Santa Barbara, CA to Santa Monica, CA bus with FlixBus

Thu, May 28
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Rede Expressos
Costa Verde
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Santa Barbara, CA to Santa Monica, CA

Showing times and prices for May 28

Cheapest price

$30

Average price

$42

Fastest journey

2 h 20 m

Average duration

2 h 20 m

Buses per day

2

Distance

120 km

Cheap tickets

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 $42 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $30.

Fast buses

Of the 2 buses that leave Santa Barbara, CA for Santa Monica, CA on Thu, May 28, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Thu, May 28 the direct buses cover the 120 km distance in an average of 2 h 20 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 2 h 20 m .

On Thu, May 28 the slowest buses will take 2 h 20 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
    9:45 PM2h20
    Santa Barbara, CA
    12:05 AMSanta Monica, CA
    $301One-way
    0 transfers
  • FlixBus
    8:55 PM2h20
    Santa Barbara, CA
    11:15 PMSanta Monica, CA
    $541One-way
    0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare bus for Santa Barbara, CA to Santa Monica, CA

Omio recommends booking the bus 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 $19. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 2h 16m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $19, and a bus costs an average of $19.

Distance: 74 miles (120 km)

Compare bus with

Most popular
Bus
Driving

$42

Average price

Cheapest

$18

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

2h 46m

Average total duration

Fastest

2h 16m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

1h 47m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

FlixBus

Most popular bus company

Your own car or car rental

Direct Options

Direct Options

The cheapest way to travel from Santa Barbara, CA to Santa Monica, CA is a bus with an average price of $42 (€34).
The fastest way to travel from Santa Barbara, CA to Santa Monica, CA is by bus with an average journey time of 2h 16m.

Other travel options to Santa Monica, CA take longer:

Train takes on average 3h 27m.

Yes, you can take a bus between Santa Barbara, CA and Santa Monica, CA.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Santa Barbara, CA to Santa Monica, CA among Omio's users.
Take the bus. On this route, it's both cheaper and quicker than driving.

You'll arrive about -1h -29m sooner (2h 16m by bus vs 1h 47m by car) and save roughly $-24.11 (€-19.46) compared to fuel and tolls ($42 (€34) vs $18 (€15)). 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 Santa Monica, CA Bus Timetables

OperatorDeparture TimeArrival TimeDurationDeparture daysCheapest price
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
01:00AM
Arrival Time
02:50AM
Duration
1h50
Departure days
Tue, Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
$35
Operator
Amtrak
Departure Time
01:19AM
Arrival Time
06:55AM
Duration
5h36
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
$88
Operator
Amtrak
Departure Time
02:19AM
Arrival Time
07:55AM
Duration
5h36
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
$89
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
08:55PM
Arrival Time
11:15PM
Duration
2h20
Departure days
Mon, Wed, Thu
Cheapest price
$33
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
09:45PM
Arrival Time
12:05AM
Duration
2h20
Departure days
Mon, Wed, Thu
Cheapest price
$24
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
10:45PM
Arrival Time
01:05AM
Duration
2h20
Departure days
Tue
Cheapest price
$28

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, Wednesday, May 27. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
FlixBus8:55 PM Santa Barbara, CA
2h20
11:15 PM Santa Monica, CA0 transfersDirect
FlixBus9:45 PM Santa Barbara, CA
2h20
12:05 AM Santa Monica, CA0 transfersDirect

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

Compare 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.

Thu
May 28
Fri
May 29
Sat
May 30
Sun
May 31
Mon
Jun 01
Tue
Jun 02
Wed
Jun 03

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

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

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Santa Barbara, CA to Santa Monica, CA

USAUSA
USAUSA
Icon of bus

Buses from Santa Barbara, CA to Santa Monica, CA run on average 3 times per day, taking around 2h 16m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $19 (€15) if you book in advance.

There are 1 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 05:35, the last at 21:55. The fastest bus covers the 74 miles (120 km) distance in 1h 50m.

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
74 miles (120 km)
Average bus duration
2h 16m
Cheapest ticket price
$19 (€15)
Buses per day
3
Direct buses
1
Fastest bus
1h 50m
First bus
5:35 AM
Last bus
9:55 PM
Cheapest Month
Jun
Cheapest Day
Wed
High Season
Jan - Mar
Low Season
Jul - Sep
Busiest Day
Fri
Least Busy Day
Fri
Best time to book
42 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 Santa Monica, CAYou can travel by bus between Santa Barbara, CA to Santa Monica, CA with FlixBus for as low as $19 (€15). 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
1h 50m
Cheapest Price
$19 (€15)
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.
Learn more about 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.

FAQs
Cheap bus tickets from Santa Barbara, CA to Santa Monica, CA can start from as little as $19 (€15) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Santa Barbara, CA to Santa Monica, CA is $42 (€34) ; 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 Santa Monica, CA is 1h 50m to travel the 74 miles (120 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 Santa Monica, CA leaves at 5:35 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Santa Barbara, CA to Santa Monica, CA leaves at 9:55 PM.
Yes, there are 1 direct buses a day from Santa Barbara, CA to Santa Monica, CA with FlixBus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct buses.
When taking a bus from Santa Barbara, CA to Santa Monica, CA, you can count on FlixBus for the best way to get you to Santa Monica, CA. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Santa Barbara, CA and Santa Monica, CA and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A day trip to Santa Monica, CA from Santa Barbara, CA is worth doing with a journey time of 1h 50m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Santa Barbara, CA to Santa Monica, CA is June.
Yes, you can take a bus between Santa Barbara, CA and Santa Monica, CA.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Santa Barbara, CA to Santa Monica, CA:
  • FlixBus
    • Assistance
    • Priority boarding
    • Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Santa Barbara, CA to Santa Monica, CA for bus company FlixBus.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in Santa Monica, CA are:
  • 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.
The best things to do in Santa Monica, CA include:
  • 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.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Santa Barbara, CA to Santa Monica, 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 Santa Monica, CA.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Santa Barbara, CA to Santa Monica, 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 Santa Monica, CA:
  • FlixBus
    • Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the bus from Santa Barbara, CA to Santa Monica, 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 Santa Monica, CA with the following bus company: FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Santa Barbara, CA to Santa Monica, CA with the following bus company: FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Santa Barbara, CA to Santa Monica, CA with the following bus company: FlixBus.
Since neither Santa Barbara, CA nor Santa Monica, 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 bus as it is the most popular way to get from Santa Barbara, CA to Santa Monica, 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 Santa Monica, CA, travelers should be cautious of petty theft and pickpocketing, especially around crowded areas like the pier and beach. Common scams include overcharging by certain taxi or ride-share drivers and unauthorized street vendors selling counterfeit goods. It's advisable to keep belongings secure, use licensed transportation, and be wary of overly aggressive solicitors.
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 Santa Monica, CA

Santa Barbara
Santa Monica
Santa Barbara, Bus station
information

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