- Must visit
Denver Art Museum
Major art museum known for Indigenous arts, Western American art, and striking contemporary architecture in the Golden Triangle district.
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Travel Information
Compare bus, train, and flight for Santa Barbara, CA to Denver, CO
Omio recommends booking the train 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 $604.
Distance: 889 miles (1431 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$234 Average price Cheapest | $277 Average price | $620 Average price | $220 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
27h 3m Average total duration 26h 33m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 43h 48m Average total duration 43h 18m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 21m Average total duration Fastest 4h 21m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 16h 15m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Santa Barbara, CA to Denver, CO is a bus with an average price of $234 (€191).
This is compared to other travel options from Santa Barbara, CA to Denver, CO:
A bus is $43 (€35) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Santa Barbara, CA to Denver, CO costing on average $277 (€227).
A bus is $386 (€316) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Santa Barbara, CA to Denver, CO costing on average $620 (€508).
The fastest way to travel from Santa Barbara, CA to Denver, CO is by flight with an average journey time of 4h 21m.
Other travel options to Denver, CO take longer:
Bus takes on average 26h 33m.
Train takes on average 43h 18m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Santa Barbara, CA and Denver, CO including taking a bus, train, and flight.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Santa Barbara, CA to Denver, CO among Omio's users.
Take the bus. On this route, it's both cheaper and quicker than driving.
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.
Santa Barbara, CA to Denver, CO Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 01:55PM | Arrival Time 05:40PM | Duration 26h45 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $130 |
Compare prices and tickets Santa Barbara, CA to Denver, CO by bus, train, or flight
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.
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Why should you book Santa Barbara, CA to Denver, CO buses with Omio?
FlixBus operates all buses services from Santa Barbara, CA to Denver, CO.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Santa Barbara, CA to Denver, CO.
Why book with Omio vs FlixBus?
- 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 bus, train and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Santa Barbara, CA to Denver, CO.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trainline?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus, train and flight to find the ideal travel option from Santa Barbara, CA to Denver, CO.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Santa Barbara, CA to Denver, CO
USAUSA
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 (€141) 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.
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
Distance 889 miles (1431 km) |
Average bus duration 26h 33m |
Cheapest ticket price $173 (€141) |
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 |
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
Bus providers: FlixBus from Santa Barbara, CA to Denver, COYou can travel by bus between Santa Barbara, CA to Denver, CO with FlixBus for as low as $173 (€141). 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
26h 55m
Cheapest Price
$281 (€230)
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.
Complete guide to Denver
Things to do in Denver
Discover the best of Denver — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Denver trip today.
- Must visit
Denver Museum of Nature & Science
Large science museum with dinosaur fossils, space exhibits, wildlife dioramas, and family-friendly interactive displays in City Park.
- Recommended
Museum of Contemporary Art Denver
Compact contemporary art museum with rotating exhibitions and a strong local creative focus near LoDo.
- Must visit
16th Street
Central pedestrian-friendly downtown corridor for walking, people-watching, shops, and easy access to major sights.
- Must visit
RiNo Art District
Creative neighborhood famous for murals, street art, galleries, and trendy industrial blocks popular with locals and visitors.
- Must visit
City Park
Large urban park with lakes, skyline and mountain views, plus access to the zoo and museum district.
- Gluten-free
Green Chile
Denver and Colorado are known for pork-based green chile made with roasted green chiles, often served as a stew or smothered over burritos and fries.
- Gluten-free
Denver Omelet
A classic omelet associated with Denver, typically filled with ham, bell peppers, onions, and cheese. It is one of the city’s best-known namesake dishes.
Rocky Mountain Oysters
A longtime Colorado specialty made from breaded and fried bull testicles, served as a novelty dish tied to the state’s ranching heritage.
The Fort
Established regional restaurant serving frontier-inspired Colorado dishes such as bison, elk, and other Western specialties in a distinctive adobe setting.
Rioja
Well-regarded Larimer Square restaurant offering polished New American cuisine with strong local ingredients and an upscale but approachable atmosphere.
