- Must visit
Santa Barbara Museum Of Art
Leading regional art museum with American, Asian, and European collections in a central downtown setting.
We are not able to find a bus between these two places.
Cheapest price
-
Average price
-
Fastest journey
-
Average duration
-
Buses per day
-
Distance
-
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Ventura, CA to Santa Barbara, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $12. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 43m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $12, and a train costs an average of $18.
Distance: 24 miles (40 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$12 Average price Cheapest | $19 Average price | $6 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
1h 15m Average total duration 45m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 13m Average total duration Fastest 43m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 28m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Ventura, CA to Santa Barbara, CA:
A bus is $7 (€5) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Ventura, CA to Santa Barbara, CA costing on average $19 (€15).
Other travel options to Santa Barbara, CA take longer:
Bus takes on average 45m.
You'll arrive about -1h -17m sooner (45m by bus vs 28m by car) and save roughly $-6.65 (€-5.46) compared to fuel and tolls ($12 (€10) vs $6 (€5)). 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 FlixBus, VCTC Intercity.
Driving is still worth considering if you're travelling with bulky luggage, need flexibility on departure times, or plan to stop along the way.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator VCTC Intercity | Departure Time 05:45AM | Arrival Time 06:37AM | Duration 0h52 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $0.00 |
Operator VCTC Intercity | Departure Time 05:50AM | Arrival Time 06:40AM | Duration 0h50 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $0.00 |
Operator VCTC Intercity | Departure Time 06:15AM | Arrival Time 07:17AM | Duration 1h02 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $0.00 |
Operator VCTC Intercity | Departure Time 06:51AM | Arrival Time 07:53AM | Duration 1h02 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $0.00 |
Operator VCTC Intercity | Departure Time 06:53AM | Arrival Time 07:42AM | Duration 0h49 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $0.00 |
Operator VCTC Intercity | Departure Time 07:21AM | Arrival Time 08:26AM | Duration 1h05 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $0.00 |
Operator VCTC Intercity | Departure Time 07:41AM | Arrival Time 08:30AM | Duration 0h49 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $0.00 |
Operator VCTC Intercity | Departure Time 08:38AM | Arrival Time 09:35AM | Duration 0h57 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $0.00 |
Operator VCTC Intercity | Departure Time 08:50AM | Arrival Time 09:48AM | Duration 0h58 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $0.00 |
Operator VCTC Intercity | Departure Time 09:38AM | Arrival Time 10:35AM | Duration 0h57 | Departure days Mon, Tue | Cheapest price $0.00 |
Operator VCTC Intercity | Departure Time 11:05AM | Arrival Time 12:03PM | Duration 0h58 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $0.00 |
Operator VCTC Intercity | Departure Time 12:38PM | Arrival Time 01:35PM | Duration 0h57 | Departure days Mon, Tue | Cheapest price $0.00 |
Operator VCTC Intercity | Departure Time 01:25PM | Arrival Time 02:23PM | Duration 0h58 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $0.00 |
Operator VCTC Intercity | Departure Time 01:39PM | Arrival Time 02:19PM | Duration 0h40 | Departure days Mon, Tue | Cheapest price $0.00 |
Operator VCTC Intercity | Departure Time 01:58PM | Arrival Time 02:55PM | Duration 0h57 | Departure days Mon, Tue | Cheapest price $0.00 |
Operator VCTC Intercity | Departure Time 02:53PM | Arrival Time 04:00PM | Duration 1h07 | Departure days Mon, Tue | Cheapest price $0.00 |
Operator VCTC Intercity | Departure Time 03:09PM | Arrival Time 03:54PM | Duration 0h45 | Departure days Mon, Tue | Cheapest price $0.00 |
Operator VCTC Intercity | Departure Time 03:23PM | Arrival Time 04:30PM | Duration 1h07 | Departure days Mon, Tue | Cheapest price $0.00 |
Operator VCTC Intercity | Departure Time 03:53PM | Arrival Time 04:55PM | Duration 1h02 | Departure days Mon, Tue | Cheapest price $0.00 |
Operator VCTC Intercity | Departure Time 04:25PM | Arrival Time 05:23PM | Duration 0h58 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $0.00 |
Operator VCTC Intercity | Departure Time 05:53PM | Arrival Time 06:50PM | Duration 0h57 | Departure days Mon, Tue | Cheapest price $0.00 |
Operator VCTC Intercity | Departure Time 06:25PM | Arrival Time 07:23PM | Duration 0h58 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $0.00 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 06:42PM | Arrival Time 07:30PM | Duration 0h48 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $12 |
Compare train and bus 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 Ventura, CA to Santa Barbara, CA run on average 1 times per day, taking around 45m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $12 (€10) if you book in advance.
There are 1 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 07:40, the last at 19:50. The fastest bus covers the 24 miles (40 km) distance in 40m.
Distance 24 miles (40 km) |
Average bus duration 45m |
Cheapest ticket price $12 (€10) |
Buses per day 1 |
Direct buses 1 |
Fastest bus 40m |
First bus 7:40 AM |
Last bus 7:50 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 5 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 collections in a central downtown setting.
Hands-on science and technology museum popular with families, featuring interactive exhibits and a rooftop sky garden.
Compact waterfront museum covering regional seafaring history, diving, Channel Islands heritage, and navigation.
Main downtown corridor lined with shops, historic buildings, and people-watching, central to the city experience.
Historic wharf with ocean views, strolling paths, and easy access to the waterfront and marine attractions.
Scenic marina and waterfront walking area popular for sunsets, harbor views, and access to the breakwater.
Central Coast tri-tip grilled over red oak, traditionally served with pinquito beans, salsa, and garlic bread. It is one of the region’s signature local meals.
Sweet local prawns from nearby waters, often simply grilled or served crudo when in season. They are prized for freshness and strong coastal identity.
Fresh uni from the Santa Barbara Channel, known for its rich, creamy texture. It is a standout local seafood delicacy tied to the city’s fishing culture.
Historic stagecoach-era tavern in the hills above the city, known for rustic atmosphere, hearty fare, and weekend barbecue traditions.
Popular Funk Zone restaurant serving seasonal California cuisine with local seafood, vegetables, and strong Central Coast sourcing in a lively upscale setting.
Stylish Spanish restaurant known for tapas, paella, cocktails, and a polished downtown atmosphere. Good choice for shared plates and evening dining.
Prices are high by U.S. standards, especially for hotels and dining near the beach and downtown.
Tip 18-20% in restaurants, 15-20% for taxis and rideshares, USD 1-2 per drink at bars, and a few dollars for hotel staff.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Ventura, 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.

Most Ventura, CA to Santa Barbara, CA buses use the Ventura, Ventura Station to Santa Barbara, Bus station station pair. Use this guide to compare Ventura, CA and Santa Barbara, CA bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need