Santa Barbara, CA to Oakland, CA bus with FlixBus

Tue, Dec 02
+ Add return
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1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Santa Barbara, CA to Oakland, CA

Showing times and prices for Dec 02

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

Cheap tickets

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.

Fast buses

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.

Amtrak761 Pacific Surfliner · 4761 AMTRAK
09:58AM8h37
Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA
06:35PMOakland – Jack London Square station, Oakland, CA
$511One-way
1 transfer
Amtrak6238 AMTRAK · 538 Capitol Corridor
07:35AM8h26
Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA
04:01PMOakland – Jack London Square station, Oakland, CA
$961One-way
1 transfer
Amtrak761 Pacific Surfliner · 4761 AMTRAK · 546 Capitol Corridor
09:58AM9h13
Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA
07:11PMOakland – Jack London Square station, Oakland, CA
$1291One-way
2 transfers
FlixBusFlixBus
11:45AM6h50
Santa Barbara, Bus station
06:35PMOakland, West Oakland BART Station, CA
$1541One-way
0 transfers

Travel 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
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 Oakland, CA Bus Timetables

OperatorDeparture TimeArrival TimeDurationDeparture daysCheapest 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.

Last updated at 12:49 PM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
amtrak4:58 PM Santa Barbara, CA
8h37
1:35 AM Oakland, CA0 transfersDirect
meinfernbus_flixbus6:45 PM Santa Barbara, CA
6h50
1:35 AM Oakland, CA0 transfersDirect
meinfernbus_flixbus7:00 PM Santa Barbara, CA
7h00
2:00 AM Oakland, 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 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.

Tue
Dec 02
Wed
Dec 03
Thu
Dec 04
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Dec 05
Sat
Dec 06
Sun
Dec 07
Mon
Dec 08

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Santa Barbara, CA to Oakland, CA

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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.

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
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
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 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

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
6h 50m
Cheapest Price
$45 (€36)
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.

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.

FAQs
Cheap bus tickets from Santa Barbara, CA to Oakland, CA can start from as little as $54 (€44) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Santa Barbara, CA to Oakland, CA is $65 (€53); 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 Oakland, CA is on average 7 h 5 min   for the 273 mile (441 km) long journey, but the time it takes to go between Santa Barbara, CA and Oakland, CA by bus can vary depending on specific dates or if traveling on weekends and holidays.
The first bus from Santa Barbara, CA to Oakland, CA leaves at 5: 58PM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner   from Omio.
The last bus from Santa Barbara, CA to Oakland, CA leaves at 9: 55PM.
Yes, there is 1 direct bus a day from Santa Barbara, CA to Oakland, CA with FlixBus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct buses.
For the best Santa Barbara, CA to Oakland, CA bus to book, you can travel safely and comfortably with FlixBus. However, it's always good to check all possible bus companies with services between Santa Barbara, CA and Oakland, CA to compare what amenities they may offer.
The cheapest month for a bus from Santa Barbara, CA to Oakland, CA is September.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel from Santa Barbara, CA to Oakland, CA including taking a train or bus.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Santa Barbara, CA to Oakland, CA:
  • FlixBus
    • Assistance
    • Priority boarding
    • Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Santa Barbara, CA to Oakland, CA for bus company FlixBus.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in Oakland, CA are:
  • 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.
The best things to do in Oakland, CA include:
  • 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.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus company FlixBus.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Santa Barbara, CA to Oakland, CA depends on the bus company:
  • 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:

  • 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 Oakland, CA.
    Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Santa Barbara, CA to Oakland, 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 Oakland, CA:
    • FlixBus
      • Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
    Yes, you can bring your pet on the bus from Santa Barbara, CA to Oakland, 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 Oakland, CA with the following bus company: FlixBus
    Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Santa Barbara, CA to Oakland, CA with the following bus company: FlixBus.
    Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Santa Barbara, CA to Oakland, CA with the following bus company: FlixBus.

    popular bus stations

    Popular bus stations from Santa Barbara, CA to Oakland, CA

    Santa Barbara
    Oakland
    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 Oakland.
    Santa Barbara, Bus station
    information

    Most popular buses to and from Oakland, CA and Santa Barbara, CA

    HomeBusesBuses in USABus tickets to Oakland, CASanta Barbara, CA to Oakland, CA bus

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