- Must visit
Denver Art Museum
One of the largest art museums in the West, known for Indigenous art, global collections, and striking architecture.
Cheapest price
$114
Average price
$114
Fastest journey
1 d 2 h 45 m
Average duration
1 d 2 h 45 m
Buses per day
1
Distance
1431 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Santa Barbara, CA to Denver, CO 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 Denver, CO will cost around $114 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $114.
It's difficult to get from Santa Barbara, CA to Denver, CO without transferring at least 2 times.
FlixBus+
·
FlixBus+
· Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Santa Barbara, CA to Denver, CO among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $173. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 4h 21m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $173, and a flight costs an average of $606.
Distance: 889 miles (1431 km)
Most popular Bus | Flight | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$235 Average price Cheapest | $622 Average price | $278 Average price | $221 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
27h 3m Average total duration 26h 33m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 21m Average total duration Fastest 4h 21m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 43h 48m Average total duration 43h 18m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 16h 15m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Santa Barbara, CA to Denver, CO:
A bus is $43 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Santa Barbara, CA to Denver, CO costing on average $278.
A bus is $387 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Santa Barbara, CA to Denver, CO costing on average $622.
Other travel options to Denver, CO take longer:
Bus takes on average 26h 33m.
Train takes on average 43h 18m.
You'll arrive about {timeSavings} sooner ({durationInMinutes} by bus vs {drivingDurationInMinutes} by car) and save roughly {savingsAmount} compared to fuel and tolls ({cheapestPrice} vs {drivingPriceInCents}). You also skip the drive itself — no traffic stress, no parking, and you can use the time to work, nap, or catch up on a series with the onboard Wi-Fi.
Direct coaches are operated by {directProviders}.
Driving is still worth considering if you're travelling with bulky luggage, need flexibility on departure times, or plan to stop along the way.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 11:15AM | Arrival Time 06:10PM | Duration 53h55 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $115 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 01:50PM | Arrival Time 05:40PM | Duration 26h50 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu | Cheapest price $108 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 01:55PM | Arrival Time 05:40PM | Duration 26h45 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $114 |
The table below shows live departures for Santa Barbara, CA to Denver, CO buses for today, Tuesday, August 4. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus+ · | 1:50 PM Santa Barbara, Bus station | 26h50 | 5:40 PM Denver, Union Station | 2 transfers | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus, train, 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.
Buses from Santa Barbara, CA to Denver, CO run on average 2 times per day, taking around 26h 33m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $173 if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 11:05, the last at 22:20. The fastest bus covers the 889 miles (1431 km) distance in 25h 55m.
Distance 889 miles (1431 km) |
Average bus duration 26h 33m |
Cheapest ticket price $173 |
Buses per day 2 |
Fastest bus 25h 55m |
First bus 11:05 AM |
Last bus 10:20 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Best time to book 28 days |
Discover the best of Denver, CO — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Denver, CO trip today.
One of the largest art museums in the West, known for Indigenous art, global collections, and striking architecture.
A major natural history museum with dinosaur fossils, space exhibits, wildlife dioramas, and rooftop city views.
This museum explores Colorado and Western heritage through Native history, artifacts, and regional storytelling.
Denver's landmark downtown park and civic heart, framed by museums, government buildings, festivals, and open lawns.
A scenic urban lake and park with skyline and mountain views, trails, boating, and one of Denver's best sunsets.
A lively pedestrian mall lined with shops, public art, and free shuttle service through the center of downtown Denver.
Denver omelet with ham, bell peppers, onions, and cheese. It is strongly associated with the city and remains a classic local breakfast order.
Green chile is a beloved Front Range staple, served as a pork-rich stew or smothered over burritos, fries, and breakfast plates across Denver.
A juicy burger topped with roasted green chiles and cheese. It reflects Colorado's chile-loving comfort food culture and is common in Denver pubs.
Acclaimed fine dining restaurant focused on wood-fired New American cuisine, seasonal Colorado ingredients, and polished service in an elegant room.
Popular modern Mexican spot celebrated for green chile, tacos, and strong margaritas. Casual atmosphere with a long local following.
Beloved neighborhood eatery serving creative breakfasts and brunch. A reliable place to try a Denver omelet in a relaxed, local setting.
Moderate for a major US city: hotels and dining are mid-to-high, while transit is reasonable. Costs are usually lower than New York or San Francisco.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, $1-$2 per drink at bars, and 10-15% for taxis. Cafes often have tip screens; rounding up or $1 is common.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Santa Barbara, CA to Denver, CO 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 Denver, CO, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Santa Barbara, CA to Denver, CO buses use the Santa Barbara, Bus station to Denver, Union Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Santa Barbara, CA and Denver, CO bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need