- Must visit
California Academy of Sciences
Renowned science museum with rainforest dome, aquarium, and planetarium. Interactive exhibits make it a standout for all ages.
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Santa Barbara, CA to San Francisco, CA
Showing times and prices for Aug 06
Cheapest price
€57
Average price
€57
Fastest journey
22 h 45 m
Average duration
22 h 45 m
Buses per day
1
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 €57 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €57.
Fast buses
It's difficult to get from Santa Barbara, CA to San Francisco, CA without transferring at least 3 times.
FlixBus · FlixBus+
· 1:50 PM22h45Santa Barbara, Bus station12:35 PMSan Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29€571One-way3 transfers
- FlixBus · FlixBus+ · 1:50 PM22h45Santa Barbara, Bus station12:35 PMSan Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29€571One-way3 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 €38. 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 €38, and a flight costs an average of €117.
Distance: 277 miles (446 km)
Compare bus with
Most popular Bus | Train | Flight |
|---|---|---|
€62 Average price Cheapest | €75 Average price | €247 Average price |
8h 49m Average total duration 8h 19m 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.
The cheapest way to travel from Santa Barbara, CA to San Francisco, CA is a bus with an average price of €62.
This is compared to other travel options from Santa Barbara, CA to San Francisco, CA:
A bus is €13 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Santa Barbara, CA to San Francisco, CA costing on average €75.
A bus is €185 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Santa Barbara, CA to San Francisco, CA costing on average €247.
The fastest way to travel from Santa Barbara, CA to San Francisco, CA is by flight with an average journey time of 1h 9m.
Other travel options to San Francisco, CA take longer:
Bus takes on average 8h 19m.
Train takes on average 9h 30m.
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.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Santa Barbara, CA to San Francisco, CA among Omio's users.
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 04:11PM | Duration 8h36 | Departure days Wed, Fri | Cheapest price €114 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 10:05AM | Arrival Time 08:13PM | Duration 10h08 | Departure days Fri, Sat | Cheapest price €114 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:15AM | Arrival Time 05:55PM | Duration 6h40 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Sun | Cheapest price €38 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 11:44AM | Arrival Time 08:25PM | Duration 8h41 | Departure days Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price €44 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:45PM | Arrival Time 08:20PM | Duration 6h35 | Departure days Fri, Sat | Cheapest price €47 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 01:50PM | Arrival Time 12:35PM | Duration 22h45 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price €57 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:15PM | Arrival Time 12:35AM | Duration 6h20 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price €93 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:45PM | Arrival Time 01:05AM | Duration 6h20 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price €72 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 06:47PM | Arrival Time 03:00AM | Duration 8h13 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price €44 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:45PM | Arrival Time 02:05AM | Duration 6h20 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price €90 |
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, Wednesday, August 5. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus | 11:15 AM Santa Barbara, Bus station | 6h40 | 5:55 PM San Francisco, Townsend Street / 5th Street, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 765 Pacific Surfliner · 4765 AMTRAK | 11:44 AM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 8h16 | 8:00 PM San Francisco, CA | 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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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 or Trainline?
- 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 5 times per day, taking around 8h 19m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at €38 if you book in advance.
There are 1 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 06:30, the last at 23:50. 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 19m |
Cheapest ticket price €38 |
Buses per day 5 |
Direct buses 1 |
Fastest bus 6h 20m |
First bus 6:30 AM |
Last bus 11:50 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 14 days |
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 €38. 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
€38
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
Average Duration
16h 30m
Cheapest Price
€88
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.
Complete guide to San Francisco, CA
Things to do in San Francisco, CA
Discover the best of San Francisco, CA — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect San Francisco, CA trip today.
- Must visit
de Young Museum
Major fine arts museum in Golden Gate Park with American art, textiles, and a panoramic tower. A classic cultural highlight.
- Must visit
San Francisco Museum of Modern Art
Leading modern and contemporary art museum with landmark architecture and strong global collections. Essential for art-focused visitors.
- Must visit
Golden Gate Park
Large urban park with gardens, lakes, museums, and trails. It is a must for relaxing, walking, and seeing several major attractions.
- Must visit
Lombard Street
Steeply curving block lined with flowers and grand homes. This famous street offers classic photos and a quintessential San Francisco scene.
- Must visit
The Embarcadero
Popular waterfront promenade with bay views, piers, and ferries. Great for walking, people-watching, and connecting to nearby sights.
