- 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 Davis, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 19
Cheapest price on Sep 19
$100
Average ticket price on Sep 19
$100
Fastest journey on Sep 19
13 h 5 m
Average journey duration on Sep 19
13 h 5 m
Buses on Sep 19
1
Distance
494 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Davis, 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 Davis, CA to Santa Barbara, CA will cost around $100 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $100.
Fast buses
It's difficult to get from Davis, CA to Santa Barbara, CA without transferring at least once.
+
FlixBus10:05 PM13h05Sacramento, Bus Terminal11:10 AMSanta Barbara, Bus station$1001One-way1 transfer
- +FlixBus10:05 PM13h05Sacramento, Bus Terminal11:10 AMSanta Barbara, Bus station$1001One-way1 transfer
Travel Information
Compare bus, train, and flight for Davis, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Davis, CA to Santa Barbara, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of $134 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 5h 53m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $134, while a flight costs an average of $811.
Distance: 306 miles (494 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$134 Average price Cheapest | $811 Average price | $78 Average price (fuel + tolls) | |
11h 37m Average total duration 11h 7m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 53m Average total duration Fastest 3h 53m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 5h 52m Average total duration (door-to-door) | |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Davis, CA to Santa Barbara, CA is a train with an average price of $134.
This is compared to other travel options from Davis, CA to Santa Barbara, CA:
A train is $677 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Davis, CA to Santa Barbara, CA costing on average $811.
The fastest way to travel from Davis, CA to Santa Barbara, CA is by flight with an average journey time of 3h 53m.
Other travel options to Santa Barbara, CA take longer:
Train takes on average 11h 7m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Davis, CA and Santa Barbara, CA including taking a bus, train, and flight.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Davis, CA to Santa Barbara, CA among Omio's users.
Davis, CA to Santa Barbara, CA Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 02:19AM | Arrival Time 01:30PM | Duration 11h11 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $65 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 03:09AM | Arrival Time 02:30PM | Duration 11h21 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $63 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 03:10AM | Arrival Time 01:30PM | Duration 10h20 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $65 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 04:36AM | Arrival Time 01:45PM | Duration 9h09 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $200 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 05:19AM | Arrival Time 02:30PM | Duration 33h11 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $65 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 05:39AM | Arrival Time 03:40PM | Duration 10h01 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $160 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 07:05AM | Arrival Time 06:28PM | Duration 11h23 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $91 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 09:45AM | Arrival Time 08:15PM | Duration 10h30 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $121 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 12:09PM | Arrival Time 09:40PM | Duration 9h31 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $160 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 02:05PM | Arrival Time 01:47AM | Duration 11h42 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $96 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 07:19PM | Arrival Time 06:00AM | Duration 10h41 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $68 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:05PM | Arrival Time 11:10AM | Duration 13h05 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $100 |
Live departures
Davis, CA to Santa Barbara, CA bus times
The table below shows live departures for Davis, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 539 · 6241 | 12:09 PM Davis station, Davis, CA | 9h31 | 9:40 PM Santa Barbara, CA | 1 transfer | |
| 539 · 6241 | 12:09 PM Davis station, Davis, CA | 9h46 | 9:55 PM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 1 transfer | |
| 549 · 4770 | 7:19 PM Davis station, Davis, CA | 10h41 | 6:00 AM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 1 transfer | |
| 549 · 4770 | 7:19 PM Davis station, Davis, CA | 10h11 | 5:30 AM Santa Barbara, CA | 1 transfer | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Davis, CA to Santa Barbara, CA by bus, train, or flight
Compare bus, train, 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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Journey information
Overview: Bus from Davis, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
USAUSA
Take a bus from Davis, CA to Santa Barbara, CA and enjoy the approximately 306 miles (494 km) long journey. Find schedules and pricing options for a convenient and affordable trip.
The earliest bus runs at 05:25, the last at 22:20.
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 $79
Distance 306 miles (494 km) |
First bus 5:25 AM |
Last bus 10:20 PM |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Best time to book 35 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 $79
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 Davis, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Davis, 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.
More options for your journey from Davis, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
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Most popular buses to and from Santa Barbara, CA and Davis, CA
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