The cheapest and fastest buses from South San Francisco, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
Cheapest price
$54
Average price
$54
Fastest journey
8 h 34 m
Average duration
8 h 34 m
Buses per day
1
Distance
434 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from South San Francisco, 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 South San Francisco, CA to Santa Barbara, CA will cost around $54 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $54.
Of the 1 buses that leave South San Francisco, CA for Santa Barbara, CA on Fri, Mar 20, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Mar 20 the direct buses cover the 434 km distance in an average of 8 h 34 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 8 h 34 m .
On Fri, Mar 20 the slowest buses will take 8 h 34 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 train, bus, and flight for South San Francisco, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from South San Francisco, CA to Santa Barbara, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $41. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 12m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $41, and a flight costs an average of $271.
Distance: 269 miles (434 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Flight | Train |
|---|---|---|
$45 Average price Cheapest | $271 Average price | $67 Average price |
10h 1m Average total duration 9h 31m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 12m Average total duration Fastest 1h 12m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 10h 3m Average total duration 9h 33m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Compare prices and tickets South San Francisco, 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.
Mar 20
Mar 21
Mar 22
Mar 23
Mar 24
Mar 25
Mar 26
Journey information
Overview: Bus from South San Francisco, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
Buses from South San Francisco, CA to Santa Barbara, CA run on average 13 times per day, taking around 9h 31m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $41 (€34) if you book in advance.
There are 1 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 07:35, the last at 22:05. The fastest bus covers the 269 miles (434 km) distance in 8h 34m.
Distance 269 miles (434 km) |
Average bus duration 9h 31m |
Cheapest ticket price $41 (€34) |
Buses per day 13 |
Direct buses 1 |
Fastest bus 8h 34m |
First bus 07:35 |
Last bus 22:05 |
Cheapest month Aug |
Cheapest day Wed |
High season Jan - Mar |
Low season Jul - Sep |
FAQs: Bus from South San Francisco, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from South San Francisco, 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.

- 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.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from South San Francisco, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
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