- Must visit
The Getty Center
Major art museum and hilltop campus known for European paintings, gardens, and architecture, with panoramic city views.
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Isla Vista, CA to Los Angeles, CA
Showing times and prices for Jun 02
Cheapest price
$29
Average price
$29
Fastest journey
1 h 50 m
Average duration
1 h 50 m
Buses per day
1
Distance
154 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Isla Vista, CA to Los Angeles, CA is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Isla Vista, CA to Los Angeles, CA will cost around $29 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $29.
Fast buses
Of the 1 buses that leave Isla Vista, CA for Los Angeles, CA on Tue, Jun 02, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Tue, Jun 02 the direct buses cover the 154 km distance in an average of 1 h 50 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 1 h 50 m .
On Tue, Jun 02 the slowest buses will take 1 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.
1:00 AM1h50Isla Vista, CA2:50 AMLos Angeles, CA$291One-way0 transfers
- 1:00 AM1h50Isla Vista, CA2:50 AMLos Angeles, CA$291One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare bus, train, and flight for Isla Vista, CA to Los Angeles, CA
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Isla Vista, CA to Los Angeles, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $24. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 21m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $24, and a flight costs an average of $419.
Distance: 95 miles (154 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$28 Average price Cheapest | $35 Average price | $467 Average price | $23 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 1m Average total duration 2h 31m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 45m Average total duration 3h 15m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 21m Average total duration Fastest 2h 21m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 2h 5m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Isla Vista, CA to Los Angeles, CA is a bus with an average price of $28 (€23).
This is compared to other travel options from Isla Vista, CA to Los Angeles, CA:
A bus is $7 (€6) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Isla Vista, CA to Los Angeles, CA costing on average $35 (€28).
A bus is $439 (€354) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Isla Vista, CA to Los Angeles, CA costing on average $467 (€376).
The fastest way to travel from Isla Vista, CA to Los Angeles, CA is by flight with an average journey time of 2h 21m.
Other travel options to Los Angeles, CA take longer:
Bus takes on average 2h 31m.
Train takes on average 3h 15m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Isla Vista, CA and Los Angeles, CA including taking a bus, train, and flight.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Isla Vista, CA to Los Angeles, 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.
Isla Vista, CA to Los Angeles, CA Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:00AM | Arrival Time 02:50AM | Duration 1h50 | Departure days Tue, Sun | Cheapest price $24 |
Operator Santa Barbara MTD | Departure Time 06:25AM | Arrival Time 10:15AM | Duration 3h50 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $103 |
Operator Santa Barbara MTD | Departure Time 08:25AM | Arrival Time 12:15PM | Duration 3h50 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $103 |
Operator Santa Barbara MTD | Departure Time 10:55AM | Arrival Time 02:45PM | Duration 3h50 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $103 |
Operator Santa Barbara MTD | Departure Time 12:25PM | Arrival Time 05:05PM | Duration 4h40 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $26 |
Operator Santa Barbara MTD | Departure Time 12:55PM | Arrival Time 04:45PM | Duration 3h50 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $103 |
Operator Santa Barbara MTD | Departure Time 03:25PM | Arrival Time 08:15PM | Duration 4h50 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $103 |
Operator Santa Barbara MTD | Departure Time 06:25PM | Arrival Time 10:15PM | Duration 3h50 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $103 |
Operator Santa Barbara MTD | Departure Time 09:10PM | Arrival Time 07:45AM | Duration 10h35 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $103 |
Operator Santa Barbara MTD | Departure Time 11:35PM | Arrival Time 07:45AM | Duration 8h10 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $103 |
Live departures
Isla Vista, CA to Los Angeles, CA bus times
The table below shows live departures for Isla Vista, CA to Los Angeles, CA buses for today, Sunday, May 31. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 8:25 AM Isla Vista, CA | 3h50 | 12:15 PM Los Angeles, CA | 2 transfers | |
| 10:55 AM Isla Vista, CA | 3h50 | 2:45 PM Los Angeles, CA | 2 transfers | |
| 12:55 PM Isla Vista, CA | 3h50 | 4:45 PM Los Angeles, CA | 2 transfers | |
| 3:25 PM Isla Vista, CA | 4h50 | 8:15 PM Los Angeles, CA | 2 transfers | |
| 6:25 PM Isla Vista, CA | 3h50 | 10:15 PM Los Angeles, CA | 2 transfers | |
| 9:10 PM Isla Vista, CA | 10h35 | 7:45 AM Los Angeles, CA | 2 transfers | |
| Monday, June 1 | |||||
| 1:00 AM Isla Vista, CA | 1h50 | 2:50 AM Los Angeles, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Isla Vista, CA to Los Angeles, 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 Isla Vista, CA to Los Angeles, CA buses with Omio?
