Santa Barbara, CA to Carlsbad, CA bus

Sun, Jun 21
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FlixBus
Alsa
BlaBlaCar Bus
Rede Expressos
Costa Verde
2,000+ travel companies
FlixBus
Alsa
BlaBlaCar Bus
Rede Expressos
Costa Verde
2,000+ travel companies
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Travel Information

Compare train, bus, and flight 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 $47. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 4h 40m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $47, and a flight costs an average of $313.

Distance: 160 miles (258 km)

Compare bus with

Bus
Most popular
Train
Flight

$101

Average price

$50

Average price

Cheapest

$331

Average price

9h 40m

Average total duration

9h 10m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

5h 47m

Average total duration

5h 17m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

7h 40m

Average total duration

Fastest

4h 40m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

The cheapest way to travel from Santa Barbara, CA to Carlsbad, CA is a train with an average price of $50 (€41).

This is compared to other travel options from Santa Barbara, CA to Carlsbad, CA:

A train is $51 (€42) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Santa Barbara, CA to Carlsbad, CA costing on average $101 (€83).

A train is $281 (€230) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Santa Barbara, CA to Carlsbad, CA costing on average $331 (€271).

The fastest way to travel from Santa Barbara, CA to Carlsbad, CA is by flight with an average journey time of 4h 40m.

Other travel options to Carlsbad, CA take longer:

Train takes on average 5h 17m.

Bus takes on average 9h 10m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Santa Barbara, CA and Carlsbad, CA including taking a train, bus, and flight.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Santa Barbara, CA to Carlsbad, CA among Omio's users.

Santa Barbara, CA to Carlsbad, CA Bus Timetables

OperatorDeparture TimeArrival TimeDurationDeparture daysCheapest price
Operator
Greyhound
Departure Time
01:55PM
Arrival Time
11:05PM
Duration
9h10
Departure days
Wed
Cheapest price
$67
Operator
Greyhound
Departure Time
08:55PM
Arrival Time
06:05AM
Duration
9h10
Departure days
Thu
Cheapest price
$106

Compare prices and tickets Santa Barbara, CA to Carlsbad, 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
Jun 21
Mon
Jun 22
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Jun 23
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Jun 24
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Jun 27

Journey information

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

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USAUSA
Icon of bus

Buses from Santa Barbara, CA to Carlsbad, CA run on average 5 times per day, taking around 9h 10m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $96 (€78) but you can travel from only $47 (€38) by train.

The earliest bus runs at 04:57, the last at 22:25. The fastest bus covers the 160 miles (258 km) distance in 9h 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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Train from $47 (€38)
Distance
160 miles (258 km)
Average bus duration
9h 10m
Cheapest ticket price
$96 (€78)
Buses per day
5
Fastest bus
9h 10m
First bus
4:57 AM
Last bus
10:25 PM
Cheapest Month
May
Cheapest Day
Tue
High Season
Jan - Mar
Low Season
Oct - Dec
Busiest Day
Wed
Least Busy Day
Wed
Best time to book
3 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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Train from $47 (€38)

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 $96 (€78) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Santa Barbara, CA to Carlsbad, CA is $101 (€83) ; 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 9h 10m to travel the 160 miles (258 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 Santa Barbara, CA to Carlsbad, CA leaves at 4:57 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Santa Barbara, CA to Carlsbad, CA leaves at 10:25 PM.
A trip to Carlsbad, CA from Santa Barbara, CA is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 9h 10m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Santa Barbara, CA to Carlsbad, CA is May.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Santa Barbara, CA and Carlsbad, CA including taking a train, bus, and flight.
No, the bus from Santa Barbara, CA to Carlsbad, CA has no accessibility options.
No, there are no bathrooms on board the bus from Santa Barbara, CA to Carlsbad, CA.
No, bikes are not allowed on board the bus from Santa Barbara, CA to Carlsbad, CA.
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.
No, there is no food available to purchase on board the bus from Santa Barbara, CA to Carlsbad, CA.
No, luggage for the bus from Santa Barbara, CA to Carlsbad, CA needs to be booked in addition.
No, there are no additional luggage options for the bus from Santa Barbara, CA to Carlsbad, CA.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the bus from Santa Barbara, CA to Carlsbad, CA.
No, there are no USB plugs on board the bus from Santa Barbara, CA to Carlsbad, CA.
No, there is no WiFi on board the bus from Santa Barbara, CA to Carlsbad, CA.
Since neither Santa Barbara, CA nor Carlsbad, 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 Santa Barbara, CA to Carlsbad, 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 Carlsbad, CA, travelers should be cautious of petty theft, especially in crowded areas like beaches and popular attractions. Common scams include overcharging by unofficial taxi or rideshare drivers and fake ticket sellers for local events. It's advisable to use authorized transportation services and keep personal belongings secure to avoid pickpocketing. Additionally, travelers should stay aware of ocean conditions to prevent accidents while swimming.
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 Santa Barbara, CA to Carlsbad, CA

Most Santa Barbara, CA to Carlsbad, CA buses use the Santa Barbara, Bus station to Oceanside, Oceanside Transit Center (Topeka St.) station pair. Use this guide to compare Santa Barbara, CA and Carlsbad, CA bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.

Departure bus stations in Santa Barbara
Arrival bus stations in Carlsbad
Santa Barbara, Bus station
City-centre transport

Getting to Santa Barbara, Bus station from Santa Barbara city centre

Bus33 · 5m · $2 · every ~2 min

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