- Must visit
Phoenix Art Museum
A leading Southwestern art museum with major collections of American, Latin American, Asian, and Western works in Downtown Phoenix.
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 an average ticket price of $93 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 6h 44m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $93, while a flight costs an average of $646.
Distance: 441 miles (711 km)
Most popular Bus | Flight | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$93 Average price Cheapest | $646 Average price | $96 Average price (fuel + tolls) | |
10h 17m Average total duration 9h 47m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 44m Average total duration Fastest 4h 44m Onboard + 2h 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 $553 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Santa Barbara, CA to Phoenix, AZ costing on average $646.
Other travel options to Phoenix, AZ take longer:
Bus takes on average 9h 47m.
Tickets start at around $93 compared to roughly $96 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $3. The journey takes 9h 47m versus 7h 9m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can use the time productively rather than spending it behind the wheel. No parking to sort, no fuel stops, and most coaches have Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Driving is worth considering if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), or want the flexibility 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, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $59 |
Operator Flixbus USA | Departure Time 02:45PM | Arrival Time 01:05AM | Duration 10h20 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $128 |
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 Phoenix, AZ run on average 1 times per day, taking around 9h 47m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $65 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 9h 45m.
Distance 441 miles (711 km) |
Average bus duration 9h 47m |
Cheapest ticket price $65 |
Buses per day 1 |
Fastest bus 9h 45m |
First bus 1:25 AM |
Last bus 10:50 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
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. 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.
Santa Barbara, Bus station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Free public Wi-Fi available. ATMs are located inside the station building.
Ticket office support is available at Santa Barbara, Bus station.
Available at Santa Barbara, Bus station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Santa Barbara, Bus station: Wheelchair accessible routes available.
Phoenix, Bus Station (E Buckeye Rd) is 3 km from Phoenix city centre. Public transport options include:
Phoenix, Bus Station (E Buckeye Rd) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Fast food outlets inside.
Free Wi-Fi throughout the station. ATMs are aTM located near the main entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Phoenix, Bus Station (E Buckeye Rd).
Available at Phoenix, Bus Station (E Buckeye Rd): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Phoenix, Bus Station (E Buckeye Rd): Wheelchair accessible with assistance.
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