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Monterey, CA, USA to Santa Barbara, CA, USA from $12: 8 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
Monterey, United States
to
Santa Barbara, United States

How to Get from Monterey to Santa Barbara: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way

1Map provides directions to cities, towns, landmarks, attractions, and addresses worldwide, offering thousands of multi-modal routes to easily get you from point A to point B.

$12 by trainBest price
196 milesDistance
4h 17m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Monterey to Santa Barbara with 1Map travel planner. Easily compare ticket prices, explore various transport options, and find the best routes for a seamless and cost-effective travel experience.

Company
Amtrak Thruway Connecting Service
Bus
Average Duration
7h  39m
Estimated price
$23-83
Recommended
Company
Coast Starlight
Train
Average Duration
7h  55m
Estimated price
$12-123
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 196 miles
Duration: 4h 17m

See more options

Company
Amtrak Thruway Connecting Service
Bus
Average Duration
7h  34m
Estimated price
$0-0
Company
Various
Drive
Average Duration
4h  17m
Estimated price
$45-70
Company
Various
Drive
Plane
Train
Average Duration
7h  32m
Estimated price
$146-483
Company
Various
Drive
Plane
Bus
Average Duration
7h  35m
Estimated price
$156-396
Company
Various
Plane
Bus
Average Duration
4h  53m
Estimated price
$184-486
Company
Various
Drive
Plane
Average Duration
6h  19m
Estimated price
$200-412
Browse car rentalsExplore flights

Traveling From Monterey to Santa Barbara

The scenic drive from Monterey to Santa Barbara showcases a transformation from the rugged coastline and marine life of the Central Coast to the sun-drenched beaches and Spanish architectural charm of Southern California.

Best Neighbourhoods in Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara boasts diverse neighborhoods, each offering distinct experiences for visitors.

Downtown
• Vibrant shops and restaurants line State Street.
• Cultural attractions include the Santa Barbara Museum of Art.
East Beach
• Great for sunbathing and beach volleyball.
• Wide sandy beaches with scenic ocean views.
Mesa
• Stunning ocean views from the bluffs.
• Close-knit community with local cafes and boutiques.

Best Times To Visit Santa Barbara's Attractions

Timing your visits can elevate your Santa Barbara experience significantly.

Santa Barbara Mission
Visit early mornings on weekdays for fewer crowds and tranquility.
Stearns Wharf
Late afternoons on weekdays provide stunning sunset views with fewer visitors.
Santa Barbara Botanic Garden
Visit during spring for vibrant blooms and less foot traffic.

Santa Barbara Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Santa Barbara boasts a Mediterranean climate, characterized by mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers, making it a fantastic destination year-round. Generally, spring and fall present the most pleasant conditions for exploring outdoor attractions, while summer can bring beachgoers and vibrant local events.

Dining Recommendation in Santa Barbara

Head to The Lark for a true taste of Santa Barbara, where the focus on locally sourced ingredients and rustic, shareable plates creates a lively and communal dining atmosphere. Unlike Monterey's seafood-centric fare, The Lark highlights the farm-to-table movement, offering dishes that burst with vibrant flavors and showcase the region's agricultural bounty.

Monterey - Santa Barbara operators

Explore transport companies operating between Monterey and Santa Barbara, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.

Bus Show bus routes
Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245
Website
https://www.amtrak.com/home.html

Bus from Salinas Amtrak Station to Santa Barbara Amtrak Station

Average Duration
5h 50m
Estimated price
$23-83

Bus from Salinas to Santa Barbara

Average Duration
7h 34m
Estimated price
$0-0
Contact phone
+1 (855) 626-8585
Website
https://www.flixbus.com/

Bus from Salinas Train Station to Santa Barbara Bus Stop

Average Duration
4h 20m
Estimated price
$21-80
Train Show train routes
Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245
Website
https://www.amtrak.com/home.html

Train from Salinas to Santa Barbara

Average Duration
6h 6m
Estimated price
$10-120
Shuttle
Contact phone
+1 800-470-8818
Website
https://www.centralcoastshuttle.com/

Shuttle from Los Angeles Airport, CA to Santa Barbara, CA

Average Duration
2h 25m
Estimated price
$60-80
Contact phone
+1 831-373-7777
Website
http://groometransportation.com

Shuttle from Monterey - Calle Principal / Parking Garage to SFO Airport International Arrivals

Average Duration
2h 50m
Estimated price
$45-60

Shuttle from Monterey - Calle Principal / Parking Garage to San Jose International Airport

Average Duration
1h 55m
Estimated price
$40-50
Plane Show flights
Website
https://www.united.com/

Plane from Monterey (MRY) to Los Angeles Airport (LAX)

Average Duration
1h 25m
Estimated price
$180-600

Monterey to Santa Barbara: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips

Traveling between Monterey and Santa Barbara offers a variety of convenient options to suit your preferences, schedule, and budget. Whether you prioritize affordability, speed, or comfort, you’re sure to find the perfect way to travel without compromising on quality or convenience.

