- Must visit
Aquarium of the Pacific
Large waterfront aquarium with Pacific habitats, penguins, sharks, and sea otters; ideal for families and marine life enthusiasts.
Cheapest price on Oct 21
$45
Average ticket price on Oct 21
$59
Fastest journey on Oct 21
4 h 50 m
Average journey duration on Oct 21
5 h 7 m
Buses on Oct 21
3
Distance
157 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Santa Barbara, CA to Long Beach, 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 Long Beach, CA will cost around $59 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $45.
On Wed, Oct 21, we found 3 buses from Santa Barbara, CA to Long Beach, CA, including 3 direct services.
On Wed, Oct 21 the direct buses cover the 157 km distance in an average of 5 h 7 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 4 h 50 m .
On Wed, Oct 21 the slowest buses will take 5 h 40 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.






Buses from Santa Barbara, CA to Long Beach, CA run on average 1 times per day, taking around 3h 27m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $35 if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 07:05, the last at 16:05. The fastest bus covers the 97 miles (157 km) distance in 3h 25m.
Distance 97 miles (157 km) |
Average bus duration 3h 27m |
Cheapest ticket price $35 |
Buses per day 1 |
Fastest bus 3h 25m |
First bus 7:05 AM |
Last bus 4:05 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Best time to book 14 days |
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:50PM | Arrival Time 07:35PM | Duration 5h45 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $50 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:55PM | Arrival Time 02:35AM | Duration 5h40 | Departure days Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $63 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:45PM | Arrival Time 02:35AM | Duration 4h50 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $59 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:45PM | Arrival Time 03:35AM | Duration 4h50 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $45 |
The table below shows live departures for Santa Barbara, CA to Long Beach, CA buses for today, Tuesday, October 20. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 8:55 PM Santa Barbara, CA | 5h40 | 2:35 AM Long Beach, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 9:45 PM Santa Barbara, CA | 4h50 | 2:35 AM Long Beach, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 10:45 PM Santa Barbara, CA | 4h50 | 3:35 AM Long Beach, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Discover the best of Long Beach, CA — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Long Beach, CA trip today.
Large waterfront aquarium with Pacific habitats, penguins, sharks, and sea otters; ideal for families and marine life enthusiasts.
Blufftop museum featuring California art, decorative arts, and ocean views; combines galleries with a scenic coastal setting.
Compact art museum in the East Village showing contemporary works and community-focused exhibitions in a welcoming downtown setting.
Lively waterfront promenade with harbor views, paths, public art, and easy access to the aquarium, marina, and excursion boats.
Broad sandy beach and paved waterfront path popular for walking, cycling, and skyline views, especially around sunset.
Art Deco downtown corridor known for independent shops, murals, and nightlife-adjacent street life without needing a formal itinerary.
Seafood tostada with shrimp, octopus, or fish on a crisp tortilla. A coastal Southern California staple popular in Long Beach’s Mexican seafood scene.
Slow-cooked beef birria served as tacos with consommé for dipping. Deeply rooted in Mexican communities that shape everyday eating in Long Beach.
Whole or filleted fish marinated in citrus and spices, often grilled over charcoal. Reflects Long Beach’s Pacific access and strong Baja-style seafood influence.
Busy Cambodian restaurant known for noodles, soups, and grilled specialties. Casual atmosphere and a landmark stop in the Cambodia Town area.
Refined restaurant focused on market-driven Californian cooking with strong seafood options. Stylish room suited to a more upscale meal.
Lively Mexican seafood restaurant serving ceviche, tostadas, and mariscos cocktails. Casual setting popular for fresh coastal flavors.
Moderate for a California beach city. Hotels and dining cost more than many US cities, but transit and casual meals are manageable for most travelers.
Tip 15-20% at restaurants, more for great service. Taxis usually get 10-15%. Cafes often have tip jars or prompt screens.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Santa Barbara, CA to Long Beach, 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 Long Beach, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Santa Barbara, CA to Long Beach, CA buses use the Santa Barbara, Bus station to Long Beach, Bus Station (Long Beach Blvd) station pair. Use this guide to compare Santa Barbara, CA and Long Beach, 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.
Long Beach, Bus Station (Long Beach Blvd) is 2 km from Long Beach city centre. Public transport options include:
Long Beach, Bus Station (Long Beach Blvd) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Long Beach, Bus Station (Long Beach Blvd). ATMs are available at Long Beach, Bus Station (Long Beach Blvd).
Ticket office support is available at Long Beach, Bus Station (Long Beach Blvd).
Available at Long Beach, Bus Station (Long Beach Blvd): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Long Beach, Bus Station (Long Beach Blvd): Accessible for wheelchairs via ramps.
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