1map logoGo to main page

Santa Barbara, CA, USA to Los Angeles, CA, USA from $4: 5 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
Santa Barbara, United States
to
Los Angeles, United States

How to Get from Santa Barbara to Los Angeles: 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.

$4 by trainBest price
140.03 kmDistance
1h 40m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Santa Barbara to Los Angeles 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
Amtrak Thruway Connecting Service
Bus
Average Duration
2h  25m
Estimated price
$11-50
Recommended
Company
Amtrak
Train
Average Duration
2h  56m
Estimated price
$4-80
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 140.03 km
Duration: 1h 40m

See more options

Company
N/A
Drive
Average Duration
1h  40m
Estimated price
$17-25
Company
Various
Bus
Average Duration
3h  54m
Estimated price
$73-86
Company
United Airlines
Plane
Average Duration
3h  24m
Estimated price
$200-451
Browse car rentalsExplore flights

Traveling From Santa Barbara to Los Angeles

The journey from Santa Barbara to Los Angeles covers just a few stunning coastal miles, offering you a transition from a laid-back beach vibe to the vibrant energy of a bustling metropolis.

Best Neighbourhoods in Los Angeles

Los Angeles boasts diverse neighborhoods, each with its own character and charm.

Santa Monica
• Iconic beach with a vibrant pier.
• Trendy shops and restaurants line the streets.
Hollywood
• Home to the historic Hollywood Walk of Fame.
• Close to top attractions like the TCL Chinese Theatre.
Downtown LA
• Bustling arts district brimming with culture.
• Excellent dining options and nightlife experiences.

Best Times To Visit Los Angeles's Attractions

Timing your visits can significantly enhance your experience in Los Angeles.

Griffith Observatory
Visit early in the morning on weekdays for fewer crowds and stunning sunrise views.
Universal Studios Hollywood
Arrive on weekdays during off-peak seasons for shorter lines and more enjoyable rides.
The Getty Center
Weekday afternoons offer a peaceful atmosphere and beautiful sunset views over the city.

Los Angeles Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Los Angeles enjoys a Mediterranean climate, characterized by warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters, making it a year-round travel destination. While spring and fall offer the most pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds, be prepared for occasional heat waves in summer and cooler evenings in winter, which can affect outdoor plans.

Dining Recommendation in Los Angeles

For an unforgettable culinary experience, try the famous Korean BBQ at Kang Ho Dong Baekjeong, where you can grill your own meats right at your table, a vibrant contrast to the fresh, ocean-inspired dishes found in Santa Barbara. The energetic atmosphere and bold flavors of this dining spot reflect the diverse food culture of Los Angeles, offering a unique adventure for your taste buds.

Santa Barbara - Los Angeles operators

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

Bus Show bus routes
Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245
Website
https://www.amtrak.com/home.html

Bus from Santa Barbara to Los Angeles

Average Duration
2h 25m
Estimated price
$11-50
Contact phone
+1 (855) 626-8585
Website
https://www.flixbus.com/

Bus from Santa Barbara Bus Stop to Los Angeles Downtown

Average Duration
2h 25m
Estimated price
$11-50
Contact phone
+1 800-470-8818
Website
https://www.centralcoastshuttle.com

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

Average Duration
2h 35m
Estimated price
$60-80
Contact phone
+1 (855) 463-5252
Website
https://www.flylax.com/flyaway-bus

Bus from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Union Station FlyAway - 800 N Alameda St at Union Station / Patsaurus Plaza

Average Duration
1h
Estimated price
$10-10
Train Show train routes
Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245
Website
https://www.amtrak.com/home.html

Train from Santa Barbara to Los Angeles

Average Duration
2h 56m
Estimated price
$4-80
Plane Show flights
Website
https://united.com

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

Average Duration
58m
Estimated price
$180-400

Santa Barbara to Los Angeles: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips

