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

Sun, Sep 20
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The cheapest and fastest buses from San Jose, CA to Santa Barbara, CA

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 20

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

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 $160 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $160.

Fast buses

It's difficult to get from San Jose, CA to Santa Barbara, CA without transferring at least once.

  • Greyhound+FlixBusFlixBus
    12:35 AM10h35
    San José, Cahill Street (Diridon Station)
    11:10 AMSanta Barbara, Bus station
    $1601One-way
    1 transfer

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 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)

Compare bus with

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

FlixBus

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 Jose, CA to Santa Barbara, CA is a bus with an average price of $86 (€70).

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).

The fastest way to travel from San Jose, CA to Santa Barbara, CA is by flight with an average journey time of 5h 9m.

Other travel options to Santa Barbara, CA take longer:

Bus takes on average 6h 8m.

Train takes on average 7h 46m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between San Jose, 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 Jose, 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 $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.

San Jose, CA to Santa Barbara, CA Bus Timetables

OperatorDeparture TimeArrival TimeDurationDeparture daysCheapest 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

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 today, Saturday, September 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
Amtrak723 · 62998:57 AM Santa Clara Station, Santa Clara, CA
6h28
3:25 PM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA1 transfer
Amtrak727 · 4794 · 159410:22 AM Santa Clara Station, Santa Clara, CA
8h25
6:47 PM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA2 transfers
Amtrak4794 · 159411:25 AM San José Diridon Station, San Jose, CA
7h22
6:47 PM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA1 transfer
Amtrak733 · 628712:47 PM Santa Clara Station, Santa Clara, CA
8h43
9:30 PM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA1 transfer
Sunday, September 20
Greyhound+FlixBusFlixBus12:35 AM San José, Cahill Street (Diridon Station)
10h35
11:10 AM Santa Barbara, Bus station1 transfer

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.

Sun
Sep 20
Mon
Sep 21
Tue
Sep 22
Wed
Sep 23
Thu
Sep 24
Fri
Sep 25
Sat
Sep 26

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

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

Why book with Omio vs FlixBus?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for FlixBus, but also compare tickets for the likes of Greyhound to find the best option for your trip from San Jose, 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 FlixBus with all available travel options, which are train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from San Jose, 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 Greyhound to find the best option for your trip from San Jose, 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 Jose, CA to Santa Barbara, CA.

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 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.

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 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
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, Greyhound from San Jose, CA to Santa Barbara, CAYou can travel by bus between San Jose, CA to Santa Barbara, CA with FlixBus, Greyhound for as low as $39 (€32). 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 10m
Cheapest FlixBus Price
$39 (€32)
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.

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
7h 40m
Cheapest Greyhound Price
$83 (€68)
Greyhound frequency
1 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 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 $39 (€32) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for San Jose, CA to Santa Barbara, CA is $86 (€70) ; 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 Jose, CA to Santa Barbara, CA is 5h 10m to travel the 236 miles (380 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 Jose, CA to Santa Barbara, CA leaves at 12:55 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from San Jose, CA to Santa Barbara, CA leaves at 11:30 PM.
Yes, there are 1 direct buses a day from San Jose, CA to Santa Barbara, CA with FlixBus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct buses.
When taking a bus from San Jose, CA to Santa Barbara, CA, you can count on FlixBus, Greyhound 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 Jose, CA and Santa Barbara, CA and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
When departing from San Jose, CA , you have various bus station options to start your journey from including San José, Cahill Street (Diridon Station) . When arriving in Santa Barbara, CA , you can end your journey in bus stations like Santa Barbara, Bus station, Isla Vista, UC Santa Barbara (Bus Loop), CA .Passengers board the bus most frequently from San José, Cahill Street (Diridon Station), which is located around 0 miles (1 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 Jose, CA is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 5h 10m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from San Jose, CA to Santa Barbara, CA is April.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between San Jose, CA and Santa Barbara, CA including taking a train, bus, and flight.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from San Jose, CA to Santa Barbara, CA for bus company FlixBus, Greyhound.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from San Jose, CA to Santa Barbara, CA:
  • Greyhound
    • Assistance
    • Priority seating
    • Wheelchair-accessible buses.
  • FlixBus
    • Assistance
    • Priority boarding
    • Wheelchair-accessible buses.
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 Jose, 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 FlixBus, Greyhound.
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 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:
  • 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 Jose, 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 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, Greyhound
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from San Jose, CA to Santa Barbara, CA with the following bus company: FlixBus, Greyhound.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from San Jose, CA to Santa Barbara, CA with the following bus company: FlixBus, Greyhound.
Since neither San Jose, 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 Jose, 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 Jose, CA to Santa Barbara, CA

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.

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

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

Buses from San Jose, CA to Santa Barbara, CA leave from San José, Cahill Street (Diridon Station). The station is 0 miles (1 km) from San Jose, CA city centre at San Jose Diridon Station, 65 Cahill St, San Jose, CA 95110, USA.
San José, Cahill Street (Diridon Station)San Jose Diridon Station, 65 Cahill St, San Jose, CA 95110, USAWifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCShowerTicket Office
City-centre transport

Getting to San José, Cahill Street (Diridon Station) from San Jose city centre

San José, Cahill Street (Diridon Station) is 1 km from San Jose city centre. Public transport options include:

BusRapid 500, Rapid 568, 64A, 64B, 68, 202 · 7m · $6 · every ~26 min
TramGreen Line · 17m · $4 · every ~7 min

San José, Cahill Street (Diridon Station) bus station facilities and services

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 and drink

Food options include: Various food options available inside the station.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at San José, Cahill Street (Diridon Station). ATMs are aTMs located near the entrance.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at San José, Cahill Street (Diridon Station).

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at San José, Cahill Street (Diridon Station): Parking, Taxis, WC.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at San José, Cahill Street (Diridon Station): Wheelchair accessible with ramps and elevators.

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

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