San Diego, CA, USA to Santa Barbara, CA, USA from $9: 8 ways by bus, train, flight or car
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How to Get from San Diego to Santa Barbara: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way
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$9 by trainBest price
304 kmDistance
3h 43m Fastest
Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options
Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from San Diego 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.
San Diego - Santa Barbara operators
Explore transport companies operating between San Diego and Santa Barbara, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.
Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245Website
https://www.amtrak.com/home.html
Train from San Diego to Santa Barbara
Average Duration
5h 54mEstimated price
$9-110Train from San Diego to Los Angeles
Average Duration
2h 56mEstimated price
$21-219Contact phone
+1 (855) 626-8585Website
https://www.flixbus.com
Bus from San Diego Bus Stop to Santa Barbara Bus Stop
Average Duration
6h 32mEstimated price
$21-78Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245Website
https://www.amtrak.com/home.html
Bus from San Diego to Los Angeles
Average Duration
3h 20mEstimated price
$0-0Bus from Los Angeles to Santa Barbara
Average Duration
2h 45mEstimated price
$0-0Drive from San Diego to Santa Barbara
Average Duration
3h 43mEstimated price
$35-60Plane from San Diego (SAN) to Santa Barbara (SBA)
Average Duration
5h 14mEstimated price
$191-430Plane from San Diego (SAN) to Los Angeles (LAX)
Average Duration
1h 4mEstimated price
$94-108Plane from Los Angeles (LAX) to Santa Barbara (SBA)
Average Duration
54mEstimated price
$0-0Website
https://www.southwest.com
Plane from San Diego to Santa Barbara
Average Duration
4h 26mEstimated price
$1101-1102San Diego to Santa Barbara: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips
Traveling between San Diego 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 scenic road trip from San Diego to Santa Barbara, covering a distance of 218 miles through picturesque Californian landscapes. The journey typically takes around 3 hours and 43 minutes, making it a perfect day-trip adventure.
🌴 Enjoy the flexibility and freedom of driving from San Diego to Santa Barbara by car, with prices ranging between $35 to $60 depending on factors such as gas prices and toll fees. Experience the coastal breeze and stunning ocean views along the way as you make your way north towards this charming city.
Average price
$35 - $60
🚂 Embark on a scenic journey from San Diego to Santa Barbara by train, with services running four times a day, seven days a week. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the approximately 5 hours and 54 minutes ride through beautiful California landscapes.
🌊 Covering a distance of 230 miles, the train ride offers a convenient and comfortable travel option between these coastal cities. Departing from San Diego station and arriving at Santa Barbara station, the Amtrak-operated services ensure a smooth and enjoyable travel experience for passengers.
🎟️ Ticket prices for the San Diego to Santa Barbara train route range from $9 to $110, catering to various budget preferences. With multiple daily departures, travelers can easily explore the charm of Santa Barbara and its surroundings, making this train journey a convenient choice for those looking to discover the beauty of Southern California.
Departure Point
San Diego station
Arrival Point
Santa Barbara station
Useful tips for train travellers
• On your train trip from San Diego to Santa Barbara, Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner offers a snack bar service with a variety of food and beverages available on-board. You can find items like sandwiches, salads, and a selection of beverages including coffee, tea, and alcoholic drinks. Check their website for the latest menu options: amtrak.com
• The Pacific Surfliner provides several seating options including Coach Class (Economy), Business Class, and First Class. Coach Class is comfortable and budget-friendly, while Business Class offers extra legroom and complimentary non-alcoholic beverages. First Class provides the most luxurious experience with additional amenities. Consider booking your seat ahead for the best availability.
• Different operators service the San Diego to Santa Barbara route. Primarily, you will be traveling on Amtrak, which you can learn more about at their website: amtrak.com Another option to consider is Metrolink, which provides limited express service in some cases. Explore their website here: metrolinktrains.com For local transport schedules: sbmtd.gov
🛫 Traveling from San Diego to Santa Barbara by plane involves a flight with a one stopover, usually lasting around 2 hours and 49 minutes. Airlines like Delta, American Airlines, United Airlines, and Southwest Airlines operate flights on this route.
🌴 The journey from sunny San Diego to beautiful Santa Barbara typically takes around 5 hours and 14 minutes. Despite there being no direct flights, the connecting flight offers a convenient way to reach your destination with ease.
