4.9
4.6The cheapest and fastest buses from Santa Barbara, CA to Berkeley, CA
Cheapest price on Sep 20
$41
Average ticket price on Sep 20
$41
Fastest journey on Sep 20
8 h 56 m
Average journey duration on Sep 20
9 h 26 m
Buses on Sep 20
2
Distance
448 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Santa Barbara, CA to Berkeley, CA is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Santa Barbara, CA to Berkeley, CA will cost around $41 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $41.
On Sun, Sep 20, we found 2 buses from Santa Barbara, CA to Berkeley, CA, including 2 direct services.
On Sun, Sep 20 the direct buses cover the 448 km distance in an average of 9 h 26 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 8 h 56 m .
On Sun, Sep 20 the slowest buses will take 9 h 56 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.
6:05 AM8h56Santa Barbara, CA3:01 PMBerkeley, CA$411One-way0 transfers- 5:05 AM9h56Santa Barbara, CA3:01 PMBerkeley, CA$421One-way0 transfers
- 6:05 AM8h56Santa Barbara, CA3:01 PMBerkeley, CA$411One-way0 transfers
- 5:05 AM9h56Santa Barbara, CA3:01 PMBerkeley, CA$421One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Santa Barbara, CA to Berkeley, CA
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Santa Barbara, CA to Berkeley, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $78 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 5h 57m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.4kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $78, while a flight costs an average of $740.
Distance: 278 miles (448 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$78 Average price Cheapest | $234 Average price | $740 Average price | $66 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
8h 43m Average total duration 8h 13m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 9h 30m Average total duration 9h 0m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 57m Average total duration Fastest 3h 57m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 5h 6m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.4 - 1.1kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 1.3 - 2.7kg 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 Santa Barbara, CA to Berkeley, CA:
A bus is $156 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Santa Barbara, CA to Berkeley, CA costing on average $234.
A bus is $663 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Santa Barbara, CA to Berkeley, CA costing on average $740.
Other travel options to Berkeley, CA take longer:
Bus takes on average 8h 13m.
Train takes on average 9h 0m.
Tickets start at around $78 compared to roughly $66 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-11.17. The journey takes 8h 13m versus 5h 6m 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.
Santa Barbara, CA to Berkeley, CA Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 05:05AM | Arrival Time 01:41PM | Duration 8h36 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $41 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 06:05AM | Arrival Time 03:01PM | Duration 8h56 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $41 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 05:05PM | Arrival Time 01:11AM | Duration 8h06 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $97 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 06:05PM | Arrival Time 04:18AM | Duration 10h13 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $95 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:45PM | Arrival Time 03:45AM | Duration 7h00 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $71 |
Live departures
Santa Barbara, CA to Berkeley, CA bus times
The table below shows live departures for Santa Barbara, CA to Berkeley, CA buses for today, Friday, September 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8:45 PM Santa Barbara, CA | 7h00 | 3:45 AM Berkeley, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Saturday, September 19 | |||||
| 5:05 AM Santa Barbara, CA | 9h56 | 3:01 PM Berkeley, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 6:05 AM Santa Barbara, CA | 8h56 | 3:01 PM Berkeley, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Santa Barbara, CA to Berkeley, 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.
Sep 19
Sep 20
Sep 21
Sep 22
Sep 23
Sep 24
Sep 25
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Santa Barbara, CA to Berkeley, CA
USAUSA
Buses from Santa Barbara, CA to Berkeley, CA run on average 3 times per day, taking around 8h 13m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $62 if you book in advance.
There are 2 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 06:44, the last at 22:41. The fastest bus covers the 278 miles (448 km) distance in 6h 35m.
Distance 278 miles (448 km) |
Average bus duration 8h 13m |
Cheapest ticket price $62 |
Buses per day 3 |
Direct buses 2 |
Fastest bus 6h 35m |
First bus 6:44 AM |
Last bus 10:41 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Best time to book 28 days |
FAQs: Bus from Santa Barbara, CA to Berkeley, CA
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Santa Barbara, CA to Berkeley, 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 Berkeley, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Santa Barbara, CA to Berkeley, CA
Most Santa Barbara, CA to Berkeley, CA buses use the Santa Barbara, Bus station to Oakland, West Oakland BART Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Santa Barbara, CA and Berkeley, CA bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Which Santa Barbara, CA station do buses to Berkeley, CA leave from?
Getting to Santa Barbara, Bus station from Santa Barbara city centre
Santa Barbara, Bus station bus station facilities and services
Santa Barbara, Bus station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free public Wi-Fi available. ATMs are located inside the station building.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Santa Barbara, Bus station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Santa Barbara, Bus station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Santa Barbara, Bus station: Wheelchair accessible routes available.
Most popular bus connections from Santa Barbara, CA
More options for your journey from Santa Barbara, CA to Berkeley, CA
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Berkeley, CA and Santa Barbara, CA
Most popular bus connections to Berkeley, CA
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