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Santa Barbara, CA, USA to Big Bear Lake, CA, USA from $18: 8 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
Santa Barbara, United States
to
Big Bear Lake, United States

How to Get from Santa Barbara to Big Bear Lake: 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.

$18 - Train, BusBest price
301 kmDistance
3h 20m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Santa Barbara to Big Bear Lake 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
Bus
Average Duration
7h  5m
Estimated price
$21-97
Recommended
Company
various
Train
Bus
Average Duration
7h  41m
Estimated price
$18-122
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 301 km
Duration: 3h 20m

See more options

Company
various
Bus
Train
Average Duration
7h  10m
Estimated price
$18-122
Company
various
Drive
Average Duration
3h  20m
Estimated price
$30-50
Company
various
Plane
Bus
Average Duration
8h  52m
Estimated price
$212-213
Company
various
Plane
Train
Bus
Average Duration
8h  6m
Estimated price
$214-211
Company
various
Bus
Plane
Drive
Average Duration
6h  18m
Estimated price
$228-210
Company
various
Plane
Drive
Average Duration
6h  20m
Estimated price
$235-774

Traveling From Santa Barbara to Big Bear Lake

Traveling from Santa Barbara to Big Bear Lake offers a striking contrast between the coastal city’s sun-soaked beaches and the serene alpine setting of the mountains.

Best Neighbourhoods in Big Bear Lake

Big Bear Lake features diverse neighborhoods catering to various interests and activities.

Baldwin Lake
• Offers stunning lake views from many properties.
• Ideal for quiet escapes and nature enthusiasts.
Big Bear Lake Village
• Central location with shops and restaurants nearby.
• Vibrant atmosphere with seasonal events and activities.
Moonridge
• Close to Bear Mountain Ski Resort for winter sports.
• Scenic hiking trails and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Best Times To Visit Big Bear Lake's Attractions

Timing your visit can enhance your experience at Big Bear Lake's top attractions.

Bear Mountain Ski Resort
Visit weekdays in January and February for fewer crowds and great snow.
Big Bear Lake
Early mornings in spring and fall offer tranquility and stunning sunrises.
Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain
Late afternoons during weekdays provide shorter lines and pleasant weather.

Big Bear Lake Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Big Bear Lake experiences a mix of warm summers and snowy winters, making it an appealing destination year-round. Planning your visit during the spring and fall can provide mild weather and fewer visitors, while winter snowfall creates a winter wonderland ideal for skiing and snowboarding.

Dining Recommendation in Big Bear Lake

For a taste of Big Bear Lake, visit the local favorite, The Peppercorn Grill, where hearty mountain fare meets a rustic cabin atmosphere. The elk steak, infused with local flavors and expertly prepared, stands out in contrast to the lighter coastal cuisine of Santa Barbara, offering a unique culinary experience that reflects the region's alpine heritage.

Santa Barbara - Big Bear Lake operators

Explore transport companies operating between Santa Barbara and Big Bear Lake, 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 Santa Barbara Bus Stop to Los Angeles Downtown

Average Duration
2h 25m
Estimated price
$1-50

Bus from Los Angeles Union Station to San Bernardino Downtown Transit Center

Average Duration
1h 10m
Estimated price
$3-12

Bus from Rialto & F St - Transit Center to Big Bear Blvd & Alden Rd - Sandy's Sports Bar/Verizon Store

Average Duration
1h 30m
Estimated price
$3-12
Contact phone
+1 909-878-5200
Website
mountaintransit.org

Bus from Metrolink Station to Big Bear Blvd & Alden Rd - Sandy's Sports Bar/Verizon Store

Average Duration
1h 16m
Estimated price
$3-2

Bus from Rialto & F St - Transit Center to Big Bear Blvd & Alden Rd - Sandy's Sports Bar/Verizon Store

Average Duration
1h 30m
Estimated price
$3-12
Train
Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245
Website
amtrak.com

