- 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 Houston, TX to Santa Barbara, CA
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 20
Cheapest price on Sep 20
$140
Average ticket price on Sep 20
$141
Fastest journey on Sep 20
1 d 18 h 15 m
Average journey duration on Sep 20
1 d 20 h 50 m
Buses on Sep 20
4
Distance
2344 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Houston, TX 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 Houston, TX to Santa Barbara, CA will cost around $141 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $140.
Fast buses
It's difficult to get from Houston, TX to Santa Barbara, CA without transferring at least 2 times.
FlixBus+
+FlixBus+
2:45 PM46h25Houston, Southwest Fwy (Chevron), TX11:10 AMSanta Barbara, Bus station$1401One-way3 transfers- · +FlixBus6:55 PM42h15Houston, Harrisburg Blvd (Greyhound Bus Station), TX11:10 AMSanta Barbara, Bus station$1411One-way2 transfers
- FlixBus++FlixBus1:40 PM47h30North Houston (Tidwell Transit Center), TX11:10 AMSanta Barbara, Bus station$1421One-way2 transfers
- FlixBus++FlixBus6:00 PM43h10Houston, Gray St Parking (Bus Station), TX11:10 AMSanta Barbara, Bus station$1421One-way2 transfers
- · +FlixBus6:55 PM42h15Houston, Harrisburg Blvd (Greyhound Bus Station), TX11:10 AMSanta Barbara, Bus station$1411One-way2 transfers
- FlixBus++FlixBus6:00 PM43h10Houston, Gray St Parking (Bus Station), TX11:10 AMSanta Barbara, Bus station$1421One-way2 transfers
- FlixBus++FlixBus+2:45 PM46h25Houston, Southwest Fwy (Chevron), TX11:10 AMSanta Barbara, Bus station$1401One-way3 transfers
- FlixBus++FlixBus1:40 PM47h30North Houston (Tidwell Transit Center), TX11:10 AMSanta Barbara, Bus station$1421One-way2 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train for Houston, TX to Santa Barbara, CA
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Houston, TX to Santa Barbara, CA among Omio's users.
Distance: 1456 miles (2344 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|
$330 Average price (fuel + tolls) | |
25h 23m Average total duration (door-to-door) | |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Houston, TX to Santa Barbara, CA Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 01:40PM | Arrival Time 11:10AM | Duration 47h30 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $142 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 02:45PM | Arrival Time 11:10AM | Duration 46h25 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $140 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 06:00PM | Arrival Time 11:10AM | Duration 43h10 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $142 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 06:55PM | Arrival Time 11:10AM | Duration 42h15 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $141 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 11:00PM | Arrival Time 06:10PM | Duration 43h10 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $240 |
Compare prices and tickets Houston, TX to Santa Barbara, CA by train
Compare train 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 Houston, TX to Santa Barbara, CA
USAUSA
Take a bus from Houston, TX to Santa Barbara, CA and enjoy the approximately 1456 miles (2344 km) long journey. Find schedules and pricing options for a convenient and affordable trip.
The earliest bus runs at 12:40, the last at 21:50.
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 1456 miles (2344 km) |
First bus 12:40 PM |
Last bus 9:50 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Best time to book 1 day |
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
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 Houston, TX to Santa Barbara, CA
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Houston, TX 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.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Houston, TX to Santa Barbara, CA
Most Houston, TX to Santa Barbara, CA buses use the Houston, Harrisburg Blvd (Greyhound Bus Station) to Isla Vista, UC Santa Barbara (Bus Loop) station pair. Use this guide to compare Houston, TX 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 Houston
Arrival bus stations in Santa Barbara
Which Houston, TX station do buses to Santa Barbara, CA leave from?
Buses from Houston, TX to Santa Barbara, CA leave from Houston, Harrisburg Blvd (Greyhound Bus Station). The station is 4 miles (7 km) from Houston, TX city centre at 7000 Harrisburg Blvd, Houston, TX 77011, USA.
Houston, Harrisburg Blvd (Greyhound Bus Station)7000 Harrisburg Blvd, Houston, TX 77011, USA
City-centre transport
Getting to Houston, Harrisburg Blvd (Greyhound Bus Station) from Houston city centre
Houston, Harrisburg Blvd (Greyhound Bus Station) is 6 km from Houston city centre. Public transport options include:
Bus020 · 28m · $1 · every ~19 min
020 · 35m · $2 · every ~19 min
Tram800 · 12m · $2 · every ~26 min
800 · 17m · $2 · every ~26 min
800 · 24m · $2 · every ~26 min
Houston, Harrisburg Blvd (Greyhound Bus Station) bus station facilities and services
Houston, Harrisburg Blvd (Greyhound Bus Station) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Houston, Harrisburg Blvd (Greyhound Bus Station). ATMs are aTM available in the waiting area.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Houston, Harrisburg Blvd (Greyhound Bus Station).
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Houston, Harrisburg Blvd (Greyhound Bus Station): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Houston, Harrisburg Blvd (Greyhound Bus Station): Wheelchair accessible entrances and facilities.
Houston, Southwest Fwy (Chevron)6590 Southwest Fwy, Houston, TX 77074, USA
City-centre transport
Getting to Houston, Southwest Fwy (Chevron) from Houston city centre
Houston, Southwest Fwy (Chevron) is 14 km from Houston city centre. Public transport options include:
Bus151 · 27m · $2 · every ~9 min
151 · 29m · $2 · every ~9 min
Via McAllen · 31m · $7
151 · 31m · $2 · every ~9 min
009 · 36m · $2 · every ~9 min
Houston, Southwest Fwy (Chevron) bus station facilities and services
Houston, Southwest Fwy (Chevron) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Houston, Southwest Fwy (Chevron). ATMs are available at Houston, Southwest Fwy (Chevron).
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Houston, Southwest Fwy (Chevron).
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Houston, Southwest Fwy (Chevron): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Houston, Southwest Fwy (Chevron): Wheelchair accessible.
Houston, Gray St Parking (Bus Station)Gray St, Houston, TX, USA
City-centre transport
Getting to Houston, Gray St Parking (Bus Station) from Houston city centre
Houston, Gray St Parking (Bus Station) is 1 km from Houston city centre. Public transport options include:
Bus244, 247, 249 · 12m · $1 · every ~14 min
Houston, Gray St Parking (Bus Station) bus station facilities and services
Houston, Gray St Parking (Bus Station) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Restaurants are available nearby.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Houston, Gray St Parking (Bus Station). ATMs are available at Houston, Gray St Parking (Bus Station).
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Houston, Gray St Parking (Bus Station).
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Houston, Gray St Parking (Bus Station): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Houston, Gray St Parking (Bus Station): The station is accessible for disabled passengers.
More options for your journey from Houston, TX 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 Houston, TX
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