Santa Barbara, CA to San Jose, CA bus with FlixBus

Sun, Aug 30
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Santa Barbara, CA to San Jose, CA

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Aug 30

Cheapest price on Aug 30

$85

Average ticket price on Aug 30

$116

Fastest journey on Aug 30

5 h 35 m

Average journey duration on Aug 30

7 h 9 m

Buses on Aug 30

7

Distance

380 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Santa Barbara, CA to San Jose, 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 Jose, CA will cost around $116 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $85.

Fast buses

On Sun, Aug 30, we found 7 buses from Santa Barbara, CA to San Jose, CA, including 1 direct services.

On Sun, Aug 30 the direct buses cover the 380 km distance in an average of 7 h 9 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 5 h 35 m .

On Sun, Aug 30 the slowest buses will take 8 h 19 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.

  • FlixBusFlixBus
    11:15 AM5h35
    Santa Barbara, Bus station
    4:50 PMSan José, Cahill Street (Diridon Station)
    $851One-way
    0 transfers
  • Amtrak5619 AMTRAK · 719 Gold Runner · 4119 AMTRAK
    12:00 PM10h05
    Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA
    10:05 PMSan José Diridon Station, San Jose, CA
    $911One-way
    2 transfers
  • Amtrak4761 AMTRAK · 744 Capitol Corridor
    10:05 AM6h52
    Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA
    4:57 PMSanta Clara Station, Santa Clara, CA
    $1251One-way
    1 transfer
  • Amtrak4761 AMTRAK · 746 Capitol Corridor
    10:05 AM7h52
    Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA
    5:57 PMSanta Clara Station, Santa Clara, CA
    $1251One-way
    1 transfer
  • Amtrak4785 AMTRAK · 524 Capitol Corridor
    10:05 PM8h19
    Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA
    6:24 AMSanta Clara Station, Santa Clara, CA
    $1251One-way
    1 transfer

Travel Information

Compare train, bus, and flight for Santa Barbara, CA to San Jose, CA

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Santa Barbara, CA to San Jose, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $79 For those with little time, consider booking a bus, which has an average total journey time of 6h 42m. 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 bus costs an average of $79, while a flight costs an average of $441.

Distance: 236 miles (380 km)

Compare bus with

Bus
Most popular
Train
Flight
Driving

$79

Average price

Cheapest

$133

Average price

$441

Average price

$58

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

6h 42m

Average total duration

Fastest

6h 12m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

7h 55m

Average total duration

7h 25m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

10h 58m

Average total duration

8h 58m

Onboard

+

2h 0m

Additional time*

4h 19m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

0.4 - 0.9kg

CO2 emissions

0.1 - 0.3kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

1.1 - 2.3kg

CO2 emissions

-

CO2 emissions

Direct Options

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 Jose, CA is a bus with an average price of $79.

This is compared to other travel options from Santa Barbara, CA to San Jose, CA:

A bus is $54 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Santa Barbara, CA to San Jose, CA costing on average $133.

A bus is $362 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Santa Barbara, CA to San Jose, CA costing on average $441.

The fastest way to travel from Santa Barbara, CA to San Jose, CA is by bus with an average journey time of 6h 12m.

Other travel options to San Jose, CA take longer:

Train takes on average 7h 25m.

Flight takes on average 8h 58m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Santa Barbara, CA and San Jose, CA including taking a train, bus, and flight.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Santa Barbara, CA to San Jose, CA among Omio's users.
Take the bus. On this route, it's both cheaper and quicker than driving.

You'll arrive about -2h -53m sooner (6h 12m by bus vs 4h 19m by car) and save roughly $-21.49 compared to fuel and tolls ($79 vs $58). You also skip the drive itself — no traffic stress, no parking, and you can use the time to work, nap, or catch up on a series with the onboard Wi-Fi.

Direct coaches are operated by FlixBus.

Driving is still worth considering if you're travelling with bulky luggage, need flexibility on departure times, or plan to stop along the way.

