The cheapest and fastest buses from San Jose, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
Cheapest price
$84
Average price
$84
Fastest journey
7 h 7 m
Average duration
7 h 40 m
Buses per day
2
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 $84 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $84.
It's difficult to get from San Jose, CA to Santa Barbara, CA without transferring at least once.
523 Capitol Corridor · 4790 AMTRAK
541 Capitol Corridor · 6241 AMTRAK
541 Capitol Corridor · 6241 AMTRAK
523 Capitol Corridor · 4790 AMTRAKTravel 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
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 08:02AM | Arrival Time 04:15PM | Duration 8h13 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $84 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:15PM | Arrival Time 06:40PM | Duration 5h25 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $72 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 02:48PM | Arrival Time 09:55PM | Duration 7h07 | 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, Thursday, November 6. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 3:02 PM San Jose, CA | 8h13 | 11:15 PM Santa Barbara, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 4:25 PM San Jose, CA | 5h15 | 9:40 PM Santa Barbara, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 4:55 PM San Jose, CA | 5h15 | 10:10 PM Santa Barbara, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 10:20 PM San Jose, CA | 6h35 | 4:55 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 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.
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Journey information
Overview: Bus from San Jose, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
Distance 236 miles (380 km) |
Average bus duration 6h 32m |
Cheapest ticket price $45 (€37) |
Buses per day 3 |
Direct buses 1 |
Fastest bus 5h 15m |
First bus 00:55 |
Last bus 23:10 |
Key Takeaways
Train Ticket Prices
- Budget Options: Train tickets from San Jose, CA to Santa Barbara, CA start from as low as $45 (€37) if booked well in advance.
- Standard Fares: Typically, trains cost $68 (€56) depending on the train type and class.
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 $45 (€37). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
FlixBus
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.

- 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 Jose, 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 Jose, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
Most popular bus connections from San Jose, CA
More options for your journey from San Jose, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
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