Traveling between Santa Barbara and Los Angeles 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 drive down the California coast as you journey 154.5 km from Santa Barbara to Los Angeles, taking around 1 hour and 40 minutes to reach your destination. 💸 Enjoy the flexibility of prices ranging from $17 to $25 for your road trip adventure from Santa Barbara to Los Angeles, making it an affordable and convenient travel option.
Average price
$17 - $25
🚆 Travel from Santa Barbara to Los Angeles by train is a convenient option with services departing five times a day and operating daily. The journey typically takes around 2 hours and 56 minutes. 💰 Depending on the class of service and booking time, train tickets from Santa Barbara to Los Angeles can range from $4 to $80.
Departure Point
Santa Barbara station
Arrival Point
Los Angeles station
Useful tips for train travellers
• Onboard services on the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner include café car options where you can purchase snacks, beverages, and light meals. Keep an eye out for their signature offerings like the California burrito or seasonal wines from local vineyards, perfect for enjoying the scenic views along the coast.
• The Amtrak Pacific Surfliner offers various seating options including Economy, Business Class, and First Class. Economy seating is comfortable and comes with standard amenities, while Business Class provides extra legroom, a more spacious seat, and complimentary non-alcoholic beverages. Consider upgrading to First Class for the ultimate experience, where you can expect premium service and additional complimentary perks.
• Two main operators on this route are the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner (amtrak.com) and Metrolink (metrolinktrains.com). Metrolink generally offers a budget-friendly option with less frequent services compared to Amtrak. Check both websites for schedules, fares, and ticket purchasing options.
🛫 Flying from Santa Barbara to Los Angeles is a quick and convenient option with a direct flight taking just 58 minutes. United Airlines operates flights on this route. 🌴 The total travel time from Santa Barbara to Los Angeles by plane is approximately 3 hours and 24 minutes, allowing for a smooth journey between these two California cities. 💸 Flight prices for the Santa Barbara to Los Angeles route can vary, ranging from $200 to $451 depending on the airline, time of booking, and availability.
Departure Point
Santa Barbara Airport
Arrival Point
Los Angeles Airport
🚌 The journey from Santa Barbara to Los Angeles by bus is convenient and efficient with services departing twice daily and operating every day. The direct bus route takes approximately 2 hours and 25 minutes to reach Los Angeles. 🚌 Travelers can enjoy a comfortable ride on Amtrak-operated buses, departing from Santa Barbara station and arriving at Los Angeles station. The buses offer a budget-friendly option with ticket prices ranging from $11 to $50 for the journey between the two Californian cities. 🚌 Whether you're commuting for work, visiting friends, or exploring the vibrant city of Los Angeles, the bus trip provides a stress-free and cost-effective way to travel between Santa Barbara and Los Angeles in under 3 hours.
Departure Point
Santa Barbara station
Arrival Point
Los Angeles station
Useful tips for bus travellers
• Booking your bus ticket in advance can save you money; check out Amtrak's official site for the best prices on this route, which typically ranges from $11 to $50: amtrak.com
• Once you arrive at Los Angeles Union Station, familiarize yourself with the layout via their interactive map found here: lazoom.com this will help you navigate the various transit options available for further travel within the city.
• Consider arriving at the Santa Barbara station at least 30 minutes early to ensure a smooth boarding experience, especially since Amtrak services are popular and can fill up quickly; you can check current schedules at amtrak.com

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from Santa Barbara to Los Angeles.

Or choose the category:
The distance between Santa Barbara and Los Angeles is approximately 140.0 km by air or 153.7 km by road. The typical travel times vary depending on the mode of transportation chosen. It takes around 2 hours and 56 minutes to reach Los Angeles from Santa Barbara by train, 4 hours and 2 minutes by bus via Los Angeles Airport and then CA, and 1 hour and 40 minutes by car from Santa Barbara to Los Angeles. The bus journey from Santa Barbara to Los Angeles usually takes around 2 hours and 10 minutes.
The most cost-effective and time-efficient transportation option for traveling from Santa Barbara to Los Angeles is to drive. It takes approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes, and the cost is around $17-$25.
The prices for traveling by train from Santa Barbara to Los Angeles range from $4 to $80. The prices for taking a bus from Los Angeles to Santa Barbara vary from $10 to $50.
The quickest way to get from Santa Barbara to Los Angeles without using public transportation is by driving. The distance is approximately 154.5 km and it takes around 1 hour and 40 minutes to reach Los Angeles by car. The cost of gas for the trip can vary but is typically around $17 to $25.
The best way to travel from Santa Barbara to Los Angeles without a car is by bus. It takes approximately 2 hours and 10 minutes and the cost ranges from $10 to $50.
Yes, there is a direct link between Santa Barbara and Los Angeles. You can take a direct train operated by Amtrak, which departs from Santa Barbara station and arrives at Los Angeles station. The journey takes approximately 2 hours and 56 minutes. Alternatively, there is also a direct bus service provided by Flixbus USA, which departs from Santa Barbara Bus Stop and arrives at Los Angeles Union Station. The bus journey takes approximately 2 hours and 10 minutes.
The flight from Santa Barbara to Los Angeles typically takes around 55 minutes. The cost of the flight can vary depending on the airline and time of travel, but on average, it can range from $100 to $300 for a one-way ticket.
There are numerous accommodations available near Los Angeles with over 1604 hotels to choose from. Prices for hotels in the area start at $87 per night, offering a range of options to fit various budgets.

Trips to Los Angeles