- Must visit
California State Railroad Museum
Major rail museum in Old Sacramento with restored locomotives, railcars, and exhibits on how rail shaped California and the American West.
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Santa Barbara, CA to Sacramento, CA
Showing times and prices for Jun 22
Cheapest price
$69
Average price
$112
Fastest journey
9 h 50 m
Average duration
10 h 14 m
Buses per day
10
Distance
490 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Santa Barbara, CA to Sacramento, 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 Sacramento, CA will cost around $112 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $69.
Fast buses
It's difficult to get from Santa Barbara, CA to Sacramento, CA without transferring at least once.
4785 AMTRAK · 524 Capitol Corridor10:05 PM11h35Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA9:40 AMSacramento Valley Station, Sacramento, CA$691One-way1 transfer- 4785 AMTRAK · 522 Capitol Corridor10:05 PM10h25Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA8:30 AMSacramento Valley Station, Sacramento, CA$691One-way1 transfer
- 5619 AMTRAK · 719 Gold Runner · 3819 AMTRAK12:00 PM9h50Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA9:50 PMSacramento, CA$881One-way2 transfers
- 5619 AMTRAK · 719 Gold Runner · 3819 AMTRAK12:00 PM10h00Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA10:00 PMSacramento Valley Station, Sacramento, CA$921One-way2 transfers
- 4785 AMTRAK · 6 California Zephyr10:05 PM12h07Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA10:12 AMSacramento Valley Station, Sacramento, CA$941One-way1 transfer
- 5619 AMTRAK · 719 Gold Runner · 3819 AMTRAK12:00 PM9h50Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA9:50 PMSacramento, CA$881One-way2 transfers
- 5619 AMTRAK · 719 Gold Runner · 3819 AMTRAK12:00 PM10h00Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA10:00 PMSacramento Valley Station, Sacramento, CA$921One-way2 transfers
- 6238 AMTRAK · 538 Capitol Corridor7:35 AM10h21Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA5:56 PMSacramento Valley Station, Sacramento, CA$1641One-way1 transfer
- 4785 AMTRAK · 522 Capitol Corridor10:05 PM10h25Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA8:30 AMSacramento Valley Station, Sacramento, CA$691One-way1 transfer
- 4761 AMTRAK · 544 Capitol Corridor10:05 AM10h36Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA8:41 PMSacramento Valley Station, Sacramento, CA$1641One-way1 transfer
Travel Information
Compare bus, train, and flight for Santa Barbara, CA to Sacramento, CA
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Santa Barbara, CA to Sacramento, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $67. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 4h 12m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $67, and a flight costs an average of $160.
Distance: 304 miles (490 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$99 Average price Cheapest | $128 Average price | $350 Average price | $76 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
10h 2m Average total duration 9h 32m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 11h 48m Average total duration 11h 18m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 12m Average total duration Fastest 4h 12m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 5h 54m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Santa Barbara, CA to Sacramento, CA is a bus with an average price of $99 (€81).
This is compared to other travel options from Santa Barbara, CA to Sacramento, CA:
A bus is $29 (€24) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Santa Barbara, CA to Sacramento, CA costing on average $128 (€105).
A bus is $251 (€205) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Santa Barbara, CA to Sacramento, CA costing on average $350 (€286).
The fastest way to travel from Santa Barbara, CA to Sacramento, CA is by flight with an average journey time of 4h 12m.
Other travel options to Sacramento, CA take longer:
Bus takes on average 9h 32m.
Train takes on average 11h 18m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Santa Barbara, CA and Sacramento, CA including taking a bus, train, and flight.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Santa Barbara, CA to Sacramento, CA among Omio's users.
Take the bus. On this route, it's both cheaper and quicker than driving.
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.
