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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 $43. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 5h 15m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $43, and a flight costs an average of $130.
Distance: 160 miles (258 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight |
|---|---|---|
$116 Average price | $43 Average price Cheapest | $130 Average price |
7h 18m Average total duration 6h 48m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 45m Average total duration Fastest 5h 15m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 24m Average total duration 5h 24m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
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.
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Why should you book Santa Barbara, CA to Carlsbad, CA buses with Omio?
FlixBus as well as Central Coast Shuttle offer buses services from Santa Barbara, CA to Carlsbad, CA.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Santa Barbara, CA to Carlsbad, 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 Central Coast Shuttle to find the best option for your trip from Santa Barbara, CA to Carlsbad, 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 Santa Barbara, CA to Carlsbad, CA.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trainline?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Santa Barbara, CA to Carlsbad, CA.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Santa Barbara, CA to Carlsbad, CA
USAUSA
Buses from Santa Barbara, CA to Carlsbad, CA run on average 5 times per day, taking around 6h 48m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $99 (€80) but you can travel from only $43 (€35) 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 4h 50m.
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 $43 (€35)
Distance 160 miles (258 km) |
Average bus duration 6h 48m |
Cheapest ticket price $99 (€80) |
Buses per day 5 |
Fastest bus 4h 50m |
First bus 04:57 |
Last bus 22:25 |
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 $43 (€35)
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 $43 (€35). 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 Duration
12h 57m
Cheapest Price
$99 (€80)
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.
Cheap bus tickets from Santa Barbara, CA to Carlsbad, CA can start from as little as $99 (€80) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Santa Barbara, CA to Carlsbad, CA is $116 (€94) ; 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 4h 50m 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.
There are 5 buses a day from Santa Barbara, CA to Carlsbad, CA which require at least one change with FlixBus, Central Coast Shuttle. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer buses.
When taking a bus from Santa Barbara, CA to Carlsbad, CA, you can count on FlixBus, Central Coast Shuttle for the best way to get you to Carlsbad, CA. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Santa Barbara, CA and Carlsbad, CA and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A trip to Carlsbad, CA from Santa Barbara, CA is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 4h 50m 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.
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.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Santa Barbara, CA to Carlsbad, CA depends on the bus companies:
- 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.
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 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
information
Most popular bus connections from Santa Barbara, CA
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