- Must visit
Santa Barbara Museum of Art
Leading regional art museum with American, Asian and European works, plus rotating exhibitions in a downtown setting.
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Travel Information
Compare bus, train, 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 25m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $41, and a flight costs an average of $307.
Distance: 269 miles (434 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Flight | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$49 Average price Cheapest | $317 Average price | $77 Average price | $64 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
9h 12m Average total duration 8h 42m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 25m Average total duration Fastest 1h 25m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 10h 3m Average total duration 9h 33m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 55m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from South San Francisco, CA to Santa Barbara, CA is a bus with an average price of $49 (€40).
This is compared to other travel options from South San Francisco, CA to Santa Barbara, CA:
A bus is $28 (€23) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from South San Francisco, CA to Santa Barbara, CA costing on average $77 (€63).
A bus is $268 (€219) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from South San Francisco, CA to Santa Barbara, CA costing on average $317 (€259).
The fastest way to travel from South San Francisco, CA to Santa Barbara, CA is by flight with an average journey time of 1h 25m.
Other travel options to Santa Barbara, CA take longer:
Bus takes on average 8h 42m.
Train takes on average 9h 33m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between South San Francisco, CA and Santa Barbara, CA including taking a bus, train, and flight.
Take the bus. On this route, it's both cheaper and quicker than driving.
You'll arrive about {timeSavings} sooner ({durationInMinutes} by bus vs {drivingDurationInMinutes} by car) and save roughly {savingsAmount} compared to fuel and tolls ({cheapestPrice} vs {drivingPriceInCents}). You also skip the drive itself — no traffic stress, no parking, and you can use the time to work, nap, or catch up on a series with the onboard Wi-Fi.
Direct coaches are operated by {directProviders}.
Driving is still worth considering if you're travelling with bulky luggage, need flexibility on departure times, or plan to stop along the way.
South San Francisco, CA to Santa Barbara, CA Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 03:29AM | Arrival Time 02:30PM | Duration 11h01 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $41 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 05:31AM | Arrival Time 02:30PM | Duration 8h59 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $41 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:30PM | Arrival Time 08:50PM | Duration 6h20 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $50 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 05:10PM | Arrival Time 01:47AM | Duration 8h37 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Sun | Cheapest price $54 |
Compare prices and tickets South San Francisco, CA to Santa Barbara, CA by bus, train, or flight
Compare bus, train, 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 South San Francisco, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
USAUSA
Buses from South San Francisco, CA to Santa Barbara, CA run on average 10 times per day, taking around 8h 42m. 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 6h 20m.
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
Distance 269 miles (434 km) |
Average bus duration 8h 42m |
Cheapest ticket price $41 (€34) |
Buses per day 10 |
Direct buses 1 |
Fastest bus 6h 20m |
First bus 7:35 AM |
Last bus 10:05 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
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
Complete guide to Santa Barbara
Things to do in Santa Barbara
Discover the best of Santa Barbara — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Santa Barbara trip today.
- Recommended
MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation
Hands-on science and technology museum popular with families, known for interactive exhibits and a rooftop experience.
- Recommended
Santa Barbara Historical Museum
Museum on local history with adobe-era collections, archives and exhibits focused on the city and county.
- Must visit
Stearns Wharf
Historic pier with ocean views, strolling, marine exhibits and easy access to the waterfront.
- Must visit
State Street
Main downtown corridor lined with shops, historic buildings and public spaces, ideal for walking and people-watching.
- Recommended
Santa Barbara Waterfront
Scenic coastal area spanning the harbor and beachfront, popular for walking, biking and sunset views.
Santa Maria-Style Barbecue
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.
Uni Pasta
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.
Fish Tacos
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.
The Lark Santa Barbara
Popular New American restaurant in the Funk Zone, known for seasonal Central Coast ingredients and polished but relaxed dining.
Loquita Santa Barbara
Stylish Spanish restaurant known for tapas, paella, and a lively upscale atmosphere near the waterfront.
Brophy Bros. Santa Barbara
Established harbor seafood restaurant popular for clam chowder, oysters, and marina views in a casual setting.
United States Dollar
Santa Barbara is pricier than many U.S. cities, especially for hotels and dining near the coast.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- USD 12-20 for casual spots or takeout.
- Mid-range
- USD 25-45 per person at a mid-range restaurant.
- Fine dining
- USD 80+ per person before drinks.
- Coffee
- USD 4-7 for coffee drinks.
Tipping culture
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.
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.
Cheap bus tickets from South San Francisco, CA to Santa Barbara, CA can start from as little as $41 (€34) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for South San Francisco, CA to Santa Barbara, CA is $49 (€40) ; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by bus from South San Francisco, CA to Santa Barbara, CA is 6h 20m to travel the 269 miles (434 km) long journey. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest bus from South San Francisco, CA to Santa Barbara, CA leaves at 7:35 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from South San Francisco, CA to Santa Barbara, CA leaves at 10:05 PM.
A trip to Santa Barbara, CA from South San Francisco, CA is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 6h 20m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from South San Francisco, CA to Santa Barbara, CA is March.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between South San Francisco, CA and Santa Barbara, CA including taking a bus, train, and flight.
No, the bus from South San Francisco, CA to Santa Barbara, CA has no accessibility options.
No, there are no bathrooms on board the bus from South San Francisco, CA to Santa Barbara, CA.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in Santa Barbara, CA are:
- 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.
The best things to do in Santa Barbara, CA include:
- 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.
No, bikes are not allowed on board the bus from South San Francisco, CA to Santa Barbara, CA.
Tickets are often cheaper when booked early. Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money. Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options. Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
No, there is no food available to purchase on board the bus from South San Francisco, CA to Santa Barbara, CA.
No, luggage for the bus from South San Francisco, CA to Santa Barbara, CA needs to be booked in addition.
No, there are no additional luggage options for the bus from South San Francisco, CA to Santa Barbara, CA.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the bus from South San Francisco, CA to Santa Barbara, CA.
No, there are no USB plugs on board the bus from South San Francisco, CA to Santa Barbara, CA.
No, there is no WiFi on board the bus from South San Francisco, CA to Santa Barbara, CA.
Since neither South San Francisco, CA nor Santa Barbara, CA are in the Schengen Area, passport requirements depend on the specific immigration rules of United States and United States. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
The currency used in the United States is the US Dollar (USD). For travelers, using cards is generally more convenient and widely accepted, especially credit and debit cards, while cash is useful for small purchases or places that do not accept cards.
In Santa Barbara, CA, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing and vehicle break-ins, especially in crowded areas and popular tourist spots like State Street and the waterfront. Common scams include overcharging by some taxi or ride-share drivers and unofficial street vendors selling counterfeit goods. It is advisable to use authorized transportation services and keep personal belongings secure to avoid these issues.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from South San Francisco, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
South San Francisco
Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, Bus station
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