The cheapest and fastest buses from Santa Barbara, CA to Sacramento, CA
Cheapest price
$133
Average price
$133
Fastest journey
17 h 45 m
Average duration
17 h 45 m
Buses per day
1
Distance
490 km
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 $133 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $133.
Of the 1 buses that leave Santa Barbara, CA for Sacramento, CA on Tue, Dec 23, 1 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 490 km distance in an average of 17 h 45 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 17 h 45 m .
On Tue, Dec 23 the slowest buses will take 17 h 45 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 and bus 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 train with prices starting from €78. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 5h 37m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of €78, and a flight costs an average of €612.
Distance: 304 miles (490 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight |
|---|---|---|
€114 Average price | €78 Average price Cheapest | €612 Average price |
10h 3m Average total duration 9h 33m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 11h 45m Average total duration 11h 15m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 37m Average total duration Fastest 5h 37m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
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, Monday, December 22. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 9:45 PM Santa Barbara, CA | 17h45 | 3:30 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 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.
Dec 23
Dec 24
Dec 25
Dec 26
Dec 27
Dec 28
Dec 29
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Santa Barbara, CA to Sacramento, CA
Buses from Santa Barbara, CA to Sacramento, CA run on average 9 times per day, taking around 9h 33m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $85 (€68) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 01:40, the last at 22:20. The fastest bus covers the 304 miles (490 km) distance in 17h 45m.
Distance 304 miles (490 km) |
Average bus duration 9h 33m |
Cheapest ticket price $85 (€68) |
Buses per day 9 |
Fastest bus 17h 45m |
First bus 01:40 |
Last bus 22:20 |
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 $85 (€68). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
FlixBus
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.

- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 Sacramento, 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 Sacramento, CA
Most popular bus connections from Santa Barbara, CA
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