- Must visit
Santa Barbara Museum of Art
Leading regional art museum with American, Asian and European works, plus rotating exhibitions in a downtown setting.
Cheapest price
$65
Average price
$65
Fastest journey
13 h 45 m
Average duration
13 h 45 m
Buses per day
1
Distance
275 km
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.
It's difficult to get from Solana Beach, CA to Santa Barbara, CA without transferring at least once.


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 prices starting from $47. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 5h 14m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $47, and a flight costs an average of $238.
Distance: 170 miles (275 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight |
|---|---|---|
$65 Average price | $48 Average price Cheapest | $281 Average price |
14h 15m Average total duration 13h 45m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 44m Average total duration Fastest 5h 14m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 10h 12m Average total duration 7h 12m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Solana Beach, CA to Santa Barbara, CA:
A train is $17 (€14) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Solana Beach, CA to Santa Barbara, CA costing on average $65 (€53).
A train is $233 (€191) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Solana Beach, CA to Santa Barbara, CA costing on average $281 (€230).
Other travel options to Santa Barbara, CA take longer:
Flight takes on average 7h 12m.
Bus takes on average 13h 45m.
| 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 |
The table below shows live departures for Solana Beach, CA to Santa Barbara, CA buses for tomorrow, Sunday, June 21. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| 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 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.
Buses from Solana Beach, CA to Santa Barbara, CA run on average 4 times per day, taking around 13h 45m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $65 (€53) but you can travel from only $47 (€39) by train.
The earliest bus runs at 04:40, the last at 21:55. The fastest bus covers the 170 miles (275 km) distance in 13h 45m.
Distance 170 miles (275 km) |
Average bus duration 13h 45m |
Cheapest ticket price $65 (€53) |
Buses per day 4 |
Fastest bus 13h 45m |
First bus 4:40 AM |
Last bus 9:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 28 days |
Discover the best of Santa Barbara — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Santa Barbara trip today.
Leading regional art museum with American, Asian and European works, plus rotating exhibitions in a downtown setting.
Hands-on science and technology museum popular with families, known for interactive exhibits and a rooftop experience.
Museum on local history with adobe-era collections, archives and exhibits focused on the city and county.
Historic pier with ocean views, strolling, marine exhibits and easy access to the waterfront.
Main downtown corridor lined with shops, historic buildings and public spaces, ideal for walking and people-watching.
Scenic coastal area spanning the harbor and beachfront, popular for walking, biking and sunset views.
Regional Central Coast barbecue, usually tri-tip grilled over red oak and served with salsa, pinquito beans, garlic bread, and salad. It is one of the area’s most iconic local food traditions.
Sea urchin from the Santa Barbara Channel is a local delicacy, prized for its sweet, briny flavor. It often appears in simple pasta dishes that highlight the freshness of the seafood.
Fresh local fish in tacos reflects Santa Barbara’s coastal location and strong California-Mexican food culture. They are commonly served grilled or battered with cabbage, salsa, and lime.
Popular New American restaurant in the Funk Zone, known for seasonal Central Coast ingredients and polished but relaxed dining.
Stylish Spanish restaurant known for tapas, paella, and a lively upscale atmosphere near the waterfront.
Established harbor seafood restaurant popular for clam chowder, oysters, and marina views in a casual setting.
Santa Barbara is pricier than many U.S. cities, especially for hotels and dining near the coast.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, 20%+ for excellent service, USD 1-2 per drink at bars, round up or tip 10-15% for taxis, and USD 2-5 for hotel staff as appropriate.
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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