Santa Barbara, CA to Carlsbad, CA bus with FlixBus

Thu, Nov 06
+ Add return
FlixBus
Central Coast Shuttle
Alsa
BlaBlaCar Bus
Rede Expressos
1,000+ travel companies
FlixBus
Central Coast Shuttle
Alsa
BlaBlaCar Bus
Rede Expressos
1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Santa Barbara, CA to Carlsbad, CA

Showing times and prices for Nov 06

Cheapest price

$0

Average price

$-0

Fastest journey

4 h 50 m

Average duration

5 h 49 m

Buses per day

5

Distance

258 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Santa Barbara, CA to Carlsbad, CA is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.

Fast buses

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

Central Coast Shuttle
06:45AM4h50
Santa Barbara, CA
11:35AMCarlsbad, CA
Find prices
1 transfer
Central Coast Shuttle
08:40AM5h30
Santa Barbara, CA
02:10PMCarlsbad, CA
Find prices
1 transfer
Central Coast Shuttle
11:10AM5h40
Santa Barbara, CA
04:50PMCarlsbad, CA
Find prices
1 transfer
Central Coast Shuttle
01:10PM6h25
Santa Barbara, CA
07:35PMCarlsbad, CA
Find prices
1 transfer
Central Coast Shuttle
03:40PM6h40
Santa Barbara, CA
10:20PMCarlsbad, CA
Find prices
1 transfer

Travel Information

Compare train and bus for Santa Barbara, CA to Carlsbad, CA

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Santa Barbara, CA to Carlsbad, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from €38. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 4h 48m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of €38, and a flight costs an average of €307.

Distance: 160 miles (258 km)

Compare bus with

Bus
Most popular
Train
Flight

€96

Average price

€38

Average price

Cheapest

€307

Average price

7h 18m

Average total duration

6h 48m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

5h 48m

Average total duration

5h 18m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

7h 48m

Average total duration

Fastest

4h 48m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Live departures

Santa Barbara, CA to Carlsbad, CA bus times

The table below shows live departures for Santa Barbara, CA to Carlsbad, CA buses for today, Wednesday, November 5. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.

Last updated at 3:37 PM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
Central Coast Shuttle3:40 PM Santa Barbara, CA
6h40
10:20 PM Carlsbad, CA1 transfer
Thursday, November 6
Central Coast Shuttle6:45 AM Santa Barbara, CA
4h50
11:35 AM Carlsbad, CA1 transfer
Central Coast Shuttle8:40 AM Santa Barbara, CA
5h30
2:10 PM Carlsbad, CA1 transfer
Central Coast Shuttle11:10 AM Santa Barbara, CA
5h40
4:50 PM Carlsbad, CA1 transfer
Central Coast Shuttle1:10 PM Santa Barbara, CA
6h25
7:35 PM Carlsbad, CA1 transfer

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Santa Barbara, CA to Carlsbad, CA by train or bus

Compare train and bus 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.

Thu
Nov 06
Fri
Nov 07
Sat
Nov 08
Sun
Nov 09
Mon
Nov 10
Tue
Nov 11
Wed
Nov 12

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Santa Barbara, CA to Carlsbad, CA

USAUSA
USAUSA
Icon of bus
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Train from $46 (€38)
Distance
160 miles (258 km)
Average bus duration
6h 48m
Cheapest ticket price
$100 (€82)
Buses per day
6
Fastest bus
4h 50m
First bus
04:57
Last bus
22:25

Key Takeaways

Train Ticket Prices
  • Budget Options: Train tickets from Santa Barbara, CA to Carlsbad, CA start from as low as $100 (€82) if booked well in advance.
  • Standard Fares: Typically, trains cost $117 (€96) depending on the train type and class.
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Train from $46 (€38)

Bus providers: FlixBus, Central Coast Shuttle from Santa Barbara, CA to Carlsbad, CAYou can travel by bus between Santa Barbara, CA to Carlsbad, CA with FlixBus, Central Coast Shuttle for as low as $46 (€38). 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.
Learn more about FlixBus
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
12h 57m
Cheapest Price
$99 (€81)
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.

Central Coast Shuttle

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
4h 50m
Central Coast Shuttle frequency
4 a day

FAQs: Bus from Santa Barbara, CA to Carlsbad, CA

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Santa Barbara, CA to Carlsbad, 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 Carlsbad, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Cheap bus tickets from Santa Barbara, CA to Carlsbad, CA can start from as little as $1 (€1) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Santa Barbara, CA to Carlsbad, CA is $14 (€12); 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 Santa Barbara, CA to Carlsbad, CA is 4 h 50 min   to travel the 160 mile (258 km) long trip, with around there are 9 buses per day. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays.
The first bus from Santa Barbara, CA to Carlsbad, CA leaves at 4: 57AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner   from Omio.
The last bus from Santa Barbara, CA to Carlsbad, CA leaves at 10: 25PM.
There are 9 buses a day from Santa Barbara, CA to Carlsbad, CA which require at least one change with Central Coast Shuttle or FlixBus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer buses.
For the best Santa Barbara, CA to Carlsbad, CA bus to book, you can travel safely and comfortably with Central Coast Shuttle or FlixBus. However, it's always good to check all possible bus providers with services from Santa Barbara, CA to Carlsbad, CA to compare what amenities they may offer.
A trip to Carlsbad, CA from Santa Barbara, CA is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 4 h 50 min each way. Check with Omio app   the best way to travel.
You have options as you can travel between Santa Barbara, CA and Carlsbad, CA 2 different ways: train or bus.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Santa Barbara, CA to Carlsbad, CA:
  • FlixBus
    • Assistance
    • Priority boarding
    • Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Santa Barbara, CA to Carlsbad, CA for bus company FlixBus.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus company FlixBus.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Santa Barbara, CA to Carlsbad, 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 Santa Barbara, CA to Carlsbad, 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 Santa Barbara, CA to Carlsbad, CA.
    Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Santa Barbara, CA to Carlsbad, 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 Santa Barbara, CA to Carlsbad, CA:
    • FlixBus
      • Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
    Yes, you can bring your pet on the bus from Santa Barbara, CA to Carlsbad, 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 Santa Barbara, CA to Carlsbad, CA with the following bus company: FlixBus
    Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Santa Barbara, CA to Carlsbad, CA with the following bus company: FlixBus.
    Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Santa Barbara, CA to Carlsbad, CA with the following bus company: FlixBus.

    popular bus stations

    Popular bus stations from Santa Barbara, CA to Carlsbad, CA

    Santa Barbara
    Carlsbad
    Santa Barbara, Bus station
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