The cheapest and fastest buses from Santa Barbara, CA to Oakland, CA
Cheapest price
$51
Average price
$108
Fastest journey
6 h 50 m
Average duration
8 h 17 m
Buses per day
4
Distance
441 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Santa Barbara, CA to Oakland, 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 Oakland, CA will cost around $108 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $51.
Of the 4 buses that leave Santa Barbara, CA for Oakland, CA on Tue, Dec 02, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Tue, Dec 02 the direct buses cover the 441 km distance in an average of 8 h 17 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 6 h 50 m .
On Tue, Dec 02 the slowest buses will take 9 h 13 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.
761 Pacific Surfliner · 4761 AMTRAK
6238 AMTRAK · 538 Capitol Corridor
761 Pacific Surfliner · 4761 AMTRAK · 546 Capitol Corridor
FlixBus
FlixBus
6238 AMTRAK · 538 Capitol Corridor
761 Pacific Surfliner · 4761 AMTRAK
761 Pacific Surfliner · 4761 AMTRAK · 546 Capitol CorridorTravel Information
Compare train and bus for Santa Barbara, CA to Oakland, CA
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Santa Barbara, CA to Oakland, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €36. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 7h 30m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.4kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €36, and a train costs an average of €50.
Distance: 274 miles (441 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train |
|---|---|
€47 Average price Cheapest | €66 Average price |
8h 0m Average total duration Fastest 7h 30m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 9h 43m Average total duration 9h 13m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.4 - 1.1kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.4kg 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 Oakland, CA Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 07:35AM | Arrival Time 04:01PM | Duration 8h26 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $96 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 09:58AM | Arrival Time 06:35PM | Duration 8h37 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $51 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:45AM | Arrival Time 06:35PM | Duration 6h50 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $154 |
Live departures
Santa Barbara, CA to Oakland, CA bus times
The table below shows live departures for Santa Barbara, CA to Oakland, CA buses for today, Monday, December 1. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 4:58 PM Santa Barbara, CA | 8h37 | 1:35 AM Oakland, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 6:45 PM Santa Barbara, CA | 6h50 | 1:35 AM Oakland, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 7:00 PM Santa Barbara, CA | 7h00 | 2:00 AM Oakland, 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 Oakland, 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.
Dec 02
Dec 03
Dec 04
Dec 05
Dec 06
Dec 07
Dec 08
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Santa Barbara, CA to Oakland, CA
Buses from Santa Barbara, CA to Oakland, CA run on average 5 times per day, taking around 7h 30m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $45 (€36) if you book in advance.
There are 1 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 04:45, the last at 23:25. The fastest bus covers the 274 miles (441 km) distance in 6h 50m.
Distance 274 miles (441 km) |
Average bus duration 7h 30m |
Cheapest ticket price $45 (€36) |
Buses per day 5 |
Direct buses 1 |
Fastest bus 6h 50m |
First bus 04:45 |
Last bus 23:25 |
Bus providers: FlixBus from Santa Barbara, CA to Oakland, CAYou can travel by bus between Santa Barbara, CA to Oakland, CA with FlixBus for as low as $45 (€36). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
FlixBus
FAQs: Bus from Santa Barbara, CA to Oakland, CA
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Santa Barbara, CA to Oakland, 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 Oakland, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
- Lake Merritt, a large tidal lagoon offering scenic walking paths and boating activities
- Oakland Museum of California, a museum dedicated to the art, history, and natural sciences of California
- Jack London Square, a waterfront area with dining, shopping, and entertainment options
- Redwood Regional Park, a vast park with hiking trails through towering redwood trees
- Chabot Space and Science Center, an interactive museum with planetarium shows and telescopes for stargazing.
- Visit the vibrant Temescal Alley, known for its unique shops and eateries
- Explore the historic USS Potomac, Franklin D. Roosevelt's " Floating White House"
- Enjoy a performance at the Fox Theater, a beautifully restored 1920s movie palace
- Discover the diverse flavors at the Oakland First Fridays street festival
- Take a scenic bike ride along the Bay Trail, offering stunning views of the San Francisco Bay.
- 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.
To find the cheapest bus tickets for your trip from Santa Barbara, CA to Oakland, CA, follow these tips:
Start your search now and compare ticket prices to find the best deal!
- 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 Oakland, CA
Most popular bus connections from Santa Barbara, CA
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