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The cheapest and fastest buses from Santa Barbara, CA to San Francisco, CA
Showing times and prices for Feb 06
Cheapest price
$54
Average price
$81
Fastest journey
8 h 10 m
Average duration
9 h 23 m
Buses per day
2
Distance
446 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Santa Barbara, CA to San Francisco, 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 Francisco, CA will cost around $81 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $54.
Fast buses
It's difficult to get from Santa Barbara, CA to San Francisco, CA without transferring at least once.
765 Pacific Surfliner · 4765 AMTRAK11:50AM8h10
Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA08:00PMSan Francisco, CA
$541One-way
1 transfer
6238 AMTRAK · 538 Capitol Corridor · 6645 AMTRAK07:35AM10h35
Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA06:10PMSan Francisco, CA
$1081One-way
2 transfers
765 Pacific Surfliner · 4765 AMTRAK11:50AM8h10
Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA08:00PMSan Francisco, CA
$541One-way
1 transfer
6238 AMTRAK · 538 Capitol Corridor · 6645 AMTRAK07:35AM10h35
Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA06:10PMSan Francisco, CA
$1081One-way
2 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Santa Barbara, CA to San Francisco, CA
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Santa Barbara, CA to San Francisco, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €34. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 9m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.4kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €34, and a flight costs an average of €100.
Distance: 277 miles (446 km)
Compare bus with
Most popular Bus | Train | Flight |
|---|---|---|
€53 Average price Cheapest | €67 Average price | €244 Average price |
8h 36m Average total duration 8h 6m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 10h 0m Average total duration 9h 30m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 9m Average total duration Fastest 1h 9m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.4 - 1.1kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 1.3 - 2.7kg CO2 emissions |
 Most popular bus company | Most popular train company |  Most popular airline |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Santa Barbara, CA to San Francisco, CA Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 07:35AM | Arrival Time 06:10PM | Duration 10h35 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $108 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:45AM | Arrival Time 06:05PM | Duration 6h20 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $80 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 11:47AM | Arrival Time 08:00PM | Duration 8h13 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $54 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 11:50AM | Arrival Time 08:00PM | Duration 8h10 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $54 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 02:45PM | Arrival Time 07:15AM | Duration 16h30 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $264 |
Live departures
Santa Barbara, CA to San Francisco, CA bus times
The table below shows live departures for Santa Barbara, CA to San Francisco, CA buses for today, Thursday, February 5. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at 12:12 PM
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6238 AMTRAK · 538 Capitol Corridor · 6645 AMTRAK | 3:35 PM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 10h35 | 2:10 AM San Francisco, CA | 2 transfers | |
| 765 Pacific Surfliner · 4765 AMTRAK | 7:50 PM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 8h10 | 4:00 AM San Francisco, CA | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus+ | 10:45 PM Santa Barbara, Bus station | 16h30 | 3:15 PM San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29 | 1 transfer | |
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 Francisco, 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.
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Feb 06
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Feb 12
Why should you book Santa Barbara, CA to San Francisco, CA buses with Omio?
FlixBus as well as Greyhound offer buses services from Santa Barbara, CA to San Francisco, CA.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Santa Barbara, CA to San Francisco, CA.
Why book with Omio vs FlixBus?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for FlixBus, but also compare tickets for the likes of Greyhound to find the best option for your trip from Santa Barbara, CA to San Francisco, CA.
- 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 Francisco, CA.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Greyhound to find the best option for your trip from Santa Barbara, CA to San Francisco, CA.
- 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 Francisco, CA.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Santa Barbara, CA to San Francisco, CA
USAUSA
Buses from Santa Barbara, CA to San Francisco, CA run on average 6 times per day, taking around 8h 6m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $43 (€34) if you book in advance.
There are 1 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 06:00, the last at 23:25. The fastest bus covers the 277 miles (446 km) distance in 6h 20m.
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 277 miles (446 km) |
Average bus duration 8h 6m |
Cheapest ticket price $43 (€34) |
Buses per day 6 |
Direct buses 1 |
Fastest bus 6h 20m |
First bus 06:00 |
Last bus 23:25 |
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
Bus providers: FlixBus, Greyhound from Santa Barbara, CA to San Francisco, CAYou can travel by bus between Santa Barbara, CA to San Francisco, CA with FlixBus, Greyhound for as low as $43 (€34). 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
6h 20m
Cheapest Price
$43 (€34)
FlixBus frequency
1 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.
