- Must visit
The Getty Center
Hilltop art museum with European paintings, sculpture, gardens, and striking architecture plus sweeping city views.
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Santa Barbara, CA to Los Angeles, 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 Los Angeles, CA will cost around $29 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $26.
On Sat, Nov 07, we found 3 buses from Santa Barbara, CA to Los Angeles, CA, including 3 direct services.
On Sat, Nov 07 the direct buses cover the 140 km distance in an average of 1 h 50 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 1 h 50 m .
On Sat, Nov 07 the slowest buses will take 1 h 50 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.

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Buses from Santa Barbara, CA to Los Angeles, CA run on average 1 times per day, taking around 2h 13m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $14 if you book in advance.
There are 1 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 04:50, the last at 21:55. The fastest bus covers the 86 miles (140 km) distance in 1h 50m.
Plan this route
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Santa Barbara, CA to Los Angeles, CA.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:00AM | Arrival Time 02:50AM | Duration 1h50 | Departure days Mon, Sun | Cheapest price $33 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:45AM | Arrival Time 03:35AM | Duration 1h50 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $26 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:45AM | Arrival Time 04:35AM | Duration 1h50 | Departure days Mon, Sun | Cheapest price $19 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:50PM | Arrival Time 04:15PM | Duration 2h25 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $17 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 06:19PM | Arrival Time 12:20AM | Duration 6h01 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $71 |
The table below shows live departures for Santa Barbara, CA to Los Angeles, CA buses for tomorrow, Sunday, November 1. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 1:00 AM Santa Barbara, CA | 1h50 | 2:50 AM Los Angeles, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 1:45 AM Santa Barbara, CA | 1h50 | 3:35 AM Los Angeles, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 2:45 AM Santa Barbara, CA | 1h50 | 4:35 AM Los Angeles, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Buses from Santa Barbara, CA to Los Angeles, CA with FlixBus. Overnight buses available on this route with FlixBus. Use the details below to compare onboard facilities.
Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.
Discover the best of Los Angeles, CA — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Los Angeles, CA trip today.
Hilltop art museum with European paintings, sculpture, gardens, and striking architecture plus sweeping city views.
Major contemporary art museum in Downtown LA, known for broad collections, special shows, and bold architecture.
World-class encyclopedic museum on Wilshire Boulevard, famous for diverse collections and the Urban Light installation.
Legendary boulevard known for the Walk of Fame, theaters, neon, and classic Hollywood atmosphere mixed with tourist energy.
Lively beachside promenade with street performers, Muscle Beach, and easy access to the Venice Boardwalk scene.
Major urban park with trails, the observatory, picnic areas, and some of the best public views in Los Angeles.
A bacon-wrapped hot dog grilled on a street cart and topped with peppers, onions, mustard, ketchup, and mayo. A late-night Los Angeles street food classic.
A French dip sandwich of thin-sliced roast beef on a roll, often dipped in meat jus. Los Angeles claims the original and locals still debate the best version.
Double corn tortillas filled with stewed beef, birria broth, onions, and cilantro. A beloved Los Angeles Mexican staple, especially popular from trucks and taquerias.
Acclaimed fine-dining restaurant serving a seasonal California tasting menu. Refined, intimate, and one of Los Angeles's most respected special-occasion venues.
Legendary taqueria known for charcoal-grilled carne asada tacos. Casual, fast-paced, and widely considered one of Los Angeles's essential taco stops.
Historic downtown deli linked to the French dip. Old-school counter service and classic sandwiches in a landmark Los Angeles setting.
Los Angeles is pricier than many U.S. cities for hotels, dining, parking, and rides. Budget options exist, but tourist areas and transport costs raise daily spend.
Tip 18-20% in restaurants, 15-20% for taxis or rideshares, and $1-2 at cafes for counter service or coffee.
Get destination-focused answers for the end of your trip, including what to do, when to go, practical entry details, and tips for making the most of your time in Los Angeles, CA.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Santa Barbara, CA to Los Angeles, 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 Los Angeles, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Santa Barbara, CA to Los Angeles, CA buses use the Santa Barbara, Bus station to Los Angeles, Patsaouras Transit Plaza (Union Station) station pair, with some services arriving at Los Angeles, Cesar E Chavez / Vignes. Use this guide to compare Santa Barbara, CA and Los Angeles, 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.
Los Angeles, Patsaouras Transit Plaza (Union Station) is 1 km from Los Angeles city centre. Public transport options include:
Los Angeles, Patsaouras Transit Plaza (Union Station) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Food court and various dining options available.
Wi-Fi available in main waiting areas. ATMs are aTMs available near main concourse.
Ticket office support is available at Los Angeles, Patsaouras Transit Plaza (Union Station).
Available at Los Angeles, Patsaouras Transit Plaza (Union Station): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Los Angeles, Patsaouras Transit Plaza (Union Station): Station fully accessible with elevators and ramps.
Los Angeles, Cesar E Chavez / Vignes is 1 km from Los Angeles city centre. Public transport options include:
Los Angeles, Cesar E Chavez / Vignes has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Los Angeles, Cesar E Chavez / Vignes. ATMs are available at Los Angeles, Cesar E Chavez / Vignes.
Ticket office support is available at Los Angeles, Cesar E Chavez / Vignes.
Available at Los Angeles, Cesar E Chavez / Vignes: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Los Angeles, Cesar E Chavez / Vignes: The station is accessible to people with disabilities.
Los Angeles, Los Angeles Union STA (E) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Several food outlets within the station.
Wi-Fi is available at Los Angeles, Los Angeles Union STA (E). ATMs are aTMs located near the ticket office.
Ticket office support is available at Los Angeles, Los Angeles Union STA (E).
Available at Los Angeles, Los Angeles Union STA (E): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Los Angeles, Los Angeles Union STA (E): Wheelchair accessible with elevators.
Check bus stations information for Santa Barbara, CA and Los Angeles, CA, including where buses depart and arrive on this route.