- Must visit
Santa Barbara Museum Of Art
Leading regional art museum with American, Asian, and European collections in a central downtown setting.
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Fresno, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
Showing times and prices for Jul 11
Cheapest price
$58
Average price
$58
Fastest journey
7 h 30 m
Average duration
7 h 30 m
Buses per day
1
Distance
259 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Fresno, 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 Fresno, CA to Santa Barbara, CA will cost around $58 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $58.
Fast buses
It's difficult to get from Fresno, CA to Santa Barbara, CA without transferring at least once.
12:00 PM7h30Fresno, CA7:30 PMSanta Barbara, CA$581One-way1 transfer
- 12:00 PM7h30Fresno, CA7:30 PMSanta Barbara, CA$581One-way1 transfer
Travel Information
Compare bus, train, and flight for Fresno, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Fresno, CA to Santa Barbara, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $52. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 5h 35m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $52, and a flight costs an average of $147.
Distance: 160 miles (259 km)
Compare bus with
Most popular Bus | Flight | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$71 Average price Cheapest | $297 Average price | $78 Average price | $45 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 47m Average total duration 6h 17m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 35m Average total duration Fastest 5h 35m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 9h 58m Average total duration 9h 28m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 47m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Fresno, CA to Santa Barbara, CA is a bus with an average price of $71 (€58).
This is compared to other travel options from Fresno, CA to Santa Barbara, CA:
A bus is $7 (€6) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Fresno, CA to Santa Barbara, CA costing on average $78 (€64).
A bus is $226 (€186) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Fresno, CA to Santa Barbara, CA costing on average $297 (€244).
The fastest way to travel from Fresno, CA to Santa Barbara, CA is by flight with an average journey time of 5h 35m.
Other travel options to Santa Barbara, CA take longer:
Bus takes on average 6h 17m.
Train takes on average 9h 28m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Fresno, CA and Santa Barbara, CA including taking a bus, train, and flight.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Fresno, CA to Santa Barbara, CA among Omio's users.
Take the bus. On this route, it's both cheaper and quicker than driving.
You'll arrive about {timeSavings} sooner ({durationInMinutes} by bus vs {drivingDurationInMinutes} by car) and save roughly {savingsAmount} compared to fuel and tolls ({cheapestPrice} vs {drivingPriceInCents}). You also skip the drive itself — no traffic stress, no parking, and you can use the time to work, nap, or catch up on a series with the onboard Wi-Fi.
Direct coaches are operated by {directProviders}.
Driving is still worth considering if you're travelling with bulky luggage, need flexibility on departure times, or plan to stop along the way.
Fresno, CA to Santa Barbara, CA Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 02:35AM | Arrival Time 11:10AM | Duration 8h35 | Departure days Mon, Wed | Cheapest price $49 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:25AM | Arrival Time 06:40PM | Duration 9h15 | Departure days Tue, Sun | Cheapest price $87 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:25AM | Arrival Time 07:40PM | Duration 9h15 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $110 |
Operator Flixbus USA | Departure Time 12:00PM | Arrival Time 07:30PM | Duration 7h30 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $58 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 02:29PM | Arrival Time 08:15PM | Duration 5h46 | Departure days Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $61 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 09:29PM | Arrival Time 03:15AM | Duration 5h46 | Departure days Tue, Fri | Cheapest price $60 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 10:29PM | Arrival Time 04:15AM | Duration 5h46 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $59 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 10:59PM | Arrival Time 04:45AM | Duration 5h46 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $59 |
Live departures
Fresno, CA to Santa Barbara, CA bus times
The table below shows live departures for Fresno, CA to Santa Barbara, CA buses for today, Friday, July 10. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 9:29 PM Fresno, CA | 5h46 | 3:15 AM Santa Barbara, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 10:29 PM Fresno, CA | 5h46 | 4:15 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 Fresno, 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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Why should you book Fresno, CA to Santa Barbara, CA buses with Omio?
Greyhound as well as FlixBus offer buses services from Fresno, CA to Santa Barbara, CA.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Fresno, CA to Santa Barbara, CA.
Why book with Omio vs Greyhound?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Greyhound, but also compare tickets for the likes of FlixBus to find the best option for your trip from Fresno, CA to Santa Barbara, CA.
- 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 bus, train and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Fresno, CA to Santa Barbara, CA.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trainline?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of FlixBus to find the best option for your trip from Fresno, CA to Santa Barbara, CA.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus, train and flight to find the ideal travel option from Fresno, CA to Santa Barbara, CA.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Fresno, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
USAUSA
Buses from Fresno, CA to Santa Barbara, CA run on average 3 times per day, taking around 6h 17m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $52 (€43) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 02:25, the last at 22:20. The fastest bus covers the 160 miles (259 km) distance in 5h 46m.
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
Distance 160 miles (259 km) |
Average bus duration 6h 17m |
Cheapest ticket price $52 (€43) |
Buses per day 3 |
Fastest bus 5h 46m |
First bus 2:25 AM |
Last bus 10:20 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Best time to book 7 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
Bus providers: Greyhound, FlixBus from Fresno, CA to Santa Barbara, CAYou can travel by bus between Fresno, CA to Santa Barbara, CA with Greyhound, FlixBus for as low as $52 (€43). 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 Duration
7h 30m
Cheapest Price
$58 (€48)
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.
