4.9
4.6The cheapest and fastest buses from San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
Cheapest price
$33
Average price
$35
Fastest journey
5 h 30 m
Average duration
7 h 13 m
Buses per day
2
Distance
302 km
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 $35 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $33.
Of the 2 buses that leave San Diego, CA for Santa Barbara, CA on Mon, Dec 22, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, Dec 22 the direct buses cover the 302 km distance in an average of 7 h 13 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 5 h 30 m .
On Mon, Dec 22 the slowest buses will take 8 h 55 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.
Travel Information
Compare train, flight, and bus 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 prices starting from €21. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 5h 48m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €21, and a flight costs an average of €124.
Distance: 187 miles (302 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight |
|---|---|---|
€37 Average price Cheapest | €40 Average price | €291 Average price |
6h 19m Average total duration 5h 49m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 18m Average total duration Fastest 5h 48m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 52m Average total duration 5h 52m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.3 - 0.8kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.9 - 1.8kg CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
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 today, Sunday, December 21. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 1:30 PM San Diego, CA | 7h05 | 8:35 PM Santa Barbara, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 2:15 PM San Diego, CA | 6h20 | 8:35 PM Santa Barbara, CA | 0 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, flight, or bus
Compare train, flight, and bus 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.
Dec 22
Dec 23
Dec 24
Dec 25
Dec 26
Dec 27
Dec 28
Journey information
Overview: Bus from San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
USAUSA
Buses from San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA run on average 4 times per day, taking around 5h 49m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $26 (€21) 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 30m.
Distance 187 miles (302 km) |
Average bus duration 5h 49m |
Cheapest ticket price $26 (€21) |
Buses per day 4 |
Fastest bus 5h 30m |
First bus 03:50 |
Last bus 21:55 |
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 $26 (€21). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
FlixBus
Greyhound
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.
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
- Greyhound
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Greyhound
- You can cancel your ticket for a refund or exchange up to 24 hours before departure, for a cancellation fee applied.
To find the cheapest bus tickets for your trip from San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA, follow these tips:
Start your search now and compare ticket prices to find the best deal!
- FlixBus
- One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
- Greyhound
- One carry-on bag up to 25 lbs (11 kg) and one checked bag up to 50 lbs (23 kg).
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
- Greyhound
- $15 per additional bag.
- FlixBus
- Small pets in carriers allowed
- Guide dogs travel for free.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
More options for your journey from San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Santa Barbara, CA and San Diego, CA
The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy
We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.
