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Santa Barbara, CA, USA to Monterey, CA, USA from $13:ย 10 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
Santa Barbara, United States
to
Monterey, United States

How to Get from Santa Barbara to Monterey: 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.

$13 by trainBest price
315.8 kmDistance
4h 18m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Santa Barbara to Monterey 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
Bus
Average Duration
6hย  31m
Estimated price
$24-80
Recommended
Company
Amtrak
Train
Average Duration
7hย  10m
Estimated price
$13-118
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 315.8 km
Duration: 4h 18m

See more options

Company
Amtrak
Bus
Average Duration
6hย  36m
Estimated price
$0-0
Company
Various
Drive
Average Duration
4hย  18m
Estimated price
$45-70
Company
Various
Train
Plane
Drive
Average Duration
7hย  18m
Estimated price
$146-487
Company
Various
Bus
Plane
Drive
Average Duration
8hย  13m
Estimated price
$153-356
Company
Various
Bus
Plane
Drive
Average Duration
7hย  5m
Estimated price
$158-396
Company
Various
Bus
Plane
Average Duration
5hย  1m
Estimated price
$187-484
Company
Various
Plane
Drive
Average Duration
5hย  37m
Estimated price
$195-411
Company
Various
Plane
Drive
Average Duration
6hย  54m
Estimated price
$278-603
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Traveling From Santa Barbara to Monterey

The journey from Santa Barbara to Monterey offers a striking contrast between Santa Barbara's sun-soaked beaches and vibrant culture, and Monterey's rugged coastline and rich marine life.

Best Neighbourhoods in Monterey

Monterey offers diverse neighborhoods, each with its own charm and attractions.

Cannery Row
โ€ข Famous historic waterfront district
โ€ข Home to shops, restaurants, and attractions
Old Monterey
โ€ข Features charming historic architecture
โ€ข Great selection of local eateries
Pacific Grove
โ€ข Scenic coastal paths for walking
โ€ข Known for stunning views and sunsets

Best Times To Visit Monterey's Attractions

Timing your visits can significantly enhance your experience at Monterey's highlights.

Monterey Bay Aquarium
Visit early on weekdays or during off-peak seasons for a quieter experience.
Cannery Row
Explore in the morning hours for fewer tourists and a leisurely stroll.
17-Mile Drive
Enjoy this scenic route in the early morning to avoid traffic and enjoy tranquility.

Monterey Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Monterey experiences a mild coastal climate with cool summers and relatively mild winters, making it an inviting destination year-round. Early spring and late fall often bring fewer crowds, while the cool fog rolling in during summer can enhance the seaside atmosphere.

Dining Recommendation in Monterey

A visit to Monterey's Cannery Row offers a must-try dish: the fresh calamari, which captures the essence of the local seafood scene, distinct from Santa Barbara's emphasis on Mediterranean flavors. Dining here immerses you in a vibrant atmosphere with stunning ocean views, showcasing local ingredients that reflect Monterey's rich maritime heritage.

Santa Barbara - Monterey operators

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

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
$24-80

Bus from Santa Barbara to Salinas

Average Duration
5h 15m
Estimated price
$0-0
Contact phone
+1 (855) 626-8585
Website
https://www.flixbus.com

Bus from Santa Barbara Bus Stop to Salinas Train Station

Average Duration
4h 20m
Estimated price
$21-80
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
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
$10-120

Train from Santa Barbara to Burbank Amtrak

Average Duration
2h 26m
Estimated price
$3-75
Plane
Website
https://southwest.com

Plane from Los Angeles Airport to Monterey Airport

Average Duration
1h 14m
Estimated price
$55-210

Plane from Burbank to San Jose

Average Duration
1h 13m
Estimated price
$140-440
Website
https://united.com

Plane from Los Angeles Airport to Monterey Airport

Average Duration
1h 21m
Estimated price
$180-600
Website
https://alaskaair.com

Plane from Los Angeles to San Jose

Average Duration
1h 21m
Estimated price
$80-480
Website
https://delta.com

Plane from Los Angeles to San Jose

Average Duration
1h 13m
Estimated price
$85-330
Website
https://aa.com

Plane from Los Angeles to San Jose

Average Duration
1h 18m
Estimated price
$95-480
Website
https://flyfrontier.com

Plane from Los Angeles to San Francisco

Average Duration
1h 23m
Estimated price
$21-140
Website
https://jetblue.com

Plane from Los Angeles to San Francisco

Average Duration
1h 27m
Estimated price
$55-330

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

Traveling between Santa Barbara and Monterey offers a variety of convenient options to suit your preferences, schedule, and budget. Whether you prioritize affordability, speed, or comfort, youโ€™re sure to find the perfect way to travel without compromising on quality or convenience.