FlixBus as well as Santa Barbara MTD offer buses services from Isla Vista, CA to Los Angeles, CA.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Isla Vista, CA to Los Angeles, CA.
Why book with Omio vs FlixBus?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for FlixBus, but also compare tickets for the likes of Santa Barbara MTD to find the best option for your trip from Isla Vista, CA to Los Angeles, 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 FlixBus with all available travel options, which are bus, train and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Isla Vista, CA to Los Angeles, CA.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trainline?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus, train and flight to find the ideal travel option from Isla Vista, CA to Los Angeles, CA.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Isla Vista, CA to Los Angeles, CA
USAUSA
Buses from Isla Vista, CA to Los Angeles, CA run on average 6 times per day, taking around 2h 31m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $24 (€19) if you book in advance.
There are 1 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 05:00, the last at 19:26. The fastest bus covers the 95 miles (154 km) distance in 1h 50m.
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 95 miles (154 km) |
Average bus duration 2h 31m |
Cheapest ticket price $24 (€19) |
Buses per day 6 |
Direct buses 1 |
Fastest bus 1h 50m |
First bus 5:00 AM |
Last bus 7:26 PM |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Sun |
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: FlixBus, Santa Barbara MTD from Isla Vista, CA to Los Angeles, CAYou can travel by bus between Isla Vista, CA to Los Angeles, CA with FlixBus, Santa Barbara MTD for as low as $24 (€19). 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
1h 50m
Cheapest Price
$24 (€19)
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.
Santa Barbara MTD
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 50m
Cheapest Price
$26 (€21)
Santa Barbara MTD frequency
7 a day
Complete guide to Los Angeles
Things to do in Los Angeles
Discover the best of Los Angeles — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Los Angeles trip today.
- Must visit
Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA)
The largest art museum in the western United States, famous for broad global collections and the Urban Light installation.
- Must visit
The Broad
Contemporary art museum with works by Warhol, Kusama, and Koons; one of Downtown Los Angeles's most popular cultural stops.
- Must visit
Santa Monica Pier
Classic Southern California waterfront area with ocean views, street performers, and a lively boardwalk atmosphere.
- Must visit
Venice Beach Boardwalk
Famous beachfront promenade known for skate culture, murals, performers, and nonstop people-watching.
- Must visit
Griffith Park
Large urban park with hiking trails, scenic overlooks, and access to several of Los Angeles's best-known attractions.
French Dip Sandwich
A classic Los Angeles sandwich of thin-sliced roast beef on a French roll, often served with savory jus for dipping. It is one of the city’s best-known historic dishes.
Fish Tacos
Baja-style fish tacos are deeply rooted in Southern California food culture, especially in Los Angeles. They usually feature battered or grilled fish with cabbage, crema, and salsa.
- Gluten-free
Street Tacos Al Pastor
Los Angeles is famous for its taco culture, and al pastor is a local favorite. Marinated pork is shaved from a spit and served on small corn tortillas with onion, cilantro, and pineapple.
Musso & Frank Grill
Legendary Hollywood restaurant serving classic American fare, steaks, and martinis. Formal, old Los Angeles atmosphere with deep culinary history.
Philippe The Original
Historic casual eatery best known for the French dip sandwich. Old-school atmosphere and one of Los Angeles’s most famous classic food institutions.
Guelaguetza
Well-known Oaxacan restaurant celebrated for mole, tlayudas, and mezcal. Lively, established dining room with strong local and national recognition.
United States Dollar
Los Angeles is costly for visitors, especially hotels, parking, and dining. Budget eats exist, but transport and attractions add up quickly.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- USD 10-18 for fast food or casual takeout.
- Mid-range
- USD 25-45 per person at a mid-range restaurant.
- Fine dining
- USD 80+ per person before drinks and tax.
- Coffee
- USD 4-7 for a regular coffee or latte.
