The cheapest and fastest buses from Berkeley, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
Cheapest price
$148
Average price
$148
Fastest journey
8 h 30 m
Average duration
8 h 38 m
Buses per day
2
Distance
448 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Berkeley, 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 Berkeley, CA to Santa Barbara, CA will cost around $148 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $148.
Of the 2 buses that leave Berkeley, CA for Santa Barbara, CA on Mon, Mar 23, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, Mar 23 the direct buses cover the 448 km distance in an average of 8 h 38 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 8 h 30 m .
On Mon, Mar 23 the slowest buses will take 8 h 45 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.




Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Berkeley, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Berkeley, CA to Santa Barbara, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $41. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 50m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.4kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $41, and a flight costs an average of $245.
Distance: 278 miles (448 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight |
|---|---|---|
$43 Average price Cheapest | $86 Average price | $325 Average price |
8h 50m Average total duration 8h 20m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 10h 1m Average total duration 9h 31m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 50m Average total duration Fastest 1h 50m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.4 - 1.1kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 1.3 - 2.7kg CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Berkeley, CA to Santa Barbara, CA Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 06:39PM | Arrival Time 06:30AM | Duration 11h51 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $42 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 08:29PM | Arrival Time 06:30AM | Duration 10h01 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $42 |
Live departures
Berkeley, CA to Santa Barbara, CA bus times
The table below shows live departures for Berkeley, CA to Santa Barbara, CA buses for tomorrow, Sunday, March 22. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 4:55 AM Berkeley, CA | 8h30 | 1:25 PM Santa Barbara, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 7:35 AM Berkeley, CA | 8h45 | 4:20 PM Santa Barbara, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Berkeley, CA to Santa Barbara, CA by train, bus, or flight
Compare train, bus, and flight 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.
Mar 23
Mar 24
Mar 25
Mar 26
Mar 27
Mar 28
Mar 29
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Berkeley, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
Buses from Berkeley, CA to Santa Barbara, CA run on average 7 times per day, taking around 8h 20m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $41 (€33) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 06:44, the last at 23:50. The fastest bus covers the 278 miles (448 km) distance in 8h 59m.
Distance 278 miles (448 km) |
Average bus duration 8h 20m |
Cheapest ticket price $41 (€33) |
Buses per day 7 |
Fastest bus 8h 59m |
First bus 06:44 |
Last bus 23:50 |
FAQs: Bus from Berkeley, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Berkeley, 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.

- 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.
- 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.
Most popular bus connections from Berkeley, CA
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