Chicago, IL to Santa Barbara, CA bus

Thu, Feb 05
+ Add return
FlixBus
Costa Verde
Alsa
BlaBlaCar Bus
Rede Expressos
1,000+ travel companies
FlixBus
Costa Verde
Alsa
BlaBlaCar Bus
Rede Expressos
1,000+ travel companies
QR-Code
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
rate4.9
42K ratings
Google Play
rate4.6
136K reviews

Travel Information

Compare train, bus, and flight for Chicago, IL to Santa Barbara, CA

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Chicago, IL to Santa Barbara, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the flight with prices starting from €139. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 7h 42m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a flight costs an average of €139, and a bus costs an average of €207.

Distance: 1803 miles (2903 km)

Compare bus with

Bus
Most popular
Train
Flight

€207

Average price

€186

Average price

€139

Average price

Cheapest

54h 20m

Average total duration

53h 50m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

46h 10m

Average total duration

45h 40m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

10h 42m

Average total duration

Fastest

7h 42m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Live departures

Chicago, IL to Santa Barbara, CA bus times

The table below shows live departures for Chicago, IL to Santa Barbara, CA buses for today, Thursday, February 5. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.

Last updated at 5:42 AM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
greyhound2:45 PM Chicago, IL
53h50
8:35 PM Santa Barbara, CA0 transfersDirect

This is the last bus of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Chicago, IL 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.

Fri
Feb 06
Sat
Feb 07
Sun
Feb 08
Mon
Feb 09
Tue
Feb 10
Wed
Feb 11
Thu
Feb 12

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Chicago, IL to Santa Barbara, CA

USAUSA
USAUSA
Icon of bus

Buses from Chicago, IL to Santa Barbara, CA run on average 2 times per day, taking around 53h 50m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $260 (€207) but you can travel from only $175 (€139) by flight.

The earliest bus runs at 09:45, the last at 22:30. The fastest bus covers the 1803 miles (2903 km) distance in 53h 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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from $175 (€139)
Distance
1803 miles (2903 km)
Average bus duration
53h 50m
Cheapest ticket price
$260 (€207)
Buses per day
2
Fastest bus
53h 50m
First bus
09:45
Last bus
22:30
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from $175 (€139)

FAQs: Bus from Chicago, IL to Santa Barbara, CA

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chicago, IL 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.

FAQs
Cheap bus tickets from Chicago, IL to Santa Barbara, CA can start from as little as $260 (€207) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Chicago, IL to Santa Barbara, CA is $260 (€207) ; 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 Chicago, IL to Santa Barbara, CA is 53h 50m to travel the 1803 miles (2903 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 Chicago, IL to Santa Barbara, CA leaves at 9:45 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Chicago, IL to Santa Barbara, CA leaves at 10:30 PM.
A trip to Santa Barbara, CA from Chicago, IL is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 53h 50m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Chicago, IL to Santa Barbara, CA is March.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Chicago, IL and Santa Barbara, CA including taking a train, bus, and flight.
No, the bus from Chicago, IL to Santa Barbara, CA has no accessibility options.
No, there are no bathrooms on board the bus from Chicago, IL to Santa Barbara, CA.
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 Chicago, IL 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 Chicago, IL to Santa Barbara, CA.
No, luggage for the bus from Chicago, IL to Santa Barbara, CA needs to be booked in addition.
No, there are no additional luggage options for the bus from Chicago, IL to Santa Barbara, CA.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the bus from Chicago, IL to Santa Barbara, CA.
No, there are no USB plugs on board the bus from Chicago, IL to Santa Barbara, CA.
No, there is no WiFi on board the bus from Chicago, IL to Santa Barbara, CA.

popular bus stations

Popular bus stations from Chicago, IL to Santa Barbara, CA

Chicago
Santa Barbara
The major bus station for departures in Chicago is Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station for your trip from Chicago to Santa Barbara.
Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station
information
Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak)
information

Most popular buses to and from Santa Barbara, CA and Chicago, IL

HomeBusesBuses in USABus tickets to Santa Barbara, CAChicago, IL to Santa Barbara, CA bus

The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy

We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.

ios-badge
android-badge
Hand With Phone