Santa Barbara, CA to Los Angeles, CA bus with FlixBus

Tue, Dec 16
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Santa Barbara, CA to Los Angeles, CA

Showing times and prices for Dec 16

Cheapest price

$36

Average price

$59

Fastest journey

2 h 20 m

Average duration

4 h 11 m

Buses per day

2

Distance

140 km

Cheap tickets

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 $59 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $36.

Fast buses

Of the 2 buses that leave Santa Barbara, CA for Los Angeles, CA on Tue, Dec 16, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Tue, Dec 16 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, Dec 16 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.

FlixBusFlixBus
02:45PM2h20
Santa Barbara, Bus station
05:05PMLos Angeles, Patsaouras Transit Plaza (Union Station), CA
$361One-way
0 transfers
Amtrak11 Coast Starlight · 6241 AMTRAK
06:19PM6h01
Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA
12:20AMUnion Station, Los Angeles, CA
$821One-way
1 transfer

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 bus with prices starting from €13. 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 bus costs an average of €13, and a train costs an average of €26.

Distance: 86 miles (140 km)

Compare bus with

Bus
Most popular
Train

€24

Average price

Cheapest

€28

Average price

2h 49m

Average total duration

Fastest

2h 19m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

3h 29m

Average total duration

2h 59m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

0.1 - 0.3kg

CO2 emissions

0.0 - 0.1kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest
FlixBus

Most popular bus company

Amtrak

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

OperatorDeparture TimeArrival TimeDurationDeparture daysCheapest price
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
02:45PM
Arrival Time
05:05PM
Duration
2h20
Departure days
Tue, Wed
Cheapest price
$36
Operator
Amtrak
Departure Time
06:19PM
Arrival Time
12:20AM
Duration
6h01
Departure days
Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri
Cheapest price
$82

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 tomorrow, Tuesday, December 16. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.

Last updated at 11:08 PM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
amtrak11 Coast Starlight · 6241 AMTRAK2:19 AM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA
6h01
8:20 AM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA1 transfer
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus10:45 PM Santa Barbara, Bus station
2h20
1:05 AM Los Angeles, Patsaouras Transit Plaza (Union Station), CA0 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.

Tue
Dec 16
Wed
Dec 17
Thu
Dec 18
Fri
Dec 19
Sat
Dec 20
Sun
Dec 21
Mon
Dec 22

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Santa Barbara, CA to Los Angeles, CA

USAUSA
USAUSA
Icon of bus

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 $17 (€13) 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 2h 5m.

Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Distance
86 miles (140 km)
Average bus duration
2h 19m
Cheapest ticket price
$17 (€13)
Buses per day
2
Direct buses
2
Fastest bus
2h 5m
First bus
04:50
Last bus
21:55
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information

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 $17 (€13). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey

FlixBus

About
FlixBus is one of Europe’s leading low-cost bus companies, founded in Germany and now offering long-distance services across Europe and the United States. In addition to its extensive daytime network, FlixBus also operates overnight buses on select European routes. Standard amenities include free Wi-Fi, power outlets to charge devices, extra legroom, luggage space, and onboard toilets, with snacks and drinks available for purchase. FlixBus offers a single Standard ticket type for all routes, which includes one carry-on bag and one checked bag per passenger. Additional fees apply for extra luggage and for reserving specific seats, such as Extra Seats, Table Seats, or Panorama Seats. This combination of affordability, comfort, and wide coverage makes FlixBus a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 5m
Cheapest Price
$16 (€13)
FlixBus frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
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.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority boarding; Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed for a fee; must be booked.
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed; guide dogs travel for free.

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.

FAQs
Cheap bus tickets from Santa Barbara, CA to Los Angeles, CA can start from as little as $28 (€22) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Santa Barbara, CA to Los Angeles, CA is $29 (€23); however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The bus time from Santa Barbara, CA to Los Angeles, CA is on average 1 h 45 min   for the 86 mile (139 km) long journey, but the time it takes to go between Santa Barbara, CA and Los Angeles, CA by bus can vary depending on specific dates or if traveling on weekends and holidays.
The first bus from Santa Barbara, CA to Los Angeles, CA leaves at 6: 35PM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner   from Omio.
The last bus from Santa Barbara, CA to Los Angeles, CA leaves at 11: 55PM.
Yes, there are 7 direct buses a day from Santa Barbara, CA to Los Angeles, CA with FlixBus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct buses.
For the journey from Santa Barbara, CA to Los Angeles, CA you can take a bus with FlixBus or Greyhound. Be sure to check out all possible bus companies that offer services between Santa Barbara, CA and Los Angeles, CA on Omio to compare what amenities they may have.
A day trip to Los Angeles, CA from Santa Barbara, CA is worth doing with a journey time of 1 h 45 min each way. Check with Omio app   the best way to travel.
The cheapest month to travel from Santa Barbara, CA to Los Angeles, CA by bus is October.
You have options as you can travel from Santa Barbara, CA to Los Angeles, CA 2 different ways: bus or train.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Santa Barbara, CA to Los Angeles, CA:
  • FlixBus
    • Assistance
    • Priority boarding
    • Wheelchair-accessible buses.
  • Greyhound
    • Assistance
    • Priority seating
    • Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Santa Barbara, CA to Los Angeles, CA for bus companies FlixBus and Greyhound.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in Los Angeles, CA are:
  • 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.
The best things to do in Los Angeles, CA include:
  • 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.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus providers FlixBus and Greyhound.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Santa Barbara, CA to Los Angeles, CA depends on the bus companies:
  • 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.
  • Greyhound
    • You can cancel your ticket for a refund or exchange up to 24 hours before departure, for a cancellation fee applied.

To find the cheapest bus tickets for your trip from Santa Barbara, CA to Los Angeles, CA, follow these tips:

  • Book in advance: Tickets are often cheaper when booked early.
  • Be flexible with dates and times: Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money.
  • Use our search filters: Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options.
  • Look for special deals or discounts: Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
  • Start your search now and compare ticket prices to find the best deal!

    Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the bus from Santa Barbara, CA to Los Angeles, CA.
    Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Santa Barbara, CA to Los Angeles, CA:
    • FlixBus
      • One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
    • Greyhound
      • One carry-on bag up to 25 lbs (11 kg) and one checked bag up to 50 lbs (23 kg).
    Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a bus ticket from Santa Barbara, CA to Los Angeles, CA:
    • FlixBus
      • Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
    • Greyhound
      • $15 per additional bag.
    Yes, you can bring your pet on the bus from Santa Barbara, CA to Los Angeles, CA. The following conditions apply:
    • FlixBus
      • Small pets in carriers allowed
      • Guide dogs travel for free.
    You can reserve your seat on the bus from Santa Barbara, CA to Los Angeles, CA with the following bus companies: FlixBus and Greyhound
    Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Santa Barbara, CA to Los Angeles, CA with the following bus companies: FlixBus and Greyhound.
    Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Santa Barbara, CA to Los Angeles, CA with the following bus providers: FlixBus and Greyhound.

    popular bus stations

    Popular bus stations from Santa Barbara, CA to Los Angeles, CA

    Santa Barbara
    Los Angeles
    The major bus station for departures in Santa Barbara is Santa Barbara, Bus station. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Santa Barbara, Bus station for your trip from Santa Barbara to Los Angeles.
    Santa Barbara, Bus station
    information

    Most popular buses to and from Los Angeles, CA and Santa Barbara, CA

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