Greyhound
About
Greyhound Lines, Inc. is a prominent American intercity bus transportation provider, established in 1914. It operates the largest intercity bus network in the United States, also extending services to Canada and Mexico. Greyhound is known for offering affordable and reliable long-distance travel, connecting major cities and rural communities across North America. The company's buses are equipped with amenities such as free Wi-Fi, power outlets, and extra legroom to enhance passenger comfort. Greyhound is a subsidiary of Flix SE, which also owns FlixBus, and together they offer an extensive network of over 1,600 destinations.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Greyhound frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 25 lbs (11 kg) and one checked bag up to 50 lbs (23 kg).
Additional luggage
$15 per additional bag.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket for a refund or exchange up to 24 hours before departure, for a cancellation fee applied.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority seating; Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed.
FAQs: Bus from Santa Barbara, CA to San Francisco, CA
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Santa Barbara, CA to San Francisco, 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 Francisco, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap bus tickets from Santa Barbara, CA to San Francisco, CA can start from as little as $43 (€34) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Santa Barbara, CA to San Francisco, CA is $66 (€53) ; 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 Francisco, CA is 6h 20m to travel the 277 miles (446 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 Francisco, CA leaves at 6:00 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Santa Barbara, CA to San Francisco, CA leaves at 11:25 PM.
Yes, there are 1 direct buses a day from Santa Barbara, CA to San Francisco, CA with FlixBus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct buses.
When taking a bus from Santa Barbara, CA to San Francisco, CA, you can count on FlixBus, Greyhound for the best way to get you to San Francisco, CA. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Santa Barbara, CA and San Francisco, CA and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A trip to San Francisco, CA from Santa Barbara, CA is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 6h 20m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Santa Barbara, CA to San Francisco, CA is October.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Santa Barbara, CA and San Francisco, CA including taking a train, bus, and flight.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Santa Barbara, CA to San Francisco, CA for bus company FlixBus, Greyhound.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Santa Barbara, CA to San Francisco, CA:
- Greyhound
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in San Francisco, CA are:
- Golden Gate Bridge, an iconic suspension bridge offering panoramic views of the San Francisco Bay
- Alcatraz Island, a historic site featuring the infamous former prison and informative audio tours
- Fisherman's Wharf, a bustling waterfront area known for seafood, shops, and sea lions
- Golden Gate Park, a large urban park with gardens, museums, and recreational activities
- Chinatown, the oldest and one of the largest Chinatowns in North America, offering vibrant culture and cuisine.
The best things to do in San Francisco, CA include:
- Ride a cable car through the steep streets of San Francisco for a classic city experience
- Explore the vibrant murals and street art in the Mission District
- Visit the Exploratorium, an interactive science museum perfect for all ages
- Take a scenic walk along the Embarcadero, offering views of the Bay Bridge and access to the Ferry Building Marketplace
- Enjoy a wine tasting tour in nearby Napa Valley, a short drive from the city.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Santa Barbara, CA to San Francisco, CA depends on the bus companies:
- Greyhound
- You can cancel your ticket for a refund or exchange up to 24 hours before departure, for a cancellation fee applied.
- 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, Greyhound.
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 Francisco, CA.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Santa Barbara, CA to San Francisco, CA:
- Greyhound
- One carry-on bag up to 25 lbs (11 kg) and one checked bag up to 50 lbs (23 kg).
- 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 Francisco, CA:
- Greyhound
- $15 per additional bag.
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the bus from Santa Barbara, CA to San Francisco, 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 Francisco, CA with the following bus company: FlixBus, Greyhound
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Santa Barbara, CA to San Francisco, CA with the following bus company: FlixBus, Greyhound.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Santa Barbara, CA to San Francisco, CA with the following bus company: FlixBus, Greyhound.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Santa Barbara, CA to San Francisco, CA
Santa Barbara
San Francisco
The major bus station for departures in Santa Barbara is Santa Barbara, Bus station. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Santa Barbara, Bus station for your trip from Santa Barbara to San Francisco.
Santa Barbara, Bus station
information
The major bus station for arrivals in San Francisco is San Francisco, Townsend Street / 5th Street. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at San Francisco, Townsend Street / 5th Street for your trip to San Francisco from Santa Barbara.
San Francisco, Townsend Street / 5th Street
information
San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29
information
Most popular bus connections from Santa Barbara, CA
More options for your journey from Santa Barbara, CA to San Francisco, CA
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from San Francisco, CA and Santa Barbara, CA
Most popular bus connections to San Francisco, CA
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