How to travel from Santa Barbara to Los Angeles

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2 ways to go from Santa Barbara to Los Angeles

Bus
Average priceUS$21 - US$51Average duration2h 40m
4kg CO₂e5 out of 5 stars
CheapestFastestMost eco-friendly
Train
Average priceUS$26 - US$85Average duration2h 54m
12kg CO₂e1 out of 5 stars
%{brand}s logoBusbud recommends taking the bus from Santa Barbara to Los Angeles

Among the sustainable travel choices, the bus stands out as a good way to reach Los Angeles. The journey takes about 2 hours 40 minutes and with fares starting at just US$21, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

1bus per day
2h 40mAverage duration
US$21Cheapest ticket
4kgCO₂ emissions
Today23 Jan
Tomorrow24 Jan
Sat25 Jan
from US$17
Sun26 Jan
Mon27 Jan
Tue28 Jan
Wed29 Jan
Thu30 Jan

Next departures to Los Angeles

One passenger / one way

  • This trip is recommended because it is the: Cheapest
    Departure time: 25 January at
    Departure city: Santa Barbara
    Departure location: Santa Barbara Station
    Arrival time: 25 January at
    Destination city: Los Angeles
    Destination location: Los Angeles Union Station
    Operated by: FlixBusFlixBus
    Vehicle: BusDuration:
  • This trip is recommended because it is the: Fastest
    Departure time: 25 January at
    Departure city: Santa Barbara
    Departure location: Train Station
    Arrival time: 25 January at
    Destination city: Los Angeles
    Destination location: Northridge Station
    Operated by: AmtrakAmtrak
    Vehicle: BusDuration:
  • Departure time: 25 January at
    Departure city: Santa Barbara
    Departure location: Santa Barbara Station
    Arrival time: 25 January at
    Destination city: Los Angeles
    Destination location: Downtown LA (Flixbus Lot)
    Operated by: FlixBusFlixBus
    Vehicle: BusDuration:
  • Departure time: 25 January at
    Departure city: Santa Barbara
    Departure location: Train Station
    Arrival time: 25 January at
    Destination city: Los Angeles
    Destination location: Union Station
    Operated by: AmtrakAmtrak
    Vehicle: BusDuration:
  • Departure time: 25 January at
    Departure city: Santa Barbara
    Departure location: Train Station
    Arrival time: 25 January at
    Destination city: Los Angeles
    Destination location: Northridge Station
    Operated by: AmtrakAmtrak
    Vehicle: BusDuration:
  • Departure time: 25 January at
    Departure city: Santa Barbara
    Departure location: Train Station
    Arrival time: 25 January at
    Destination city: Los Angeles
    Destination location: UCLA
    Operated by: AmtrakAmtrak
    Vehicle: BusDuration:
  • Departure time: 25 January at
    Departure city: Santa Barbara
    Departure location: Train Station
    Arrival time: 25 January at
    Destination city: Los Angeles
    Destination location: UCLA
    Operated by: AmtrakAmtrak
    Vehicle: BusDuration:
  • Departure time: 25 January at
    Departure city: Santa Barbara
    Departure location: UC Santa Barbara
    Arrival time: 25 January at
    Destination city: Los Angeles
    Destination location: Northridge Station
    Operated by: AmtrakAmtrak
    Vehicle: BusDuration:

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From Santa Barbara to Los Angeles: Trip Overview

Travel the 87 miles (140 km) from Santa Barbara to Los Angeles by Bus, Train or Train. The average cost for a trip from Santa Barbara to Los Angeles is US$35. This route is served by top travel providers like FlixBus, Amtrak, among others.

Average ticket priceUS$35
Average trip duration2h 47m
Number of daily departures1
Number of daily train departures2
Earliest departure06:00
Distance87 miles (140 km)
Latest departure21:55
Cheapest mode of travelBus - US$21
Fastest mode of travelBus - 1h 45m
Popular travel companiesFlixBus, Amtrak

Helpful information to go from Santa Barbara to Los Angeles

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

Travel Modes

Bus

Travel by coach from Santa Barbara to Los Angeles for an average of US$35 and a travel time of 2 hours 55 minutes. Amtrak, FlixBus offer tickets starting at US$21.

Train

Opt for a sustainable train journey from Santa Barbara to Los Angeles. The trip typically takes 3 hours 8 minutes, with ticket prices starting at US$26. 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 Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles?

    The most affordable option for this trip is the bus. The cheapest bus ticket costs US$21, and the average price is US$35. 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 Los Angeles?

    If you're pressed for time, the bus reigns supreme, taking you from Santa Barbara to Los Angeles in roughly 2h 40m.

  3. How do I travel from Santa Barbara to Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles?

    The average travel time between Santa Barbara and Los Angeles is around 2h 40m, although the fastest bus will take about 1h 45m. This is the time it takes to travel the 87 miles that separates the two cities.

  5. Which bus companies travel from Santa Barbara to Los Angeles?

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

  6. How many daily bus connections are there between Santa Barbara and Los Angeles?

    The number of buses from Santa Barbara to Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles 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 Santa Barbara to Los Angeles?

    Buses travelling between Santa Barbara and Los Angeles leave from Train Station or and arrive at UCLA, Ramirez Street bus stop, East LA I-5 & I-710.

  8. How long is the train trip from Santa Barbara to Los Angeles?

    A train trip between Santa Barbara and Los Angeles is around 2h 54m, although the fastest train will take about 2h 6m. This is the time it takes to travel the 87 miles that separates the two cities.

  9. How many daily train are there between Santa Barbara and Los Angeles?

    The number of trains from Santa Barbara to Los Angeles can differ depending on the day of the week. On average, there are 2. Some trains are direct while others include transferring trains. Simplify your train trip from Santa Barbara to Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles?

    Trains travelling between Santa Barbara and Los Angeles leave from Train Station or and arrive at UCLA, Ramirez Street bus stop, East LA I-5 & I-710.

Why choose Busbud?

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Which way will you travel today?

Go by bus

Buses from Santa Barbara to Los Angeles

Buses from Los Angeles to Santa Barbara

Go by train

Trains from Santa Barbara to Los Angeles

Trains from Los Angeles to Santa Barbara

Popular routes