- Must visit
Santa Barbara Museum of Art
Leading regional art museum with American, Asian and European works, plus rotating exhibitions in a downtown setting.
Cheapest price
$228
Average price
$228
Fastest journey
1 d 12 h 40 m
Average duration
1 d 12 h 40 m
Buses per day
1
Distance
1260 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Portland, OR 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 Portland, OR to Santa Barbara, CA will cost around $228 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $228.
It's difficult to get from Portland, OR to Santa Barbara, CA without transferring at least 2 times.


Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Portland, OR to Santa Barbara, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the flight with prices starting from $128. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 5h 44m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a flight costs an average of $128, and a bus costs an average of $196.
Distance: 782 miles (1260 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$407 Average price | $276 Average price | $264 Average price Cheapest | $190 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
26h 15m Average total duration 25h 45m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 28h 20m Average total duration 27h 50m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 44m Average total duration Fastest 5h 44m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 14h 7m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Portland, OR to Santa Barbara, CA:
A flight is $13 (€10) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Portland, OR to Santa Barbara, CA costing on average $276 (€226).
A flight is $143 (€117) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Portland, OR to Santa Barbara, CA costing on average $407 (€333).
Other travel options to Santa Barbara, CA take longer:
Bus takes on average 25h 45m.
Train takes on average 27h 50m.
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 Greyhound USA | Departure Time 02:00AM | Arrival Time 02:40PM | Duration 36h40 | Departure days Tue, Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $228 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 06:50PM | Arrival Time 05:55PM | Duration 47h05 | Departure days Wed, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $122 |
The table below shows live departures for Portland, OR 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
· · + FlixBus | 6:50 PM Portland, NW Station Way (Station Place Parking Garage), OR | 47h05 | 5:55 PM Isla Vista, UC Santa Barbara (Bus Loop), CA | 3 transfers | |
| Sunday, June 21 | |||||
![]() | 2:00 AM Portland, OR | 36h40 | 2:40 PM Santa Barbara, CA | 2 transfers | |
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 Portland, OR to Santa Barbara, CA run on average 2 times per day, taking around 25h 45m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $196 (€160) but you can travel from only $128 (€105) by flight.
The earliest bus runs at 02:00, the last at 19:50. The fastest bus covers the 782 miles (1260 km) distance in 45h 55m.
Distance 782 miles (1260 km) |
Average bus duration 25h 45m |
Cheapest ticket price $196 (€160) |
Buses per day 2 |
Fastest bus 45h 55m |
First bus 2:00 AM |
Last bus 7:50 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Best time to book 42 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 Portland, OR 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 Portland, OR to Santa Barbara, CA buses use the Portland, NW Station Way (Station Place Parking Garage) to Santa Barbara, Bus station station pair. Use this guide to compare Portland, OR and Santa Barbara, CA bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need