- 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.
2,000+ travel companies
2,000+ travel companies
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
4.942K ratings
Google Play
4.6136K reviews
The cheapest and fastest buses from Santa Barbara, CA to San Jose, CA
Showing times and prices for Jul 16
Cheapest price
$91
Average price
$120
Fastest journey
7 h 6 m
Average duration
7 h 50 m
Buses per day
6
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 $120 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $91.
Fast buses
It's difficult to get from Santa Barbara, CA to San Jose, CA without transferring at least once.
5619 AMTRAK · 719 Gold Runner · 4119 AMTRAK12:00 PM10h05Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA10:05 PMSan José Diridon Station, San Jose, CA$911One-way2 transfers- 6238 AMTRAK · 538 Capitol Corridor7:35 AM7h22Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA2:57 PMSanta Clara Station, Santa Clara, CA$1251One-way1 transfer
- 4761 AMTRAK · 550 Capitol Corridor10:05 AM8h57Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA7:02 PMSanta Clara Station, Santa Clara, CA$1251One-way1 transfer
- 4761 AMTRAK · 544 Capitol Corridor10:05 AM7h27Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA5:32 PMSanta Clara Station, Santa Clara, CA$1251One-way1 transfer
- 4785 AMTRAK · 524 Capitol Corridor10:05 PM8h19Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA6:24 AMSanta Clara Station, Santa Clara, CA$1251One-way1 transfer
- 765 Pacific Surfliner · 4765 AMTRAK11:44 AM7h06Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA6:50 PMSan José Diridon Station, San Jose, CA$1291One-way1 transfer
- 6238 AMTRAK · 538 Capitol Corridor7:35 AM7h22Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA2:57 PMSanta Clara Station, Santa Clara, CA$1251One-way1 transfer
- 4761 AMTRAK · 544 Capitol Corridor10:05 AM7h27Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA5:32 PMSanta Clara Station, Santa Clara, CA$1251One-way1 transfer
- 4785 AMTRAK · 524 Capitol Corridor10:05 PM8h19Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA6:24 AMSanta Clara Station, Santa Clara, CA$1251One-way1 transfer
- 4761 AMTRAK · 550 Capitol Corridor10:05 AM8h57Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA7:02 PMSanta Clara Station, Santa Clara, CA$1251One-way1 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 prices starting from $48. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 6h 13m. 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 bus costs an average of $48, and a flight costs an average of $158.
Distance: 236 miles (380 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$90 Average price Cheapest | $179 Average price | $405 Average price | $56 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 43m Average total duration Fastest 6h 13m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 54m Average total duration 7h 24m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 11h 35m Average total duration 8h 35m Onboard + 3h 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 $90 (€74).
This is compared to other travel options from Santa Barbara, CA to San Jose, CA:
A bus is $89 (€73) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Santa Barbara, CA to San Jose, CA costing on average $179 (€147).
A bus is $314 (€258) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Santa Barbara, CA to San Jose, CA costing on average $405 (€332).
The fastest way to travel from Santa Barbara, CA to San Jose, CA is by bus with an average journey time of 6h 13m.
Other travel options to San Jose, CA take longer:
Train takes on average 7h 24m.
Flight takes on average 8h 35m.
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 -54m sooner (6h 13m by bus vs 4h 19m by car) and save roughly $-34.04 (€-27.96) compared to fuel and tolls ($90 (€74) vs $56 (€46)). 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
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 07:35AM | Arrival Time 02:57PM | Duration 7h22 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $125 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 10:05AM | Arrival Time 04:57PM | Duration 6h52 | Departure days Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $125 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:15AM | Arrival Time 04:50PM | Duration 5h35 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Sun | Cheapest price $62 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 11:44AM | Arrival Time 06:50PM | Duration 7h06 | Departure days Tue, Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $129 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 12:00PM | Arrival Time 10:05PM | Duration 10h05 | Departure days Tue, Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $91 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 02:35PM | Arrival Time 09:57PM | Duration 7h22 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $81 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 03:35PM | Arrival Time 10:57PM | Duration 7h22 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $80 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 05:05PM | Arrival Time 02:02AM | Duration 8h57 | Departure days Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $81 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 06:05PM | Arrival Time 01:57AM | Duration 7h52 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $81 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 07:55PM | Arrival Time 04:10AM | Duration 8h15 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $81 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 08:00PM | Arrival Time 06:05AM | Duration 10h05 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $89 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 10:05PM | Arrival Time 06:24AM | Duration 8h19 | Departure days Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $125 |
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, Wednesday, July 15. 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 | 5h35 | 4:50 PM San José, Cahill Street (Diridon Station) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Thursday, July 16 | |||||
| 6238 AMTRAK · 538 Capitol Corridor | 7:35 AM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 7h22 | 2:57 PM Santa Clara Station, Santa Clara, 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 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.
Thu
Jul 16
Jul 16
Fri
Jul 17
Jul 17
Sat
Jul 18
Jul 18
Sun
Jul 19
Jul 19
Mon
Jul 20
Jul 20
Tue
Jul 21
Jul 21
Wed
Jul 22
Jul 22
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
Buses from Santa Barbara, CA to San Jose, CA run on average 4 times per day, taking around 6h 13m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $48 (€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 13m |
Cheapest ticket price $48 (€39) |
Buses per day 4 |
Direct buses 1 |
Fastest bus 5h 15m |
First bus 12:55 AM |
Last bus 11:50 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 3 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 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 $48 (€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 Duration
5h 15m
Cheapest Price
$48 (€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
Things to do in San Jose
Discover the best of San Jose — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect San Jose trip today.
- 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.
- Must visit
Plaza de César Chávez
Signature downtown plaza for festivals, concerts, and civic life, surrounded by museums, hotels, and historic buildings.
- Must visit
Japantown
A vibrant historic district with Japanese shops, temples, murals, and a strong sense of local community and heritage.
- Must visit
SoFA District
Lively arts district centered on galleries, murals, and monthly South First Fridays, ideal for an evening walk downtown.
Pho
A Vietnamese noodle soup with beef or chicken in a fragrant broth. San Jose's large Vietnamese community makes it a defining local comfort food.
Banh Mi
A Vietnamese sandwich on a crisp baguette, often filled with grilled pork, pickled vegetables, herbs, and pate. A staple tied to San Jose's Little Saigon.
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
- Gluten-free
Dosa
A South Indian rice and lentil crepe served with chutney and sambar. It is a local favorite thanks to San Jose's strong South Asian community.
Le Papillon
Refined fine dining destination offering modern French cuisine, polished service, and an elegant special-occasion atmosphere.
Henry's Hi-Life
Beloved San Jose institution serving smoked meats, ribs, and classic sides in a casual, old-school barbecue setting.
Pupuseria Los Dubon
Casual neighborhood favorite for handcrafted pupusas and Salvadoran comfort food with a warm, family-run feel.
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.
Cheap bus tickets from Santa Barbara, CA to San Jose, CA can start from as little as $48 (€39) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Santa Barbara, CA to San Jose, CA is $90 (€74) ; 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.
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 February.
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.
Most popular bus connections from Santa Barbara, CA
More options for your journey from Santa Barbara, CA to San Jose, CA
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from San Jose, CA and Santa Barbara, CA
Most popular bus connections to San Jose, CA
The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy
We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.
