The cheapest and fastest buses from Oakland, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
Cheapest price
$51
Average price
$89
Fastest journey
8 h 10 m
Average duration
9 h 50 m
Buses per day
4
Distance
441 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Oakland, 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 Oakland, CA to Santa Barbara, CA will cost around $89 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $51.
It's difficult to get from Oakland, CA to Santa Barbara, CA without transferring at least once.
4794 AMTRAK · 794 Pacific Surfliner
523 Capitol Corridor · 4790 AMTRAK
541 Capitol Corridor · 6241 AMTRAK
11 Coast Starlight · 6241 AMTRAK
541 Capitol Corridor · 6241 AMTRAK
4794 AMTRAK · 794 Pacific Surfliner
523 Capitol Corridor · 4790 AMTRAK
11 Coast Starlight · 6241 AMTRAKTravel Information
Compare train and bus for Oakland, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Oakland, CA to Santa Barbara, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €38. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 9h 8m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.4kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €38, and a train costs an average of €50.
Distance: 274 miles (441 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train |
|---|---|
€42 Average price Cheapest | €68 Average price |
9h 38m Average total duration Fastest 9h 8m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 10h 3m Average total duration 9h 33m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.4 - 1.1kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Oakland, CA to Santa Barbara, CA Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 07:00AM | Arrival Time 04:15PM | Duration 9h15 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $96 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:40AM | Arrival Time 02:40PM | Duration 7h00 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu | Cheapest price $61 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 08:45AM | Arrival Time 06:47PM | Duration 10h02 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $129 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 09:09AM | Arrival Time 09:55PM | Duration 12h46 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $97 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 09:45AM | Arrival Time 06:54PM | Duration 9h09 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $51 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 01:45PM | Arrival Time 09:55PM | Duration 8h10 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $96 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 11:20PM | Arrival Time 11:40AM | Duration 12h20 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Sun | Cheapest price $109 |
Live departures
Oakland, CA to Santa Barbara, CA bus times
The table below shows live departures for Oakland, CA to Santa Barbara, CA buses for tomorrow, Friday, November 7. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
523 Capitol Corridor · 4790 AMTRAK | 3:00 PM Oakland – Jack London Square station, Oakland, CA | 9h15 | 12:15 AM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 1 transfer | |
11 Coast Starlight · 6241 AMTRAK | 5:09 PM Oakland – Jack London Square station, Oakland, CA | 12h46 | 5:55 AM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 1 transfer | |
4794 AMTRAK · 794 Pacific Surfliner | 5:45 PM Oakland – Jack London Square station, Oakland, CA | 9h09 | 2:54 AM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 1 transfer | |
541 Capitol Corridor · 6241 AMTRAK | 9:45 PM Oakland – Jack London Square station, Oakland, CA | 8h10 | 5:55 AM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 1 transfer | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Oakland, 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.
Nov 07
Nov 08
Nov 09
Nov 10
Nov 11
Nov 12
Nov 13
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Oakland, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
Distance 274 miles (441 km) |
Average bus duration 9h 8m |
Cheapest ticket price $46 (€38) |
Buses per day 4 |
Direct buses 1 |
Fastest bus 6h 50m |
First bus 07:00 |
Last bus 23:20 |
Key Takeaways
Train Ticket Prices
- Budget Options: Train tickets from Oakland, CA to Santa Barbara, CA start from as low as $46 (€38) if booked well in advance.
- Standard Fares: Typically, trains cost $52 (€42) depending on the train type and class.
Bus providers: FlixBus from Oakland, CA to Santa Barbara, CAYou can travel by bus between Oakland, CA to Santa Barbara, CA with FlixBus for as low as $46 (€38). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
FlixBus
FAQs: Bus from Oakland, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Oakland, 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.

- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
To find the cheapest bus tickets for your trip from Oakland, CA to Santa Barbara, CA, follow these tips:
Start your search now and compare ticket prices to find the best deal!
- FlixBus
- One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
- FlixBus
- Small pets in carriers allowed
- Guide dogs travel for free.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Oakland, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
Most popular bus connections from Oakland, CA
More options for your journey from Oakland, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
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