- Must visit
San Diego Museum of Art
Major Balboa Park museum with works from Spanish old masters to modern art, plus strong regional and international exhibitions.
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Santa Barbara, CA to San Diego, CA
Showing times and prices for Aug 05
Cheapest price
$50
Average price
$60
Fastest journey
7 h 55 m
Average duration
9 h 18 m
Buses per day
5
Distance
302 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Santa Barbara, CA to San Diego, 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 San Diego, CA will cost around $60 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $50.
Fast buses
It's difficult to get from Santa Barbara, CA to San Diego, CA without transferring at least once.
FlixBus · FlixBus1:50 PM8h55Santa Barbara, Bus station10:45 PMSan Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center$501One-way1 transfer- FlixBus · FlixBus1:50 PM7h55Santa Barbara, Bus station9:45 PMLa Jolla, UCSD Health La Jolla Station, CA$621One-way1 transfer
- FlixBus+
1:50 PM10h00Santa Barbara, Bus station11:50 PMSan Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park), CA$621One-way1 transfer - FlixBus · FlixBus1:50 PM8h25Santa Barbara, Bus station10:15 PMSan Diego, West Harbor Drive (The Headquarters at Seaport District), CA$631One-way1 transfer
11 Coast Starlight · 5818 AMTRAK6:19 PM11h16Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA5:35 AMSanta Fe Depot, San Diego, CA$641One-way1 transfer
- FlixBus · FlixBus1:50 PM7h55Santa Barbara, Bus station9:45 PMLa Jolla, UCSD Health La Jolla Station, CA$621One-way1 transfer
- FlixBus · FlixBus1:50 PM8h25Santa Barbara, Bus station10:15 PMSan Diego, West Harbor Drive (The Headquarters at Seaport District), CA$631One-way1 transfer
- FlixBus · FlixBus1:50 PM8h55Santa Barbara, Bus station10:45 PMSan Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center$501One-way1 transfer
- FlixBus+1:50 PM10h00Santa Barbara, Bus station11:50 PMSan Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park), CA$621One-way1 transfer
- 11 Coast Starlight · 5818 AMTRAK6:19 PM11h16Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA5:35 AMSanta Fe Depot, San Diego, CA$641One-way1 transfer
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Santa Barbara, CA to San Diego, CA
USAUSA
Buses from Santa Barbara, CA to San Diego, CA run on average 4 times per day, taking around 6h 7m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $39 if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 03:50, the last at 21:55. The fastest bus covers the 187 miles (302 km) distance in 6h 30m.
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 187 miles (302 km) |
Average bus duration 6h 7m |
Cheapest ticket price $39 |
Buses per day 4 |
Fastest bus 6h 30m |
First bus 3:50 AM |
Last bus 9:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 1 day |
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
Santa Barbara, CA to San Diego, CA Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 01:19AM | Arrival Time 12:35PM | Duration 11h16 | Departure days Mon, Sat | Cheapest price $49 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 02:19AM | Arrival Time 01:35PM | Duration 11h16 | Departure days Mon, Sat | Cheapest price $72 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 02:50AM | Arrival Time 09:20AM | Duration 6h30 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $49 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 01:50PM | Arrival Time 11:50PM | Duration 10h00 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $54 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:50PM | Arrival Time 10:45PM | Duration 8h55 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $42 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 06:19PM | Arrival Time 05:35AM | Duration 11h16 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $59 |
Live departures
Santa Barbara, CA to San Diego, CA bus times
The table below shows live departures for Santa Barbara, CA to San Diego, CA buses for today, Tuesday, August 4. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 1:50 PM Santa Barbara, Bus station | 8h25 | 10:15 PM San Diego, West Harbor Drive (The Headquarters at Seaport District), CA | 1 transfer | |
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 1:50 PM Santa Barbara, Bus station | 8h55 | 10:45 PM San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center | 1 transfer | |
| FlixBus+ | 1:50 PM Santa Barbara, Bus station | 10h00 | 11:50 PM San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park), CA | 1 transfer | |
| 11 Coast Starlight · 5818 AMTRAK | 6:19 PM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 11h16 | 5:35 AM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 1 transfer | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Why should you book Santa Barbara, CA to San Diego, CA buses with Omio?
FlixBus operates all buses services from Santa Barbara, CA to San Diego, CA.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Santa Barbara, CA to San Diego, 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 train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Santa Barbara, CA to San Diego, CA.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trainline?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Santa Barbara, CA to San Diego, CA.
Bus providers: FlixBus from Santa Barbara, CA to San Diego, CAYou can travel by bus between Santa Barbara, CA to San Diego, CA with FlixBus for as low as $39. 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
7h 55m
Cheapest Price
$39
FlixBus frequency
2 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 San Diego, CA
Things to do in San Diego, CA
Discover the best of San Diego, CA — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect San Diego, CA trip today.
- Must visit
Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego
Acclaimed contemporary art museum in La Jolla featuring oceanfront settings, modern works, and rotating global exhibitions.
