- Must visit
Seattle Art Museum
Major downtown art museum with global collections, rotating exhibitions, and strong Pacific Northwest representation.
Cheapest price
$275
Average price
$275
Fastest journey
1 d 13 h 5 m
Average duration
1 d 13 h 5 m
Buses per day
1
Distance
1482 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Santa Barbara, CA to Seattle, WA 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 Seattle, WA will cost around $275 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $275.
It's difficult to get from Santa Barbara, CA to Seattle, WA without transferring at least 2 times.


Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Santa Barbara, CA to Seattle, WA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $158. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 6h 7m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $158, and a flight costs an average of $139.
Distance: 920 miles (1482 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$222 Average price Cheapest | $305 Average price | $350 Average price | $232 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
34h 59m Average total duration 34h 29m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 31h 37m Average total duration 31h 7m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 9h 7m Average total duration Fastest 6h 7m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 17h 5m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Santa Barbara, CA to Seattle, WA:
A bus is $84 (€69) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Santa Barbara, CA to Seattle, WA costing on average $305 (€250).
A bus is $129 (€105) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Santa Barbara, CA to Seattle, WA costing on average $350 (€287).
Other travel options to Seattle, WA take longer:
Train takes on average 31h 7m.
Bus takes on average 34h 29m.
You'll arrive about {timeSavings} sooner ({durationInMinutes} by bus vs {drivingDurationInMinutes} by car) and save roughly {savingsAmount} compared to fuel and tolls ({cheapestPrice} vs {drivingPriceInCents}). 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 {directProviders}.
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 Flixbus USA | Departure Time 11:45AM | Arrival Time 12:50AM | Duration 37h05 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $275 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 01:55PM | Arrival Time 03:50AM | Duration 37h55 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $137 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 08:55PM | Arrival Time 07:50AM | Duration 34h55 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $255 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:45PM | Arrival Time 08:50AM | Duration 34h05 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $187 |
Compare bus, train, 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 Seattle, WA run on average 2 times per day, taking around 34h 29m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $158 (€129) but you can travel from only $139 (€113) by flight.
The earliest bus runs at 09:55, the last at 23:10. The fastest bus covers the 920 miles (1482 km) distance in 34h 5m.
Distance 920 miles (1482 km) |
Average bus duration 34h 29m |
Cheapest ticket price $158 (€129) |
Buses per day 2 |
Fastest bus 34h 5m |
First bus 9:55 AM |
Last bus 11:10 PM |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Best time to book 5 days |
Discover the best of Seattle — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Seattle trip today.
Major downtown art museum with global collections, rotating exhibitions, and strong Pacific Northwest representation.
Bold contemporary museum known for music, film, science fiction, gaming, and interactive exhibits near Seattle Center.
Immersive exhibition of Dale Chihuly's glass art, featuring dramatic indoor galleries and a glasshouse.
Classic Seattle viewpoint for postcard skyline photos with the Space Needle and Mount Rainier on clear days.
Distinctive lakeside park with industrial remnants, skyline views, and broad lawns popular with locals.
Popular central waterfront walking area close to piers, views, and many of the city's best-known attractions.
Pacific Northwest salmon roasted on a cedar plank, giving it a smoky wood aroma. It is one of Seattle’s signature dishes and reflects the region’s strong salmon tradition.
Sweet, tender crab from Pacific Northwest waters, often served simply cracked or in crab cakes and seafood plates. It is a classic Seattle seafood specialty.
A large Pacific Northwest clam known for its crisp texture and briny flavor, often served as sashimi or lightly cooked. It is a distinctive regional delicacy.
Iconic fine-dining restaurant with Pacific Northwest cuisine, polished service, and sweeping views. Best known for refined seafood and special-occasion atmosphere.
Popular casual spot famous for rich clam chowder and other seafood soups near Pike Place Market. A reliable choice for classic Seattle flavors.
Established oyster bar specializing in fresh Washington shellfish, especially oysters, crab, and other regional seafood. Casual but highly regarded.
Seattle is pricey by U.S. standards, with high hotel, dining, and coffee costs, though casual meals are still manageable.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants; 20%+ for great service. Tip bartenders USD 1-2 per drink, round up taxis, and tip hotel staff.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Santa Barbara, CA to Seattle, WA 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 Seattle, WA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Santa Barbara, CA to Seattle, WA buses use the Santa Barbara, Bus station to Seattle, S Royal Brougham Way / 6th Avenue South (Bus Station) station pair, with some services arriving at Seattle, Northeast Campus Parkway / 12th Avenue NE (University of Washington). Use this guide to compare Santa Barbara, CA and Seattle, WA bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
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