How to travel from Santa Barbara to San Diego

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2 ways to go from Santa Barbara to San Diego

Bus
Average PriceUS$35 - US$125Average Duration7h 30m
8kg CO₂e5 out of 5 stars
Cheapest
Fastest
Most eco-friendly
Train
Average PriceUS$44 - US$93Average Duration11h 6m
27kg CO₂e1 out of 5 stars
%{brand}s logoBusbud recommends taking the bus from Santa Barbara to San Diego

Among the sustainable travel choices, the bus stands out as a good way to reach San Diego. The journey takes about 7 hours 30 minutes, and with fares starting at just US$35, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

1bus per day
7h 30mAverage Duration
US$35Cheapest ticket
8kgCO₂ emissions
TodayDec 23
from US$47
TomorrowDec 24
WedDec 25
ThuDec 26
FriDec 27
SatDec 28
SunDec 29
MonDec 30

Next departures to San Diego

One passenger / one way

  • This trip is recommended because it is the: Cheapest + Fastest
    Departure time: December 23 at
    Departure city: Santa Barbara
    Departure location: Train Station
    Arrival time: December 23 at
    Destination city: San Diego
    Destination location: Santa Fe Depot
    Operated by: AmtrakAmtrak
    Vehicle: BusDuration:
  • Departure time: December 23 at
    Departure city: Santa Barbara
    Departure location: UC Santa Barbara
    Arrival time: December 23 at
    Destination city: San Diego
    Destination location: Santa Fe Depot
    Operated by: AmtrakAmtrak
    Vehicle: BusDuration:
  • Departure time: December 23 at
    Departure city: Santa Barbara
    Departure location: UC Santa Barbara
    Arrival time: December 23 at
    Destination city: San Diego
    Destination location: Old Town San Diego
    Operated by: AmtrakAmtrak
    Vehicle: BusDuration:
  • Departure time: December 23 at
    Departure city: Santa Barbara
    Departure location: UC Santa Barbara
    Arrival time: December 24 at
    Destination city: San Diego
    Destination location: Santa Fe Depot
    Operated by: AmtrakAmtrak
    Vehicle: BusDuration:
  • Departure time: December 23 at
    Departure city: Santa Barbara
    Departure location: Train Station
    Arrival time: December 24 at
    Destination city: San Diego
    Destination location: Santa Fe Depot
    Operated by: AmtrakAmtrak
    Vehicle: BusDuration:
  • Departure time: December 23 at
    Departure city: Santa Barbara
    Departure location: Train Station
    Arrival time: December 23 at
    Destination city: San Diego
    Destination location: Santa Fe Depot
    Operated by: AmtrakAmtrak
    Vehicle: BusDuration:
  • Departure time: December 23 at
    Departure city: Santa Barbara
    Departure location: Train Station
    Arrival time: December 24 at
    Destination city: San Diego
    Destination location: Santa Fe Depot
    Operated by: AmtrakAmtrak
    Vehicle: BusDuration:
  • Departure time: December 23 at
    Departure city: Santa Barbara
    Departure location: Train Station
    Arrival time: December 24 at
    Destination city: San Diego
    Destination location: Santa Fe Depot
    Operated by: AmtrakAmtrak
    Vehicle: BusDuration:

Last refresh of the prices: Last Saturday at 9:23 PM PST.

Prices and availability are subject to change.

From Santa Barbara to San Diego: Trip Overview

Travel the 187 miles (301 km) from Santa Barbara to San Diego by Bus, Train or Train. The average cost for a trip from Santa Barbara to San Diego is US$57. This route is served by top travel providers like FlixBus, Amtrak, among others.

Average ticket priceUS$57
Average bus trip duration9h 18m
Number of daily departures1
Number of daily train departures1
Earliest departure10:10am
Distance187 miles (301 km)
Latest departure9:55pm
Cheapest mode of travelBus - US$35
Fastest mode of travelBus - 5h 5m
Popular travel companiesFlixBus, Amtrak

Helpful information to go from Santa Barbara to San Diego

Whether you're a budget traveller or seeking a swift and comfortable journey, planning your trip from Santa Barbara to San Diego is a breeze. Discover the transportation options that suit you and embark on your next adventure!

