The cheapest and fastest buses from Santa Barbara, CA to Santa Ana, CA
Cheapest price
$46
Average price
$65
Fastest journey
7 h 15 m
Average duration
7 h 32 m
Buses per day
3
Distance
185 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Santa Barbara, CA to Santa Ana, 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 Santa Ana, CA will cost around $65 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $46.
Of the 3 buses that leave Santa Barbara, CA for Santa Ana, CA on Mon, Jun 22, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, Jun 22 the direct buses cover the 185 km distance in an average of 7 h 32 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 7 h 15 m .
On Mon, Jun 22 the slowest buses will take 8 h 5 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.
10:45 PM7h15Santa Barbara, CA6:00 AMSanta Ana, CA$461One-way0 transfers
9:45 PM7h15Santa Barbara, CA5:00 AMSanta Ana, CA$581One-way0 transfers
8:55 PM8h05Santa Barbara, CA5:00 AMSanta Ana, CA$901One-way0 transfers
10:45 PM7h15Santa Barbara, CA6:00 AMSanta Ana, CA$461One-way0 transfers
9:45 PM7h15Santa Barbara, CA5:00 AMSanta Ana, CA$581One-way0 transfers
8:55 PM8h05Santa Barbara, CA5:00 AMSanta Ana, CA$901One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Santa Barbara, CA to Santa Ana, CA
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Santa Barbara, CA to Santa Ana, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $41. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 4h 17m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $41, and a bus costs an average of $38.
Distance: 114 miles (185 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train |
|---|---|
$62 Average price | $42 Average price Cheapest |
7h 40m Average total duration 7h 10m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 47m Average total duration Fastest 4h 17m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest |
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 Santa Ana, CA:
A train is $20 (€16) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Santa Barbara, CA to Santa Ana, CA costing on average $62 (€51).
Other travel options to Santa Ana, CA take longer:
Bus takes on average 7h 10m.
Santa Barbara, CA to Santa Ana, CA Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:55PM | Arrival Time 05:00AM | Duration 8h05 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $56 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:45PM | Arrival Time 05:00AM | Duration 7h15 | Departure days Mon, Thu | Cheapest price $58 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:45PM | Arrival Time 06:00AM | Duration 7h15 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $38 |
Compare prices and tickets Santa Barbara, CA to Santa Ana, CA by train or bus
Compare train and bus 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.
Jun 22
Jun 23
Jun 24
Jun 25
Jun 26
Jun 27
Jun 28
Why should you book Santa Barbara, CA to Santa Ana, CA buses with Omio?
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 and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Santa Barbara, CA to Santa Ana, CA.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trainline?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Santa Barbara, CA to Santa Ana, CA.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Santa Barbara, CA to Santa Ana, CA
Buses from Santa Barbara, CA to Santa Ana, CA run on average 1 times per day, taking around 7h 10m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $38 (€31) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 06:00, the last at 23:30. The fastest bus covers the 114 miles (185 km) distance in 5h 35m.
Distance 114 miles (185 km) |
Average bus duration 7h 10m |
Cheapest ticket price $38 (€31) |
Buses per day 1 |
Fastest bus 5h 35m |
First bus 6:00 AM |
Last bus 11:30 PM |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 14 days |
Bus providers: FlixBus from Santa Barbara, CA to Santa Ana, CAYou can travel by bus between Santa Barbara, CA to Santa Ana, CA with FlixBus for as low as $38 (€31). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
FlixBus
FAQs: Bus from Santa Barbara, CA to Santa Ana, CA
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Santa Barbara, CA to Santa Ana, 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 Santa Ana, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
- 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.
- FlixBus
- One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
- FlixBus
- Small pets in carriers allowed
- guide dogs travel for free.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Santa Barbara, CA to Santa Ana, CA
Most Santa Barbara, CA to Santa Ana, CA buses use the Santa Barbara, Bus station to Santa Ana, E Santa Ana Blvd (Train Station) station pair. Use this guide to compare Santa Barbara, CA and Santa Ana, CA bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Getting to Santa Barbara, Bus station from Santa Barbara city centre
Most popular bus connections from Santa Barbara, CA
More options for your journey from Santa Barbara, CA to Santa Ana, CA
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
