The cheapest and fastest buses from Santa Barbara, CA to Irvine, CA
Cheapest price
$40
Average price
$40
Fastest journey
5 h 55 m
Average duration
5 h 55 m
Buses per day
1
Distance
192 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Santa Barbara, CA to Irvine, 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 Irvine, CA will cost around $40 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $40.
Of the 1 buses that leave Santa Barbara, CA for Irvine, CA on Fri, Nov 07, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Nov 07 the direct buses cover the 192 km distance in an average of 5 h 55 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 5 h 55 m .
On Fri, Nov 07 the slowest buses will take 5 h 55 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.


Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Santa Barbara, CA to Irvine, CA
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Santa Barbara, CA to Irvine, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €18. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 4h 3m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €18, and a train costs an average of €35.
Distance: 119 miles (192 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train |
|---|---|
€29 Average price Cheapest | €36 Average price |
4h 33m Average total duration Fastest 4h 3m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 57m Average total duration 4h 27m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Santa Barbara, CA to Irvine, CA bus times
The table below shows live departures for Santa Barbara, CA to Irvine, CA buses for today, Thursday, November 6. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 9:45 PM Santa Barbara, CA | 7h15 | 5:00 AM Irvine, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 10:20 PM Santa Barbara, CA | 6h20 | 4:40 AM Irvine, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
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 Irvine, CA by train or bus
Compare train and bus 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.
Nov 07
Nov 08
Nov 09
Nov 10
Nov 11
Nov 12
Nov 13
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Santa Barbara, CA to Irvine, CA
Buses from Santa Barbara, CA to Irvine, CA run on average 4 times per day, taking around 4h 3m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $22 (€18) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 05:49, the last at 23:45. The fastest bus covers the 119 miles (192 km) distance in 6h 40m.
Distance 119 miles (192 km) |
Average bus duration 4h 3m |
Cheapest ticket price $22 (€18) |
Buses per day 4 |
Fastest bus 6h 40m |
First bus 05:49 |
Last bus 23:45 |
Bus providers: FlixBus from Santa Barbara, CA to Irvine, CAYou can travel by bus between Santa Barbara, CA to Irvine, CA with FlixBus for as low as $22 (€18). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
FlixBus
FAQs: Bus from Santa Barbara, CA to Irvine, CA
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Santa Barbara, CA to Irvine, 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 Irvine, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
- Orange County Great Park, a large public park offering sports facilities, a carousel, and a giant helium balloon ride for panoramic views
- Irvine Spectrum Center, a popular outdoor shopping center with a variety of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options including a Ferris wheel
- Bommer Canyon, a nature preserve with hiking trails and scenic views of the surrounding hills
- Pretend City Children's Museum, an interactive museum designed for children to explore and learn through play
- Irvine Museum, a museum dedicated to the preservation and display of California Impressionist art.
- Tanaka Farms, a family-friendly farm offering seasonal tours and fresh produce picking
- Irvine Barclay Theatre, a venue offering a variety of performances including music, dance, and theater
- San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary, a peaceful place for bird watching and enjoying nature
- K1 Speed, an indoor go-kart racing track for thrill-seekers
- William R. Mason Regional Park, a large park with picnic areas, walking trails, and a lake for paddle boating.
- 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.
To find the cheapest bus tickets for your trip from Santa Barbara, CA to Irvine, CA, follow these tips:
Start your search now and compare ticket prices to find the best deal!
- FlixBus
- One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
- FlixBus
- Small pets in carriers allowed
- Guide dogs travel for free.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Santa Barbara, CA to Irvine, CA
Most popular bus connections from Santa Barbara, CA
More options for your journey from Santa Barbara, CA to Irvine, CA
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