Santa Barbara, CA to San Jose, CA Bus Timetables

OperatorDeparture TimeArrival TimeDurationDeparture daysCheapest price
Operator
Amtrak
Departure Time
07:35AM
Arrival Time
02:57PM
Duration
7h22
Departure days
Mon, Wed, Fri
Cheapest price
$125
Operator
Amtrak
Departure Time
10:05AM
Arrival Time
04:57PM
Duration
6h52
Departure days
Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
$125
Operator
Amtrak
Departure Time
11:00AM
Arrival Time
10:05PM
Duration
11h05
Departure days
Mon, Fri
Cheapest price
$98
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
11:15AM
Arrival Time
04:30PM
Duration
5h15
Departure days
Mon, Tue, Wed, Sun
Cheapest price
$41
Operator
Amtrak
Departure Time
11:44AM
Arrival Time
08:10PM
Duration
8h26
Departure days
Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
$129
Operator
Amtrak
Departure Time
12:00PM
Arrival Time
10:05PM
Duration
10h05
Departure days
Mon, Wed, Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
$91
Operator
Amtrak
Departure Time
02:35PM
Arrival Time
09:57PM
Duration
7h22
Departure days
Thu
Cheapest price
$85
Operator
Amtrak
Departure Time
10:05PM
Arrival Time
06:24AM
Duration
8h19
Departure days
Mon, Wed, Sun
Cheapest price
$125
Operator
Greyhound
Departure Time
10:45PM
Arrival Time
01:25PM
Duration
14h40
Departure days
Thu
Cheapest price
$266

Live departures

Santa Barbara, CA to San Jose, CA bus times

The table below shows live departures for Santa Barbara, CA to San Jose, CA buses for today, Saturday, August 29. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
Amtrak4761 AMTRAK · 744 Capitol Corridor10:05 AM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA
6h52
4:57 PM Santa Clara Station, Santa Clara, CA1 transfer
Amtrak4761 AMTRAK · 746 Capitol Corridor10:05 AM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA
7h52
5:57 PM Santa Clara Station, Santa Clara, CA1 transfer
Amtrak765 Pacific Surfliner · 4765 AMTRAK · 748 Capitol Corridor11:44 AM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA
8h26
8:10 PM Santa Clara Station, Santa Clara, CA2 transfers
Amtrak765 Pacific Surfliner · 4765 AMTRAK11:44 AM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA
7h06
6:50 PM San José Diridon Station, San Jose, CA1 transfer
Amtrak5619 AMTRAK · 719 Gold Runner · 4119 AMTRAK12:00 PM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA
10h05
10:05 PM San José Diridon Station, San Jose, CA2 transfers

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Santa Barbara, CA to San Jose, 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.

Sun
Aug 30
Mon
Aug 31
Tue
Sep 01
Wed
Sep 02
Thu
Sep 03
Fri
Sep 04
Sat
Sep 05

Why should you book Santa Barbara, CA to San Jose, CA buses with Omio?

FlixBus operates all buses services from Santa Barbara, CA to San Jose, CA.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Santa Barbara, CA to San Jose, CA.

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 Jose, 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 Jose, CA.

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Santa Barbara, CA to San Jose, CA

USAUSA
USAUSA
Icon of bus

Buses from Santa Barbara, CA to San Jose, CA run on average 4 times per day, taking around 6h 12m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $39 if you book in advance.

There are 1 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:55, the last at 23:50. The fastest bus covers the 236 miles (380 km) distance in 5h 15m.

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
236 miles (380 km)
Average bus duration
6h 12m
Cheapest ticket price
$39
Buses per day
4
Direct buses
1
Fastest bus
5h 15m
First bus
12:55 AM
Last bus
11:50 PM
Cheapest Month
May
Cheapest Day
Wed
High Season
Jul - Sep
Low Season
Apr - Jun
Busiest Day
Sat
Least Busy Day
Sun
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 from Santa Barbara, CA to San Jose, CAYou can travel by bus between Santa Barbara, CA to San Jose, CA with FlixBus for as low as $39. 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 FlixBus Duration
5h 15m
Cheapest FlixBus Price
$39
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.

Complete guide to San Jose, CA

Things to do in San Jose, CA

Discover the best of San Jose, CA — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect San Jose, CA trip today.

  • Must visit

The Tech Interactive

Interactive science center with hands-on exhibits, an IMAX dome theater, and family-friendly displays in the heart of downtown.

  • Must visit

San Jose Museum of Art

Large art museum known for modern and contemporary works, strong West Coast focus, and thoughtful rotating exhibitions.

