- 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.
Cheapest price on Sep 20
€56
Average ticket price on Sep 20
€59
Fastest journey on Sep 20
11 h 16 m
Average journey duration on Sep 20
11 h 16 m
Buses on Sep 20
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 €59 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €56.
On Sun, Sep 20, we found 2 buses from Santa Barbara, CA to San Diego, CA, including 2 direct services.
On Sun, Sep 20 the direct buses cover the 302 km distance in an average of 11 h 16 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 11 h 16 m .
On Sun, Sep 20 the slowest buses will take 11 h 16 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.




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 an average ticket price of €52 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 5h 52m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.3kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of €52, while a flight costs an average of €452.
Distance: 187 miles (302 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
€54 Average price | €52 Average price Cheapest | €452 Average price | €43 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 41m Average total duration 6h 11m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 12m Average total duration 6h 42m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 52m Average total duration Fastest 3h 52m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 3h 44m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.3 - 0.8kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.9 - 1.8kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Santa Barbara, CA to San Diego, CA:
A train is €2 less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Santa Barbara, CA to San Diego, CA costing on average €54.
A train is €400 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Santa Barbara, CA to San Diego, CA costing on average €452.
Other travel options to San Diego, CA take longer:
Bus takes on average 6h 11m.
Train takes on average 6h 42m.
Tickets start at around €54 compared to roughly €43 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about €-11.12. The journey takes 6h 11m versus 3h 44m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can use the time productively rather than spending it behind the wheel. No parking to sort, no fuel stops, and most coaches have Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Driving is worth considering if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), or want the flexibility to stop along the way.
| 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, Sun | Cheapest price €40 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 02:19AM | Arrival Time 01:35PM | Duration 11h16 | Departure days Mon, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price €56 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 02:50AM | Arrival Time 09:20AM | Duration 6h30 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price €40 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 01:50PM | Arrival Time 11:50PM | Duration 10h00 | Departure days Wed, Thu | Cheapest price €36 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:50PM | Arrival Time 10:15PM | Duration 8h25 | Departure days Wed, Thu | Cheapest price €33 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 01:55PM | Arrival Time 11:50PM | Duration 9h55 | Departure days Mon, Tue | Cheapest price €39 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:55PM | Arrival Time 10:15PM | Duration 8h20 | Departure days Mon, Tue | Cheapest price €34 |
The table below shows live departures for Santa Barbara, CA to San Diego, CA buses for tomorrow, Saturday, September 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 1:19 AM Santa Barbara, CA | 11h16 | 12:35 PM San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 2:19 AM Santa Barbara, CA | 11h16 | 1:35 PM San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Buses from Santa Barbara, CA to San Diego, CA run on average 3 times per day, taking around 6h 11m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at €20 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 50m.
Distance 187 miles (302 km) |
Average bus duration 6h 11m |
Cheapest ticket price €20 |
Buses per day 3 |
Fastest bus 5h 50m |
First bus 3:50 AM |
Last bus 9:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 14 days |
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.
Major Balboa Park museum with works from Spanish old masters to modern art, plus strong regional and international exhibitions.
Acclaimed contemporary art museum in La Jolla featuring oceanfront settings, modern works, and rotating global exhibitions.
Museum aboard a historic aircraft carrier with restored aircraft, naval exhibits, and immersive views of life at sea.
Balboa Park is San Diego's grand cultural park, packed with gardens, architecture, museums, and walkable plazas worth lingering in.
Historic Gaslamp Quarter offers Victorian-era streets, nightlife energy, and preserved downtown architecture for an atmospheric walk.
Dramatic seaside cliffs and walking paths in La Jolla, famous for waves, sea lions, and sweeping Pacific views.
A San Diego staple: grilled fish in a soft tortilla with cabbage, crema, and salsa. Popularized by Baja influence and coastal seafood culture.
French fries, carne asada, cheese, guacamole, and crema wrapped in a flour tortilla. A late-night local favorite born in San Diego taquerias.
Fresh local sea urchin served raw, prized for its rich, buttery taste. It reflects San Diego's access to Pacific seafood and sushi culture.
Celebrated sushi restaurant specializing in omakase and pristine seafood, including uni. Intimate, polished, and highly respected by locals.
Iconic casual seafood counter known for fish tacos, smoked fish, and harbor views. A classic stop for San Diego's Baja-inspired seafood style.
Refined fine-dining restaurant showcasing local seafood and seasonal California ingredients. Elegant room with one of the city's strongest reputations.
San Diego is pricey for US travel, with higher hotel rates, dining, and parking than many cities, though casual food and buses stay manageable.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, 15-20% for taxis or rideshares, and $1-2 for coffee drinks or small cafe orders.
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.

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.
Santa Barbara, Bus station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Free public Wi-Fi available. ATMs are located inside the station building.
Ticket office support is available at Santa Barbara, Bus station.
Available at Santa Barbara, Bus station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Santa Barbara, Bus station: Wheelchair accessible routes available.
San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park) is 5 km from San Diego city centre. Public transport options include:
San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Several dining options nearby.
Wi-Fi is available at San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park). ATMs are available at San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park).
Ticket office support is available at San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park).
Available at San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park): Wheelchair accessible routes available.
San Diego, West Harbor Drive (The Headquarters at Seaport District) is 1 km from San Diego city centre. Public transport options include:
San Diego, West Harbor Drive (The Headquarters at Seaport District) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Several dining options are in the area.
Wi-Fi is available at San Diego, West Harbor Drive (The Headquarters at Seaport District). ATMs are available at San Diego, West Harbor Drive (The Headquarters at Seaport District).
Ticket office support is available at San Diego, West Harbor Drive (The Headquarters at Seaport District).
Available at San Diego, West Harbor Drive (The Headquarters at Seaport District): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at San Diego, West Harbor Drive (The Headquarters at Seaport District): Accessible for persons with disabilities.
San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center is 22 km from San Diego city centre. Public transport options include:
San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Several fast food eateries located nearby.
Wi-Fi is available at San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center. ATMs are available near the entrance.
Ticket office support is available at San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center.
Available at San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center: Wheelchair accessible with ramps.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need