- 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.
Cheapest price
$51
Average price
$156
Fastest journey
7 h 11 m
Average duration
13 h 3 m
Buses per day
5
Distance
123 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Bakersfield, CA to Santa Barbara, CA is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Bakersfield, CA to Santa Barbara, CA will cost around $156 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $51.
It's difficult to get from Bakersfield, CA to Santa Barbara, CA without transferring at least once.
5910 AMTRAK · 785 Pacific Surfliner
719 Gold Runner · 4119 AMTRAK · 4770 AMTRAK
701 Gold Runner · 4101 AMTRAK · 6241 AMTRAK
701 Gold Runner · 4101 AMTRAK · 6241 AMTRAK
719 Gold Runner · 4119 AMTRAK · 4770 AMTRAK
5910 AMTRAK · 785 Pacific Surfliner
719 Gold Runner · 4119 AMTRAK · 4770 AMTRAK
719 Gold Runner · 4119 AMTRAK · 4770 AMTRAK
701 Gold Runner · 4101 AMTRAK · 6241 AMTRAK
701 Gold Runner · 4101 AMTRAK · 6241 AMTRAKOmio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Bakersfield, CA to Santa Barbara, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $52. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 3h 52m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $52, and a bus costs an average of $36.
Distance: 76 miles (123 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$72 Average price | $54 Average price Cheapest | $30 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 22m Average total duration Fastest 3h 52m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 39m Average total duration 5h 9m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 20m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Bakersfield, CA to Santa Barbara, CA:
A train is $18 less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Bakersfield, CA to Santa Barbara, CA costing on average $72.
Other travel options to Santa Barbara, CA take longer:
Train takes on average 5h 9m.
You'll arrive about {timeSavings} sooner ({durationInMinutes} by bus vs {drivingDurationInMinutes} by car) and save roughly {savingsAmount} compared to fuel and tolls ({cheapestPrice} vs {drivingPriceInCents}). You also skip the drive itself — no traffic stress, no parking, and you can use the time to work, nap, or catch up on a series with the onboard Wi-Fi.
Direct coaches are operated by {directProviders}.
Driving is still worth considering if you're travelling with bulky luggage, need flexibility on departure times, or plan to stop along the way.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 06:58AM | Arrival Time 09:40PM | Duration 14h42 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $177 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:55AM | Arrival Time 08:40PM | Duration 8h45 | Departure days Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $110 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 12:00PM | Arrival Time 06:10PM | Duration 6h10 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Sun | Cheapest price $43 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 01:00PM | Arrival Time 07:40PM | Duration 6h40 | Departure days Tue, Sun | Cheapest price $88 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 02:45PM | Arrival Time 09:56PM | Duration 7h11 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $51 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 04:02PM | Arrival Time 06:30AM | Duration 14h28 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $177 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 09:45PM | Arrival Time 04:56AM | Duration 7h11 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $50 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 10:45PM | Arrival Time 05:56AM | Duration 7h11 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $49 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 11:15PM | Arrival Time 05:56AM | Duration 6h41 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $49 |
The table below shows live departures for Bakersfield, CA to Santa Barbara, CA buses for today, Wednesday, August 5. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 9:45 PM Bakersfield, CA | 7h11 | 4:56 AM Santa Barbara, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus and train 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.
Buses from Bakersfield, CA to Santa Barbara, CA run on average 2 times per day, taking around 3h 52m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $36 if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 04:35, the last at 22:20. The fastest bus covers the 76 miles (123 km) distance in 5h 40m.
Distance 76 miles (123 km) |
Average bus duration 3h 52m |
Cheapest ticket price $36 |
Buses per day 2 |
Fastest bus 5h 40m |
First bus 4:35 AM |
Last bus 10:20 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 1 day |
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.
Leading regional art museum with American, Asian, and contemporary works in a refined downtown setting with strong rotating exhibitions.
Natural history museum in Mission Canyon with exhibits on wildlife, geology, and Chumash heritage, plus a popular butterfly pavilion seasonally.
Waterfront maritime museum covering Channel history, shipwrecks, navigation, and regional seafaring culture in a polished harbor location.
Lively main street lined with Spanish-style architecture, shops, theaters, and landmarks, making it the heart of downtown walking routes.
Classic beachside promenade ideal for walking and biking, with palm-lined ocean views, parks, and access to the harbor and wharf.
Popular waterfront district with marina views, boat activity, museums, and easy walking access to coastal paths and sunset scenery.
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.
Spot prawns from local waters, often grilled or served simply to highlight their sweetness. Seasonal and celebrated for their freshness on the Central Coast.
Local spiny lobster, usually prepared grilled or roasted. A prized seasonal catch tied to the Santa Barbara Channel fishing tradition.
Refined downtown restaurant serving elegant Central Coast cuisine with strong local seafood and wine in a polished setting.
Long-running fine dining restaurant focused on seasonal ingredients and local catch, with a classic upscale atmosphere.
Historic waterfront oyster bar known for very fresh local seafood, chowder, and a lively harbor setting.
Santa Barbara is pricier than many US beach cities, with higher hotel rates, dining, and parking; transit is affordable but limited for tourists.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, 15-20% for taxis and rideshares, and $1-2 at cafes for counter service or drinks.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Bakersfield, 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.

Most Bakersfield, CA to Santa Barbara, CA buses use the Bakersfield, Amtrak Terminal to Santa Barbara, Bus station station pair. Use this guide to compare Bakersfield, CA and Santa Barbara, CA bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Bakersfield, Amtrak Terminal has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Bakersfield, Amtrak Terminal. ATMs are available at Bakersfield, Amtrak Terminal.
Ticket office support is available at Bakersfield, Amtrak Terminal.
Available at Bakersfield, Amtrak Terminal: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Bakersfield, Amtrak Terminal: Wheelchair accessible with assistance.
Bakersfield, McKee Road / South H Street (Kern Delta Park) is 11 km from Bakersfield city centre. Public transport options include:
Bakersfield, McKee Road / South H Street (Kern Delta Park) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Bakersfield, McKee Road / South H Street (Kern Delta Park). ATMs are available at Bakersfield, McKee Road / South H Street (Kern Delta Park).
Ticket office support is available at Bakersfield, McKee Road / South H Street (Kern Delta Park).
Available at Bakersfield, McKee Road / South H Street (Kern Delta Park): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Bakersfield, McKee Road / South H Street (Kern Delta Park): Limited accessibility for disabled passengers.
Santa Barbara, Bus station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Free public Wi-Fi available. ATMs are located inside the station building.
Ticket office support is available at Santa Barbara, Bus station.
Available at Santa Barbara, Bus station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Santa Barbara, Bus station: Wheelchair accessible routes available.
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