- Recommended
The Fresno Art Museum
Contemporary and modern art museum with rotating exhibitions and a strong regional focus, making it one of Fresno's main cultural stops.
2,000+ travel companies
2,000+ travel companies
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
4.942K ratings
Google Play
4.6136K reviews
The cheapest and fastest buses from Santa Barbara, CA to Fresno, CA
Showing times and prices for Jun 20
Cheapest price
$61
Average price
$61
Fastest journey
6 h
Average duration
6 h
Buses per day
1
Distance
259 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Santa Barbara, CA to Fresno, CA 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 Fresno, CA will cost around $61 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $61.
Fast buses
It's difficult to get from Santa Barbara, CA to Fresno, CA without transferring at least once.
11:55 AM6h00Santa Barbara, CA5:55 PMFresno, CA$611One-way1 transfer
- 11:55 AM6h00Santa Barbara, CA5:55 PMFresno, CA$611One-way1 transfer
Travel Information
Compare bus, flight, and train for Santa Barbara, CA to Fresno, CA
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Santa Barbara, CA to Fresno, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $49. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 5h 52m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $49, and a flight costs an average of $176.
Distance: 160 miles (259 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$66 Average price Cheapest | $78 Average price | $356 Average price | $45 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 25m Average total duration 5h 55m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 24m Average total duration 7h 54m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 52m Average total duration Fastest 5h 52m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 3h 49m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Santa Barbara, CA to Fresno, CA is a bus with an average price of $66 (€54).
This is compared to other travel options from Santa Barbara, CA to Fresno, CA:
A bus is $12 (€10) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Santa Barbara, CA to Fresno, CA costing on average $78 (€64).
A bus is $290 (€237) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Santa Barbara, CA to Fresno, CA costing on average $356 (€291).
The fastest way to travel from Santa Barbara, CA to Fresno, CA is by flight with an average journey time of 5h 52m.
Other travel options to Fresno, CA take longer:
Bus takes on average 5h 55m.
Train takes on average 7h 54m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Santa Barbara, CA and Fresno, CA including taking a bus, flight, and train.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Santa Barbara, CA to Fresno, CA 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 Fresno, CA Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 11:55AM | Arrival Time 05:55PM | Duration 6h00 | Departure days Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $61 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 07:00PM | Arrival Time 12:56AM | Duration 5h56 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $60 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 08:00PM | Arrival Time 01:56AM | Duration 5h56 | Departure days Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $60 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:55PM | Arrival Time 06:20AM | Duration 9h25 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $128 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:45PM | Arrival Time 07:20AM | Duration 8h35 | Departure days Mon, Thu | Cheapest price $49 |
Live departures
Santa Barbara, CA to Fresno, CA bus times
The table below shows live departures for Santa Barbara, CA to Fresno, CA buses for tomorrow, Saturday, June 20. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11:55 AM Santa Barbara, CA | 6h00 | 5:55 PM Fresno, CA | 1 transfer | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Santa Barbara, CA to Fresno, CA by bus, flight, or train
Compare bus, flight, and train 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.
Sat
Jun 20
Jun 20
Sun
Jun 21
Jun 21
Mon
Jun 22
Jun 22
Tue
Jun 23
Jun 23
Wed
Jun 24
Jun 24
Thu
Jun 25
Jun 25
Fri
Jun 26
Jun 26
Why should you book Santa Barbara, CA to Fresno, CA buses with Omio?
FlixBus operates all buses services from Santa Barbara, CA to Fresno, CA.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Santa Barbara, CA to Fresno, CA.
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, flight and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Santa Barbara, CA to Fresno, CA.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trainline?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus, flight and train to find the ideal travel option from Santa Barbara, CA to Fresno, CA.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Santa Barbara, CA to Fresno, CA
USAUSA
Buses from Santa Barbara, CA to Fresno, CA run on average 5 times per day, taking around 5h 55m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $49 (€40) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 02:25, the last at 22:20. The fastest bus covers the 160 miles (259 km) distance in 5h 56m.
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 160 miles (259 km) |
Average bus duration 5h 55m |
Cheapest ticket price $49 (€40) |
Buses per day 5 |
Fastest bus 5h 56m |
First bus 2:25 AM |
Last bus 10:20 PM |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
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 Fresno, CAYou can travel by bus between Santa Barbara, CA to Fresno, CA with FlixBus for as low as $49 (€40). 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
8h 35m
Cheapest Price
$49 (€40)
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 Fresno
Things to do in Fresno
Discover the best of Fresno — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Fresno trip today.
- Recommended
Meux Home Museum
Restored 1890 Victorian house museum offering a look at Fresno's early residential history and architecture.