Train from Santa Barbara to Los Angeles

Average Duration
2h 56m
Estimated price
$21-2200
Website
metrolinktrains.com

Train from L. A. Union Station to San Bernardino Depot

Average Duration
1h 38m
Estimated price
$85-186
Plane
Website
united.com

Plane from Santa Barbara (SBA) to Indio/Palm Springs (PSP)

Average Duration
3h 35m
Estimated price
$180-216

Plane from Santa Barbara (SBA) to Los Angeles (LAX)

Average Duration
58m
Estimated price
$180-218
Website
aa.com

Plane from Santa Barbara to Indio/Palm Springs

Average Duration
5h 21m
Estimated price
$182-181
Website
alaskaair.com

Plane from Santa Barbara to Indio/Palm Springs

Average Duration
7h 8m
Estimated price
$979-183
Website
southwest.com

Plane from Santa Barbara to Indio/Palm Springs

Average Duration
4h 22m
Estimated price
$972-973

Santa Barbara to Big Bear Lake: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips

Traveling between Santa Barbara and Big Bear Lake 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.

If you're looking to travel from Santa Barbara to Big Bear Lake by bus, be prepared for a journey that includes multiple transfers and a total travel time of approximately 6 hours and 50 minutes. There are no direct bus services between the two locations, but you can take a Flixbus from Santa Barbara to Los Angeles Union Station and then transfer to a Mountain Transit bus to reach Big Bear Lake. The ticket prices vary from $20 to $96. There are several routes available, each with different transfer options and travel times. The routes generally include transfers in locations such as Los Angeles International Airport, Union Station, San Diego, and San Bernardino. Depending on the route you choose, you may have anywhere from 3 to 4 transfers along the way. Overall, the journey from Santa Barbara to Big Bear Lake by bus offers a cost-effective and convenient option for travelers, although it requires some flexibility and patience due to the multiple transfers involved.

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from Santa Barbara to Big Bear Lake.

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The distance between Santa Barbara and Big Bear Lake is approximately 257.5 km, or 300.6 km by road. The travel time varies depending on the mode of transportation. By train and bus, it takes around 7 hours and 41 minutes to travel from Santa Barbara to Big Bear Lake. By car, it takes about 3 hours and 20 minutes to drive from Big Bear Lake to Santa Barbara, and by bus, the travel time is approximately 6 hours and 50 minutes to reach Big Bear Lake from Santa Barbara.
The most cost-effective and time-efficient option for traveling from Santa Barbara to Big Bear Lake is to drive. It takes approximately 3 hours and 20 minutes and costs around $30-$50 in fuel expenses. Taking a train and then a bus can also be an option, but it would take around 7 hours and 41 minutes, which is significantly longer than driving.
The prices for a bus ticket between Big Bear Lake and Santa Barbara range from $20 to $96.
To get from Santa Barbara to Big Bear Lake without using public transportation, you can drive the distance of approximately 300.9 km. It takes around 3 hours and 20 minutes to reach Big Bear Lake by car from Santa Barbara. The prices for this journey vary between $30 - $50, depending on factors such as gas prices and tolls.
To travel from Santa Barbara to Big Bear Lake without a car, the best option is to take a bus. The journey takes approximately 6 hours and 50 minutes and the ticket prices range between $20 and $100.
There is no direct link between Santa Barbara and Big Bear Lake by bus. However, there are bus services available with transfers. The journey, including transfers, takes approximately 6 hours and 50 minutes. The bus services are operated by FlixBus USA and Mountain Transit.
The flight from Santa Barbara to Big Bear Lake typically requires a stopover, with the quickest option taking approximately 3 hours and 6 minutes. However, there is no direct flight between Santa Barbara Airport and Indio/Palm Springs Airport, which is the closest airport to Big Bear Lake.
There are plenty of accommodation options available near Big Bear Lake, with over 1554 hotels to choose from. Prices for hotels start at $74 per night.