Santa Barbara, CA to Sacramento, CA Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 05:05AM | Arrival Time 03:30PM | Duration 10h25 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $67 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 06:05AM | Arrival Time 04:30PM | Duration 10h25 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $67 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 07:35AM | Arrival Time 05:56PM | Duration 10h21 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $164 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 08:31AM | Arrival Time 09:50PM | Duration 13h19 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $96 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 10:05AM | Arrival Time 08:41PM | Duration 10h36 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $164 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 12:00PM | Arrival Time 09:50PM | Duration 9h50 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $88 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 01:55PM | Arrival Time 08:45AM | Duration 18h50 | Departure days Mon, Thu | Cheapest price $104 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 07:00PM | Arrival Time 04:50AM | Duration 9h50 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $88 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 08:00PM | Arrival Time 05:50AM | Duration 9h50 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $87 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:45PM | Arrival Time 03:30PM | Duration 17h45 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $218 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 10:05PM | Arrival Time 10:12AM | Duration 12h07 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $69 |
Live departures
Santa Barbara, CA to Sacramento, CA bus times
The table below shows live departures for Santa Barbara, CA to Sacramento, CA buses for today, Sunday, June 21. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6:05 AM Santa Barbara, CA | 10h25 | 4:30 PM Sacramento, 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 Sacramento, CA by bus, train, or flight
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.
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Why should you book Santa Barbara, CA to Sacramento, CA buses with Omio?
FlixBus operates all buses services from Santa Barbara, CA to Sacramento, CA.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Santa Barbara, CA to Sacramento, CA.
Why book with Omio vs FlixBus?
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare FlixBus with all available travel options, which are bus, train and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Santa Barbara, CA to Sacramento, CA.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trainline?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus, train and flight to find the ideal travel option from Santa Barbara, CA to Sacramento, CA.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Santa Barbara, CA to Sacramento, CA
USAUSA
Buses from Santa Barbara, CA to Sacramento, CA run on average 10 times per day, taking around 9h 32m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $67 (€55) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 05:10, the last at 22:20. The fastest bus covers the 304 miles (490 km) distance in 9h 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 304 miles (490 km) |
Average bus duration 9h 32m |
Cheapest ticket price $67 (€55) |
Buses per day 10 |
Fastest bus 9h 50m |
First bus 5:10 AM |
Last bus 10:20 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 4 days |
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 Sacramento, CAYou can travel by bus between Santa Barbara, CA to Sacramento, CA with FlixBus for as low as $67 (€55). 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
20h 45m
Cheapest Price
$79 (€65)
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.
Complete guide to Sacramento
Things to do in Sacramento
Discover the best of Sacramento — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Sacramento trip today.
- Must visit
Crocker Art Museum
The oldest art museum west of the Mississippi, known for California art, European works, ceramics, and a strong rotating exhibition program.
- Must visit
California State Capitol Museum
Museum inside the historic State Capitol featuring restored rooms, political history exhibits, and insights into California government.
- Must visit
Old Sacramento Waterfront
The city’s most visited historic district, popular for boardwalk-style streets, river views, museums, and Gold Rush atmosphere.
- Must visit
Midtown Sacramento
Lively central district known for murals, boutiques, nightlife, and walkable blocks that are especially popular with younger visitors.
- Must visit
American River Parkway
Long scenic parkway with trails, river access, and cycling and walking routes that showcase Sacramento’s outdoors side.
Farm-To-Fork Seasonal Plate
Sacramento is known as the Farm-To-Fork Capital, and seasonal plates built around Central Valley produce are a signature local dining experience.
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
- Gluten-free
Delta Asparagus
Asparagus from the nearby Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta is a regional specialty, often grilled, roasted, or served simply during spring harvest season.
Cioppino
This tomato-based seafood stew is a Northern California classic commonly found in Sacramento restaurants, reflecting the region’s strong connection to California coastal cooking.
The Kitchen Restaurant
A celebrated fine-dining destination known for an interactive tasting menu, polished service, and one of Sacramento’s most famous special-occasion experiences.
Mulvaney's B&L
A long-established Farm-To-Fork favorite serving seasonal California cuisine in a warm, upscale setting inside a historic firehouse.
Selland's Market-Cafe
A popular local favorite for casual California fare, sandwiches, salads, and prepared foods with a strong emphasis on fresh ingredients.
United States Dollar
Moderate by U.S. standards. Dining and coffee are manageable, but hotels and upscale meals can be pricey.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- USD 10-18 for fast casual or takeout.
- Mid-range
- USD 20-40 per person at a casual restaurant.
- Fine dining
- USD 60-120+ per person at upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- USD 4-7 for a coffee drink.
Tipping culture
Tip 18-20% at sit-down restaurants before tax. USD 1-2 per drink at bars, round up taxis, and tip hotel staff USD 2-5. Counter-service tips are optional.
