- Must visit
The Getty Center
Hilltop art museum with European paintings, sculpture, gardens, and striking architecture plus sweeping city views.
Cheapest price
lei85
Average price
lei118
Fastest journey
1 h 50 m
Average duration
1 h 50 m
Buses per day
2
Distance
140 km
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 lei118 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only lei85.
Of the 2 buses that leave Santa Barbara, CA for Los Angeles, CA on Sun, Aug 02, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Aug 02 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 Sun, Aug 02 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.




Buses from Santa Barbara, CA to Los Angeles, CA run on average 2 times per day, taking around 2h 20m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at lei73 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.
Distance 86 miles (140 km) |
Average bus duration 2h 20m |
Cheapest ticket price lei73 |
Buses per day 2 |
Direct buses 1 |
Fastest bus 1h 50m |
First bus 4:50 AM |
Last bus 9:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 42 days |
| 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, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price lei151 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:45AM | Arrival Time 03:35AM | Duration 1h50 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price lei121 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 02:19AM | Arrival Time 08:20AM | Duration 6h01 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price lei263 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:45AM | Arrival Time 04:35AM | Duration 1h50 | Departure days Mon, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price lei85 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:50PM | Arrival Time 04:15PM | Duration 2h25 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed | Cheapest price lei81 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:55PM | Arrival Time 04:15PM | Duration 2h20 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price lei78 |
The table below shows live departures for Santa Barbara, CA to Los Angeles, CA buses for tomorrow, Saturday, August 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 | |
![]() | 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
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.
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.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need