💸 Prices for flights between Santa Barbara and San Diego vary depending on the airline and time of booking, ranging from $191 to $430. Keep an eye out for deals and promotions to secure the best fares for your trip between these Californian cities.
Departure Point
San Diego Airport
Arrival Point
Santa Barbara Airport. The quickest flight takes 2h 49m and has one stopover
🚌 While there is no direct bus from San Diego to Santa Barbara, travelers can take a bus from San Diego to Los Angeles and then transfer to another bus to reach Santa Barbara. The journey, with transfers, typically takes around 7 hours and 5 minutes.
🛤️ Route options vary for those traveling from San Diego to Santa Barbara by bus, with distances ranging from 202 to 207 miles. Each route involves transfers, such as stopping in Los Angeles or San Jose, before reaching Santa Barbara. Prices for bus tickets between the two cities range from $21 to $78.
🌴 Overall, the bus journey from San Diego to Santa Barbara offers a scenic route along the California coast. Passengers can expect a travel time of approximately 6 hours and 32 minutes before reaching their destination in Santa Barbara.
Departure Point
San Diego station
Arrival Point
Santa Barbara station
Useful tips for bus travellers
Consider booking your bus trip in advance with Amtrak or FlixBus to secure the best prices and ensure a seat, as the journey includes transfers and can be popular during peak times; you can find schedules on their websites: Amtrak - amtrak.com and FlixBus - flixbus.com
While waiting for your connection at Los Angeles Union Station, explore the station's numerous dining options, including partners like Traxx Restaurant and some local cafes, to grab a bite before your next leg to Santa Barbara; for station maps and dining options, visit unionstationlacity.org
Upon arriving at Santa Barbara Station, look for the information desk on the platform level for assistance with local transport options, such as the MTD bus service, which can efficiently take you to various parts of the city; more about local transit can be found at sbmtd.gov
Frequently asked questions
Find out more about the route from San Diego to Santa Barbara.
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The distance between San Diego and Santa Barbara is approximately 304.2 km by road. It takes about 3 hours and 43 minutes to travel by car between the two cities. Alternatively, it takes 5 hours and 54 minutes by train, 5 hours and 40 minutes by flying to Los Angeles and then taking a bus, or 6 hours and 37 minutes by bus. The quickest mode of transportation is by plane, with a travel time of 5 hours and 31 minutes.
The most cost-effective and time-efficient transportation option for traveling from San Diego to Santa Barbara is to drive. It takes approximately 3 hours and 43 minutes by car, and the cost ranges from $35 to $60. Alternatively, taking the train is a more budget-friendly option, costing between $9 and $110 and taking around 5 hours and 54 minutes.
The price range for a train ticket from San Diego to Santa Barbara can range from $9 to $110, depending on the class and time of booking. On the other hand, the price range for a bus ticket from Santa Barbara to San Diego can vary from $21 to $78, depending on the bus company and the type of ticket purchased.
To get from San Diego to Santa Barbara without using public transportation, you can drive. The distance is approximately 350.8 km, and it takes about 3 hours and 43 minutes to drive. The cost of the journey can vary from $35 to $60, depending on factors like fuel prices and tolls.
To travel from San Diego to Santa Barbara without a car, the best option is to take a train. The train journey takes approximately 5 hours and 54 minutes and costs between $9 and $110. Another option is to take a bus, which takes about 6 hours and 37 minutes and costs between $21 and $80. Alternatively, you can choose to fly which takes around 5 hours and 31 minutes and costs between $180 and $410.
Yes, there is a direct train link between San Diego and Santa Barbara. The Amtrak train departs from San Diego station and arrives at Santa Barbara station, with services operating four times a day. The journey takes approximately 5 hours and 54 minutes. However, there is no direct bus service between the two cities, with the option to transfer in Los Angeles for a total travel time of about 7 hours and 5 minutes.
The flight between San Diego and Santa Barbara typically takes around 3 hours and 9 minutes, with one stopover included. However, please note that there is no direct flight available from San Diego Airport to Santa Barbara Airport. The cost of a flight between the two cities can range from $181 to $410, depending on the airline and time of booking.
There are numerous options for accommodation near Santa Barbara. With over 148+ hotels available, you have a wide range of choices to suit your preferences and budget. Prices for hotels in Santa Barbara start at $57, ensuring that you can find something suitable for your stay.