The cheapest and fastest buses from Santa Barbara, CA to San Diego, CA
Cheapest price
$82
Average price
$82
Fastest journey
11 h 6 m
Average duration
11 h 6 m
Buses per day
1
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 $82 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $82.
Of the 1 buses that leave Santa Barbara, CA for San Diego, CA on Sat, Mar 28, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Mar 28 the direct buses cover the 302 km distance in an average of 11 h 6 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 11 h 6 m .
On Sat, Mar 28 the slowest buses will take 11 h 6 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, bus, 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 train with prices starting from $48. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 5h 24m. 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 train costs an average of $48, and a flight costs an average of $117.
Distance: 187 miles (302 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight |
|---|---|---|
$71 Average price | $49 Average price Cheapest | $277 Average price |
6h 37m Average total duration 6h 7m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 39m Average total duration 6h 9m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 24m Average total duration Fastest 5h 24m 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.
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 tomorrow, Saturday, March 21. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 2:19 AM Santa Barbara, CA | 11h06 | 1:25 PM 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 train, bus, or flight
Compare train, bus, 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.
Mar 22
Mar 23
Mar 24
Mar 25
Mar 26
Mar 27
Mar 28
Why should you book Santa Barbara, CA to San Diego, CA buses with Omio?
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.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Santa Barbara, CA to San Diego, CA
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 $42 (€34) 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 5h 45m.
Distance 187 miles (302 km) |
Average bus duration 6h 7m |
Cheapest ticket price $42 (€34) |
Buses per day 4 |
Fastest bus 5h 45m |
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 $42 (€34). 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.
- 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
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