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

Thu, Sep 17
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Santa Barbara, CA to Los Angeles, CA

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 17

Cheapest price on Sep 17

€25

Average ticket price on Sep 17

€48

Fastest journey on Sep 17

2 h 25 m

Average journey duration on Sep 17

4 h 13 m

Buses on Sep 17

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 €48 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €25.

Fast buses

On Thu, Sep 17, we found 2 buses from Santa Barbara, CA to Los Angeles, CA, including 1 direct services.

On Thu, Sep 17 the direct buses cover the 140 km distance in an average of 4 h 13 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 2 h 25 m .

On Thu, Sep 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.

  • FlixBusFlixBus
    1:50 PM2h25
    Santa Barbara, Bus station
    4:15 PMLos Angeles, Patsaouras Transit Plaza (Union Station), CA
    251One-way
    0 transfers
  • Amtrak11 · 6241
    6:19 PM6h01
    Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA
    12:20 AMUnion Station, Los Angeles, CA
    711One-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 an average ticket price of €24 For those with little time, consider booking a bus, which has an average total journey time of 2h 40m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.0 - 0.1kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €24, while a train costs an average of €35.

Distance: 86 miles (140 km)

Compare bus with

Bus
Most popular
Train
Driving

€24

Average price

Cheapest

€35

Average price

€17

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

2h 40m

Average total duration

Fastest

2h 10m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

3h 57m

Average total duration

3h 27m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

1h 54m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

0.1 - 0.3kg

CO2 emissions

0.0 - 0.1kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

-

CO2 emissions

FlixBus

Most popular bus company

Amtrak

Most popular train company

Your own car or car rental

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

The cheapest way to travel from Santa Barbara, CA to Los Angeles, CA is a bus with an average price of €24.

This is compared to other travel options from Santa Barbara, CA to Los Angeles, CA:

A bus is €11 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Santa Barbara, CA to Los Angeles, CA costing on average €35.

The fastest way to travel from Santa Barbara, CA to Los Angeles, CA is by bus with an average journey time of 2h 10m.

Other travel options to Los Angeles, CA take longer:

Train takes on average 3h 27m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Santa Barbara, CA and Los Angeles, CA including taking a train and bus.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Santa Barbara, CA to Los Angeles, CA among Omio's users.
Take the bus. It's the cheapest way to make this trip, and the price gap is usually bigger than people expect.

Tickets start at around €24 compared to roughly €17 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about €-7.23. The journey takes 2h 10m versus 1h 54m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can use the time productively rather than spending it behind the wheel. No parking to sort, no fuel stops, and most coaches have Wi-Fi and power outlets.

Driving is worth considering if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), or want the flexibility to stop along the way.

Santa Barbara, CA to Los Angeles, CA Bus Timetables

OperatorDeparture TimeArrival TimeDurationDeparture daysCheapest price
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
01:00AM
Arrival Time
02:50AM
Duration
1h50
Departure days
Mon, Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
27
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
01:45AM
Arrival Time
03:35AM
Duration
1h50
Departure days
Mon
Cheapest price
22
Operator
Amtrak
Departure Time
02:19AM
Arrival Time
08:20AM
Duration
6h01
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
47
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
02:45AM
Arrival Time
04:35AM
Duration
1h50
Departure days
Mon, Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
15
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
01:50PM
Arrival Time
04:15PM
Duration
2h25
Departure days
Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu
Cheapest price
13
Operator
Amtrak
Departure Time
06:19PM
Arrival Time
12:20AM
Duration
6h01
Departure days
Mon, Wed, Thu
Cheapest price
71

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, Wednesday, September 16. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
FlixBusFlixBus1:50 PM Santa Barbara, Bus station
2h25
4:15 PM Los Angeles, Patsaouras Transit Plaza (Union Station), CA0 transfersDirect
Amtrak11 · 62416:19 PM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA
6h01
12:20 AM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA1 transfer

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.

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Sep 16
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Why should you book Santa Barbara, CA to Los Angeles, CA buses with Omio?

FlixBus operates all buses services from Santa Barbara, CA to Los Angeles, CA.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Santa Barbara, CA to Los Angeles, CA.

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

USAUSA
USAUSA
Icon of bus

Buses from Santa Barbara, CA to Los Angeles, CA run on average 1 times per day, taking around 2h 10m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at €12 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.

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 10m
Cheapest ticket price
€12
Buses per day
1
Direct buses
1
Fastest bus
1h 50m
First bus
4:50 AM
Last bus
9:55 PM
Cheapest Month
Jun
Cheapest Day
Sat
High Season
Jul - Sep
Low Season
Apr - Jun
Busiest Day
Sat
Least Busy Day
Tue
Best time to book
28 days
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 €12. 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 FlixBus Duration
1h 50m
Cheapest FlixBus Price
€12
FlixBus frequency
1 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.