Greyhound
About
Greyhound Lines, Inc. is a prominent American intercity bus transportation provider, established in 1914. It operates the largest intercity bus network in the United States, also extending services to Canada and Mexico. Greyhound is known for offering affordable and reliable long-distance travel, connecting major cities and rural communities across North America. The company's buses are equipped with amenities such as free Wi-Fi, power outlets, and extra legroom to enhance passenger comfort. Greyhound is a subsidiary of Flix SE, which also owns FlixBus, and together they offer an extensive network of over 1,600 destinations.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
8h 45m
Cheapest Price
$52 (€43)
Greyhound frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 25 lbs (11 kg) and one checked bag up to 50 lbs (23 kg).
Additional luggage
$15 per additional bag.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket for a refund or exchange up to 24 hours before departure, for a cancellation fee applied.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority seating; Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed.
Complete guide to Santa Barbara
Things to do in Santa Barbara
Discover the best of Santa Barbara — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Santa Barbara trip today.
- Recommended
MOXI, The Wolf Museum Of Exploration + Innovation
Hands-on science and technology museum popular with families, featuring interactive exhibits and a rooftop sky garden.
- Recommended
Santa Barbara Maritime Museum
Compact waterfront museum covering regional seafaring history, diving, Channel Islands heritage, and navigation.
- Must visit
State Street
Main downtown corridor lined with shops, historic buildings, and people-watching, central to the city experience.
- Must visit
Stearns Wharf
Historic wharf with ocean views, strolling paths, and easy access to the waterfront and marine attractions.
- Recommended
Santa Barbara Harbor
Scenic marina and waterfront walking area popular for sunsets, harbor views, and access to the breakwater.
Santa Maria-Style Barbecue
Central Coast tri-tip grilled over red oak, traditionally served with pinquito beans, salsa, and garlic bread. It is one of the region’s signature local meals.
- Gluten-free
Santa Barbara Spot Prawns
Sweet local prawns from nearby waters, often simply grilled or served crudo when in season. They are prized for freshness and strong coastal identity.
- Gluten-free
Local Sea Urchin
Fresh uni from the Santa Barbara Channel, known for its rich, creamy texture. It is a standout local seafood delicacy tied to the city’s fishing culture.
Cold Spring Tavern Santa Barbara
Historic stagecoach-era tavern in the hills above the city, known for rustic atmosphere, hearty fare, and weekend barbecue traditions.
The Lark Santa Barbara
Popular Funk Zone restaurant serving seasonal California cuisine with local seafood, vegetables, and strong Central Coast sourcing in a lively upscale setting.
Loquita Santa Barbara
Stylish Spanish restaurant known for tapas, paella, cocktails, and a polished downtown atmosphere. Good choice for shared plates and evening dining.
United States Dollar
Prices are high by U.S. standards, especially for hotels and dining near the beach and downtown.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- USD 12-20 for casual eats or takeout.
- Mid-range
- USD 25-45 per person at a mid-range restaurant.
- Fine dining
- USD 75+ per person at upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- USD 4-7 for a coffee drink.
Tipping culture
Tip 18-20% in restaurants, 15-20% for taxis and rideshares, USD 1-2 per drink at bars, and a few dollars for hotel staff.
FAQs: Bus from Fresno, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Fresno, 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 Fresno, CA to Santa Barbara, CA can start from as little as $52 (€43) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Fresno, CA to Santa Barbara, CA is $71 (€58) ; 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 Fresno, CA to Santa Barbara, CA is 5h 46m to travel the 160 miles (259 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 Fresno, CA to Santa Barbara, CA leaves at 2:25 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Fresno, CA to Santa Barbara, CA leaves at 10:20 PM.
There are 3 buses a day from Fresno, CA to Santa Barbara, CA which require at least one change with Greyhound, FlixBus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer buses.
When taking a bus from Fresno, CA to Santa Barbara, CA, you can count on Greyhound, FlixBus for the best way to get you to Santa Barbara, CA. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Fresno, CA and Santa Barbara, CA and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A trip to Santa Barbara, CA from Fresno, CA is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 5h 46m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Fresno, CA to Santa Barbara, CA is September.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Fresno, CA and Santa Barbara, CA including taking a bus, train, and flight.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Fresno, CA to Santa Barbara, CA for bus company Greyhound, FlixBus.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Fresno, CA to Santa Barbara, CA:
- Greyhound
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
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 Fresno, 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.
- FlixBus
- 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.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus company Greyhound, FlixBus.
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 Fresno, CA to Santa Barbara, CA.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Fresno, 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).
- FlixBus
- One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a bus ticket from Fresno, CA to Santa Barbara, CA:
- Greyhound
- $15 per additional bag.
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the bus from Fresno, CA to Santa Barbara, CA. The following conditions apply:
- FlixBus
- Small pets in carriers allowed
- guide dogs travel for free.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Fresno, CA to Santa Barbara, CA with the following bus company: Greyhound, FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Fresno, CA to Santa Barbara, CA with the following bus company: Greyhound, FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Fresno, CA to Santa Barbara, CA with the following bus company: Greyhound, FlixBus.
Since neither Fresno, 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 bus as it is the most popular way to get from Fresno, 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.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Fresno, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
Most Fresno, CA to Santa Barbara, CA buses use the Fresno, Tulare St (Greyhound Station) to Santa Barbara, Bus station station pair. Use this guide to compare Fresno, CA and Santa Barbara, CA bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Departure bus stations in Fresno
Arrival bus stations in Santa Barbara
Fresno, Tulare St (Greyhound Station)
City-centre transport
Getting to Fresno, Tulare St (Greyhound Station) from Fresno city centre
Bus22 · 5m · every ~3 min
Santa Barbara, Bus station
City-centre transport
Getting to Santa Barbara, Bus station from Santa Barbara city centre
Bus33 · 5m · $2 · every ~2 min
Most popular bus connections from Fresno, CA
More options for your journey from Fresno, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Santa Barbara, CA and Fresno, CA
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