- Recommended
Kearney Mansion Museum
Historic mansion museum in Kearney Park presenting the life of M. Theo Kearney and Fresno County's agricultural past.
- Must visit
Woodward Park
Fresno's most popular urban park, known for walking paths, gardens, river views, and broad appeal for locals and visitors.
- Must visit
Tower District
Fresno's best-known cultural neighborhood, valued for its historic character, murals, nightlife streetscape, and local identity.
- Must visit
Forestiere Underground Gardens
Unique subterranean attraction with courtyards and passages hand-built below ground, one of the Fresno area's most distinctive visits.
- Gluten-free
Tri-Tip Barbecue
Central California barbecue staple featuring beef tri-tip seasoned and grilled over oak. It is closely associated with the San Joaquin Valley and neighboring Central Coast ranching culture.
Armenian Shish Kebab
Fresno has a long Armenian heritage, and skewered grilled meats are a classic local favorite, often served with pilaf, salad, and lavash.
Lahmajoun
A thin Armenian flatbread topped with seasoned minced meat, tomatoes, and herbs. It reflects Fresno's historic Armenian community and is a beloved regional comfort food.
The Annex Kitchen
Popular upscale Italian restaurant known for house-made pasta, wood-fired dishes, and a stylish modern atmosphere.
Dog House Grill
Well-known casual Fresno favorite for hearty barbecue, tri-tip sandwiches, and a lively local crowd.
Pismo's Coastal Grill
Established seafood restaurant with a polished but relaxed setting, known for fresh fish, chowder, and generous portions.
United States Dollar
Generally cheaper than major California cities. Hotels and meals are mid-priced, though car costs add up.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- USD 10-15 for fast food or casual takeout.
- Mid-range
- USD 20-35 per person at a standard restaurant.
- Fine dining
- USD 60+ per person at upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- USD 4-6 for a regular café coffee.
Tipping culture
Tip 15-20% at restaurants; 20%+ for excellent service. Tip bartenders USD 1-2 per drink, round up taxis, and tip hotel staff and delivery drivers.
FAQs: Bus from Santa Barbara, CA to Fresno, CA
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Santa Barbara, CA to Fresno, 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 Fresno, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap bus tickets from Santa Barbara, CA to Fresno, CA can start from as little as $49 (€40) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Santa Barbara, CA to Fresno, CA is $66 (€54) ; 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 Fresno, CA is 5h 56m to travel the 160 miles (259 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 Fresno, CA leaves at 2:25 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Santa Barbara, CA to Fresno, CA leaves at 10:20 PM.
There are 5 buses a day from Santa Barbara, CA to Fresno, CA 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 Fresno, CA, you can count on FlixBus for the best way to get you to Fresno, CA. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Santa Barbara, CA and Fresno, CA and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A trip to Fresno, CA from Santa Barbara, CA is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 5h 56m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Santa Barbara, CA to Fresno, CA is December.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Santa Barbara, CA and Fresno, CA including taking a bus, flight, and train.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Santa Barbara, CA to Fresno, CA:
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Santa Barbara, CA to Fresno, CA for bus company FlixBus.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Santa Barbara, CA to Fresno, 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 Fresno, CA.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Santa Barbara, CA to Fresno, 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 Fresno, CA:
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the bus from Santa Barbara, CA to Fresno, 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 Fresno, CA with the following bus company: FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Santa Barbara, CA to Fresno, CA with the following bus company: FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Santa Barbara, CA to Fresno, CA with the following bus company: FlixBus.
Since neither Santa Barbara, CA nor Fresno, 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 Fresno, 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 Fresno, CA, travelers should be cautious of vehicle break-ins, especially in parking lots and less busy areas. It’s advisable to avoid poorly lit or isolated places at night. Common scams include overcharging by unofficial taxi services and distraction techniques used near popular attractions. Staying aware of surroundings and using authorized transportation options helps 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 Fresno, CA
Most Santa Barbara, CA to Fresno, CA buses use the Santa Barbara, Bus station to Fresno, Tulare St (Greyhound Station) station pair. Use this guide to compare Santa Barbara, CA and Fresno, 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 Fresno
Santa Barbara, Bus station
City-centre transport
Getting to Santa Barbara, Bus station from Santa Barbara city centre
Bus33 · 5m · $2 · every ~2 min
Fresno, Tulare St (Greyhound Station)
City-centre transport
Getting to Fresno, Tulare St (Greyhound Station) from Fresno city centre
Bus22 · 5m · every ~3 min
Most popular bus connections from Santa Barbara, CA
More options for your journey from Santa Barbara, CA to Fresno, CA
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Fresno, CA and Santa Barbara, CA
Most popular bus connections to Fresno, CA
The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy
We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.