Complete guide to Los Angeles, CA

Things to do in Los Angeles, CA

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.

  • Must visit

The Getty Center

Hilltop art museum with European paintings, sculpture, gardens, and striking architecture plus sweeping city views.

  • Must visit

The Broad

Major contemporary art museum in Downtown LA, known for broad collections, special shows, and bold architecture.

  • Must visit

Los Angeles County Museum of Art

World-class encyclopedic museum on Wilshire Boulevard, famous for diverse collections and the Urban Light installation.

United States dollar ($)

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.

Average meal costs

Budget
$12-20 for fast food or casual takeaway.
Mid-range
$25-45 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining
$80+ per person for upscale restaurants.
Coffee
$4-7 for coffee or cappuccino.

Tipping culture

Tip 18-20% in restaurants, 15-20% for taxis or rideshares, and $1-2 at cafes for counter service or coffee.

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 €12 when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Santa Barbara, CA to Los Angeles, CA is €24 ; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by bus from Santa Barbara, CA to Los Angeles, CA is 1h 50m to travel the 86 miles (140 km) long journey. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest bus from Santa Barbara, CA to Los Angeles, CA leaves at 4:50 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Santa Barbara, CA to Los Angeles, CA leaves at 9:55 PM.
Yes, there are 1 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.
When taking a bus from Santa Barbara, CA to Los Angeles, CA, you can count on FlixBus for the best way to get you to Los Angeles, CA. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Santa Barbara, CA and Los Angeles, CA and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
When departing from Santa Barbara, CA , you have various bus station options to start your journey from including Santa Barbara, Bus station, Isla Vista, UC Santa Barbara (Bus Loop), CA . When arriving in Los Angeles, CA , you can end your journey in bus stations like Los Angeles, Patsaouras Transit Plaza (Union Station), CA, Los Angeles, Cesar E Chavez / Vignes, CA, Los Angeles, Los Angeles Union STA (E), CA, Los Angeles, North Hollywood (W Magnolia Blvd / Klump Ave), CA, San Fernando, Rinaldi St / Rincon Ave (Greyhound Bus Stop), Los Angeles, Gayley / Strathmore, CA .Passengers board the bus most frequently from Santa Barbara, Bus station, which is located around away from the city centre, and they get off the bus at Los Angeles, Patsaouras Transit Plaza (Union Station), CA, located 1 away from the city centre.
A day trip to Los Angeles, CA from Santa Barbara, CA is worth doing with a journey time of 1h 50m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Santa Barbara, CA to Los Angeles, CA is June.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Santa Barbara, CA and Los Angeles, CA including taking a train and bus.
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.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Santa Barbara, CA to Los Angeles, CA for bus company FlixBus.
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.
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.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus company FlixBus.
Tickets are often cheaper when booked early. Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money. Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options. Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
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).
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.
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 company: FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Santa Barbara, CA to Los Angeles, CA with the following bus company: FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Santa Barbara, CA to Los Angeles, CA with the following bus company: FlixBus.
Since neither Santa Barbara, CA nor Los Angeles, CA are in the Schengen Area, passport requirements depend on the specific immigration rules of United States and United States. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Santa Barbara, CA to Los Angeles, CA among Omio's users.
The currency used in the United States is the US Dollar (USD). For travelers, using cards is generally more convenient and widely accepted, especially credit and debit cards, while cash is useful for small purchases or places that do not accept cards.
In Los Angeles, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing and vehicle break-ins, especially in crowded or tourist-heavy areas like Hollywood and Venice Beach. Common scams include fake ticket vendors near popular attractions and overcharging by unlicensed ride services. It's important to use official transportation options, stay aware of surroundings, and avoid sharing personal information with strangers to stay safe.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.

popular bus stations

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

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.

Departure bus stations in Santa Barbara
Arrival bus stations in Los Angeles

Which Santa Barbara, CA station do buses to Los Angeles, CA leave from?

Buses from Santa Barbara, CA to Los Angeles, CA leave from Santa Barbara, Bus station. The station is 0 miles (1 km) from Santa Barbara, CA city centre at Santa Barbara, CA, USA.
Santa Barbara, Bus stationSanta Barbara, CA, USAWifiParkingATMTaxisAccessibilityWCShowerTicket Office
City-centre transport

Getting to Santa Barbara, Bus station from Santa Barbara city centre

Bus33 · 5m · €2 · every ~2 min

Santa Barbara, Bus station 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.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Free public Wi-Fi available. ATMs are located inside the station building.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Santa Barbara, Bus station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Santa Barbara, Bus station: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Santa Barbara, Bus station: Wheelchair accessible routes available.

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

HomeBusesBuses in USABus tickets to Los Angeles, CASanta Barbara, CA to Los Angeles, CA bus

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