- Recommended
Fullerton Museum Center
Local history museum in a landmark home with exhibits on Fullerton families, industry, and early city development.
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Santa Barbara, CA to Fullerton, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of $48 For those with little time, consider booking a bus, which has an average total journey time of 4h 21m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.2kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $48, while a flight costs an average of $680.
Distance: 108 miles (174 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$65 Average price | $48 Average price Cheapest | $680 Average price | $25 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 21m Average total duration Fastest 3h 51m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 49m Average total duration 4h 19m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 38m Average total duration 3h 38m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 2h 31m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.2 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.5 - 1.0kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Santa Barbara, CA to Fullerton, CA:
A train is $17 less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Santa Barbara, CA to Fullerton, CA costing on average $65.
A train is $633 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Santa Barbara, CA to Fullerton, CA costing on average $680.
Other travel options to Fullerton, CA take longer:
Bus takes on average 3h 51m.
Train takes on average 4h 19m.
Tickets start at around $65 compared to roughly $25 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-40.37. The journey takes 3h 51m versus 2h 31m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can use the time productively rather than spending it behind the wheel. No parking to sort, no fuel stops, and most coaches have Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Driving is worth considering if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), or want the flexibility to stop along the way.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:55PM | Arrival Time 05:00AM | Duration 8h05 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $81 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:45PM | Arrival Time 05:00AM | Duration 7h15 | Departure days Mon, Tue | Cheapest price $40 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:45PM | Arrival Time 05:40AM | Duration 6h55 | Departure days Mon, Thu | Cheapest price $59 |
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.
Buses from Santa Barbara, CA to Fullerton, CA run on average 2 times per day, taking around 3h 51m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $32 if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 00:05, the last at 23:45. The fastest bus covers the 108 miles (174 km) distance in 3h 40m.
Distance 108 miles (174 km) |
Average bus duration 3h 51m |
Cheapest ticket price $32 |
Buses per day 2 |
Fastest bus 3h 40m |
First bus 12:05 AM |
Last bus 11:45 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 5 days |
Discover the best of Fullerton, CA — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Fullerton, CA trip today.
Local history museum in a landmark home with exhibits on Fullerton families, industry, and early city development.
Historic 1904 Victorian house museum offering guided tours, period rooms, and insight into Fullerton's early residential life.
Arts center in a former mansion campus with gallery shows, sculpture, and cultural programming in a landscaped historic setting.
Large botanical garden and walking area with themed plant collections, open lawns, and seasonal color on a university-adjacent site.
Lively historic core with walkable streets, vintage storefronts, nightlife, and public spaces that showcase the city's character.
Signature downtown green space with mature trees, walking paths, community events, and easy access to nearby historic blocks.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Santa Barbara, CA to Fullerton, 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 Fullerton, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Santa Barbara, CA to Fullerton, CA buses use the Santa Barbara, Bus station to Anaheim, Regional Transportation Intermodal Center (ARTIC) station pair. Use this guide to compare Santa Barbara, CA and Fullerton, CA bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Santa Barbara, Bus station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Free public Wi-Fi available. ATMs are located inside the station building.
Ticket office support is available at Santa Barbara, Bus station.
Available at Santa Barbara, Bus station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Santa Barbara, Bus station: Wheelchair accessible routes available.
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