- Must visit
Phoenix Art Museum
A leading Southwestern art museum with major collections of American, Latin American, Asian, and Western works in Downtown Phoenix.
Cheapest price
$66
Average price
$66
Fastest journey
11 h 10 m
Average duration
11 h 10 m
Buses per day
1
Distance
711 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Santa Barbara, CA to Phoenix, AZ 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 Phoenix, AZ will cost around $66 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $66.
It's difficult to get from Santa Barbara, CA to Phoenix, AZ without transferring at least once.
FlixBus+
FlixBus+
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Santa Barbara, CA to Phoenix, AZ among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $80. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 58m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $80, and a flight costs an average of $341.
Distance: 441 miles (711 km)
Most popular Bus | Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$140 Average price Cheapest | $156 Average price | $437 Average price | $95 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
9h 50m Average total duration 9h 20m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 12h 41m Average total duration 12h 11m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 58m Average total duration Fastest 2h 58m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 7h 9m 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 Phoenix, AZ:
A bus is $16 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Santa Barbara, CA to Phoenix, AZ costing on average $156.
A bus is $298 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Santa Barbara, CA to Phoenix, AZ costing on average $437.
Other travel options to Phoenix, AZ take longer:
Bus takes on average 9h 20m.
Train takes on average 12h 11m.
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 Greyhound | Departure Time 01:50PM | Arrival Time 01:05AM | Duration 11h15 | Departure days Mon, Thu | Cheapest price $69 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 01:55PM | Arrival Time 01:05AM | Duration 11h10 | Departure days Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $66 |
The table below shows live departures for Santa Barbara, CA to Phoenix, AZ buses for today, Tuesday, August 4. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus+![]() | 1:55 PM Santa Barbara, Bus station | 11h10 | 1:05 AM Phoenix, Bus Station (E Buckeye Rd) | 1 transfer | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus, flight, and train 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 Phoenix, AZ run on average 2 times per day, taking around 9h 20m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $80 if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 01:25, the last at 22:50. The fastest bus covers the 441 miles (711 km) distance in 10h 20m.
Distance 441 miles (711 km) |
Average bus duration 9h 20m |
Cheapest ticket price $80 |
Buses per day 2 |
Fastest bus 10h 20m |
First bus 1:25 AM |
Last bus 10:50 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Discover the best of Phoenix, AZ — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Phoenix, AZ trip today.
A leading Southwestern art museum with major collections of American, Latin American, Asian, and Western works in Downtown Phoenix.
An immersive museum of musical instruments from around the world, with audio exhibits, concerts, and broad family appeal.
A major Indigenous art museum presenting Native American and First Nations works, history, and contemporary voices.
A vast desert garden with thousands of cactus species, seasonal blooms, and scenic trails that define the Sonoran landscape.
Phoenix’s signature mountain preserve offers summit hikes, panoramic city views, and one of the region’s most iconic outdoor experiences.
A giant urban park with hiking, biking, desert scenery, and lookouts, making it a favorite for both visitors and locals.
A Sonoran-style hot dog wrapped in bacon and topped with beans, onion, tomato, mayo, mustard, and jalapeño salsa. A Phoenix favorite with roots in nearby Sonora.
Deep-fried burrito commonly filled with shredded beef or chicken, then topped with sauce and cheese. It is a classic Arizona-Mexican comfort dish.
Stewed pinto beans, often cooked creamy and savory. A staple across Phoenix Mexican and Sonoran tables, usually served as a side with many local meals.
Upscale restaurant by a Native American chef highlighting Indigenous Arizona ingredients like tepary beans, cholla buds, and mesquite in a modern setting.
Beloved casual spot known for Sonoran hot dogs and other Tucson-style street food. Lively, no-frills, and one of Phoenix's iconic local bites.
Popular casual chain born in Phoenix, famous for green chile pork and simple Sonoran-style Mexican fare. Fast, reliable, and widely loved by locals.
Moderate for U.S. city breaks: hotels vary by season, dining is mid-priced, and car costs often matter more than public transit.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, 15-20% for taxis or rideshares, and $1-2 per drink or coffee in cafes.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Santa Barbara, CA to Phoenix, AZ 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 Phoenix, AZ, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Santa Barbara, CA to Phoenix, AZ buses use the Santa Barbara, Bus station to Phoenix, Bus Station (E Buckeye Rd) station pair, with some services arriving at Phoenix, W Glendale Ave (Glendale). Use this guide to compare Santa Barbara, CA and Phoenix, AZ bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need