Barbara, CA is $51 ; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by bus from Anaheim, CA to Santa Barbara, CA is 3h 50m to travel the 109 miles (177 km) long journey. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest bus from Anaheim, CA to Santa Barbara, CA leaves at 6:00 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Anaheim, CA to Santa Barbara, CA leaves at 11:45 PM.
When departing from Anaheim, CA , you have various bus station options to start your journey from including Santa Ana, E Santa Ana Blvd (Train Station) . When arriving in Santa Barbara, CA , you can end your journey in bus stations like Santa Barbara, Bus station, Isla Vista, UC Santa Barbara (Bus Loop), CA .Passengers board the bus most frequently from Santa Ana, E Santa Ana Blvd (Train Station), which is located around 0 miles (1 km) away from the city centre, and they get off the bus at Santa Barbara, Bus station, located 0 away from the city centre.
A trip to Santa Barbara, CA from Anaheim, CA is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 3h 50m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Anaheim, CA to Santa Barbara, CA is September.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Anaheim, CA and Santa Barbara, CA including taking a train, flight, and bus.
No, there are no bathrooms on board the bus from Anaheim, CA to Santa Barbara, CA.
No, the bus from Anaheim, CA to Santa Barbara, CA has no accessibility options.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in Santa Barbara, CA are:
- Santa Barbara Mission, a historic Spanish mission known for its stunning architecture and beautiful gardens
- Stearns Wharf, a popular pier offering shops, restaurants, and scenic ocean views
- Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, a 78-acre garden showcasing California native plants and picturesque landscapes
- Santa Barbara Zoo, a family-friendly attraction featuring diverse animal exhibits and interactive experiences
- Lotusland, a unique botanical garden with exotic plants and themed gardens.
The best things to do in Santa Barbara, CA include:
- State Street, a vibrant downtown area filled with shopping, dining, and entertainment options
- Explore the Santa Barbara Museum of Art, featuring a diverse collection of artwork from around the world
- Take a wine tasting tour in the Santa Ynez Valley, known for its beautiful vineyards and excellent wines
- Enjoy a scenic hike in the Santa Ynez Mountains, offering breathtaking views of the coastline and city
- Visit the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum, which highlights the region's rich maritime history.
No, bikes are not allowed on board the bus from Anaheim, CA to Santa Barbara, CA.
Tickets are often cheaper when booked early. Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money. Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options. Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
No, there is no food available to purchase on board the bus from Anaheim, CA to Santa Barbara, CA.
No, luggage for the bus from Anaheim, CA to Santa Barbara, CA needs to be booked in addition.
No, there are no additional luggage options for the bus from Anaheim, CA to Santa Barbara, CA.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the bus from Anaheim, CA to Santa Barbara, CA.
No, there are no USB plugs on board the bus from Anaheim, CA to Santa Barbara, CA.
No, there is no WiFi on board the bus from Anaheim, CA to Santa Barbara, CA.
Since neither Anaheim, CA nor Santa Barbara, CA are in the Schengen Area, passport requirements depend on the specific immigration rules of United States and United States. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Anaheim, CA to Santa Barbara, CA among Omio's users.
The currency used in the United States is the US Dollar (USD). For travelers, using cards is generally more convenient and widely accepted, especially credit and debit cards, while cash is useful for small purchases or places that do not accept cards.
In Santa Barbara, CA, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing and vehicle break-ins, especially in crowded areas and popular tourist spots like State Street and the waterfront. Common scams include overcharging by some taxi or ride-share drivers and unofficial street vendors selling counterfeit goods. It is advisable to use authorized transportation services and keep personal belongings secure to avoid these issues.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Anaheim, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
Most Anaheim, CA to Santa Barbara, CA buses use the Santa Ana, E Santa Ana Blvd (Train Station) to Santa Barbara, Bus station station pair. Use this guide to compare Anaheim, CA and Santa Barbara, CA bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Departure bus stations in Anaheim
Arrival bus stations in Santa Barbara
Which Santa Barbara, CA station do buses from Anaheim, CA arrive at?
Buses from Anaheim, CA to Santa Barbara, CA most often arrive at Santa Barbara, Bus station. Some services arrive at Isla Vista, UC Santa Barbara (Bus Loop), so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Santa Barbara, CA arrival station.
Santa Barbara, Bus stationSanta Barbara, CA, USA
City-centre transport
Getting to Santa Barbara, Bus station from Santa Barbara city centre
Bus33 · 5m · $2 · every ~2 min
Santa Barbara, Bus station bus station facilities and services
Santa Barbara, Bus station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free public Wi-Fi available. ATMs are located inside the station building.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Santa Barbara, Bus station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Santa Barbara, Bus station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Santa Barbara, Bus station: Wheelchair accessible routes available.
Most popular bus connections from Anaheim, CA
More options for your journey from Anaheim, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
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Most popular buses to and from Santa Barbara, CA and Anaheim, CA
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