4.9
4.6The cheapest and fastest buses from San Francisco, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
Cheapest price
$64
Average price
$64
Fastest journey
6 h 20 m
Average duration
6 h 20 m
Buses per day
1
Distance
446 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from San Francisco, 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 Francisco, CA to Santa Barbara, CA will cost around $64 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $64.
Of the 1 buses that leave San Francisco, CA for Santa Barbara, CA on Mon, Nov 17, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, Nov 17 the direct buses cover the 446 km distance in an average of 6 h 20 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 6 h 20 m .
On Mon, Nov 17 the slowest buses will take 6 h 20 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.
FlixBusFlixBus
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for San Francisco, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from San Francisco, CA to Santa Barbara, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €32. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 12m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.4kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €32, and a flight costs an average of €68.
Distance: 277 miles (446 km)
Compare bus with
Most popular Bus | Train | Flight |
|---|---|---|
€53 Average price Cheapest | €66 Average price | €228 Average price |
8h 9m Average total duration 7h 39m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 10h 15m Average total duration 9h 45m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 12m Average total duration Fastest 1h 12m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.4 - 1.1kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 1.3 - 2.7kg CO2 emissions |
Most popular bus company |  Most popular train company |  Most popular airline |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
San Francisco, CA to Santa Barbara, CA Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 06:49AM | Arrival Time 03:35PM | Duration 8h46 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $100 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:20AM | Arrival Time 02:40PM | Duration 6h20 | Departure days Mon, Thu | Cheapest price $64 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 08:39AM | Arrival Time 09:55PM | Duration 13h16 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $110 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 10:00AM | Arrival Time 06:54PM | Duration 8h54 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $62 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:05PM | Arrival Time 06:40PM | Duration 6h35 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $151 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 01:34PM | Arrival Time 09:40PM | Duration 8h06 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $100 |
Live departures
San Francisco, CA to Santa Barbara, CA bus times
The table below shows live departures for San Francisco, CA to Santa Barbara, CA buses for today, Sunday, November 16. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4:30 PM San Francisco, CA | 6h30 | 11:00 PM Santa Barbara, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 7:05 PM San Francisco, CA | 6h35 | 1:40 AM 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 Francisco, 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.
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Journey information
Overview: Bus from San Francisco, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
USAUSA
Buses from San Francisco, CA to Santa Barbara, CA run on average 4 times per day, taking around 7h 39m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $40 (€32) if you book in advance.
There are 1 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 06:30, the last at 23:25. The fastest bus covers the 277 miles (446 km) distance in 6h 15m.
Distance 277 miles (446 km) |
Average bus duration 7h 39m |
Cheapest ticket price $40 (€32) |
Buses per day 4 |
Direct buses 1 |
Fastest bus 6h 15m |
First bus 06:30 |
Last bus 23:25 |
Bus providers: FlixBus from San Francisco, CA to Santa Barbara, CAYou can travel by bus between San Francisco, CA to Santa Barbara, CA with FlixBus for as low as $40 (€32). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
FlixBus
FAQs: Bus from San Francisco, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from San Francisco, 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.
- 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.
To find the cheapest bus tickets for your trip from San Francisco, 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).
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
- FlixBus
- Small pets in carriers allowed
- Guide dogs travel for free.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from San Francisco, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
More options for your journey from San Francisco, 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 Francisco, CA
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