- Must visit
Santa Barbara Museum of Art
Leading regional art museum with strong American, Asian, and European collections in a prominent downtown setting.
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Los Angeles, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
Showing times and prices for Jun 04
Cheapest price
$22
Average price
$22
Fastest journey
2 h
Average duration
2 h
Buses per day
1
Distance
140 km
Cheap tickets
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 $22 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $22.
Fast buses
Of the 1 buses that leave Los Angeles, CA for Santa Barbara, CA on Thu, Jun 04, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, Jun 04 the direct buses cover the 140 km distance in an average of 2 h but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 2 h .
On Thu, Jun 04 the slowest buses will take 2 h 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.
FlixBus11:40 AM2h00Los Angeles, Cesar E Chavez / Vignes, CA1:40 PMIsla Vista, UC Santa Barbara (Bus Loop), CA$221One-way0 transfers
- FlixBus11:40 AM2h00Los Angeles, Cesar E Chavez / Vignes, CA1:40 PMIsla Vista, UC Santa Barbara (Bus Loop), CA$221One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Los Angeles, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
Omio 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 prices starting from $16. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 2h 27m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $16, and a train costs an average of $26.
Distance: 86 miles (140 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$30 Average price Cheapest | $35 Average price | $20 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 57m Average total duration Fastest 2h 27m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 11m Average total duration 2h 41m 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.
The cheapest way to travel from Los Angeles, CA to Santa Barbara, CA is a bus with an average price of $30 (€24).
This is compared to other travel options from Los Angeles, CA to Santa Barbara, CA:
A bus is $4 (€4) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Los Angeles, CA to Santa Barbara, CA costing on average $35 (€28).
The fastest way to travel from Los Angeles, CA to Santa Barbara, CA is by bus with an average journey time of 2h 27m.
Other travel options to Santa Barbara, CA take longer:
Train takes on average 2h 41m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Los Angeles, CA and Santa Barbara, CA including taking a train and bus.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Los Angeles, 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 -1h -43m sooner (2h 27m by bus vs 1h 44m by car) and save roughly $-10.14 (€-8.19) compared to fuel and tolls ($30 (€24) vs $20 (€16)). 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 FlixBus.
Driving is still worth considering if you're travelling with bulky luggage, need flexibility on departure times, or plan to stop along the way.
Los Angeles, CA to Santa Barbara, CA Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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 11:40AM | Arrival Time 01:40PM | Duration 2h00 | Departure days Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $22 |
Live departures
Los Angeles, CA to Santa Barbara, CA bus times
The table below shows live departures for Los Angeles, CA to Santa Barbara, CA buses for today, Wednesday, June 3. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| 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 prices and tickets Los Angeles, CA to Santa Barbara, CA by train or bus
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.
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Why should you book Los Angeles, CA to Santa Barbara, CA buses with Omio?
FlixBus operates all buses services from Los Angeles, CA to Santa Barbara, CA.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Los Angeles, CA to Santa Barbara, CA.
Why book with Omio vs FlixBus?
- 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 train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Los Angeles, CA to Santa Barbara, CA.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trainline?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Los Angeles, CA to Santa Barbara, CA.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Los Angeles, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
USAUSA
Buses from Los Angeles, CA to Santa Barbara, CA run on average 2 times per day, taking around 2h 27m. 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 55m.
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 86 miles (140 km) |
Average bus duration 2h 27m |
Cheapest ticket price $16 (€13) |
Buses per day 2 |
Direct buses 1 |
Fastest bus 1h 55m |
First bus 5:00 AM |
Last bus 9:55 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 2 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: FlixBus from Los Angeles, CA to Santa Barbara, CAYou can travel by bus between Los Angeles, CA to Santa Barbara, CA with FlixBus for as low as $16 (€13). 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 55m
Cheapest Price
$16 (€13)
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.
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 for interactive exhibits and rooftop activities.
- Recommended
Santa Barbara Maritime Museum
Compact waterfront museum covering regional seafaring history, Channel maritime culture, and local ocean exploration.
- Must visit
Stearns Wharf
Classic waterfront promenade with ocean views, harbor access, and one of the city’s most recognizable settings.
