- 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.
Cheapest price on Sep 02
$24
Average ticket price on Sep 02
$24
Fastest journey on Sep 02
2 h 10 m
Average journey duration on Sep 02
2 h 10 m
Buses on Sep 02
1
Distance
140 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Los Angeles, 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 Los Angeles, CA to Santa Barbara, CA will cost around $24 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $24.
On Wed, Sep 02, we found 1 buses from Los Angeles, CA to Santa Barbara, CA, including 1 direct services.
On Wed, Sep 02 the direct buses cover the 140 km distance in an average of 2 h 10 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 2 h 10 m .
On Wed, Sep 02 the slowest buses will take 2 h 10 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.
FlixBus
FlixBusOmio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Los Angeles, CA to Santa Barbara, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $28 For those with little time, consider booking a bus, which has an average total journey time of 2h 34m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.0 - 0.1kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $28, while a train costs an average of $52.
Distance: 86 miles (140 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$28 Average price Cheapest | $52 Average price | $20 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 34m Average total duration Fastest 2h 4m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 51m Average total duration 3h 21m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 44m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions | 0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Los Angeles, CA to Santa Barbara, CA:
A bus is $24 (€20) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Los Angeles, CA to Santa Barbara, CA costing on average $52 (€42).
Other travel options to Santa Barbara, CA take longer:
Train takes on average 3h 21m.
Tickets start at around $28 (€22) compared to roughly $20 (€17) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-7.28 (€-5.90). The journey takes 2h 4m versus 1h 44m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can use the time productively rather than spending it behind the wheel. No parking to sort, no fuel stops, and most coaches have Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Driving is worth considering if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), or want the flexibility to stop along the way.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 05:50AM | Arrival Time 06:57PM | Duration 13h07 | Departure days Mon, Fri | Cheapest price $132 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 05:55AM | Arrival Time 06:57PM | Duration 13h02 | Departure days Mon, Fri | Cheapest price $132 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:00AM | Arrival Time 11:10AM | Duration 2h10 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Sun | Cheapest price $24 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:40PM | Arrival Time 08:40PM | Duration 2h00 | Departure days Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $22 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:40PM | Arrival Time 09:35PM | Duration 1h55 | Departure days Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $16 |
The table below shows live departures for Los Angeles, CA to Santa Barbara, CA buses for tomorrow, Wednesday, September 2. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus | 9:00 AM Los Angeles, Patsaouras Transit Plaza (Union Station), CA | 2h10 | 11:10 AM Santa Barbara, Bus station | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train and bus 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 Los Angeles, CA to Santa Barbara, CA run on average 1 times per day, taking around 2h 4m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $16 (€13) if you book in advance.
There are 1 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 05:00, the last at 21:55. The fastest bus covers the 86 miles (140 km) distance in 1h 40m.
Distance 86 miles (140 km) |
Average bus duration 2h 4m |
Cheapest ticket price $16 (€13) |
Buses per day 1 |
Direct buses 1 |
Fastest bus 1h 40m |
First bus 5:00 AM |
Last bus 9:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 28 days |
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.
Leading regional art museum with American, Asian, and contemporary works in a refined downtown setting with strong rotating exhibitions.
Natural history museum in Mission Canyon with exhibits on wildlife, geology, and Chumash heritage, plus a popular butterfly pavilion seasonally.
Waterfront maritime museum covering Channel history, shipwrecks, navigation, and regional seafaring culture in a polished harbor location.
Lively main street lined with Spanish-style architecture, shops, theaters, and landmarks, making it the heart of downtown walking routes.
Classic beachside promenade ideal for walking and biking, with palm-lined ocean views, parks, and access to the harbor and wharf.
Popular waterfront district with marina views, boat activity, museums, and easy walking access to coastal paths and sunset scenery.
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.
Spot prawns from local waters, often grilled or served simply to highlight their sweetness. Seasonal and celebrated for their freshness on the Central Coast.
Local spiny lobster, usually prepared grilled or roasted. A prized seasonal catch tied to the Santa Barbara Channel fishing tradition.
Refined downtown restaurant serving elegant Central Coast cuisine with strong local seafood and wine in a polished setting.
Long-running fine dining restaurant focused on seasonal ingredients and local catch, with a classic upscale atmosphere.
Historic waterfront oyster bar known for very fresh local seafood, chowder, and a lively harbor setting.
Santa Barbara is pricier than many US beach cities, with higher hotel rates, dining, and parking; transit is affordable but limited for tourists.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, 15-20% for taxis and rideshares, and $1-2 at cafes for counter service or drinks.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Los Angeles, 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.

Most Los Angeles, CA to Santa Barbara, CA buses use the Los Angeles, Patsaouras Transit Plaza (Union Station) to Santa Barbara, Bus station station pair. Use this guide to compare Los Angeles, CA and Santa Barbara, CA bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Los Angeles, Patsaouras Transit Plaza (Union Station) is 1 km from Los Angeles city centre. Public transport options include:
Los Angeles, Patsaouras Transit Plaza (Union Station) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Food court and various dining options available.
Wi-Fi available in main waiting areas. ATMs are aTMs available near main concourse.
Ticket office support is available at Los Angeles, Patsaouras Transit Plaza (Union Station).
Available at Los Angeles, Patsaouras Transit Plaza (Union Station): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Los Angeles, Patsaouras Transit Plaza (Union Station): Station fully accessible with elevators and ramps.
Los Angeles, Cesar E Chavez / Vignes is 1 km from Los Angeles city centre. Public transport options include:
Los Angeles, Cesar E Chavez / Vignes has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Los Angeles, Cesar E Chavez / Vignes. ATMs are available at Los Angeles, Cesar E Chavez / Vignes.
Ticket office support is available at Los Angeles, Cesar E Chavez / Vignes.
Available at Los Angeles, Cesar E Chavez / Vignes: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Los Angeles, Cesar E Chavez / Vignes: The station is accessible to people with disabilities.
Los Angeles, North Hollywood (W Magnolia Blvd / Klump Ave) is 17 km from Los Angeles city centre. Public transport options include:
Los Angeles, North Hollywood (W Magnolia Blvd / Klump Ave) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Los Angeles, North Hollywood (W Magnolia Blvd / Klump Ave). ATMs are available at Los Angeles, North Hollywood (W Magnolia Blvd / Klump Ave).
Ticket office support is available at Los Angeles, North Hollywood (W Magnolia Blvd / Klump Ave).
Available at Los Angeles, North Hollywood (W Magnolia Blvd / Klump Ave): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Los Angeles, North Hollywood (W Magnolia Blvd / Klump Ave): Ramps available for wheelchair access.
Santa Barbara, Bus station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Free public Wi-Fi available. ATMs are located inside the station building.
Ticket office support is available at Santa Barbara, Bus station.
Available at Santa Barbara, Bus station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Santa Barbara, Bus station: Wheelchair accessible routes available.
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