1map logoGo to main page

San Francisco, CA, USA to Santa Barbara, CA, USA from $29: 9 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
San Francisco, United States
to
Santa Barbara, United States

How to Get from San Francisco 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.

$29 by busBest price
448.4 kmDistance
3h 52m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from San Francisco 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
Various
Plane
Average Duration
3h  58m
Estimated price
$158-365
Recommended
Company
Various
Train
Train
Average Duration
10h  27m
Estimated price
$23-152
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 448.4 km
Duration: 3h 52m

See more options

Company
Various
Train
Bus
Average Duration
9h  26m
Estimated price
$23-152
Company
FlixBus USA
Bus
Average Duration
6h  40m
Estimated price
$29-100
Company
Various
Drive
Average Duration
5h  46m
Estimated price
$60-90
Company
Various
Plane
Train
Average Duration
6h  26m
Estimated price
$88-367
Company
Various
Plane
Train
Average Duration
6h  19m
Estimated price
$90-468
Company
Various
Plane
Bus
Average Duration
6h  22m
Estimated price
$105-371
Company
Various
BART
Plane
Average Duration
3h  52m
Estimated price
$220-536
Browse car rentalsExplore flights

Traveling From San Francisco to Santa Barbara

The journey from San Francisco to Santa Barbara transitions from the bustling urban energy of the Bay Area to the laid-back coastal charm of Southern California.

Best Neighbourhoods in Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara boasts diverse neighborhoods, each offering distinct character and charm.

Downtown Santa Barbara
• Vibrant shopping and dining options
• Historic architecture and cultural attractions
The Funk Zone
• Art galleries and trendy boutiques
• Nearby local wineries and breweries
East Beach
• Beautiful sandy beach and ocean views
• Ideal for picnics and outdoor activities

Best Times To Visit Santa Barbara's Attractions

Timing your visit can greatly enhance your experience in Santa Barbara.

Santa Barbara Zoo
Visit early in the morning on weekdays for fewer visitors and cooler temps.
Stearns Wharf
Late afternoon visits offer stunning sunset views and fewer crowds.
Mission Santa Barbara
Mornings or late afternoons during weekdays provide a more peaceful atmosphere.

Santa Barbara Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Santa Barbara enjoys a Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters, making it an inviting destination year-round. Visiting in spring or fall can provide comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds, enhancing your travel experience.

Dining Recommendation in Santa Barbara

Try the fish taco at La Super Rica, a local favorite that showcases vibrant flavors and fresh ingredients distinct from San Francisco's eclectic culinary scene. The laid-back atmosphere and focus on authentic Mexican cuisine offer a refreshing contrast to the more diverse and upscale dining options you may find in the Bay Area.

San Francisco - Santa Barbara operators

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

Bus
Contact phone
+1 (855) 626-8585
Website
flixbus.com

Bus from San Francisco to Santa Barbara Bus Stop

Average Duration
6h 40m
Estimated price
$29-100
Train
Contact phone
+1 800-660-4287
Website
caltrain.com

Train from San Francisco Caltrain to San Jose Diridon

Average Duration
1h 41m
Estimated price
$9-12

Train from San Jose to Santa Barbara

Average Duration
7h 46m
Estimated price
$13-140
Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245
Website
amtrak.com

Train from Burbank Amtrak to Santa Barbara

Average Duration
2h 16m
Estimated price
$3-75

Train from San Jose to Santa Barbara

Average Duration
6h 45m
Estimated price
$0-0

Train from San Jose to Santa Barbara

Average Duration
6h 45m
Estimated price
$0-0
Plane
Website
united.com

Plane from San Francisco (SFO) to Santa Barbara (SBA)

Average Duration
1h 21m
Estimated price
$120-380
Website
southwest.com

Plane from Oakland (OAK) to Santa Barbara (SBA)

Average Duration
1h 11m
Estimated price
$110-400
Website
spirit.com

Plane from Oakland (OAK) to Burbank (BUR)

Average Duration
1h 11m
Estimated price
$80-430
Website
delta.com

Plane from Oakland (OAK) to Los Angeles (LAX)

Average Duration
1h 27m
Estimated price
$110-420

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

Traveling between San Francisco 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.

