4.9
4.6The cheapest and fastest buses from Santa Barbara, CA to San Diego, CA
Cheapest price
$72
Average price
$73
Fastest journey
6 h 10 m
Average duration
6 h 43 m
Buses per day
2
Distance
302 km
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 $73 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $72.
Of the 2 buses that leave Santa Barbara, CA for San Diego, CA on Thu, Nov 06, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, Nov 06 the direct buses cover the 302 km distance in an average of 6 h 43 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 6 h 10 m .
On Thu, Nov 06 the slowest buses will take 7 h 15 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 bus, train, and flight for Santa Barbara, CA to San Diego, CA
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Santa Barbara, CA to San Diego, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €23. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 4h 43m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €23, and a flight costs an average of €257.
Distance: 187 miles (302 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight |
|---|---|---|
€40 Average price Cheapest | €40 Average price | €304 Average price |
6h 37m Average total duration 6h 7m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 40m Average total duration 6h 10m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 43m Average total duration Fastest 4h 43m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.3 - 0.8kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.9 - 1.8kg CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Santa Barbara, CA to San Diego, CA Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 02:45PM | Arrival Time 11:50PM | Duration 9h05 | Departure days Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $39 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:45PM | Arrival Time 10:45PM | Duration 8h00 | Departure days Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $39 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 06:19PM | Arrival Time 05:25AM | Duration 11h06 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $70 |
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, Wednesday, November 5. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 10:45 PM Santa Barbara, Bus station | 8h00 | 6:45 AM San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus+ | 10:45 PM Santa Barbara, Bus station | 9h05 | 7:50 AM San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park), CA | 1 transfer | |
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 10:45 PM Santa Barbara, Bus station | 7h30 | 6:15 AM San Diego, West Harbor Drive (The Headquarters at Seaport District), CA | 1 transfer | |
| Thursday, November 6 | |||||
 11 Coast Starlight · 5818 AMTRAK | 2:19 AM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 11h06 | 1:25 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 1 transfer | |
| 9:45 PM Santa Barbara, CA | 7h15 | 5:00 AM San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 10:20 PM Santa Barbara, CA | 6h10 | 4:30 AM San Diego, 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 San Diego, 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.
Nov 06
Nov 07
Nov 08
Nov 09
Nov 10
Nov 11
Nov 12
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 $28 (€23) 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 40m.
Distance 187 miles (302 km) |
Average bus duration 6h 7m |
Cheapest ticket price $28 (€23) |
Buses per day 4 |
Fastest bus 6h 40m |
First bus 03:50 |
Last bus 21:55 |
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 $28 (€23). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
FlixBus
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.
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
- Balboa Park, a sprawling urban park with museums, gardens, and the San Diego Zoo
- USS Midway Museum, a historic naval aircraft carrier museum offering interactive exhibits and tours
- La Jolla Cove, a picturesque coastal area known for its stunning views and marine life
- Gaslamp Quarter, a lively historic district with Victorian architecture, dining, and entertainment options
- Coronado Beach, a beautiful sandy beach known for its gentle waves and iconic hotel.
- Explore the vibrant art scene at the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego
- Enjoy a harbor cruise for stunning views of the skyline and naval ships
- Hike the scenic trails at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
- Visit the Birch Aquarium to learn about marine life and ocean conservation
- Experience the thrill of a whale watching tour off the coast.
- 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 San Diego, 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 San Diego, CA
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
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