  • Must visit

Computer History Museum

A vast collection of restored computer history, from early machines to supercomputers, popular with tech enthusiasts.

US Dollar ($)

San Jose is pricier than many US cities. Hotels, dining, and parking add up fast, though public transit and casual food can help control daily costs.

Average meal costs

Budget
$12-18 for fast food or casual takeout.
Mid-range
$25-45 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining
$80+ per person for upscale restaurants.
Coffee
$4-6 for a coffee drink.

Tipping culture

Tip 18-20% at restaurants, 15-20% for taxis or rideshares, and $1-2 at cafes for good service. Tax is usually added separately.

FAQs: Bus from Santa Barbara, CA to San Jose, CA

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Santa Barbara, CA to San Jose, 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 Jose, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Cheap bus tickets from Santa Barbara, CA to San Jose, CA can start from as little as $39 when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Santa Barbara, CA to San Jose, CA is $79 ; 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 Jose, CA is 5h 15m to travel the 236 miles (380 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 Jose, CA leaves at 12:55 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Santa Barbara, CA to San Jose, CA leaves at 11:50 PM.
Yes, there are 1 direct buses a day from Santa Barbara, CA to San Jose, CA with FlixBus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct buses.
When taking a bus from Santa Barbara, CA to San Jose, CA, you can count on FlixBus for the best way to get you to San Jose, CA. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Santa Barbara, CA and San Jose, 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 Jose, CA , you can end your journey in bus stations like San José, Cahill Street (Diridon 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 José, Cahill Street (Diridon Station), located 1 away from the city centre.
A trip to San Jose, CA from Santa Barbara, CA is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 5h 15m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Santa Barbara, CA to San Jose, CA is May.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Santa Barbara, CA and San Jose, 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 Jose, CA:
  • FlixBus
    • Assistance
    • Priority boarding
    • Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Santa Barbara, CA to San Jose, CA for bus company FlixBus.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in San Jose, CA are:
  • Winchester Mystery House, an architectural curiosity with a maze-like design and historical significance
  • The Tech Interactive, an engaging science and technology center with hands-on exhibits
  • San Jose Museum of Art, a contemporary art museum featuring works from the 20th and 21st centuries
  • Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum, a museum dedicated to ancient Egyptian artifacts and culture
  • Municipal Rose Garden, a beautiful and serene garden featuring over 3,500 rose bushes.
The best things to do in San Jose, CA include:
  • Explore the Japanese Friendship Garden, a tranquil space inspired by Japanese landscape design
  • Visit the Children's Discovery Museum, offering interactive exhibits for families and children
  • Enjoy a performance at the San Jose Center for the Performing Arts, hosting a variety of shows and events
  • Discover the history of Silicon Valley at the Computer History Museum
  • Take a scenic hike in Alum Rock Park, offering trails and natural beauty.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Santa Barbara, CA to San Jose, CA depends on the bus companies:
  • 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.
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 Jose, CA.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Santa Barbara, CA to San Jose, CA:
  • 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 Jose, CA:
  • FlixBus
    • Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the bus from Santa Barbara, CA to San Jose, 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 Jose, CA with the following bus company: FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Santa Barbara, CA to San Jose, CA with the following bus company: FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Santa Barbara, CA to San Jose, CA with the following bus company: FlixBus.
Since neither Santa Barbara, CA nor San Jose, 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 train as it is the most popular way to get from Santa Barbara, CA to San Jose, 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 Jose, CA, travelers should be aware of pickpocketing and vehicle break-ins, especially in crowded areas and parking lots. Common scams include fake charity requests and overcharging by unauthorized taxi or ride-share drivers. Staying alert in busy districts and using official transportation services helps 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 Jose, CA

Most Santa Barbara, CA to San Jose, CA buses use the Santa Barbara, Bus station to San José, Cahill Street (Diridon Station) station pair. Use this guide to compare Santa Barbara, CA and San Jose, 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 Jose

Which Santa Barbara, CA station do buses to San Jose, CA leave from?

Buses from Santa Barbara, CA to San Jose, 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, USAWifiParkingATMTaxisAccessibilityWCShowerTicket Office
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.

Most popular buses to and from San Jose, CA and Santa Barbara, CA

HomeBusesBuses in USABus tickets to San Jose, CASanta Barbara, CA to San Jose, CA bus

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