- 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.
Cheapest price on Sep 20
$160
Average ticket price on Sep 20
$160
Fastest journey on Sep 20
10 h 35 m
Average journey duration on Sep 20
10 h 35 m
Buses on Sep 20
1
Distance
380 km
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 $160 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $160.
It's difficult to get from San Jose, CA to Santa Barbara, CA without transferring at least once.
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FlixBus
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FlixBusOmio 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 an average ticket price of $86 For those with little time, consider booking a bus, which has an average total journey time of 6h 38m. 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 $86, while a flight costs an average of $911.
Distance: 236 miles (380 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$86 Average price Cheapest | $152 Average price | $911 Average price | $57 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 38m Average total duration Fastest 6h 8m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 16m Average total duration 7h 46m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 9m Average total duration 5h 9m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 4h 18m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.4 - 0.9kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 1.1 - 2.3kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | ![]() 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.
This is compared to other travel options from San Jose, CA to Santa Barbara, CA:
A bus is $67 (€54) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from San Jose, CA to Santa Barbara, CA costing on average $152 (€124).
A bus is $825 (€674) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from San Jose, CA to Santa Barbara, CA costing on average $911 (€745).
Other travel options to Santa Barbara, CA take longer:
Bus takes on average 6h 8m.
Train takes on average 7h 46m.
Tickets start at around $86 (€70) compared to roughly $57 (€47) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-28.30 (€-23.13). The journey takes 6h 8m versus 4h 18m 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.
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.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 12:35AM | Arrival Time 11:10AM | Duration 10h35 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Sun | Cheapest price $84 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:15AM | Arrival Time 01:45PM | Duration 5h30 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $38 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 08:57AM | Arrival Time 03:25PM | Duration 6h28 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $165 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 10:22AM | Arrival Time 06:47PM | Duration 8h25 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $135 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 11:25AM | Arrival Time 06:47PM | Duration 7h22 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $129 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:35PM | Arrival Time 12:55AM | Duration 12h20 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $168 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 12:47PM | Arrival Time 09:30PM | Duration 8h43 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $125 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 03:17PM | Arrival Time 11:20PM | Duration 8h03 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $83 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 04:17PM | Arrival Time 12:20AM | Duration 8h03 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $82 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 09:47PM | Arrival Time 04:55AM | Duration 7h08 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $84 |
The table below shows live departures for San Jose, CA to Santa Barbara, CA buses for today, Saturday, September 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
723 · 6299 | 8:57 AM Santa Clara Station, Santa Clara, CA | 6h28 | 3:25 PM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 1 transfer | |
727 · 4794 · 1594 | 10:22 AM Santa Clara Station, Santa Clara, CA | 8h25 | 6:47 PM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 2 transfers | |
4794 · 1594 | 11:25 AM San José Diridon Station, San Jose, CA | 7h22 | 6:47 PM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 1 transfer | |
733 · 6287 | 12:47 PM Santa Clara Station, Santa Clara, CA | 8h43 | 9:30 PM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 1 transfer | |
| Sunday, September 20 | |||||
+ FlixBus | 12:35 AM San José, Cahill Street (Diridon Station) | 10h35 | 11:10 AM Santa Barbara, Bus station | 1 transfer | |
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 San Jose, CA to Santa Barbara, CA run on average 1 times per day, taking around 6h 8m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $39 (€32) if you book in advance.
There are 1 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:55, the last at 23:30. The fastest bus covers the 236 miles (380 km) distance in 5h 10m.
Distance 236 miles (380 km) |
Average bus duration 6h 8m |
Cheapest ticket price $39 (€32) |
Buses per day 1 |
Direct buses 1 |
Fastest bus 5h 10m |
First bus 12:55 AM |
Last bus 11:30 PM |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 14 days |
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.
Leading regional art museum with American, Asian, and contemporary works in a refined downtown setting with strong rotating exhibitions.
Natural history museum in Mission Canyon with exhibits on wildlife, geology, and Chumash heritage, plus a popular butterfly pavilion seasonally.
Waterfront maritime museum covering Channel history, shipwrecks, navigation, and regional seafaring culture in a polished harbor location.
Lively main street lined with Spanish-style architecture, shops, theaters, and landmarks, making it the heart of downtown walking routes.
Classic beachside promenade ideal for walking and biking, with palm-lined ocean views, parks, and access to the harbor and wharf.
Popular waterfront district with marina views, boat activity, museums, and easy walking access to coastal paths and sunset scenery.
Fresh sea urchin roe landed from the Santa Barbara Channel. Briny, sweet, and prized because the region is one of California's best-known uni sources.
Spot prawns from local waters, often grilled or served simply to highlight their sweetness. Seasonal and celebrated for their freshness on the Central Coast.
Local spiny lobster, usually prepared grilled or roasted. A prized seasonal catch tied to the Santa Barbara Channel fishing tradition.
Refined downtown restaurant serving elegant Central Coast cuisine with strong local seafood and wine in a polished setting.
Long-running fine dining restaurant focused on seasonal ingredients and local catch, with a classic upscale atmosphere.
Historic waterfront oyster bar known for very fresh local seafood, chowder, and a lively harbor setting.
Santa Barbara is pricier than many US beach cities, with higher hotel rates, dining, and parking; transit is affordable but limited for tourists.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, 15-20% for taxis and rideshares, and $1-2 at cafes for counter service or drinks.
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.

Most San Jose, CA to Santa Barbara, CA buses use the San José, Cahill Street (Diridon Station) to Santa Barbara, Bus station station pair. Use this guide to compare San Jose, CA and Santa Barbara, CA bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
San José, Cahill Street (Diridon Station) is 1 km from San Jose city centre. Public transport options include:
San José, Cahill Street (Diridon Station) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Various food options available inside the station.
Wi-Fi is available at San José, Cahill Street (Diridon Station). ATMs are aTMs located near the entrance.
Ticket office support is available at San José, Cahill Street (Diridon Station).
Available at San José, Cahill Street (Diridon Station): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at San José, Cahill Street (Diridon Station): Wheelchair accessible with ramps and elevators.
Santa Barbara, Bus station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Free public Wi-Fi available. ATMs are located inside the station building.
Ticket office support is available at Santa Barbara, Bus station.
Available at Santa Barbara, Bus station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Santa Barbara, Bus station: Wheelchair accessible routes available.
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