๐Ÿš— Embark on a scenic road trip from Santa Barbara to Monterey, covering a distance of 403.9 km, with a driving time of approximately 4 hours and 18 minutes. Enjoy the picturesque views along the Pacific Coast Highway as you make your way north. ๐Ÿ’ฐ The cost of traveling by car from Santa Barbara to Monterey ranges from $45 to $70, offering budget-friendly options for solo travelers or families alike.
Average price
$45 - $70
๐Ÿš† Embark on a scenic journey by train from Santa Barbara to Monterey, and enjoy a leisurely ride that takes approximately 7 hours and 10 minutes. ๐Ÿ’ฐ Depending on the class and time of booking, tickets for the train between Santa Barbara and Monterey can range from $13 to $118, offering passengers a range of options to suit their budget and preferences.
๐Ÿ›ซ Embark on a quick and convenient journey from Santa Barbara to Monterey by catching a direct flight from Los Angeles Airport. This seamless travel option takes only 1 hour and 21 minutes, allowing you to reach your destination swiftly.
Departure Point
Los Angeles Airport
Arrival Point
Monterey Airport
๐ŸšŒ Starting from the Santa Barbara Amtrak Station, travelers can take a bus towards San Jose, with a transfer in Salinas during the 6-hour journey to reach Monterey. ๐ŸŒŠ The total distance covered is approximately 355.7 km, with a mix of scenic views along the way. Prices for the bus tickets vary from $24 to $80 for this route. ๐ŸŒ… With a total travel time of 6 hours and 31 minutes, visitors can enjoy the convenience of public transportation while exploring the beautiful coastal route from Santa Barbara to Monterey.
Departure Point
Santa Barbara Amtrak Station
Arrival Point
Salinas Amtrak Station

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from Santa Barbara to Monterey.

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The distance between Santa Barbara and Monterey is 315 km, with a road distance of 404 km. Travel times vary depending on the mode of transportation chosen. For example, it takes approximately 7 hours and 10 minutes to reach Monterey from Santa Barbara by train, 5 hours and 1 minute by first taking a bus to Los Angeles and then flying to Monterey, 4 hours and 18 minutes by car from Monterey to Santa Barbara, or 6 hours and 31 minutes by bus from Santa Barbara to Monterey.
The most cost-effective option for traveling from Santa Barbara to Monterey is by train, with prices ranging from $12 to $120 and a travel time of 7 hours and 10 minutes. However, the most time-efficient option is driving, which takes 4 hours and 18 minutes and costs between $45 and $70.
The prices for traveling from Santa Barbara to Monterey vary depending on the mode of transportation. The train ticket prices range from $13 to $118, while bus fares range from $24 to $80.
To travel from Santa Barbara to Monterey without using public transportation, you can opt to drive the approximately 404 km distance which takes around 4 hours and 18 minutes. The cost of the journey by car typically ranges from $45 - $70, depending on factors such as fuel prices and vehicle efficiency.
To travel from Santa Barbara to Monterey without a car, the most convenient option is to take a bus, which typically takes around 6 hours and 31 minutes and costs between $23 to $80.
There is no direct link between Santa Barbara and Monterey by bus. However, travelers can take a bus from Santa Barbara Amtrak Station to Salinas Transit Center / Gate 7, with a journey time of approximately 6 hours and 31 minutes, including transfers. The services are operated by Amtrak, offering a convenient option for those looking to travel between these two cities.
The quickest direct flight from Los Angeles Airport to Monterey Airport typically takes 1 hour and 21 minutes. The cost of a flight between Santa Barbara and Monterey can vary depending on the airline, time of booking, and other factors, but generally, a one-way ticket can cost between $100 to $300.
There are over 281 hotels available for accommodation near Monterey offering a variety of options to suit different preferences and budgets. Prices for a night's stay in Monterey hotels start at $54, making it accessible for budget-conscious travelers as well.