- Must visit
Santa Barbara Museum of Art
Leading regional art museum with strong American, Asian, and European collections in a prominent downtown setting.
Cheapest price
$212
Average price
$212
Fastest journey
1 d 22 h 25 m
Average duration
1 d 22 h 25 m
Buses per day
1
Distance
1204 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Salem, 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 Salem, OR to Santa Barbara, CA will cost around $212 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $212.
It's difficult to get from Salem, OR to Santa Barbara, CA without transferring at least 2 times.


Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Salem, OR to Santa Barbara, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $264. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 8h 14m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $264, and a bus costs an average of $409.
Distance: 748 miles (1204 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight |
|---|---|---|
$409 Average price | $264 Average price Cheapest | $340 Average price |
45h 20m Average total duration 44h 50m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 27h 3m Average total duration 26h 33m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 11h 14m Average total duration Fastest 8h 14m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Salem, OR to Santa Barbara, CA:
A train is $75 (€61) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Salem, OR to Santa Barbara, CA costing on average $340 (€274).
A train is $144 (€116) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Salem, OR to Santa Barbara, CA costing on average $409 (€330).
Other travel options to Santa Barbara, CA take longer:
Train takes on average 26h 33m.
Bus takes on average 44h 50m.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:05AM | Arrival Time 12:55AM | Duration 44h50 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $409 |
Operator Flixbus USA | Departure Time 09:05PM | Arrival Time 07:30PM | Duration 46h25 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $172 |
The table below shows live departures for Salem, OR to Santa Barbara, CA buses for today, Wednesday, June 3. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 9:05 PM Salem, OR | 46h25 | 7:30 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 Salem, OR to Santa Barbara, CA run on average 6 times per day, taking around 44h 50m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $409 (€330) but you can travel from only $264 (€214) by train.
The earliest bus runs at 09:57, the last at 21:05. The fastest bus covers the 748 miles (1204 km) distance in 44h 50m.
Distance 748 miles (1204 km) |
Average bus duration 44h 50m |
Cheapest ticket price $409 (€330) |
Buses per day 6 |
Fastest bus 44h 50m |
First bus 9:57 AM |
Last bus 9:05 PM |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
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 strong American, Asian, and European collections in a prominent downtown setting.
Hands-on science and technology museum popular with families for interactive exhibits and rooftop activities.
Compact waterfront museum covering regional seafaring history, Channel maritime culture, and local ocean exploration.
Classic waterfront promenade with ocean views, harbor access, and one of the city’s most recognizable settings.
Main downtown corridor for walking, shopping, people-watching, and easy access to major attractions.
Celebrated botanical garden estate in Montecito with extraordinary themed gardens; advance reservations are typical.
Central Coast barbecue tradition featuring oak-grilled beef tri-tip, often served with pinquito beans, salsa, and garlic bread. It is one of the region's most iconic local meals.
A beloved local sandwich made with sliced Santa Maria-style tri-tip on bread, commonly found at casual grills and roadside spots across the area.
Seasonal local prawns from the Santa Barbara Channel, prized for their sweetness and delicate texture. They are a standout coastal seafood specialty when available.
Respected waterfront-adjacent restaurant specializing in Italian-inspired coastal cuisine, pasta, and polished service.
Well-known New American restaurant in the Funk Zone with stylish interiors, seasonal ingredients, and strong local wine offerings.
Established Spanish restaurant serving paella, tapas, and cocktails in an elegant but energetic downtown setting.
Santa Barbara is pricey by U.S. standards, especially for hotels and dining. Budget options exist, but most visitors spend more than in many other California cities.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, 15-20% for taxis and rideshares, USD 1-2 per bag for hotel staff, and USD 1-2 per drink at bars. Tipping is expected for service.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Salem, 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.

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need