- 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.
14 Coast Starlight • 794 Pacific Surfliner
Union Station
Goleta Station
$4281•One-way
14 Coast Starlight • 794 Pacific Surfliner
Union Station
Santa Barbara Station
$4231•One-way
Fastest
14 Coast Starlight
Union Station
Santa Barbara Station
$2681•One-way
Cheapest
769 Pacific Surfliner
Union Station
Goleta Station
$351•One-way
Cheapest
769 Pacific Surfliner
Union Station
Santa Barbara Station
$351•One-way
Cheapest
777 Pacific Surfliner
Union Station
Goleta Station
$351•One-way
Cheapest, 2nd Fastest
777 Pacific Surfliner
Union Station
Santa Barbara Station
$351•One-way
Cheapest
785 Pacific Surfliner
Union Station
Santa Barbara Station
$351•One-way
Cheapest
785 Pacific Surfliner
Union Station
Goleta Station
$351•One-way
The cheapest and fastest trainsfrom Los Angeles, CA to Santa Barbara, CAShowing times and prices for Jul 18
Cheapest price
$35
Average price
$148
Fastest journey
2h 17m
Average duration
4h 4m
Trains per day
9
Distance
153 km
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Prices include taxes and may change depending on availability. Any additional fees can be reviewed before payment. The total price will be finalized once the purchase is completed.
Los Angeles, CA to Santa Barbara, CA bus with FlixBus
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 | $34 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 $34 (€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 $-9.98 (€-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 $18 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:40AM | Arrival Time 01:40PM | Duration 2h00 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $19 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:40PM | Arrival Time 08:35PM | Duration 1h55 | Departure days Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $22 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:40PM | Arrival Time 09:35PM | Duration 1h55 | Departure days Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $16 |
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, Saturday, July 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6:40 PM Los Angeles, CA | 1h55 | 8:35 PM Santa Barbara, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 7:40 PM Los Angeles, CA | 1h55 | 9:35 PM Santa Barbara, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Sunday, July 19 | |||||
| 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.
- 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 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
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.
Departure bus stations in Los Angeles
Arrival bus stations in Santa Barbara
Los Angeles, Patsaouras Transit Plaza (Union Station)
City-centre transport
Getting to Los Angeles, Patsaouras Transit Plaza (Union Station) from Los Angeles city centre
Bus4X · 8m · $2
SubwayMetro B Line, Metro D Line · 12m · $2 · every ~24 min
Los Angeles, Cesar E Chavez / Vignes
City-centre transport
Getting to Los Angeles, Cesar E Chavez / Vignes from Los Angeles city centre
Bus40, 74 · 3m · $2 · every ~15 min
33 · 4m · $2 · every ~9 min
D · 11m · $5 · every ~12 min
490, 495, 499, 699, 493, 498, 707 · 13m · $7 · every ~9 min
TramMetro A Line · 10m · $2 · every ~12 min
SubwayMetro B Line, Metro D Line · 10m · $2 · every ~24 min
Los Angeles, North Hollywood (W Magnolia Blvd / Klump Ave)
City-centre transport
Getting to Los Angeles, North Hollywood (W Magnolia Blvd / Klump Ave) from Los Angeles city centre
Bus94 · 1h 13m · $2 · every ~7 min
94 · 1h 14m · $2 · every ~7 min
94 · 1h 15m · $2 · every ~7 min
SubwayMetro B Line · 49m · $5 · every ~12 min
Metro B Line · 57m · $2 · every ~12 min
Santa Barbara, Bus station
City-centre transport
Getting to Santa Barbara, Bus station from Santa Barbara city centre
Bus33 · 5m · $2 · every ~2 min
Most popular bus connections from Los Angeles, CA
More options for your journey from Los Angeles, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
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Most popular buses to and from Santa Barbara, CA and Los Angeles, CA
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