Oakland, CA, USA to Santa Barbara, CA, USA from $15: 9 ways by bus, train, flight or car
Compare Travel Options and Prices
How to Get from Oakland to Santa Barbara: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way
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$15 by trainBest price
444 kmDistance
3h 36m Fastest
Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options
Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Oakland 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.
Oakland - Santa Barbara operators
Explore transport companies operating between Oakland and Santa Barbara, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.
Website
united.com
Plane from San Francisco (SFO) to Santa Barbara (SBA)
Average Duration
1h 21mEstimated price
$3666-3667Plane from Oakland (OAK) to Santa Barbara (SBA)
Average Duration
1h 11mEstimated price
$3660-3661Website
southwest.com
Plane from Oakland (OAK) to Santa Barbara (SBA)
Average Duration
1h 12mEstimated price
$1595-3662Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245Website
amtrak.com
Train from Oakland to Santa Barbara
Average Duration
9h 3mEstimated price
$15-140Train from Burbank Amtrak to Santa Barbara
Average Duration
2h 16mEstimated price
$157-158Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245Website
amtrak.com
Bus from Oakland to Santa Barbara
Average Duration
7h 50mEstimated price
$1594-1595Bus from San Jose to Santa Barbara Amtrak Station
Average Duration
7h 5mEstimated price
$0-0Contact phone
+1 (855) 626-8585Website
flixbus.com
Bus from Oakland to Santa Barbara
Average Duration
7h 5mEstimated price
$1594-1595Contact phone
+1-510-464-6000Website
bart.gov
Other from 12th Street / Oakland City Center to Berryessa / North San Jose
Average Duration
56mEstimated price
$0-0Other from 12th Street / Oakland City Center to Milpitas
Average Duration
51mEstimated price
$0-0Oakland to Santa Barbara: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips
Traveling between Oakland 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.
🚗 Start your journey from Oakland and cruise along the scenic route towards Santa Barbara spanning a distance of 331 miles. Enjoy the diverse landscapes and charming towns along the way.
💸 Depending on gas prices and your vehicle's fuel efficiency, the cost of driving from Oakland to Santa Barbara ranges from $60 to $90. Plan your budget accordingly for a smooth road trip experience.
🌴 After approximately 5 hours and 38 minutes of driving, you'll arrive in Santa Barbara, ready to explore its beautiful beaches, vibrant culture, and delicious cuisine. Embrace the laid-back California vibes and make unforgettable memories along the coast.
Average price
$60 - $90
🚆 Traveling by train from Oakland to Santa Barbara is a convenient and scenic journey that takes approximately 9 hours and 3 minutes. The direct train service operated by Amtrak runs once daily, making it easy to plan your trip.
💰 The prices for train tickets between Oakland and Santa Barbara range from $15 to $140, offering a budget-friendly option for travel between these two vibrant California cities.
Departure Point
Oakland station
Arrival Point
Santa Barbara station
Useful tips for train travellers
• Onboard Services: Amtrak operates the route between Oakland and Santa Barbara, and their Coast Starlight service offers complimentary snacks and beverages in the Business Class section. You also have access to the Sightseer Lounge Car, where you can purchase meals, drinks, and snacks while enjoying panoramic views. It's advisable to bring a refillable water bottle, as they provide free water stations onboard.
• Seating Options: On this route, Amtrak offers three seating classes: Coach, Business Class, and First Class. Coach seats are comfortable and provide ample legroom but are the most economical. Business Class offers more spacious seats, complimentary drinks, and access to the Lounge Car. First Class, although limited, features even more luxurious seating and enhanced meal options. Choose Business or First Class for a more comfortable experience, especially on this longer journey.
• Arrival Station Tip: Upon arriving at Santa Barbara station, you can find luggage storage services with the option to leave your bags for a few hours. Restrooms are available at the station, but there are no shower facilities. To navigate the station, consult the helpful staff if you have any questions about local transport connections; they can guide you through routes and schedules.