🚗 Starting from the iconic city of San Francisco, the road trip to Santa Barbara spans 545.6 km of scenic beauty and diverse landscapes, offering a delightful journey for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. 💰 The cost of driving from San Francisco to Santa Barbara ranges between $60 to $90, making it a budget-friendly option for those looking to explore the stunning coastal views and vibrant culture of Santa Barbara. 🌴 After a drive of approximately 5 hours and 46 minutes, travelers arriving in Santa Barbara are rewarded with palm-lined streets, Spanish-influenced architecture, and a laid-back coastal charm that invites relaxation and exploration in equal measure.
Average price
$60 - $90
🌊 The train ride to Santa Barbara offers stunning views along the way, allowing passengers to relax and enjoy the journey through the California landscape. With a total travel time of approximately 10 hours and 27 minutes, this train route provides a leisurely and comfortable way to reach the sunny shores of Santa Barbara. 💸 Travelers can choose from various ticket prices ranging from $23 to $152 for the train ride between San Francisco and Santa Barbara. With the combination of Caltrain and Amtrak services, passengers can experience a unique and enjoyable trip from the bustling city of San Francisco to the charming coastal town of Santa Barbara.
Departure Point
San Francisco Caltrain Southbound station
Arrival Point
Santa Barbara station
Useful tips for train travellers
• On your train trip from San Francisco to Santa Barbara, you may choose Amtrak as your operator. They offer several onboard services, including a Café Car where you can purchase snacks, beverages, and light meals. Their menu includes sandwiches, salads, and a variety of coffee and tea options, making it convenient to enjoy a meal while watching the scenic views of California.
• Amtrak provides a few seating options on this route: Business Class, which offers more spacious seating and complimentary drinks, and Economy Class, which is the more budget-friendly option. If you're looking for extra comfort, consider upgrading to Business Class for a quieter environment and more legroom.
• After arriving at the Santa Barbara train station, expect to find amenities like restrooms and snack options onsite. However, luggage storage services are not available at the station. To get to the city center, you can take the MTD Bus Line 15 (Destination: Santa Barbara SBCC), which runs frequently and will take you directly from the station to downtown Santa Barbara in about 15 minutes.
🛫 Flying from San Francisco to Santa Barbara is a convenient option with a direct flight that takes just 1 hour and 19 minutes on United Airlines. 🌟 The total travel time from San Francisco to Santa Barbara by plane is approximately 3 hours and 58 minutes, making it a quick journey to enjoy the coastal city. ✈️ Prices for flights between Santa Barbara and San Francisco can range from $158 to $365, giving travelers flexibility in choosing the best fare for their trip.
Departure Point
San Francisco Airport
Arrival Point
Santa Barbara Airport
🚌 Traveling from San Francisco to Santa Barbara by bus is a convenient option, with services departing once daily and taking approximately 6 hours and 40 minutes. 🎟️ Bus tickets between Santa Barbara and San Francisco can vary in price, ranging from $29 to $100.
Departure Point
San Francisco station
Arrival Point
Santa Barbara Bus Stop station
Useful tips for bus travellers
• Prior to your trip from San Francisco to Santa Barbara, check Flixbus's official site for the latest schedule and availability, as buses only run once daily; you can view schedules here: flixbus.com
• Bring snacks and drinks for the 6h 40m journey; while the direct bus may not have extensive food services, there are some rest stops where you can use restrooms and stretch your legs.
• Upon arriving at the Santa Barbara Bus Stop, familiarize yourself with its layout using this map: santabarbaraca.gov and consider utilizing local transit options like MTD for easy access to your final destination (sbmtd.gov).

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from San Francisco to Santa Barbara.

Or choose the category:
The distance between San Francisco and Santa Barbara is 449.0 km by air, 545.2 km by road, or approximately 7 hours and 15 minutes by bus. The typical travel time by train is around 10 hours and 26 minutes, while taking a combination of flying from San Francisco to Burbank and then a train would take about 6 hours and 11 minutes. The quickest option is to fly, with a typical travel time of 3 hours and 52 minutes.
The most cost-effective option for traveling from San Francisco to Santa Barbara is by bus, which typically costs between $29 and $100 and takes approximately 7 hours and 15 minutes. However, if time is of the essence, the quickest option is to fly, which usually costs between $160 and $370 and takes around 3 hours and 52 minutes.
The prices for traveling between San Francisco and Santa Barbara vary depending on the mode of transportation. Taking a train can cost anywhere from $23 to $152, while taking a bus can range from $29 to $100.
To get from San Francisco to Santa Barbara without using public transportation, you can drive the distance which is about 545.6 km. It typically takes around 5 hours and 46 minutes to drive from San Francisco to Santa Barbara. The prices for a car journey can vary from $60 to $90, depending on factors such as fuel costs and tolls.
To travel from San Francisco to Santa Barbara without a car, you have several options. The fastest way is to fly, which takes approximately 3 hours and 52 minutes and costs $160-$370. Another option is to take a bus, which takes about 7 hours and 15 minutes and costs $29-$100. Alternatively, you can take the Caltrain and train which takes the longest, about 10 hours and 26 minutes, but costs $22-$160.
Yes, there is a direct bus link between San Francisco and Santa Barbara. The bus services, operated by Amtrak, depart from San Francisco and arrive at Santa Barbara. The journey takes approximately 7 hours and 15 minutes. However, there is no direct train connection between the two cities, but there are train services available with transfers in San Jose, which takes approximately 10 hours and 26 minutes.
The flight between San Francisco and Santa Barbara typically takes around 1 hour and 13 minutes. The prices for this flight route can vary between $168 and $365, depending on the airline and booking time.
There are a variety of accommodation options available near Santa Barbara. With over 148 hotels to choose from, visitors can find something to suit their preferences and budget. Prices start at $57, providing affordable options for travelers.