- 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 15
$30
Average ticket price on Sep 15
$30
Fastest journey on Sep 15
14 h
Average journey duration on Sep 15
14 h
Buses on Sep 15
1
Distance
184 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Orange, 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 Orange, CA to Santa Barbara, CA will cost around $30 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $30.
It's difficult to get from Orange, CA to Santa Barbara, CA without transferring at least once.


Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Orange, CA to Santa Barbara, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $47 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 4h 3m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $47, while a flight costs an average of $721.
Distance: 114 miles (184 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$47 Average price Cheapest | $51 Average price | $721 Average price | $26 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 20m Average total duration 3h 50m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 3m Average total duration Fastest 3h 33m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 38m Average total duration 3h 38m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 2h 25m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Orange, CA to Santa Barbara, CA:
A bus is $3 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Orange, CA to Santa Barbara, CA costing on average $51.
A bus is $674 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Orange, CA to Santa Barbara, CA costing on average $721.
Other travel options to Santa Barbara, CA take longer:
Flight takes on average 3h 38m.
Bus takes on average 3h 50m.
Tickets start at around $47 compared to roughly $26 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-21.50. The journey takes 3h 50m versus 2h 25m 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 06:01AM | Arrival Time 11:20AM | Duration 5h19 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $87 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 06:10AM | Arrival Time 11:20AM | Duration 5h10 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $86 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 06:18AM | Arrival Time 11:20AM | Duration 5h02 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $84 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 03:45PM | Arrival Time 08:35PM | Duration 4h50 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $34 |
Operator Greyhound USA | Departure Time 09:40PM | Arrival Time 11:40AM | Duration 14h00 | Departure days Tue, Sun | Cheapest price $30 |
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 Orange, CA to Santa Barbara, CA run on average 1 times per day, taking around 3h 50m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $31 if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 00:05, the last at 23:45. The fastest bus covers the 114 miles (184 km) distance in 3h 50m.
Distance 114 miles (184 km) |
Average bus duration 3h 50m |
Cheapest ticket price $31 |
Buses per day 1 |
Fastest bus 3h 50m |
First bus 12:05 AM |
Last bus 11:45 PM |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 35 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 Orange, 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 Orange, CA to Santa Barbara, CA buses use the Santa Ana, E Santa Ana Blvd (Train Station) to Santa Barbara, Bus station station pair. Use this guide to compare Orange, CA and Santa Barbara, CA bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
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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