- 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 19
€57
Average ticket price on Sep 19
€57
Fastest journey on Sep 19
13 h 35 m
Average journey duration on Sep 19
13 h 35 m
Buses on Sep 19
1
Distance
711 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Phoenix, AZ 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 Phoenix, AZ to Santa Barbara, CA will cost around €57 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €57.
It's difficult to get from Phoenix, AZ to Santa Barbara, CA without transferring at least once.
+
FlixBus
+
FlixBusOmio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Phoenix, AZ to Santa Barbara, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of €76 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 6h 11m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €76, while a flight costs an average of €542.
Distance: 441 miles (711 km)
Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
€76 Average price Cheapest | €542 Average price | €78 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
10h 3m Average total duration 9h 33m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 11m Average total duration Fastest 4h 11m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 7h 18m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Phoenix, AZ to Santa Barbara, CA:
A bus is €466 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Phoenix, AZ to Santa Barbara, CA costing on average €542.
Other travel options to Santa Barbara, CA take longer:
Bus takes on average 9h 33m.
Tickets start at around €76 compared to roughly €78 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about €2. The journey takes 9h 33m versus 7h 18m 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 Omnibus Express | Departure Time 12:30AM | Arrival Time 11:40AM | Duration 11h10 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price €97 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:35PM | Arrival Time 11:10AM | Duration 13h35 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price €55 |
Compare 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 Phoenix, AZ to Santa Barbara, CA run on average 1 times per day, taking around 9h 33m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at €50 if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 01:25, the last at 22:50. The fastest bus covers the 441 miles (711 km) distance in 9h 20m.
Distance 441 miles (711 km) |
Average bus duration 9h 33m |
Cheapest ticket price €50 |
Buses per day 1 |
Fastest bus 9h 20m |
First bus 1:25 AM |
Last bus 10:50 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
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 Phoenix, AZ 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 Phoenix, AZ to Santa Barbara, CA buses use the Phoenix, Bus Station (E Buckeye Rd) to Santa Barbara, Bus station station pair. Use this guide to compare Phoenix, AZ and Santa Barbara, CA bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Phoenix, Bus Station (E Buckeye Rd) is 3 km from Phoenix city centre. Public transport options include:
Phoenix, Bus Station (E Buckeye Rd) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Fast food outlets inside.
Free Wi-Fi throughout the station. ATMs are aTM located near the main entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Phoenix, Bus Station (E Buckeye Rd).
Available at Phoenix, Bus Station (E Buckeye Rd): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Phoenix, Bus Station (E Buckeye Rd): Wheelchair accessible with assistance.
Phoenix, Sky Train Station is 7 km from Phoenix city centre. Public transport options include:
Phoenix, Sky Train Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Free Wi-Fi accessible at the station. ATMs are available at Phoenix, Sky Train Station.
Ticket office support is available at Phoenix, Sky Train Station.
Available at Phoenix, Sky Train Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Phoenix, Sky Train Station: Wheelchair accessible with ramps.
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.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need