San Jose, CA to Santa Barbara, CA bus with FlixBus

Sun, Dec 21
+ Add return
FlixBus
Alsa
BlaBlaCar Bus
Rede Expressos
Itabus
1,000+ travel companies
FlixBus
Alsa
BlaBlaCar Bus
Rede Expressos
Itabus
1,000+ travel companies
QR-Code
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
rate4.9
42K ratings
Google Play
rate4.6
136K reviews

The cheapest and fastest buses from San Jose, CA to Santa Barbara, CA

Showing times and prices for Dec 22

Cheapest price

$175

Average price

$175

Fastest journey

5 h 15 m

Average duration

5 h 15 m

Buses per day

1

Distance

380 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from San Jose, 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 Jose, CA to Santa Barbara, CA will cost around $175 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $175.

Fast buses

Of the 1 buses that leave San Jose, CA for Santa Barbara, CA on Mon, Dec 22, 1 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 380 km distance in an average of 5 h 15 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 5 h 15 m .

On Mon, Dec 22 the slowest buses will take 5 h 15 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
09:25AM5h15
San José, Cahill Street (Diridon Station)
02:40PMSanta Barbara, Bus station
$1751One-way
0 transfers

Travel Information

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

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from San Jose, CA to Santa Barbara, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €37. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 6h 32m. 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 €37, and a flight costs an average of €237.

Distance: 236 miles (380 km)

Compare bus with

Bus
Most popular
Train
Flight

€56

Average price

Cheapest

€106

Average price

€670

Average price

7h 2m

Average total duration

Fastest

6h 32m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

8h 15m

Average total duration

7h 45m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

11h 46m

Average total duration

8h 46m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

0.4 - 0.9kg

CO2 emissions

0.1 - 0.3kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

1.1 - 2.3kg

CO2 emissions

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

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

San Jose, CA to Santa Barbara, CA Bus Timetables

OperatorDeparture TimeArrival TimeDurationDeparture daysCheapest price
Operator
Greyhound
Departure Time
12:55AM
Arrival Time
11:40AM
Duration
10h45
Departure days
Sun
Cheapest price
$205
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
09:25AM
Arrival Time
02:40PM
Duration
5h15
Departure days
Mon, Tue
Cheapest price
$139
Operator
Amtrak
Departure Time
09:48AM
Arrival Time
06:47PM
Duration
8h59
Departure days
Sun
Cheapest price
$117
Operator
Amtrak
Departure Time
10:26AM
Arrival Time
09:55PM
Duration
11h29
Departure days
Tue
Cheapest price
$297
Operator
Amtrak
Departure Time
11:35AM
Arrival Time
06:54PM
Duration
7h19
Departure days
Fri, Sun
Cheapest price
$111
Operator
Amtrak
Departure Time
12:47PM
Arrival Time
09:30PM
Duration
8h43
Departure days
Sun
Cheapest price
$84
Operator
Amtrak
Departure Time
02:47PM
Arrival Time
09:55PM
Duration
7h08
Departure days
Tue
Cheapest price
$84

Live departures

San Jose, CA to Santa Barbara, CA bus times

The table below shows live departures for San Jose, CA to Santa Barbara, CA buses for tomorrow, Monday, December 22. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.

Last updated at 10:05 PM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus5:25 PM San José, Cahill Street (Diridon Station)
5h15
10:40 PM Santa Barbara, Bus station0 transfersDirect

This is the last bus of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets San Jose, 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.

Mon
Dec 22
Tue
Dec 23
Wed
Dec 24
Thu
Dec 25
Fri
Dec 26
Sat
Dec 27
Sun
Dec 28
Mon
Dec 29
Tue
Dec 30
Wed
Dec 31
Thu
Jan 01
Fri
Jan 02
Sat
Jan 03
Sun
Jan 04

Journey information

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

USAUSA
USAUSA
Icon of bus

Buses from San Jose, CA to Santa Barbara, CA run on average 3 times per day, taking around 6h 32m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $46 (€37) if you book in advance.

There are 1 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:55, the last at 23:10. The fastest bus covers the 236 miles (380 km) distance in 5h 15m.

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
236 miles (380 km)
Average bus duration
6h 32m
Cheapest ticket price
$46 (€37)
Buses per day
3
Direct buses
1
Fastest bus
5h 15m
First bus
00:55
Last bus
23:10
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: FlixBus from San Jose, CA to Santa Barbara, CAYou can travel by bus between San Jose, CA to Santa Barbara, CA with FlixBus for as low as $46 (€37). 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 Duration
5h 15m
Cheapest Price
$46 (€37)
FlixBus frequency
1 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.

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

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from San Jose, 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 Jose, CA to Santa Barbara, CA can start from as little as $52 (€42) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for San Jose, CA to Santa Barbara, CA is $84 (€67); however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
On average the San Jose, CA to Santa Barbara, CA bus time is 5 h 30 min   covering the 236 mile (380 km) long journey, but the journey time can vary depending on specific dates or if traveling on weekends and holidays.
The first bus from San Jose, CA to Santa Barbara, CA leaves at 8: 55AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner   from Omio.
The last bus from San Jose, CA to Santa Barbara, CA leaves at 11: 20PM.
Yes, there is 1 direct bus a day from San Jose, CA to Santa Barbara, CA with FlixBus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct buses.
Take the San Jose, CA to Santa Barbara, CA bus with FlixBus. However, it's always good to check out all possible bus companies for the route to Santa Barbara, CA from San Jose, CA as there might be differences in the amenities they offer.
The cheapest month to travel from San Jose, CA to Santa Barbara, CA by bus is August.
You have options as you can travel to Santa Barbara, CA from San Jose, CA 2 different ways: train or bus.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from San Jose, CA to Santa Barbara, CA:
  • FlixBus
    • Assistance
    • Priority boarding
    • Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from San Jose, CA to Santa Barbara, CA for bus company 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.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus company FlixBus.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from San Jose, CA to Santa Barbara, CA depends on the bus company:
  • 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 Jose, CA to Santa Barbara, CA, follow these tips:

  • Book in advance: Tickets are often cheaper when booked early.
  • Be flexible with dates and times: Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money.
  • Use our search filters: Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options.
  • Look for special deals or discounts: Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
  • Start your search now and compare ticket prices to find the best deal!

    Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the bus from San Jose, CA to Santa Barbara, CA.
    Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from San Jose, CA to Santa Barbara, CA:
    • 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 Jose, CA to Santa Barbara, CA:
    • FlixBus
      • Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
    Yes, you can bring your pet on the bus from San Jose, 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 Jose, CA to Santa Barbara, CA with the following bus company: FlixBus
    Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from San Jose, CA to Santa Barbara, CA with the following bus company: FlixBus.
    Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from San Jose, CA to Santa Barbara, CA with the following bus company: FlixBus.

    popular bus stations

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

    San Jose
    Santa Barbara
    The major bus station for departures in San Jose is San José, Cahill Street (Diridon Station). Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at San José, Cahill Street (Diridon Station) for your trip from San Jose to Santa Barbara.
    San José, Cahill Street (Diridon Station)
    information

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

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

    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.

    ios-badge
    android-badge
    Hand With Phone