San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA bus with Greyhound

Sat, Sep 19
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The cheapest and fastest buses from San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 19

Cheapest price on Sep 19

€30

Average ticket price on Sep 19

€30

Fastest journey on Sep 19

6 h 50 m

Average journey duration on Sep 19

6 h 50 m

Buses on Sep 19

1

Distance

302 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from San Diego, 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 San Diego, 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.

Fast buses

On Sat, Sep 19, we found 1 buses from San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA, including 1 direct services.

On Sat, Sep 19 the direct buses cover the 302 km distance in an average of 6 h 50 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 6 h 50 m .

On Sat, Sep 19 the slowest buses will take 6 h 50 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.

  • Greyhound
    1:45 PM6h50
    San Diego, CA
    8:35 PMSanta Barbara, CA
    301One-way
    0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare train, bus, and flight for San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of €43 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 5h 49m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.3kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €43, while a flight costs an average of €467.

Distance: 187 miles (302 km)

Compare bus with

Bus
Most popular
Train
Flight
Driving

€43

Average price

Cheapest

€52

Average price

€467

Average price

€43

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

6h 39m

Average total duration

6h 9m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

6h 16m

Average total duration

5h 46m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

5h 49m

Average total duration

Fastest

3h 49m

Onboard

+

2h 0m

Additional time*

3h 46m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

0.3 - 0.8kg

CO2 emissions

0.1 - 0.3kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.9 - 1.8kg

CO2 emissions

-

CO2 emissions

Greyhound

Most popular bus company

Amtrak

Most popular train company

United

Most popular airline

Your own car or car rental

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

The cheapest way to travel from San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA is a bus with an average price of €43.

This is compared to other travel options from San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA:

A bus is €9 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA costing on average €52.

A bus is €424 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA costing on average €467.

The fastest way to travel from San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA is by flight with an average journey time of 3h 49m.

Other travel options to Santa Barbara, CA take longer:

Train takes on average 5h 46m.

Bus takes on average 6h 9m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between San Diego, CA and Santa Barbara, CA including taking a train, bus, and flight.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA among Omio's users.
Take the bus. It's the cheapest way to make this trip, and the price gap is usually bigger than people expect.

Tickets start at around €43 compared to roughly €43 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about €0.26. The journey takes 6h 9m versus 3h 46m 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.

Direct services are operated by FlixBus.

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.

San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA Bus Timetables

OperatorDeparture TimeArrival TimeDurationDeparture daysCheapest price
Operator
Greyhound
Departure Time
01:45PM
Arrival Time
08:35PM
Duration
6h50
Departure days
Fri, Sat
Cheapest price
30
Operator
Greyhound
Departure Time
02:45PM
Arrival Time
09:35PM
Duration
6h50
Departure days
Sun
Cheapest price
35
Operator
Greyhound Mexico
Departure Time
07:25PM
Arrival Time
11:40AM
Duration
16h15
Departure days
Tue
Cheapest price
44

Live departures

San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA bus times

The table below shows live departures for San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA buses for tomorrow, Saturday, September 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
Greyhound1:45 PM San Diego, CA
6h50
8:35 PM Santa Barbara, CA0 transfersDirect

This is the last bus of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA by train, bus, or flight

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.

Sat
Sep 19
Sun
Sep 20
Mon
Sep 21
Tue
Sep 22
Wed
Sep 23
Thu
Sep 24
Fri
Sep 25

Why should you book San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA buses with Omio?

Greyhound as well as FlixBus offer buses services from San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA.

Why book with Omio vs Greyhound?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Greyhound, but also compare tickets for the likes of FlixBus to find the best option for your trip from San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA.
  • Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
  • Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Greyhound with all available travel options, which are train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trainline?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of FlixBus to find the best option for your trip from San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA.

Journey information

Overview: Bus from San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA

USAUSA
USAUSA
Icon of bus

Buses from San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA run on average 2 times per day, taking around 6h 9m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at €25 if you book in advance.

The earliest bus runs at 03:50, the last at 21:55. The fastest bus covers the 187 miles (302 km) distance in 5h 20m.

Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Distance
187 miles (302 km)
Average bus duration
6h 9m
Cheapest ticket price
€25
Buses per day
2
Fastest bus
5h 20m
First bus
3:50 AM
Last bus
9:55 PM
Cheapest Month
Sep
Cheapest Day
Mon
High Season
Jul - Sep
Low Season
Apr - Jun
Busiest Day
Sat
Least Busy Day
Thu
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information

Bus providers: Greyhound, FlixBus from San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CAYou can travel by bus between San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA with Greyhound, FlixBus for as low as €39. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey

FlixBus

About
FlixBus is one of Europe’s leading low-cost bus companies, founded in Germany and now offering long-distance services across Europe and the United States. In addition to its extensive daytime network, FlixBus also operates overnight buses on select European routes. Standard amenities include free Wi-Fi, power outlets to charge devices, extra legroom, luggage space, and onboard toilets, with snacks and drinks available for purchase. FlixBus offers a single Standard ticket type for all routes, which includes one carry-on bag and one checked bag per passenger. Additional fees apply for extra luggage and for reserving specific seats, such as Extra Seats, Table Seats, or Panorama Seats. This combination of affordability, comfort, and wide coverage makes FlixBus a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average FlixBus Duration
5h 30m
Cheapest FlixBus Price
€29
FlixBus frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
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.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority boarding; Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed for a fee; must be booked.
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed; guide dogs travel for free.

Greyhound

About
Greyhound Lines, Inc. is a prominent American intercity bus transportation provider, established in 1914. It operates the largest intercity bus network in the United States, also extending services to Canada and Mexico. Greyhound is known for offering affordable and reliable long-distance travel, connecting major cities and rural communities across North America. The company's buses are equipped with amenities such as free Wi-Fi, power outlets, and extra legroom to enhance passenger comfort. Greyhound is a subsidiary of Flix SE, which also owns FlixBus, and together they offer an extensive network of over 1,600 destinations.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Greyhound Duration
5h 20m
Cheapest Greyhound Price
€25
Greyhound frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 25 lbs (11 kg) and one checked bag up to 50 lbs (23 kg).
Additional luggage
$15 per additional bag.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket for a refund or exchange up to 24 hours before departure, for a cancellation fee applied.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority seating; Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed.

Complete guide to Santa Barbara, CA

Things to do in Santa Barbara, CA

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.

  • 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.

  • Must visit

Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History

Natural history museum in Mission Canyon with exhibits on wildlife, geology, and Chumash heritage, plus a popular butterfly pavilion seasonally.

  • Recommended

Santa Barbara Maritime Museum

Waterfront maritime museum covering Channel history, shipwrecks, navigation, and regional seafaring culture in a polished harbor location.

US Dollar ($)

Santa Barbara is pricier than many US beach cities, with higher hotel rates, dining, and parking; transit is affordable but limited for tourists.

Average meal costs

Budget
$12-20 for fast food or casual lunch.
Mid-range
$25-45 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining
$75+ per person for upscale restaurants.
Coffee
$4-6 for coffee or cappuccino.

Tipping culture

Tip 18-20% at restaurants, 15-20% for taxis and rideshares, and $1-2 at cafes for counter service or drinks.

FAQs: Bus from San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from San Diego, 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.

