The cheapest and fastest buses from Santa Barbara, CA to Oceanside, CA
Cheapest price
$55
Average price
$64
Fastest journey
7 h 45 m
Average duration
8 h 3 m
Buses per day
2
Distance
254 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Santa Barbara, CA to Oceanside, 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 Oceanside, CA will cost around $64 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $55.
Of the 2 buses that leave Santa Barbara, CA for Oceanside, CA on Tue, Dec 23, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Tue, Dec 23 the direct buses cover the 254 km distance in an average of 8 h 3 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 7 h 45 m .
On Tue, Dec 23 the slowest buses will take 8 h 20 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.




Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Santa Barbara, CA to Oceanside, CA
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Santa Barbara, CA to Oceanside, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from €38. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 5h 5m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of €38, and a flight costs an average of €256.
Distance: 157 miles (254 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight |
|---|---|---|
€43 Average price | €38 Average price Cheapest | €312 Average price |
6h 4m Average total duration 5h 34m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 50m Average total duration 5h 20m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 5m Average total duration Fastest 5h 5m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.3 - 0.6kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.8 - 1.5kg CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Santa Barbara, CA to Oceanside, CA bus times
The table below shows live departures for Santa Barbara, CA to Oceanside, CA buses for today, Monday, December 22. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 10:20 PM Santa Barbara, CA | 7h45 | 6:05 AM Oceanside, 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 Oceanside, CA by train, bus, or flight
Compare train, bus, 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.
Dec 23
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Dec 29
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Santa Barbara, CA to Oceanside, CA
Buses from Santa Barbara, CA to Oceanside, CA run on average 5 times per day, taking around 5h 34m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $48 (€38) but you can travel from only $47 (€38) by train.
The earliest bus runs at 04:57, the last at 22:25. The fastest bus covers the 157 miles (254 km) distance in 7h 45m.
Distance 157 miles (254 km) |
Average bus duration 5h 34m |
Cheapest ticket price $48 (€38) |
Buses per day 5 |
Fastest bus 7h 45m |
First bus 04:57 |
Last bus 22:25 |
Bus providers: FlixBus from Santa Barbara, CA to Oceanside, CAYou can travel by bus between Santa Barbara, CA to Oceanside, CA with FlixBus for as low as $47 (€38). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
FlixBus
FAQs: Bus from Santa Barbara, CA to Oceanside, CA
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Santa Barbara, CA to Oceanside, 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 Oceanside, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
- Oceanside Pier, a historic wooden pier offering scenic ocean views and fishing opportunities
- California Surf Museum, a museum dedicated to the history and culture of surfing
- Mission San Luis Rey, a historic Spanish mission with beautiful architecture and gardens
- Oceanside Harbor Village, a charming area with shops, dining, and waterfront activities
- Buena Vista Audubon Society Nature Center, a nature reserve with trails and birdwatching opportunities.
- Buccaneer Beach Park, a family-friendly beach with picnic areas and a playground
- Oceanside Sunset Market, a vibrant street market with food, live music, and local vendors
- Oceanside Museum of Art, showcasing contemporary art exhibitions and cultural events
- Guajome Regional Park, offering hiking trails, camping, and a scenic lake
- Goat Hill Park, a unique golf course with panoramic views and a relaxed atmosphere.
- 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 Oceanside, 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 Oceanside, CA
Most popular bus connections from Santa Barbara, CA
More options for your journey from Santa Barbara, CA to Oceanside, CA
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