Buckhorn Exchange
Historic Denver steakhouse known for game meats, Old West atmosphere, and classic Colorado dining traditions.
United States Dollar
Moderate by U.S. city standards. Hotels can be pricey downtown, but casual dining, transit, and coffee are fairly manageable.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- USD 10-18 for fast food or a simple lunch.
- Mid-range
- USD 20-40 per person at a casual sit-down restaurant.
- Fine dining
- USD 75+ per person before drinks and tip.
- Coffee
- USD 4-7 for a coffee drink.
Tipping culture
Tip 18-20% at restaurants; 20%+ for great service. Bartenders: USD 1-2 per drink. Taxis/rideshares: 10-15%. Hotel staff and valets usually expect small cash tips.
FAQs: Bus from Santa Barbara, CA to Denver, CO
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.
Cheap bus tickets from Santa Barbara, CA to Denver, CO can start from as little as $173 (€141) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Santa Barbara, CA to Denver, CO is $234 (€191) ; 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 Denver, CO is 25h 55m to travel the 889 miles (1431 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 Denver, CO leaves at 11:05 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Santa Barbara, CA to Denver, CO leaves at 10:20 PM.
There are 2 buses a day from Santa Barbara, CA to Denver, CO which require at least one change with FlixBus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer buses.
When taking a bus from Santa Barbara, CA to Denver, CO, you can count on FlixBus for the best way to get you to Denver, CO. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Santa Barbara, CA and Denver, CO and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A trip to Denver, CO from Santa Barbara, CA is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 25h 55m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Santa Barbara, CA to Denver, CO is June.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Santa Barbara, CA and Denver, CO including taking a bus, train, and flight.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Santa Barbara, CA to Denver, CO:
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Santa Barbara, CA to Denver, CO for bus company FlixBus.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in Denver, CO are:
- Red Rocks Amphitheatre, a renowned open-air concert venue set amidst stunning natural rock formations
- Denver Art Museum, featuring an extensive collection of Native American art and contemporary works
- Denver Botanic Gardens, offering diverse plant displays and themed gardens
- Union Station, a historic transportation hub with shops, dining, and events
- Denver Museum of Nature & Science, showcasing exhibits on natural history, space, and anthropology.
The best things to do in Denver, CO include:
- Coors Field, home to the Colorado Rockies, offering baseball games and tours in a scenic downtown setting
- Larimer Square, a vibrant historic district with shopping, dining, and nightlife
- City Park, a large urban park with trails, lakes, and views of downtown Denver and the mountains
- Denver Zoo, featuring a wide variety of animals and interactive exhibits
- Cherry Creek Shopping Center, a premier retail destination with luxury brands and dining options.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Santa Barbara, CA to Denver, CO 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 Denver, CO.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Santa Barbara, CA to Denver, CO:
- 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 Denver, CO:
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the bus from Santa Barbara, CA to Denver, CO. 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 Denver, CO with the following bus company: FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Santa Barbara, CA to Denver, CO with the following bus company: FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Santa Barbara, CA to Denver, CO with the following bus company: FlixBus.
Since neither Santa Barbara, CA nor Denver, CO 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 bus as it is the most popular way to get from Santa Barbara, CA to Denver, CO 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 Denver, CO, travelers should be aware of pickpocketing and petty theft, especially in crowded areas like downtown and tourist attractions. Common scams include overpriced rides from unofficial taxi services and fraudulent ticket sellers near popular venues. It's advisable to use licensed transportation, stay vigilant in busy spots, and avoid sharing personal information with strangers to ensure safety.
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 Denver, CO
Santa Barbara
Denver
The major bus station for departures in Santa Barbara is Santa Barbara, Bus station. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Santa Barbara, Bus station for your trip from Santa Barbara to Denver.
Santa Barbara, Bus station
information
The major bus station for arrivals in Denver is Denver, Union Station. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Denver, Union Station for your trip to Denver from Santa Barbara.
Denver, Union Station
information
Most popular bus connections from Santa Barbara, CA
More options for your journey from Santa Barbara, CA to Denver, CO
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Denver, CO and Santa Barbara, CA
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