🛫 Flying from Oakland to Santa Barbara is a convenient choice for travelers looking to reach their destination quickly. With a direct flight from San Francisco Airport to Santa Barbara Airport, the journey only takes 1 hour and 19 minutes with United Airlines.
🏖️ Once you land in Santa Barbara, you'll be greeted with beautiful coastal views and a relaxed atmosphere. The total flying time from Oakland to Santa Barbara is approximately 4 hours and 14 minutes, offering a smooth and enjoyable travel experience.
💸 Prices for flights between Santa Barbara and Oakland can vary depending on the time of booking and airline choice, ranging from $159 to $366. Planning ahead and comparing prices can help you find the best deal for your trip to this charming California destination.
Departure Point
San Francisco Airport
Arrival Point
Santa Barbara Airport
Useful tips for plane travellers
• When booking your flight from Oakland to Santa Barbara, keep an eye out for United Airlines, as they frequently run direct flights and typically offer good timetable flexibility and competitive pricing.
• Upon arrival at Santa Barbara Airport, expect to navigate a smaller terminal; it's efficient but can be busy—head straight to baggage claim (usually to the right after security) if you checked bags, then look for signage directing you to the taxi and rideshare pick-up area.
• Taxi prices from Santa Barbara Airport to downtown typically range from $25 to $35, so consider this when budgeting; alternatively, check out local transportation options like the Santa Barbara Airport Shuttle, which can be a cost-effective choice.
🚌 The bus journey from Oakland to Santa Barbara is a convenient option with direct services departing three times a day and operating daily. The trip takes approximately 7 hours and 50 minutes.
🚌 Prices for the bus between Santa Barbara and Oakland can vary from $30 to $100, making it an affordable and efficient way to travel between these two cities.
Departure Point
Oakland station
Arrival Point
Santa Barbara station
Frequently asked questions
Find out more about the route from Oakland to Santa Barbara.
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The distance between Oakland and Santa Barbara is approximately 444.2 km by air and 533.5 km by road. The typical travel times can vary depending on the mode of transportation. It takes approximately 4 hours and 8 minutes to fly from Oakland to Santa Barbara, 5 hours and 38 minutes to drive by car, 7 hours and 50 minutes by bus, and 9 hours and 3 minutes by train.
The most cost-effective option for traveling from Oakland to Santa Barbara is by train, which takes approximately 9 hours and 3 minutes and costs between $15 and $140. However, if time is a priority, the quickest option is to fly, which takes approximately 3 hours and 41 minutes and costs between $210 and $550.
The prices for traveling between Oakland and Santa Barbara vary depending on the mode of transportation chosen. The train ticket prices range from $15 to $140. Alternatively, taking a bus can cost anywhere from $30 to $100.
To get from Oakland to Santa Barbara without using public transportation, you can drive. The distance is around 532.7 km, and it takes approximately 5 hours and 38 minutes by car. The cost of driving varies but can be in the range of $60 to $90, depending on factors such as fuel prices and tolls.
The best way to travel from Oakland to Santa Barbara without a car is by bus, which takes approximately 7 hours and 50 minutes and costs between $30 and $100. Another option is to fly, which takes around 4 hours and 8 minutes and costs between $160 and $370. If you prefer, you can also take a train, which takes approximately 9 hours and 3 minutes and costs between $15 and $140.
Yes, there is a direct link between Oakland and Santa Barbara. You can take a train from Oakland to Santa Barbara, which departs once daily and takes approximately 9 hours and 3 minutes. There is also a direct bus service available that operates twice daily and takes around 7 hours and 50 minutes.
The flight between Oakland and Santa Barbara typically takes around 1 hour and 13 minutes. The cost of the flight can vary, ranging from $169 to $366, depending on factors such as the season and how far in advance the ticket is booked.
There are plenty of accommodation options available near Santa Barbara. You can choose from over 148 hotels, with prices starting at $57 per night.