The cheapest and fastest buses from Santa Barbara, CA to Los Angeles, CA
Cheapest price
$29
Average price
$58
Fastest journey
2 h 20 m
Average duration
4 h 11 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 $58 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $29.
Of the 2 buses that leave Santa Barbara, CA for Los Angeles, CA on Tue, Mar 17, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Tue, Mar 17 the direct buses cover the 140 km distance in an average of 4 h 11 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 2 h 20 m .
On Tue, Mar 17 the slowest buses will take 6 h 1 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 Los Angeles, CA
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Santa Barbara, CA to Los Angeles, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $26. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 2h 19m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $26, and a bus costs an average of $14.
Distance: 86 miles (140 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train |
|---|---|
$36 Average price | $34 Average price Cheapest |
2h 49m Average total duration Fastest 2h 19m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 31m Average total duration 3h 1m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions | 0.0 - 0.1kg 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.
Santa Barbara, CA to Los Angeles, CA Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:55PM | Arrival Time 04:15PM | Duration 2h20 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $28 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:45PM | Arrival Time 05:05PM | Duration 2h20 | Departure days Mon, Thu | Cheapest price $28 |
Live departures
Santa Barbara, CA to Los Angeles, CA bus times
The table below shows live departures for Santa Barbara, CA to Los Angeles, CA buses for today, Monday, March 16. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus | 9:45 PM Santa Barbara, Bus station | 2h20 | 12:05 AM Los Angeles, Patsaouras Transit Plaza (Union Station), CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Tuesday, March 17 | |||||
![]() | 2:19 AM Santa Barbara, CA | 6h01 | 8:20 AM Los Angeles, 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 Los Angeles, 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.
Mar 17
Mar 18
Mar 19
Mar 20
Mar 21
Mar 22
Mar 23
Mar 24
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Mar 26
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Apr 01
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Why should you book Santa Barbara, CA to Los Angeles, CA buses with Omio?
Why book with Omio vs FlixBus?
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare FlixBus with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Santa Barbara, CA to Los Angeles, CA.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trainline?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Santa Barbara, CA to Los Angeles, CA.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Santa Barbara, CA to Los Angeles, CA
Buses from Santa Barbara, CA to Los Angeles, CA run on average 2 times per day, taking around 2h 19m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $14 (€12) if you book in advance.
There are 2 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 19m |
Cheapest ticket price $14 (€12) |
Buses per day 2 |
Direct buses 2 |
Fastest bus 1h 50m |
First bus 04:50 |
Last bus 21:55 |
Bus providers: FlixBus from Santa Barbara, CA to Los Angeles, CAYou can travel by bus between Santa Barbara, CA to Los Angeles, CA with FlixBus for as low as $14 (€12). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
FlixBus
FAQs: Bus from Santa Barbara, CA to 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.

- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
- Griffith Observatory, an iconic facility offering stunning views of Los Angeles and exhibits on astronomy
- The Getty Center, a renowned art museum with impressive architecture and beautiful gardens
- Santa Monica Pier, a historic landmark featuring an amusement park, aquarium, and scenic ocean views
- Hollywood Walk of Fame, a famous sidewalk celebrating entertainment industry icons with star plaques
- Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), the largest art museum in the western United States with diverse collections.
- Explore the vibrant Venice Beach Boardwalk, known for its eclectic shops, street performers, and skate park
- Visit the historic El Capitan Theatre for a classic movie experience
- Take a scenic hike in Runyon Canyon Park, offering panoramic views of the city
- Enjoy a live performance at the Walt Disney Concert Hall, known for its stunning architecture and acoustics
- Discover the unique exhibits at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County.
- 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.
- 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 Los Angeles, CA
Most popular bus connections from Santa Barbara, CA
More options for your journey from Santa Barbara, CA to Los Angeles, CA
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