🚗 Embark on a picturesque road trip from Monterey to Santa Barbara, covering a driving distance of 403.9 km. Enjoy the scenic beauty of the California coast as you cruise along Highway 1. 💸 Plan your budget accordingly as the cost of driving from Monterey to Santa Barbara ranges from $45 to $70. ⏱️ With a travel time of approximately 4 hours and 17 minutes, your road trip from Monterey to Santa Barbara promises a delightful blend of coastal views, charming towns, and the freedom to create unforgettable memories at your own pace.
Average price
$45 - $70
🚂 Embark on a scenic train journey from Monterey to Santa Barbara lasting approximately 7 hours and 55 minutes. Enjoy the picturesque views along the Pacific coastline as you travel southward. 💰 Ticket prices for the train ride between Monterey and Santa Barbara range from $12 to $123, providing options for various budgets.
🛫 Enjoy a quick and convenient flight from Monterey to Santa Barbara with a direct 1 hour and 23-minute journey from Monterey Airport to Los Angeles Airport. United Airlines provides this efficient route for travelers looking to reach their destination swiftly.
Departure Point
Monterey Airport
Arrival Point
Los Angeles Airport
🚌 Although there is no direct bus from Monterey to Santa Barbara you can take a journey with transfers that will last approximately 7 hours and 39 minutes. 🛤️ The route options vary in terms of duration, with some trips taking around 6 hours and 40 minutes, while others may take up to 9 hours and 10 minutes. 💰 Ticket prices for a bus between Santa Barbara and Monterey range from $23 to $83, offering travelers different choices based on their preferences and budgets.
Departure Point
Salinas Amtrak Station
Arrival Point
Santa Barbara Amtrak Station

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from Monterey to Santa Barbara.

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The distance between Monterey and Santa Barbara is approximately 315.4 km by road. By train, it takes around 7 hours and 56 minutes to travel from Monterey to Santa Barbara. If you choose to take a shuttle to San Francisco and then fly to Santa Barbara, the travel time is approximately 6 hours and 13 minutes. Alternatively, flying directly from Monterey to Santa Barbara takes around 5 hours and 52 minutes. By car, it takes approximately 4 hours and 17 minutes to travel from Santa Barbara to Monterey, while the bus journey usually takes around 6 hours and 50 minutes.
The most cost-effective way to travel from Monterey to Santa Barbara is by taking a bus. The bus ticket ranges from $23 to $80, and the journey takes approximately 6 hours and 50 minutes. However, if time is a priority, driving would be the most time-efficient option, with a travel time of around 4 hours and 17 minutes. The cost of driving ranges from $45 to $70, considering the gas and toll expenses.
The price of a train ticket between Monterey and Santa Barbara can range from $12 to $123. Similarly, the price of a bus ticket for the same route can range from $23 to $78.
To get from Monterey to Santa Barbara without using public transportation, you can drive. The distance between the two cities is approximately 403.9 km, and it takes around 4 hours and 17 minutes. The prices for renting a car vary between $45 and $70 depending on the rental company and type of vehicle chosen.
One option to travel from Monterey to Santa Barbara without a car is by taking a bus, which typically takes 6 hours and 50 minutes and costs between $23 and $80. Another option is to take a train, which usually takes around 7 hours and 56 minutes and costs between $12 and $130. Lastly, you could also consider flying, which takes approximately 5 hours and 52 minutes and costs between $230 and $650.
There is no direct link between Monterey and Santa Barbara by bus. However, there are bus services operated by Amtrak that can take you from Monterey to Santa Barbara with a transfer in Salinas. The journey, including transfers, takes approximately 6 hours and 50 minutes. It is also possible to travel between Monterey and Santa Barbara by car or by train with respective travel times of 4 hours and 17 minutes and 7 hours and 56 minutes.
The flight duration between Monterey and Santa Barbara can vary depending on the number of stopovers. The quickest flight with one stopover takes around 3 hours and 29 minutes. As for the cost, prices for a flight between the two cities range from $232 to $606, depending on factors such as airline, time of booking, and availability.
There are plenty of options for accommodation in Santa Barbara. There are over 148 hotels available in the area, with prices starting at $57 per night.