How to travel from San Diego to Santa Barbara

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2 ways to go from San Diego to Santa Barbara

Bus
Average priceUS$35 - US$90Average duration6h 35m
8kg CO₂e5 out of 5 stars
CheapestMost eco-friendly
Train
Average priceUS$47 - US$69Average duration5h 48m
27kg CO₂e1 out of 5 stars
Fastest
%{brand}s logoBusbud recommends taking the train from San Diego to Santa Barbara

Among the sustainable travel choices, the train stands out as a good way to reach Santa Barbara. The journey takes about 5 hours 48 minutes and with fares starting at just US$47, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

9train per day
5h 48mAverage duration
US$47Cheapest ticket
27kgCO₂ emissions

From San Diego to Santa Barbara: Trip Overview

Travel the 190 miles (307 km) from San Diego to Santa Barbara by Bus, Train or Train. The average cost for a trip from San Diego to Santa Barbara is US$50.

Average ticket priceUS$50
Average trip duration6h 11m
Number of daily departures3
Number of daily train departures9
Earliest departure03:50
Distance190 miles (307 km)
Latest departure21:25
Cheapest mode of travelBus - US$35
Fastest mode of travelBus - 4h 35m

Helpful information to go from San Diego to Santa Barbara

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

Travel Modes

Bus

Travel by coach from San Diego to Santa Barbara for an average of US$52 and a travel time of 6 hours 31 minutes. FlixBus, Amtrak, Greyhound offer tickets starting at US$35.

Train

Opt for a sustainable train journey from San Diego to Santa Barbara. The trip typically takes 5 hours 46 minutes, with ticket prices starting at US$47. Amtrak operates trains between these cities, stopping at major stations like Old Town San Diego, Santa Fe Depot, etc.

Flight

While Busbud promotes sustainable travel, flying from San Diego to Santa Barbara 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 San Diego to Santa Barbara 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 San Diego to Santa Barbara?

    The most affordable option for this trip is the bus. The cheapest bus ticket costs US$35, and the average price is US$52. 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 San Diego and Santa Barbara?

    If you're pressed for time, the train reigns supreme, taking you from San Diego to Santa Barbara in roughly 5h 48m.

  3. How do I travel from San Diego to Santa Barbara 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 San Diego to Santa Barbara?

    The average travel time between San Diego and Santa Barbara is around 6h 35m, although the fastest bus will take about 4h 35m. This is the time it takes to travel the 191 miles that separates the two cities.

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

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

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

    The number of buses from San Diego to Santa Barbara can differ depending on the day of the week. On average, there are 3 on this route. Some buses run direct routes, while others have layovers. Simplify your bus trip from San Diego to Santa Barbara by comparing and selecting the bus that fits your travel style and budget on Busbud.

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

    Buses travelling between San Diego and Santa Barbara leave from Mission Valley Sheraton or Old Town Courtyard Marriot and arrive at Train Station.

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

    A train trip between San Diego and Santa Barbara is around 5h 48m, although the fastest train will take about 5h 36m. This is the time it takes to travel the 191 miles that separates the two cities.

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

    The number of trains from San Diego to Santa Barbara can differ depending on the day of the week. On average, there are 9. Some trains are direct while others include transferring trains. Simplify your train trip from San Diego to Santa Barbara 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 San Diego to Santa Barbara?

    Trains travelling between San Diego and Santa Barbara leave from Mission Valley Sheraton or Old Town Courtyard Marriot and arrive at Train Station.

Popular places around San Diego

Cross Border Xpress (CBX)
Hard Rock Hotel
Orange Lake Resort
San Diego International Airport - Terminal 1
Holiday Inn Express Downtown

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 Busbud, wherever you go, you have a worldwide bus station within reach and available in your own language and currency. With Busbud, you can buy tickets with confidence. We ensure that you make the most out of your bus trip by partnering up with reliable bus companies from all around the world such as Greyhound, Eurolines, ALSA, OUIBUS (BlaBlaBus), National Express and many others.

Which way will you travel today?

Go by bus

Buses from San Diego to Santa Barbara

Buses from Santa Barbara to San Diego

Go by train

Trains from San Diego to Santa Barbara

Trains from Santa Barbara to San Diego

Popular routes