- 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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The cheapest and fastest buses from Chico, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 19
Cheapest price on Sep 19
$105
Average ticket price on Sep 19
$115
Fastest journey on Sep 19
11 h 50 m
Average journey duration on Sep 19
11 h 50 m
Buses on Sep 19
2
Distance
620 km
Cheap tickets
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 $115 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $105.
Fast buses
On Sat, Sep 19, we found 2 buses from Chico, CA to Santa Barbara, CA, including 2 direct services.
On Sat, Sep 19 the direct buses cover the 620 km distance in an average of 11 h 50 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 11 h 50 m .
On Sat, Sep 19 the slowest buses will take 11 h 50 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.
4:25 PM11h50Chico, CA4:15 AMSanta Barbara, CA$1051One-way0 transfers- 3:25 PM11h50Chico, CA3:15 AMSanta Barbara, CA$1261One-way0 transfers
- 4:25 PM11h50Chico, CA4:15 AMSanta Barbara, CA$1051One-way0 transfers
- 3:25 PM11h50Chico, CA3:15 AMSanta Barbara, CA$1261One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Chico, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Chico, CA to Santa Barbara, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $202 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 5h 52m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $202, while a flight costs an average of $798.
Distance: 385 miles (620 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$202 Average price Cheapest | $478 Average price | $798 Average price | $94 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
14h 30m Average total duration 14h 0m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 14h 30m Average total duration 14h 0m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 52m Average total duration Fastest 3h 52m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 7h 17m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
 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 |
The cheapest way to travel from Chico, CA to Santa Barbara, CA is a bus with an average price of $202.
This is compared to other travel options from Chico, CA to Santa Barbara, CA:
A bus is $277 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Chico, CA to Santa Barbara, CA costing on average $478.
A bus is $596 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Chico, CA to Santa Barbara, CA costing on average $798.
The fastest way to travel from Chico, CA to Santa Barbara, CA is by flight with an average journey time of 3h 52m.
Other travel options to Santa Barbara, CA take longer:
Train takes on average 14h 0m.
Bus takes on average 14h 0m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Chico, CA and Santa Barbara, CA including taking a train, bus, and flight.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Chico, 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 $202 compared to roughly $94 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-107.11. The journey takes 14h 0m versus 7h 17m 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.
Chico, CA to Santa Barbara, CA Bus Timetables
| 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 $101 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 03:25PM | Arrival Time 03:15AM | Duration 11h50 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $105 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 04:25PM | Arrival Time 04:15AM | Duration 11h50 | Departure days Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $103 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 06:55PM | Arrival Time 01:30PM | Duration 18h35 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $141 |
Live departures
Chico, CA to Santa Barbara, CA bus times
The table below shows live departures for Chico, CA to Santa Barbara, CA buses for today, Friday, September 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3:25 PM Chico, CA | 11h50 | 3:15 AM 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 Chico, 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.
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Why should you book Chico, CA to Santa Barbara, CA buses with Omio?
Greyhound operates all buses services from Chico, CA to Santa Barbara, CA.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Chico, CA to Santa Barbara, CA.
Why book with Omio vs Greyhound?
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Greyhound with all available travel options, which are train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Chico, CA to Santa Barbara, CA.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Chico, CA to Santa Barbara, CA.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Chico, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
USAUSA
Buses from Chico, CA to Santa Barbara, CA run on average 1 times per day, taking around 14h 0m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $202 but you can travel from only $101 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 14h 0m.
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
Train from $101
Distance 385 miles (620 km) |
Average bus duration 14h 0m |
Cheapest ticket price $202 |
Buses per day 1 |
Fastest bus 14h 0m |
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 |
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
Train from $101
Bus providers: FlixBus from Chico, CA to Santa Barbara, CAYou can travel by bus between Chico, CA to Santa Barbara, CA with FlixBus for as low as $101. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
FlixBus
About
FlixBus is one of Europe’s leading low-cost bus companies, founded in Germany and now offering long-distance services across Europe and the United States. In addition to its extensive daytime network, FlixBus also operates overnight buses on select European routes. Standard amenities include free Wi-Fi, power outlets to charge devices, extra legroom, luggage space, and onboard toilets, with snacks and drinks available for purchase. FlixBus offers a single Standard ticket type for all routes, which includes one carry-on bag and one checked bag per passenger. Additional fees apply for extra luggage and for reserving specific seats, such as Extra Seats, Table Seats, or Panorama Seats. This combination of affordability, comfort, and wide coverage makes FlixBus a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average FlixBus Duration
14h 0m
Cheapest FlixBus Price
$202
FlixBus frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority boarding; Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed for a fee; must be booked.
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed; guide dogs travel for free.
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 Chico, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
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.
Cheap bus tickets from Chico, CA to Santa Barbara, CA can start from as little as $202 when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Chico, CA to Santa Barbara, CA is $202 ; 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 Chico, CA to Santa Barbara, CA is 14h 0m to travel the 385 miles (620 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 Chico, CA to Santa Barbara, CA leaves at 4:12 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Chico, CA to Santa Barbara, CA leaves at 10:20 PM.
There are 1 buses a day from Chico, CA to Santa Barbara, CA which require at least one change with Greyhound. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer buses.
When taking a bus from Chico, CA to Santa Barbara, CA, you can count on Greyhound for the best way to get you to Santa Barbara, CA. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Chico, CA and Santa Barbara, CA and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A trip to Santa Barbara, CA from Chico, CA is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 14h 0m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Chico, CA to Santa Barbara, CA is August.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Chico, CA and Santa Barbara, CA including taking a train, bus, and flight.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Chico, CA to Santa Barbara, CA:
- Greyhound
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Chico, CA to Santa Barbara, CA for bus company Greyhound.
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.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Chico, CA to Santa Barbara, CA depends on the bus companies:
- Greyhound
- You can cancel your ticket for a refund or exchange up to 24 hours before departure, for a cancellation fee applied.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus company Greyhound.
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.
Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the bus from Chico, CA to Santa Barbara, CA.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Chico, CA to Santa Barbara, CA:
- Greyhound
- One carry-on bag up to 25 lbs (11 kg) and one checked bag up to 50 lbs (23 kg).
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a bus ticket from Chico, CA to Santa Barbara, CA:
- Greyhound
- $15 per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the bus from Chico, CA to Santa Barbara, CA.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Chico, CA to Santa Barbara, CA with the following bus company: Greyhound
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Chico, CA to Santa Barbara, CA with the following bus company: Greyhound.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Chico, CA to Santa Barbara, CA with the following bus company: Greyhound.
Since neither Chico, 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 Chico, 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.
Most popular bus connections from Chico, CA
More options for your journey from Chico, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
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Most popular buses to and from Santa Barbara, CA and Chico, CA
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