- Recommended
Orange County Museum of Art
Contemporary art museum at Segerstrom Center presenting rotating exhibitions, California artists, and architecture-driven gallery spaces.
Cheapest price
$72
Average price
$72
Fastest journey
7 h 15 m
Average duration
7 h 15 m
Buses per day
1
Distance
186 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Santa Barbara, CA to Newport Beach, 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 Newport Beach, CA will cost around $72 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $72.
Of the 1 buses that leave Santa Barbara, CA for Newport Beach, CA on Mon, Jun 22, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, Jun 22 the direct buses cover the 186 km distance in an average of 7 h 15 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 7 h 15 m .
On Mon, Jun 22 the slowest buses will take 7 h 15 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.


Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Santa Barbara, CA to Newport Beach, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $32. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 3m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $32, and a flight costs an average of $236.
Distance: 115 miles (186 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$63 Average price | $39 Average price Cheapest | $386 Average price | $28 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
7h 25m Average total duration 6h 55m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 44m Average total duration 4h 14m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 3m Average total duration Fastest 1h 3m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 2h 36m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Santa Barbara, CA to Newport Beach, CA:
A train is $24 (€19) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Santa Barbara, CA to Newport Beach, CA costing on average $63 (€51).
A train is $347 (€284) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Santa Barbara, CA to Newport Beach, CA costing on average $386 (€316).
Other travel options to Newport Beach, CA take longer:
Train takes on average 4h 14m.
Bus takes on average 6h 55m.
You'll arrive about {timeSavings} sooner ({durationInMinutes} by bus vs {drivingDurationInMinutes} by car) and save roughly {savingsAmount} compared to fuel and tolls ({cheapestPrice} vs {drivingPriceInCents}). You also skip the drive itself — no traffic stress, no parking, and you can use the time to work, nap, or catch up on a series with the onboard Wi-Fi.
Direct coaches are operated by {directProviders}.
Driving is still worth considering if you're travelling with bulky luggage, need flexibility on departure times, or plan to stop along the way.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:55PM | Arrival Time 02:50AM | Duration 5h55 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $109 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:45PM | Arrival Time 05:00AM | Duration 7h15 | Departure days Mon, Tue | Cheapest price $43 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:45PM | Arrival Time 05:40AM | Duration 6h55 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $45 |
Compare bus, train, and flight 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.
Buses from Santa Barbara, CA to Newport Beach, CA run on average 5 times per day, taking around 6h 55m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $43 (€35) but you can travel from only $32 (€26) by train.
The earliest bus runs at 07:25, the last at 23:45. The fastest bus covers the 115 miles (186 km) distance in 5h 55m.
Distance 115 miles (186 km) |
Average bus duration 6h 55m |
Cheapest ticket price $43 (€35) |
Buses per day 5 |
Fastest bus 5h 55m |
First bus 7:25 AM |
Last bus 11:45 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Discover the best of Newport Beach — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Newport Beach trip today.
Contemporary art museum at Segerstrom Center presenting rotating exhibitions, California artists, and architecture-driven gallery spaces.
Aviation museum at John Wayne Airport with restored World War II aircraft, military vehicles, and related historical exhibits.
Historic garden campus with small-scale cultural exhibitions, botanical collections, and a peaceful setting popular with locals and visitors.
Charming island neighborhood known for waterfront homes, marine views, boutique-lined streets, and a relaxed walking atmosphere.
Classic Newport Beach area combining surf beaches, harbor activity, piers, and a lively seaside promenade.
Popular scenic beach cove with cliffs, calm swimming areas, and strong appeal for photos and sunset visits.
Baja-style tacos with grilled or fried local fish, cabbage, salsa, and crema. A classic coastal Southern California favorite strongly associated with beach communities like Newport Beach.
Pan-seared crab cakes made with sweet crab meat, often served with aioli or citrus salad. Popular in upscale coastal dining and a staple of Orange County seafood menus.
Fresh raw oysters served chilled with lemon and mignonette. They highlight the area’s seafood culture and are especially popular at waterfront restaurants.
Popular casual seafood spot known for poke, grilled fish, and a relaxed harbor-area atmosphere. A dependable choice for fresh local-style coastal fare.
Long-running Newport Beach seafood institution famous for simple fresh fish, crab, chowder, and an old-school local atmosphere.
Established waterfront restaurant serving oysters, sushi, and classic seafood dishes in a lively marina setting.
Newport Beach is pricier than many U.S. cities, especially for hotels, dining, and parking near the coast.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants; 20%+ for great service. Tip USD 1-2 per drink at bars, round up taxis, and tip hotel staff and valet.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Santa Barbara, CA to Newport Beach, 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 Newport Beach, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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