FAQs: Bus from Santa Barbara, CA to Sacramento, CA
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Santa Barbara, CA to Sacramento, 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 Sacramento, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap bus tickets from Santa Barbara, CA to Sacramento, CA can start from as little as $67 (€55) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Santa Barbara, CA to Sacramento, CA is $99 (€81) ; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by bus from Santa Barbara, CA to Sacramento, CA is 9h 50m to travel the 304 miles (490 km) long journey. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest bus from Santa Barbara, CA to Sacramento, CA leaves at 5:10 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Santa Barbara, CA to Sacramento, CA leaves at 10:20 PM.
There are 10 buses a day from Santa Barbara, CA to Sacramento, CA which require at least one change with FlixBus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer buses.
When taking a bus from Santa Barbara, CA to Sacramento, CA, you can count on FlixBus for the best way to get you to Sacramento, CA. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Santa Barbara, CA and Sacramento, CA and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A trip to Sacramento, CA from Santa Barbara, CA is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 9h 50m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Santa Barbara, CA to Sacramento, CA is August.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Santa Barbara, CA and Sacramento, CA including taking a bus, train, and flight.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Santa Barbara, CA to Sacramento, CA:
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Santa Barbara, CA to Sacramento, CA for bus company FlixBus.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in Sacramento, CA are:
- California State Capitol Museum, a historic building housing the state government and offering tours of its legislative chambers and exhibits
- Crocker Art Museum, featuring a diverse collection of art from California and around the world, including European, Asian, and contemporary works
- Old Sacramento State Historic Park, a preserved district with Gold Rush-era buildings, museums, and shops along the Sacramento River
- Sacramento Zoo, home to over 500 animals from around the globe, focusing on conservation and education
- American River Parkway, a scenic 23-mile parkway offering trails for biking, hiking, and wildlife viewing along the American River.
The best things to do in Sacramento, CA include:
- Old Sacramento Waterfront, a preserved historic district with shops, restaurants, and museums reflecting the Gold Rush era
- American River Bike Trail, a scenic 32-mile path perfect for cycling, walking, and enjoying nature
- Sutter's Fort State Historic Park, a reconstructed 19th-century fort offering insights into California's early pioneer history
- Midtown Farmers Market, a vibrant market showcasing local produce, crafts, and food vendors every Saturday
- Tower Bridge, an iconic vertical lift bridge offering picturesque views of the Sacramento River and city skyline.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Santa Barbara, CA to Sacramento, CA depends on the bus companies:
- 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.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus company FlixBus.
Tickets are often cheaper when booked early. Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money. Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options. Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the bus from Santa Barbara, CA to Sacramento, CA.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Santa Barbara, CA to Sacramento, 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 Sacramento, CA:
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the bus from Santa Barbara, CA to Sacramento, 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 Sacramento, CA with the following bus company: FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Santa Barbara, CA to Sacramento, CA with the following bus company: FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Santa Barbara, CA to Sacramento, CA with the following bus company: FlixBus.
Since neither Santa Barbara, CA nor Sacramento, CA are in the Schengen Area, passport requirements depend on the specific immigration rules of United States and United States. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Santa Barbara, CA to Sacramento, CA among Omio's users.
The currency used in the United States is the US Dollar (USD). For travelers, using cards is generally more convenient and widely accepted, especially credit and debit cards, while cash is useful for small purchases or places that do not accept cards.
In Sacramento, CA, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing and petty theft, especially in crowded areas like Old Sacramento and transit stations. Common scams include fake charity solicitations and overcharging by unofficial taxi services. It's advisable to use official transportation options, avoid displaying valuables openly, and stay aware of surroundings, particularly at night in less busy neighborhoods.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Santa Barbara, CA to Sacramento, CA
Santa Barbara
Sacramento
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 Sacramento.
Santa Barbara, Bus station
information
The major bus station for arrivals in Sacramento is Sacramento, Bus Terminal. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Sacramento, Bus Terminal for your trip to Sacramento from Santa Barbara.
Sacramento, Bus Terminal
information
Most popular bus connections from Santa Barbara, CA
More options for your journey from Santa Barbara, CA to Sacramento, CA
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Sacramento, CA and Santa Barbara, CA
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