- Must visit
Santa Barbara Museum of Art
Leading regional art museum with American, Asian, and contemporary works in a refined downtown setting with strong rotating exhibitions.
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Solana Beach, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 20
Cheapest price on Sep 20
$65
Average ticket price on Sep 20
$65
Fastest journey on Sep 20
13 h 45 m
Average journey duration on Sep 20
13 h 45 m
Buses on Sep 20
1
Distance
275 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Solana Beach, 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 Solana Beach, CA to Santa Barbara, CA will cost around $65 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $65.
Fast buses
It's difficult to get from Solana Beach, CA to Santa Barbara, CA without transferring at least once.
9:55 PM13h45Solana Beach, CA11:40 AMSanta Barbara, CA$651One-way1 transfer
- 9:55 PM13h45Solana Beach, CA11:40 AMSanta Barbara, CA$651One-way1 transfer
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Solana Beach, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Solana Beach, CA to Santa Barbara, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of $82 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 5h 29m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $82, while a flight costs an average of $617.
Distance: 170 miles (275 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight |
|---|---|---|
$82 Average price Cheapest | $617 Average price | |
5h 41m Average total duration 5h 11m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 29m Average total duration Fastest 3h 29m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Solana Beach, CA to Santa Barbara, CA is a train with an average price of $82.
This is compared to other travel options from Solana Beach, CA to Santa Barbara, CA:
A train is $535 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Solana Beach, CA to Santa Barbara, CA costing on average $617.
The fastest way to travel from Solana Beach, CA to Santa Barbara, CA is by flight with an average journey time of 3h 29m.
Other travel options to Santa Barbara, CA take longer:
Train takes on average 5h 11m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Solana Beach, CA and Santa Barbara, CA including taking a train, bus, and flight.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Solana Beach, CA to Santa Barbara, CA among Omio's users.
Solana Beach, CA to Santa Barbara, CA Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 09:55PM | Arrival Time 11:40AM | Duration 13h45 | Departure days Tue, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $65 |
Live departures
Solana Beach, CA to Santa Barbara, CA bus times
The table below shows live departures for Solana Beach, CA to Santa Barbara, CA buses for today, Saturday, September 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9:55 PM Solana Beach, CA | 13h45 | 11:40 AM Santa Barbara, CA | 1 transfer | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Solana Beach, CA to Santa Barbara, CA by train, bus, or flight
Compare train, bus, 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.
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Journey information
Overview: Bus from Solana Beach, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
USAUSA
Take a bus from Solana Beach, CA to Santa Barbara, CA and enjoy the approximately 170 miles (275 km) long journey. Find schedules and pricing options for a convenient and affordable trip.
The earliest bus runs at 04:40, the last at 21:55.
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Train from $49
Distance 170 miles (275 km) |
First bus 4:40 AM |
Last bus 9:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 28 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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Train from $49
Complete guide to Santa Barbara, CA
Things to do in Santa Barbara, CA
Discover the best of Santa Barbara, CA — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Santa Barbara, CA trip today.
- Must visit
Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History
Natural history museum in Mission Canyon with exhibits on wildlife, geology, and Chumash heritage, plus a popular butterfly pavilion seasonally.
- Recommended
Santa Barbara Maritime Museum
Waterfront maritime museum covering Channel history, shipwrecks, navigation, and regional seafaring culture in a polished harbor location.
- Must visit
State Street
Lively main street lined with Spanish-style architecture, shops, theaters, and landmarks, making it the heart of downtown walking routes.
- Must visit
Cabrillo Boulevard
Classic beachside promenade ideal for walking and biking, with palm-lined ocean views, parks, and access to the harbor and wharf.
- Must visit
Santa Barbara Harbor
Popular waterfront district with marina views, boat activity, museums, and easy walking access to coastal paths and sunset scenery.
- Gluten-free
Santa Barbara Uni
Fresh sea urchin roe landed from the Santa Barbara Channel. Briny, sweet, and prized because the region is one of California's best-known uni sources.
- Gluten-free
Santa Barbara Spot Prawns
Spot prawns from local waters, often grilled or served simply to highlight their sweetness. Seasonal and celebrated for their freshness on the Central Coast.
- Gluten-free
California Spiny Lobster
Local spiny lobster, usually prepared grilled or roasted. A prized seasonal catch tied to the Santa Barbara Channel fishing tradition.
Barbareño
Refined downtown restaurant serving elegant Central Coast cuisine with strong local seafood and wine in a polished setting.
The Lark
Long-running fine dining restaurant focused on seasonal ingredients and local catch, with a classic upscale atmosphere.
Brophy Bros.
Historic waterfront oyster bar known for very fresh local seafood, chowder, and a lively harbor setting.
US Dollar ($)
Santa Barbara is pricier than many US beach cities, with higher hotel rates, dining, and parking; transit is affordable but limited for tourists.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- $12-20 for fast food or casual lunch.
- Mid-range
- $25-45 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- $75+ per person for upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- $4-6 for coffee or cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, 15-20% for taxis and rideshares, and $1-2 at cafes for counter service or drinks.
FAQs: Bus from Solana Beach, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Solana Beach, 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.
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Most popular buses to and from Santa Barbara, CA and Solana Beach, CA
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