4.9
4.6The cheapest and fastest buses from Santa Monica, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
Cheapest price
$22
Average price
$22
Fastest journey
1 h 55 m
Average duration
1 h 55 m
Buses per day
1
Distance
120 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Santa Monica, 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 Monica, CA to Santa Barbara, CA will cost around $22 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $22.
Of the 1 buses that leave Santa Monica, CA for Santa Barbara, CA on Fri, Nov 07, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Nov 07 the direct buses cover the 120 km distance in an average of 1 h 55 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 1 h 55 m .
On Fri, Nov 07 the slowest buses will take 1 h 55 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 Monica, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Santa Monica, CA to Santa Barbara, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €13. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 2h 9m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €13, and a train costs an average of €30.
Distance: 74 miles (120 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train |
|---|---|
€20 Average price Cheapest | €30 Average price |
2h 39m Average total duration Fastest 2h 9m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 41m Average total duration 3h 11m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
Most popular bus company |  Most popular train company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Santa Monica, CA to Santa Barbara, CA Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:40AM | Arrival Time 01:35PM | Duration 1h55 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $41 |
Live departures
Santa Monica, CA to Santa Barbara, CA bus times
The table below shows live departures for Santa Monica, CA to Santa Barbara, CA buses for today, Thursday, November 6. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6:30 PM Santa Monica, CA | 2h20 | 8:50 PM Santa Barbara, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 6:40 PM Santa Monica, CA | 1h55 | 8:35 PM Santa Barbara, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Santa Monica, 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.
Nov 07
Nov 08
Nov 09
Nov 10
Nov 11
Nov 12
Nov 13
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Santa Monica, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
USAUSA
Distance 74 miles (120 km) |
Average bus duration 2h 9m |
Cheapest ticket price $17 (€13) |
Buses per day 4 |
Direct buses 3 |
Fastest bus 1h 55m |
First bus 05:35 |
Last bus 21:55 |
Key Takeaways
Train Ticket Prices
- Budget Options: Train tickets from Santa Monica, CA to Santa Barbara, CA start from as low as $17 (€13) if booked well in advance.
- Standard Fares: Typically, trains cost $25 (€20) depending on the train type and class.
Bus providers: FlixBus, Big Blue Bus from Santa Monica, CA to Santa Barbara, CAYou can travel by bus between Santa Monica, CA to Santa Barbara, CA with FlixBus, Big Blue Bus for as low as $17 (€13). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
FlixBus
Big Blue Bus
FAQs: Bus from Santa Monica, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Santa Monica, 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 Monica, 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 Monica, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
Most popular bus connections from Santa Monica, CA
More options for your journey from Santa Monica, 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 Monica, CA
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