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
San Francisco Sourdough
A crusty loaf with a tangy flavor shaped by the city’s historic wild yeast culture. It is one of San Francisco’s most iconic foods.
- Gluten-free
Dungeness Crab
Fresh local Dungeness crab, often cracked and served simply or in cioppino. It is a Bay Area seasonal specialty tied to the fishing waterfront.
Cioppino
A tomato-based seafood stew created by Italian American fishermen in North Beach. It is a classic San Francisco dish built from the day’s catch.
Benu
Celebrated fine dining destination known for inventive tasting menus and polished service in an elegant, intimate setting.
Sotto Mare
Historic North Beach seafood house famous for cioppino, crab, and old-school San Francisco waterfront charm.
La Taqueria
Legendary Mission taqueria known for large Mission-style burritos and a lively, no-frills local atmosphere.
US Dollar ($)
Very high hotel, dining, and transport costs make San Francisco pricier than most US cities and many major tourist destinations.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- $12-20 for fast food or casual takeout.
- Mid-range
- $25-45 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- $90+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- $4-7 for coffee or cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, 15-20% for taxis, and round up or tip $1 at cafes for good service.
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 €38 when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Santa Barbara, CA to San Francisco, CA is €62 ; 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 6:30 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Santa Barbara, CA to San Francisco, CA leaves at 11:50 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.
When departing from Santa Barbara, CA , you have various bus station options to start your journey from including Santa Barbara, Bus station, Isla Vista, UC Santa Barbara (Bus Loop), CA . When arriving in San Francisco, CA , you can end your journey in bus stations like San Francisco, Townsend Street / 5th Street, CA, San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29, Oakland, West Oakland BART Station, CA, Hayward BART Station .Passengers board the bus most frequently from Santa Barbara, Bus station, which is located around away from the city centre, and they get off the bus at San Francisco, Townsend Street / 5th Street, CA, located 0 away from the city centre.
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 July.
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, 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.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Santa Barbara, CA to San Francisco, CA for bus company FlixBus, Greyhound.
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.
Since neither Santa Barbara, CA nor San Francisco, CA are in the Schengen Area, passport requirements depend on the specific immigration rules of United States and United States. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Santa Barbara, CA to San Francisco, CA among Omio's users.
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 Francisco, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing and petty theft, especially in crowded areas like Fisherman's Wharf and Union Square. Common scams include distraction techniques used by groups to steal wallets and fake charity solicitations. It's advisable to avoid poorly lit or isolated areas at night and be wary of unofficial taxi services to ensure safety.
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 Francisco, CA
Most Santa Barbara, CA to San Francisco, CA buses use the Santa Barbara, Bus station to San Francisco, Townsend Street / 5th Street station pair, with some services arriving at San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29. Use this guide to compare Santa Barbara, CA and San Francisco, 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 Francisco
Which Santa Barbara, CA station do buses to San Francisco, CA leave from?
Buses from Santa Barbara, CA to San Francisco, CA leave from Santa Barbara, Bus station. The station is 0 miles (1 km) from Santa Barbara, CA city centre at Santa Barbara, CA, USA.
Santa Barbara, Bus stationSanta Barbara, CA, USA
City-centre transport
Getting to Santa Barbara, Bus station from Santa Barbara city centre
Bus33 · 5m · €2 · every ~2 min
Santa Barbara, Bus station 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.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free public Wi-Fi available. ATMs are located inside the station building.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Santa Barbara, Bus station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Santa Barbara, Bus station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Santa Barbara, Bus station: Wheelchair accessible routes available.
San Francisco, Townsend Street / 5th StreetSan Francisco Bus Station,401 Townsend St,94107
City-centre transport
Getting to San Francisco, Townsend Street / 5th Street from San Francisco city centre
BusEast, West · 20m · every ~4 min
Nbus, Nowl · 24m · €2 · every ~2 min
TramN · 23m · €2 · every ~11 min
San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29Transit Center Bay 29, San Francisco, CA 94105, USA
City-centre transport
Getting to San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29 from San Francisco city centre
San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29 is 2 km from San Francisco city centre. Public transport options include:
Bus397 · 8m · €2
14, 14R · 13m · €2 · every ~30 min
101, 120 · 14m · €5 · every ~9 min
7 · 21m · €2 · every ~10 min
SubwayYellow-N, Green-N, Red-N, Blue-N · 10m · €2 · every ~27 min
San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29 bus station facilities and services
San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29 has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29. ATMs are available at San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29: Wheelchair accessible areas present.
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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