- Must visit
Santa Barbara Museum of Art
Leading regional art museum with American, Asian and European works, plus rotating exhibitions in a downtown setting.
Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Hayward, CA to Santa Barbara, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $83. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 26m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $83, and a flight costs an average of $146.
Distance: 260 miles (420 km)
| Bus | Most popular Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$91 Average price Cheapest | $242 Average price | $61 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
8h 17m Average total duration 7h 47m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 26m Average total duration Fastest 1h 26m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 4h 46m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Hayward, CA to Santa Barbara, CA:
A bus is $151 (€124) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Hayward, CA to Santa Barbara, CA costing on average $242 (€198).
Other travel options to Santa Barbara, CA take longer:
Bus takes on average 7h 47m.
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.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 06:50AM | Arrival Time 06:40PM | Duration 11h50 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $83 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 02:35PM | Arrival Time 11:20PM | Duration 8h45 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $95 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 03:35PM | Arrival Time 12:20AM | Duration 8h45 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $92 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 08:06PM | Arrival Time 05:30AM | Duration 9h24 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $92 |
The table below shows live departures for Hayward, CA to Santa Barbara, CA buses for today, Saturday, June 20. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 8:06 PM Hayward, CA | 9h24 | 5:30 AM Santa Barbara, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare 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.
Buses from Hayward, CA to Santa Barbara, CA run on average 2 times per day, taking around 7h 47m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $83 (€68) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 07:09, the last at 22:20. The fastest bus covers the 260 miles (420 km) distance in 8h 45m.
Distance 260 miles (420 km) |
Average bus duration 7h 47m |
Cheapest ticket price $83 (€68) |
Buses per day 2 |
Fastest bus 8h 45m |
First bus 7:09 AM |
Last bus 10:20 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Discover the best of Santa Barbara — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Santa Barbara trip today.
Leading regional art museum with American, Asian and European works, plus rotating exhibitions in a downtown setting.
Hands-on science and technology museum popular with families, known for interactive exhibits and a rooftop experience.
Museum on local history with adobe-era collections, archives and exhibits focused on the city and county.
Historic pier with ocean views, strolling, marine exhibits and easy access to the waterfront.
Main downtown corridor lined with shops, historic buildings and public spaces, ideal for walking and people-watching.
Scenic coastal area spanning the harbor and beachfront, popular for walking, biking and sunset views.
Regional Central Coast barbecue, usually tri-tip grilled over red oak and served with salsa, pinquito beans, garlic bread, and salad. It is one of the area’s most iconic local food traditions.
Sea urchin from the Santa Barbara Channel is a local delicacy, prized for its sweet, briny flavor. It often appears in simple pasta dishes that highlight the freshness of the seafood.
Fresh local fish in tacos reflects Santa Barbara’s coastal location and strong California-Mexican food culture. They are commonly served grilled or battered with cabbage, salsa, and lime.
Popular New American restaurant in the Funk Zone, known for seasonal Central Coast ingredients and polished but relaxed dining.
Stylish Spanish restaurant known for tapas, paella, and a lively upscale atmosphere near the waterfront.
Established harbor seafood restaurant popular for clam chowder, oysters, and marina views in a casual setting.
Santa Barbara is pricier than many U.S. cities, especially for hotels and dining near the coast.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, 20%+ for excellent service, USD 1-2 per drink at bars, round up or tip 10-15% for taxis, and USD 2-5 for hotel staff as appropriate.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Hayward, 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.

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