- 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
€83
Average price
€83
Fastest journey
1 d 1 h 40 m
Average duration
1 d 1 h 40 m
Buses per day
1
Distance
620 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Chico, 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 Chico, CA to Santa Barbara, CA will cost around €83 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €83.
It's difficult to get from Chico, CA to Santa Barbara, CA without transferring at least 2 times.


Buses from Chico, CA to Santa Barbara, CA run on average 9 times per day, taking around 12h 24m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at €84 but you can travel from only €64 by train.
The earliest bus runs at 04:12, the last at 22:20. The fastest bus covers the 385 miles (620 km) distance in 11h 50m.
Distance 385 miles (620 km) |
Average bus duration 12h 24m |
Cheapest ticket price €84 |
Buses per day 9 |
Fastest bus 11h 50m |
First bus 4:12 AM |
Last bus 10:20 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 21 days |
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Greyhound USA | Departure Time 01:00PM | Arrival Time 02:40PM | Duration 25h40 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Sun | Cheapest price €83 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 03:25PM | Arrival Time 03:15AM | Duration 11h50 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price €86 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 04:25PM | Arrival Time 04:15AM | Duration 11h50 | Departure days Thu, Sat | Cheapest price €84 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 06:55PM | Arrival Time 01:30PM | Duration 18h35 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price €115 |
The table below shows live departures for Chico, CA to Santa Barbara, CA buses for today, Tuesday, August 4. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 1:00 PM Chico, CA | 25h40 | 2:40 PM Santa Barbara, CA | 2 transfers | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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 Chico, 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 Chico, CA to Santa Barbara, CA buses use the Chico, Orange St (Bus Station) to Santa Barbara, Bus station station pair. Use this guide to compare Chico, CA and Santa Barbara, CA bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need