Travel Modes

Bus

Travel by bus from Santa Barbara to San Diego for an average of US$59 and a travel time of 7 hours 3 minutes. FlixBus, Amtrak offer tickets starting at US$35.

Train

Opt for a sustainable train journey from Santa Barbara to San Diego. The trip typically takes 10 hours 22 minutes, with ticket prices starting at US$44. Amtrak operates trains between these cities, stopping at major stations like Train Station, etc.

Flight

While Busbud promotes sustainable travel, flying from Santa Barbara to San Diego is sometimes an option travellers can consider. However, be aware of the higher carbon footprint and, in most cases, higher costs compared to other travel options. No matter your chosen travel mode, with Busbud we are here to simplify your decision-making. Find the best way to travel from Santa Barbara to San Diego and the best travel option that perfectly matches your needs and budget, ensuring a seamless booking experience.

Frequently asked questions

  1. What’s the cheapest way to travel from Santa Barbara to San Diego?

    The most affordable option for this trip is the bus. The cheapest bus ticket costs US$35, and the average price is US$59. Keep in mind that prices can fluctuate depending on when you book, with last-minute departures typically costing more.

  2. What is the fastest way to travel between Santa Barbara and San Diego?

    If you're pressed for time, the bus reigns supreme, taking you from Santa Barbara to San Diego in roughly 7h 30m.

  3. How do I travel from Santa Barbara to San Diego without a car?

    You can take a bus or train for this route. If you’re looking for the most cost-effective option, than we recommend bus.

  4. How long is the bus ride from Santa Barbara to San Diego?

    The average travel time between Santa Barbara and San Diego is around 7h 30m, although the fastest bus will take about 5h 5m.This is the time it takes to travel the 301 km that separates the two cities.

  5. Which bus companies travel from Santa Barbara to San Diego?

    When taking the bus from Santa Barbara to San Diego, you can travel comfortably and safely with FlixBus, Amtrak.

  6. How many daily bus connections are there between Santa Barbara and San Diego?

    The number of buses from Santa Barbara to San Diego can differ depending on the day of the week. On average, there are 1 on this route. Some buses run direct routes, while others have layovers. Simplify your bus trip from Santa Barbara to San Diego by comparing and selecting the bus that fits you travel style and budget on Busbud.

  7. What are the departure and arrival stations when taking the bus from Santa Barbara to San Diego?

    Buses travelling between Santa Barbara and San Diego leave from Train Station or and arrive at San Ysidro McDonald's, Old Town Courtyard Marriot, Downtown Holiday Inn.

  8. How long is the trip from Santa Barbara to San Diego?

    A train trip between Santa Barbara and San Diego is around 11h 6m, although the fastest train will take about 6h. This is the time it takes to travel the 301 km that separates the two cities.

  9. How many daily trains are there between Santa Barbara and San Diego?

    The number of trains from Santa Barbara to San Diego can differ depending on the day of the week. On average, there are 1. Some trains are direct while others include transferring trains. Simplify your train trip from Santa Barbara to San Diego by comparing and selecting the train that fits your travel style and budget on Busbud.

  10. What are the departure and arrival stations for a train from Santa Barbara to San Diego?

    Trains travelling between Santa Barbara and San Diego leave from Train Station or and arrive at San Ysidro McDonald's, Old Town Courtyard Marriot, Downtown Holiday Inn.

Why choose Busbud?

The Best Way To Book Bus and Train Tickets

Busbud helps you easily search, compare and book intercity bus tickets on a worlwide scale with our comprehensive list of bus routes and schedules. With several language and currency options available, Busbud seeks to cater to international bus travellers no matter where they are in the world. Busbud partners with safe and reliable bus companies throughout the world such as Greyhound, Eurolines, ALSA, OUIBUS (BlaBlaBus), National Express and many others so you can buy tickets without a worry.

Which way will you travel today?

Go by bus

Buses from Santa Barbara to San Diego

Buses from San Diego to Santa Barbara

Go by train

Trains from Santa Barbara to San Diego

Trains from San Diego to Santa Barbara

Popular routes