Santa Barbara, CA, USA to Big Sur, CA, USA from $35: 9 ways by bus, train, flight or car

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

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$35 by carBest price

343 kmDistance

3h 57m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Santa Barbara to Big Sur 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.

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Santa Barbara - Big Sur operators

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

Train

Contact phone

+1 800-872-7245

Website

https://www.amtrak.com/home.html

Train from Santa Barbara to Salinas

Average Duration

5h 49m

Estimated price

$1511-2567

Train from Santa Barbara to Burbank Amtrak

Average Duration

2h 26m

Estimated price

$2942-1517

Bus

Contact phone

+1 800-872-7245

Website

https://www.amtrak.com/home.html

Bus from Santa Barbara Amtrak Station to Salinas Amtrak Station

Average Duration

5h 10m

Estimated price

$0-0

Bus from Santa Barbara to Salinas

Average Duration

5h 15m

Estimated price

$0-0

Contact phone

+1 (855) 626-8585

Website

flixbus.com

Bus from Santa Barbara Bus Stop to Salinas Train Station

Average Duration

4h 20m

Estimated price

$352-2569

Shuttle

Contact phone

+1 800-470-8818

Website

centralcoastshuttle.com

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

Average Duration

2h 35m

Estimated price

$60-2569

Contact phone

+1 831-373-7777

Website

groometransportation.com

Shuttle from SFO - San Francisco Airport Domestic to Monterey - Calle Principal / Parking Garage

Average Duration

2h 25m

Estimated price

$0-0

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

Average Duration

1h 35m

Estimated price

$1628-2941

Taxi

Contact phone

+1 831-424-1234

Website

yellowcab1234.com

Taxi from Salinas Amtrak Station to Big Sur

Average Duration

1h 1m

Estimated price

$2561-2566

Contact phone

+1 831-422-7276

Taxi from Salinas Amtrak Station to Big Sur

Average Duration

1h 1m

Estimated price

$0-0

Plane

Website

aa.com

Plane from Los Angeles to San Jose

Average Duration

1h 18m

Estimated price

$2563-1510

Website

delta.com

Plane from Los Angeles to San Jose

Average Duration

1h 13m

Estimated price

$2565-2564

Website

united.com

Plane from Los Angeles to Monterey

Average Duration

1h 21m

Estimated price

$2566-600

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

Traveling between Santa Barbara and Big Sur 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 Santa Barbara to Big Sur, covering a distance of 213 miles in just under 4 hours. 🌊 Experience the breathtaking coastal views along Highway 1 as you make your way to this rugged and enchanting destination. ⛽️ Depending on your vehicle's fuel efficiency, the cost of gas for the journey ranges between $35 to $60 round trip. 🍃 Take advantage of stopovers in quaint coastal towns like Carmel-by-the-Sea and Monterey to explore charming boutiques and enjoy fresh seafood by the Pacific Ocean.

Average price

$35 - $60

🛫 The journey from Santa Barbara to Big Sur by plane involves taking a quick direct flight from Los Angeles Airport to Monterey Airport, which only lasts 1 hour and 21 minutes. United Airlines is the airline that offers flights on this route.

Departure Point

Los Angeles Airport

Arrival Point

Monterey Airport

🚌 Embark on a scenic bus journey from Santa Barbara to Big Sur, covering a distance of approximately 8 hours and 2 minutes.

Frequently asked questions

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

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The distance between Santa Barbara and Big Sur is approximately 283.2 km by road. Depending on the mode of transportation chosen, travel times can vary. By bus and taxi, it typically takes 6 hours and 11 minutes to reach Big Sur from Santa Barbara. By plane, the travel time is around 5 hours. If driving by car, it takes approximately 3 hours and 57 minutes to reach Santa Barbara from Big Sur.

The most cost-effective and time-efficient transportation option for traveling from Santa Barbara to Big Sur is to drive. It is both the cheapest and quickest way to reach Big Sur, with a travel time of 3 hours and 57 minutes. The cost of driving is typically around $35 to $60, making it a convenient choice for travelers looking to optimize both their time and budget.

To get from Santa Barbara to Big Sur without using public transportation, you can drive the distance of 342.8 km, which takes approximately 3 hours and 57 minutes. The road trip offers scenic coastal views along Highway 1, making it a popular route for travelers. Fuel costs can range from $35 to $60 depending on the vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.

To travel from Santa Barbara to Big Sur without a car, the best option is to take a bus and then a taxi. This journey takes approximately 6 hours and 11 minutes, with fares ranging from $160 to $260. Another option is to take a plane, which can get you to Big Sur from Santa Barbara in about 5 hours.

The flight between Santa Barbara and Big Sur typically takes around 3 hours and 10 minutes, with one stopover. However, there is no direct flight available, so it might require a layover. The cost of a flight can vary, ranging from $325 to $721, depending on factors like the airlines, time of booking, and availability.

There are several options for accommodations near Big Sur. With over 11 hotels to choose from, visitors can find a suitable place to stay. Prices for these hotels start at $119, offering a range of options to fit different budgets.