4.9
4.6The cheapest and fastest buses from Santa Maria, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
Cheapest price
$7
Average price
$52
Fastest journey
1 h 31 m
Average duration
1 h 54 m
Buses per day
5
Distance
90 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Santa Maria, CA to Santa Barbara, CA is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Santa Maria, CA to Santa Barbara, CA will cost around $52 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $7.
Of the 5 buses that leave Santa Maria, CA for Santa Barbara, CA on Tue, Dec 16, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Tue, Dec 16 the direct buses cover the 90 km distance in an average of 1 h 54 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 1 h 31 m .
On Tue, Dec 16 the slowest buses will take 2 h 25 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 Maria, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Santa Maria, CA to Santa Barbara, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from €27. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 1h 20m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of €27, and a bus costs an average of €6.
Distance: 55 miles (90 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train |
|---|---|
€48 Average price | €27 Average price Cheapest |
1h 50m Average total duration Fastest 1h 20m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 29m Average total duration 1h 59m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
 Most popular bus company |  Most popular train company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Live departures
Santa Maria, CA to Santa Barbara, CA bus times
The table below shows live departures for Santa Maria, CA to Santa Barbara, CA buses for tomorrow, Tuesday, December 16. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6:15 AM Santa Maria, CA | 2h25 | 8:40 AM Santa Barbara, CA | 1 transfer | |
| 8:15 AM Santa Maria, CA | 2h55 | 11:10 AM Santa Barbara, CA | 1 transfer | |
| 9:26 AM Santa Maria, CA | 1h31 | 10:57 AM Santa Barbara, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 10:15 AM Santa Maria, CA | 2h55 | 1:10 PM Santa Barbara, CA | 1 transfer | |
| 1:15 PM Santa Maria, CA | 2h25 | 3:40 PM Santa Barbara, CA | 1 transfer |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Santa Maria, CA to Santa Barbara, 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.
Dec 16
Dec 17
Dec 18
Dec 19
Dec 20
Dec 21
Dec 22
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Santa Maria, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
USAUSA
Buses from Santa Maria, CA to Santa Barbara, CA run on average 1 times per day, taking around 1h 20m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $7 (€6) if you book in advance.
There are 1 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 06:39, the last at 17:25. The fastest bus covers the 55 miles (90 km) distance in 1h 31m.
Distance 55 miles (90 km) |
Average bus duration 1h 20m |
Cheapest ticket price $7 (€6) |
Buses per day 1 |
Direct buses 1 |
Fastest bus 1h 31m |
First bus 06:39 |
Last bus 17:25 |
Bus providers: FlixBus, Santa Maria Area Transit, Clean Air Express from Santa Maria, CA to Santa Barbara, CAYou can travel by bus between Santa Maria, CA to Santa Barbara, CA with FlixBus, Santa Maria Area Transit, Clean Air Express for as low as $7 (€6). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
FlixBus
Santa Maria Area Transit
Clean Air Express
FAQs: Bus from Santa Maria, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Santa Maria, CA to Santa Barbara, 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 Barbara, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
- Santa Barbara Mission, a historic Spanish mission known for its stunning architecture and beautiful gardens
- Stearns Wharf, a popular pier offering shops, restaurants, and scenic ocean views
- Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, a 78-acre garden showcasing California native plants and picturesque landscapes
- Santa Barbara Zoo, a family-friendly attraction featuring diverse animal exhibits and interactive experiences
- Lotusland, a unique botanical garden with exotic plants and themed gardens.
- State Street, a vibrant downtown area filled with shopping, dining, and entertainment options
- Explore the Santa Barbara Museum of Art, featuring a diverse collection of artwork from around the world
- Take a wine tasting tour in the Santa Ynez Valley, known for its beautiful vineyards and excellent wines
- Enjoy a scenic hike in the Santa Ynez Mountains, offering breathtaking views of the coastline and city
- Visit the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum, which highlights the region's rich maritime history.
- 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 Maria, CA to Santa Barbara, 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 Maria, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
More options for your journey from Santa Maria, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Santa Barbara, CA and Santa Maria, CA
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