- Must visit
Santa Barbara Museum of Art
Leading regional art museum with American, Asian and European works, plus rotating exhibitions in a downtown setting.
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Martinez, CA to Santa Barbara, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $48. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 24m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $48, and a flight costs an average of $280.
Distance: 283 miles (456 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$52 Average price Cheapest | $86 Average price | $326 Average price | $68 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
18h 1m Average total duration 17h 31m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 10h 38m Average total duration 10h 8m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 24m Average total duration Fastest 1h 24m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 5h 7m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Martinez, CA to Santa Barbara, CA:
A bus is $34 (€28) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Martinez, CA to Santa Barbara, CA costing on average $86 (€70).
A bus is $274 (€224) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Martinez, CA to Santa Barbara, CA costing on average $326 (€266).
Other travel options to Santa Barbara, CA take longer:
Train takes on average 10h 8m.
Bus takes on average 17h 31m.
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.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 03:04AM | Arrival Time 01:30PM | Duration 10h26 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $49 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 05:06AM | Arrival Time 01:30PM | Duration 32h24 | Departure days Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $48 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 06:06AM | Arrival Time 02:30PM | Duration 32h24 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $48 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 07:54AM | Arrival Time 06:57PM | Duration 11h03 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $86 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 10:54AM | Arrival Time 09:30PM | Duration 10h36 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $150 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 02:54PM | Arrival Time 01:47AM | Duration 10h53 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $77 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 06:04PM | Arrival Time 06:00AM | Duration 11h56 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $50 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 07:54PM | Arrival Time 06:30AM | Duration 10h36 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $50 |
The table below shows live departures for Martinez, CA to Santa Barbara, CA buses for today, Saturday, June 20. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
747 Capitol Corridor · 4770 AMTRAK | 6:04 PM Martinez station, Martinez, CA | 11h56 | 6:00 AM Santa Barbara, CA | 1 transfer | |
747 Capitol Corridor · 4770 AMTRAK | 6:04 PM Martinez station, Martinez, CA | 12h26 | 6:30 AM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 1 transfer | |
749 Capitol Corridor · 4770 AMTRAK | 7:54 PM Martinez station, Martinez, CA | 10h36 | 6:30 AM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 1 transfer | |
749 Capitol Corridor · 4770 AMTRAK | 7:54 PM Martinez station, Martinez, CA | 10h06 | 6:00 AM Santa Barbara, CA | 1 transfer | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train, bus, 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.
Buses from Martinez, CA to Santa Barbara, CA run on average 12 times per day, taking around 17h 31m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $48 (€40) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 06:24, the last at 22:20. The fastest bus covers the 283 miles (456 km) distance in 9h 56m.
Distance 283 miles (456 km) |
Average bus duration 17h 31m |
Cheapest ticket price $48 (€40) |
Buses per day 12 |
Fastest bus 9h 56m |
First bus 6:24 AM |
Last bus 10:20 PM |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 28 days |
Discover the best of Santa Barbara — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Santa Barbara trip today.
Leading regional art museum with American, Asian and European works, plus rotating exhibitions in a downtown setting.
Hands-on science and technology museum popular with families, known for interactive exhibits and a rooftop experience.
Museum on local history with adobe-era collections, archives and exhibits focused on the city and county.
Historic pier with ocean views, strolling, marine exhibits and easy access to the waterfront.
Main downtown corridor lined with shops, historic buildings and public spaces, ideal for walking and people-watching.
Scenic coastal area spanning the harbor and beachfront, popular for walking, biking and sunset views.
Regional Central Coast barbecue, usually tri-tip grilled over red oak and served with salsa, pinquito beans, garlic bread, and salad. It is one of the area’s most iconic local food traditions.
Sea urchin from the Santa Barbara Channel is a local delicacy, prized for its sweet, briny flavor. It often appears in simple pasta dishes that highlight the freshness of the seafood.
Fresh local fish in tacos reflects Santa Barbara’s coastal location and strong California-Mexican food culture. They are commonly served grilled or battered with cabbage, salsa, and lime.
Popular New American restaurant in the Funk Zone, known for seasonal Central Coast ingredients and polished but relaxed dining.
Stylish Spanish restaurant known for tapas, paella, and a lively upscale atmosphere near the waterfront.
Established harbor seafood restaurant popular for clam chowder, oysters, and marina views in a casual setting.
Santa Barbara is pricier than many U.S. cities, especially for hotels and dining near the coast.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, 20%+ for excellent service, USD 1-2 per drink at bars, round up or tip 10-15% for taxis, and USD 2-5 for hotel staff as appropriate.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Martinez, 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.

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