The cheapest and fastest buses from Santa Barbara, CA to Santa Monica, CA
Cheapest price
$19
Average price
$19
Fastest journey
1 h 45 m
Average duration
1 h 45 m
Buses per day
1
Distance
120 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Santa Barbara, CA to Santa Monica, 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 Monica, CA will cost around $19 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $19.
Of the 1 buses that leave Santa Barbara, CA for Santa Monica, CA on Sat, Nov 08, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Nov 08 the direct buses cover the 120 km distance in an average of 1 h 45 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 1 h 45 m .
On Sat, Nov 08 the slowest buses will take 1 h 45 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.


Travel Information
Compare bus and train for Santa Barbara, CA to Santa Monica, CA
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Santa Barbara, CA to Santa Monica, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €14. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 2h 15m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €14, and a train costs an average of €30.
Distance: 74 miles (120 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train |
|---|---|
€24 Average price Cheapest | €30 Average price |
2h 45m Average total duration Fastest 2h 15m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 57m Average total duration 3h 27m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Live departures
Santa Barbara, CA to Santa Monica, CA bus times
The table below shows live departures for Santa Barbara, CA to Santa Monica, CA buses for today, Friday, November 7. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 10:20 AM Santa Barbara, CA | 2h55 | 1:15 PM Santa Monica, 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 Santa Monica, CA by bus or train
Compare bus and train 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.
Nov 08
Nov 09
Nov 10
Nov 11
Nov 12
Nov 13
Nov 14
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Santa Barbara, CA to Santa Monica, CA
Distance 74 miles (120 km) |
Average bus duration 2h 15m |
Cheapest ticket price $17 (€14) |
Buses per day 4 |
Direct buses 3 |
Fastest bus 1h 45m |
First bus 05:35 |
Last bus 21:55 |
Key Takeaways
Train Ticket Prices
- Budget Options: Train tickets from Santa Barbara, CA to Santa Monica, CA start from as low as $17 (€14) if booked well in advance.
- Standard Fares: Typically, trains cost $29 (€24) depending on the train type and class.
Bus providers: FlixBus from Santa Barbara, CA to Santa Monica, CAYou can travel by bus between Santa Barbara, CA to Santa Monica, CA with FlixBus for as low as $17 (€14). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
FlixBus
FAQs: Bus from Santa Barbara, CA to Santa Monica, CA
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Santa Barbara, CA to Santa Monica, 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 Monica, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
- Santa Monica Pier, an iconic landmark featuring an amusement park, aquarium, and scenic views of the Pacific Ocean
- Third Street Promenade, a bustling pedestrian street known for shopping, dining, and street performances
- Santa Monica State Beach, a popular beach offering sunbathing, swimming, and beach volleyball
- Palisades Park, a picturesque park with walking paths, ocean views, and public art installations
- Tongva Park, a modern urban park with unique landscaping, play areas, and art installations.
- Pacific Park, a family-friendly amusement park located on the Santa Monica Pier with rides and games
- Santa Monica Farmers Market, a vibrant market offering fresh produce, local goods, and live music
- Heal the Bay Aquarium, an educational marine center located under the Santa Monica Pier
- Bike along the Marvin Braude Bike Trail, a scenic coastal path perfect for cycling enthusiasts
- Enjoy a sunset yoga session on Santa Monica Beach, offering a serene experience with ocean views.
- 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.
To find the cheapest bus tickets for your trip from Santa Barbara, CA to Santa Monica, CA, follow these tips:
Start your search now and compare ticket prices to find the best deal!
- 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 Monica, CA
Most popular bus connections from Santa Barbara, CA
More options for your journey from Santa Barbara, CA to Santa Monica, CA
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