- Must visit
USS Midway Museum
Museum aboard a historic aircraft carrier with restored aircraft, naval exhibits, and immersive views of life at sea.
- Must visit
Balboa Park
Balboa Park is San Diego's grand cultural park, packed with gardens, architecture, museums, and walkable plazas worth lingering in.
- Must visit
Gaslamp Quarter
Historic Gaslamp Quarter offers Victorian-era streets, nightlife energy, and preserved downtown architecture for an atmospheric walk.
- Must visit
La Jolla Cove
Dramatic seaside cliffs and walking paths in La Jolla, famous for waves, sea lions, and sweeping Pacific views.
Fish Taco
A San Diego staple: grilled fish in a soft tortilla with cabbage, crema, and salsa. Popularized by Baja influence and coastal seafood culture.
California Burrito
French fries, carne asada, cheese, guacamole, and crema wrapped in a flour tortilla. A late-night local favorite born in San Diego taquerias.
- Gluten-free
Sea Urchin (Uni)
Fresh local sea urchin served raw, prized for its rich, buttery taste. It reflects San Diego's access to Pacific seafood and sushi culture.
Sushi Ota
Celebrated sushi restaurant specializing in omakase and pristine seafood, including uni. Intimate, polished, and highly respected by locals.
Mitch's Seafood
Iconic casual seafood counter known for fish tacos, smoked fish, and harbor views. A classic stop for San Diego's Baja-inspired seafood style.
Juniper and Ivy
Refined fine-dining restaurant showcasing local seafood and seasonal California ingredients. Elegant room with one of the city's strongest reputations.
US Dollar ($)
San Diego is pricey for US travel, with higher hotel rates, dining, and parking than many cities, though casual food and buses stay manageable.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- $10-18 for fast food or casual takeout.
- Mid-range
- $25-45 per person for a mid-range meal.
- Fine dining
- $75+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- $4-6 for coffee or cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, 15-20% for taxis or rideshares, and $1-2 for coffee drinks or small cafe orders.
FAQs: Bus from Santa Barbara, CA to San Diego, CA
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Santa Barbara, CA to San Diego, 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 San Diego, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap bus tickets from Santa Barbara, CA to San Diego, CA can start from as little as $39 when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Santa Barbara, CA to San Diego, CA is $64 ; 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 San Diego, CA is 6h 30m to travel the 187 miles (302 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 San Diego, CA leaves at 3:50 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Santa Barbara, CA to San Diego, CA leaves at 9:55 PM.
There are 4 buses a day from Santa Barbara, CA to San Diego, 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 San Diego, CA, you can count on FlixBus for the best way to get you to San Diego, CA. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Santa Barbara, CA and San Diego, CA and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Santa Barbara, CA and San Diego, CA including taking a train, bus, and flight.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Santa Barbara, CA to San Diego, CA:
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Santa Barbara, CA to San Diego, CA for bus company FlixBus.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Santa Barbara, CA to San Diego, 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 San Diego, CA.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Santa Barbara, CA to San Diego, 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 San Diego, CA:
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the bus from Santa Barbara, CA to San Diego, 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 San Diego, CA with the following bus company: FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Santa Barbara, CA to San Diego, CA with the following bus company: FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Santa Barbara, CA to San Diego, CA with the following bus company: FlixBus.
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 San Diego, CA, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing and petty theft, especially in crowded areas like beaches, public transportation, and popular tourist spots such as the Gaslamp Quarter and Old Town. Common scams include overpriced parking fees and unauthorized ticket sellers near attractions. Staying aware of surroundings, securing belongings, and using official transportation services help reduce risks. Additionally, travelers should avoid isolated areas at night and be mindful of local traffic laws when using scooters or bikes.
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 San Diego, CA
Most Santa Barbara, CA to San Diego, CA buses use the Santa Barbara, Bus station to San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park) station pair, with some services arriving at San Diego, West Harbor Drive (The Headquarters at Seaport District). Use this guide to compare Santa Barbara, CA and San Diego, CA bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Departure bus stations in Santa Barbara
Arrival bus stations in San Diego
Santa Barbara, Bus station
City-centre transport
Getting to Santa Barbara, Bus station from Santa Barbara city centre
Bus33 · 5m · $2 · every ~2 min
San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park)
City-centre transport
Getting to San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park) from San Diego city centre
BusFlixBus 2017 · 20m · $1
83 · 26m · $6
TramGreen, Blue, Event · 16m · every ~18 min
Blue · 21m · every ~9 min
San Diego, West Harbor Drive (The Headquarters at Seaport District)
San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center
City-centre transport
Getting to San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center from San Diego city centre
BusFlixBus 2017 · 25m · $2
910 · 41m · $6
TramBlue · 41m · $17 · every ~14 min
Blue · 43m · $17 · every ~14 min
Most popular bus connections from Santa Barbara, CA
More options for your journey from Santa Barbara, CA to San Diego, CA
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from San Diego, CA and Santa Barbara, CA
Most popular bus connections to San Diego, CA
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