Tipping culture
Tip 18-20% in restaurants; 20%+ for great service. Bars: USD 1-2 per drink. Taxis/rideshares: 10-15%. Hotel staff: USD 2-5. Small counter-service tips are optional.
FAQs: Bus from Isla Vista, CA to Los Angeles, CA
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Isla Vista, CA to Los Angeles, 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 Los Angeles, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap bus tickets from Isla Vista, CA to Los Angeles, CA can start from as little as $24 (€19) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Isla Vista, CA to Los Angeles, CA is $28 (€23) ; 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 Isla Vista, CA to Los Angeles, CA is 1h 50m to travel the 95 miles (154 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 Isla Vista, CA to Los Angeles, CA leaves at 5:00 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Isla Vista, CA to Los Angeles, CA leaves at 7:26 PM.
Yes, there are 1 direct buses a day from Isla Vista, CA to Los Angeles, CA with . Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct buses.
When taking a bus from Isla Vista, CA to Los Angeles, CA, you can count on FlixBus, Santa Barbara MTD for the best way to get you to Los Angeles, CA. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Isla Vista, CA and Los Angeles, CA and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A day trip to Los Angeles, CA from Isla Vista, CA is worth doing with a journey time of 1h 50m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Isla Vista, CA to Los Angeles, CA is December.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Isla Vista, CA and Los Angeles, CA including taking a bus, train, and flight.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Isla Vista, CA to Los Angeles, CA for bus company FlixBus.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Isla Vista, CA to Los Angeles, CA:
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in Los Angeles, CA are:
- Griffith Observatory, an iconic facility offering stunning views of Los Angeles and exhibits on astronomy
- The Getty Center, a renowned art museum with impressive architecture and beautiful gardens
- Santa Monica Pier, a historic landmark featuring an amusement park, aquarium, and scenic ocean views
- Hollywood Walk of Fame, a famous sidewalk celebrating entertainment industry icons with star plaques
- Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), the largest art museum in the western United States with diverse collections.
The best things to do in Los Angeles, CA include:
- Explore the vibrant Venice Beach Boardwalk, known for its eclectic shops, street performers, and skate park
- Visit the historic El Capitan Theatre for a classic movie experience
- Take a scenic hike in Runyon Canyon Park, offering panoramic views of the city
- Enjoy a live performance at the Walt Disney Concert Hall, known for its stunning architecture and acoustics
- Discover the unique exhibits at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Isla Vista, CA to Los Angeles, CA depends on the bus companies:
- 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 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 Isla Vista, CA to Los Angeles, CA.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Isla Vista, CA to Los Angeles, CA:
- 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 Isla Vista, CA to Los Angeles, CA:
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the bus from Isla Vista, CA to Los Angeles, 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 Isla Vista, CA to Los Angeles, CA with the following bus company: FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Isla Vista, CA to Los Angeles, CA with the following bus company: FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Isla Vista, CA to Los Angeles, CA with the following bus company: FlixBus.
Since neither Isla Vista, CA nor Los Angeles, 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 Isla Vista, CA to Los Angeles, 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 Los Angeles, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing and vehicle break-ins, especially in crowded or tourist-heavy areas like Hollywood and Venice Beach. Common scams include fake ticket vendors near popular attractions and overcharging by unlicensed ride services. It's important to use official transportation options, stay aware of surroundings, and avoid sharing personal information with strangers to stay safe.
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 Isla Vista, CA to Los Angeles, CA
Isla Vista
Los Angeles
The major bus station for departures in Isla Vista is Isla Vista, UC Santa Barbara (Bus Loop). Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Isla Vista, UC Santa Barbara (Bus Loop) for your trip from Isla Vista to Los Angeles.
Isla Vista, UC Santa Barbara (Bus Loop)
information
The major bus station for arrivals in Los Angeles is Los Angeles, Patsaouras Transit Plaza (Union Station). Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Los Angeles, Patsaouras Transit Plaza (Union Station) for your trip to Los Angeles from Isla Vista.
Los Angeles, Patsaouras Transit Plaza (Union Station)
information
Los Angeles, Cesar E Chavez / Vignes
information
Los Angeles, Gayley / Strathmore
information
More options for your journey from Isla Vista, CA to Los Angeles, CA
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Los Angeles, CA and Isla Vista, CA
Most popular bus connections to Los Angeles, CA
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