- Must visit
State Street
Main downtown corridor for walking, shopping, people-watching, and easy access to major attractions.
- Must visit
Lotusland
Celebrated botanical garden estate in Montecito with extraordinary themed gardens; advance reservations are typical.
Santa Maria-Style Barbecue
Central Coast barbecue tradition featuring oak-grilled beef tri-tip, often served with pinquito beans, salsa, and garlic bread. It is one of the region's most iconic local meals.
Tri-Tip Sandwich
A beloved local sandwich made with sliced Santa Maria-style tri-tip on bread, commonly found at casual grills and roadside spots across the area.
- Gluten-free
Spot Prawns
Seasonal local prawns from the Santa Barbara Channel, prized for their sweetness and delicate texture. They are a standout coastal seafood specialty when available.
Toma Restaurant & Bar Santa Barbara
Respected waterfront-adjacent restaurant specializing in Italian-inspired coastal cuisine, pasta, and polished service.
The Lark Santa Barbara
Well-known New American restaurant in the Funk Zone with stylish interiors, seasonal ingredients, and strong local wine offerings.
Loquita Santa Barbara
Established Spanish restaurant serving paella, tapas, and cocktails in an elegant but energetic downtown setting.
United States Dollar
Santa Barbara is pricey by U.S. standards, especially for hotels and dining. Budget options exist, but most visitors spend more than in many other California cities.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- USD 12-20 for fast casual or tacos.
- Mid-range
- USD 25-45 per person at a casual restaurant.
- Fine dining
- USD 75+ per person at upscale spots.
- Coffee
- USD 4-7 for a coffee drink.
Tipping culture
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, 15-20% for taxis and rideshares, USD 1-2 per bag for hotel staff, and USD 1-2 per drink at bars. Tipping is expected for service.
FAQs: Bus from Los Angeles, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
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.
Cheap bus tickets from Los Angeles, CA to Santa Barbara, CA can start from as little as $16 (€13) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Los Angeles, CA to Santa Barbara, CA is $30 (€24) ; 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 Los Angeles, CA to Santa Barbara, CA is 1h 55m to travel the 86 miles (140 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 Los Angeles, CA to Santa Barbara, CA leaves at 5:00 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Los Angeles, CA to Santa Barbara, CA leaves at 9:55 PM.
Yes, there are 1 direct buses a day from Los Angeles, CA to Santa Barbara, CA with FlixBus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct buses.
When taking a bus from Los Angeles, CA to Santa Barbara, CA, you can count on 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 Los Angeles, CA and Santa Barbara, CA and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A day trip to Santa Barbara, CA from Los Angeles, CA is worth doing with a journey time of 1h 55m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Los Angeles, CA to Santa Barbara, CA is May.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Los Angeles, CA and Santa Barbara, CA including taking a train and bus.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Los Angeles, CA to Santa Barbara, CA:
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Los Angeles, CA to Santa Barbara, CA for bus company FlixBus.
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 Los Angeles, CA to Santa Barbara, 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 Los Angeles, CA to Santa Barbara, CA.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Los Angeles, CA to Santa Barbara, 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 Los Angeles, CA to Santa Barbara, CA:
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the bus from Los Angeles, 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 Los Angeles, CA to Santa Barbara, CA with the following bus company: FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Los Angeles, CA to Santa Barbara, CA with the following bus company: FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Los Angeles, CA to Santa Barbara, CA with the following bus company: FlixBus.
Since neither Los Angeles, 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 train as it is the most popular way to get from Los Angeles, 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 Los Angeles, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
Los Angeles
Santa Barbara
The major bus station for departures 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 from Los Angeles to Santa Barbara.
Los Angeles, Patsaouras Transit Plaza (Union Station)
information
Los Angeles, Cesar E Chavez / Vignes
information
Los Angeles, Gayley / Strathmore
information
The major bus station for arrivals in Santa Barbara is Santa Barbara, Bus station. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Santa Barbara, Bus station for your trip to Santa Barbara from Los Angeles.
Santa Barbara, Bus station
information
Most popular bus connections from Los Angeles, CA
More options for your journey from Los Angeles, 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 Los Angeles, CA
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