FAQs
Cheap bus tickets from San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA can start from as little as €25 when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA is €43 ; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by bus from San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA is 5h 20m to travel the 187 miles (302 km) long journey. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest bus from San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA leaves at 3:50 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA leaves at 9:55 PM.
There are 2 buses a day from San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA which require at least one change with Greyhound, FlixBus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer buses.
When taking a bus from San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA, you can count on Greyhound, FlixBus for the best way to get you to Santa Barbara, CA. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between San Diego, CA and Santa Barbara, CA and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
When departing from San Diego, CA , you have various bus station options to start your journey from including San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park), CA, San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center . When arriving in Santa Barbara, CA , you can end your journey in bus stations like Isla Vista, UC Santa Barbara (Bus Loop), CA, Santa Barbara, Bus station .Passengers board the bus most frequently from San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park), CA, which is located around 3 miles (5 km) away from the city centre, and they get off the bus at Santa Barbara, Bus station, located 0 away from the city centre.
A trip to Santa Barbara, CA from San Diego, CA is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 5h 20m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA is September.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between San Diego, CA and Santa Barbara, CA including taking a train, bus, and flight.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA:
  • Greyhound
    • Assistance
    • Priority seating
    • Wheelchair-accessible buses.
  • FlixBus
    • Assistance
    • Priority boarding
    • Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA for bus company Greyhound, FlixBus.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in Santa Barbara, CA are:
  • 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.
The best things to do in Santa Barbara, CA include:
  • 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.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA depends on the bus companies:
  • Greyhound
    • You can cancel your ticket for a refund or exchange up to 24 hours before departure, for a cancellation fee applied.
  • 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.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus company Greyhound, FlixBus.
Tickets are often cheaper when booked early. Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money. Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options. Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the bus from San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA:
  • Greyhound
    • One carry-on bag up to 25 lbs (11 kg) and one checked bag up to 50 lbs (23 kg).
  • FlixBus
    • One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a bus ticket from San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA:
  • Greyhound
    • $15 per additional bag.
  • FlixBus
    • Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the bus from San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA. The following conditions apply:
  • FlixBus
    • Small pets in carriers allowed
    • guide dogs travel for free.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA with the following bus company: Greyhound, FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA with the following bus company: Greyhound, FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA with the following bus company: Greyhound, FlixBus.
Since neither San Diego, CA nor Santa Barbara, CA are in the Schengen Area, passport requirements depend on the specific immigration rules of United States and United States. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA among Omio's users.
The currency used in the United States is the US Dollar (USD). For travelers, using cards is generally more convenient and widely accepted, especially credit and debit cards, while cash is useful for small purchases or places that do not accept cards.
In Santa Barbara, CA, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing and vehicle break-ins, especially in crowded areas and popular tourist spots like State Street and the waterfront. Common scams include overcharging by some taxi or ride-share drivers and unofficial street vendors selling counterfeit goods. It is advisable to use authorized transportation services and keep personal belongings secure to avoid these issues.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.

popular bus stations

Popular bus stations from San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA

Most San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA buses use the San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park) to Isla Vista, UC Santa Barbara (Bus Loop) station pair. Use this guide to compare San Diego, CA and Santa Barbara, CA bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.

Departure bus stations in San Diego
Arrival bus stations in Santa Barbara

Which San Diego, CA station do buses to Santa Barbara, CA leave from?

Buses from San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA leave from San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park). The station is 3 miles (6 km) from San Diego, CA city centre at Congress St, San Diego, CA 92110, USA.
San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park)Congress St, San Diego, CA 92110, USAWifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCShowerTicket Office
City-centre transport

Getting to San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park) from San Diego city centre

San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park) is 5 km from San Diego city centre. Public transport options include:

BusFlixBus 2017 · 20m · €1
83 · 26m · €5
TramGreen, Blue, Event · 16m · every ~18 min
Blue · 21m · every ~9 min

San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park) bus station facilities and services

San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.

Food and drink

Food options include: Several dining options nearby.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park). ATMs are available at San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park).

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park).

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park): Parking, Taxis, WC.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park): Wheelchair accessible routes available.

San Diego, San Ysidro Transit CenterSan Ysidro Station, San Diego, CA 92173, USAWifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCShowerTicket Office
City-centre transport

Getting to San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center from San Diego city centre

San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center is 22 km from San Diego city centre. Public transport options include:

BusFlixBus 2017 · 25m · €2
910 · 41m · €5
TramBlue · 41m · €14 · every ~14 min
Blue · 43m · €14 · every ~14 min

San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center bus station facilities and services

San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.

Food and drink

Food options include: Several fast food eateries located nearby.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center. ATMs are available near the entrance.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center: Wheelchair accessible with ramps.

Most popular buses to and from Santa Barbara, CA and San Diego, CA

HomeBusesBuses in USABus tickets to Santa Barbara, CASan Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA bus

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