- 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.
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
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.
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.
FlixBus
5619 AMTRAK · 719 Gold Runner · 4119 AMTRAK
4761 AMTRAK · 744 Capitol Corridor
4761 AMTRAK · 746 Capitol Corridor
4785 AMTRAK · 524 Capitol Corridor
FlixBus
4761 AMTRAK · 744 Capitol Corridor
765 Pacific Surfliner · 4765 AMTRAK
4761 AMTRAK · 746 Capitol Corridor
4785 AMTRAK · 524 Capitol CorridorOmio 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)
| 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.
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.
Other travel options to San Jose, CA take longer:
Train takes on average 7h 25m.
Flight takes on average 8h 58m.
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.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest 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 |
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.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
4761 AMTRAK · 744 Capitol Corridor | 10:05 AM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 6h52 | 4:57 PM Santa Clara Station, Santa Clara, CA | 1 transfer | |
4761 AMTRAK · 746 Capitol Corridor | 10:05 AM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 7h52 | 5:57 PM Santa Clara Station, Santa Clara, CA | 1 transfer | |
765 Pacific Surfliner · 4765 AMTRAK · 748 Capitol Corridor | 11:44 AM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 8h26 | 8:10 PM Santa Clara Station, Santa Clara, CA | 2 transfers | |
765 Pacific Surfliner · 4765 AMTRAK | 11:44 AM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 7h06 | 6:50 PM San José Diridon Station, San Jose, CA | 1 transfer | |
5619 AMTRAK · 719 Gold Runner · 4119 AMTRAK | 12:00 PM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 10h05 | 10:05 PM San José Diridon Station, San Jose, CA | 2 transfers |
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 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.
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 |
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.
Interactive science center with hands-on exhibits, an IMAX dome theater, and family-friendly displays in the heart of downtown.
Large art museum known for modern and contemporary works, strong West Coast focus, and thoughtful rotating exhibitions.
A vast collection of restored computer history, from early machines to supercomputers, popular with tech enthusiasts.
Signature downtown plaza for festivals, concerts, and civic life, surrounded by museums, hotels, and historic buildings.
A vibrant historic district with Japanese shops, temples, murals, and a strong sense of local community and heritage.
Lively arts district centered on galleries, murals, and monthly South First Fridays, ideal for an evening walk downtown.
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.
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.
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.
Refined fine dining destination offering modern French cuisine, polished service, and an elegant special-occasion atmosphere.
Beloved San Jose institution serving smoked meats, ribs, and classic sides in a casual, old-school barbecue setting.
Casual neighborhood favorite for handcrafted pupusas and Salvadoran comfort food with a warm, family-run feel.
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.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, 15-20% for taxis or rideshares, and $1-2 at cafes for good service. Tax is usually added separately.
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.

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.
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 José, Cahill Street (Diridon Station) is 1 km from San Jose city centre. Public transport options include:
San José, Cahill Street (Diridon Station) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Various food options available inside the station.
Wi-Fi is available at San José, Cahill Street (Diridon Station). ATMs are aTMs located near the entrance.
Ticket office support is available at San José, Cahill Street (Diridon Station).
Available at San José, Cahill Street (Diridon Station): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at San José, Cahill Street (Diridon Station): Wheelchair accessible with ramps and elevators.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need