Santa Barbara, CA, USA to Riverside, CA, USA from $15: 5 ways by bus, train, flight or car
Compare Travel Options and Prices
How to Get from Santa Barbara to Riverside: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way
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$15 by trainBest price
240 kmDistance
2h 36m Fastest
Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options
Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Santa Barbara to Riverside 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.
Santa Barbara - Riverside operators
Explore transport companies operating between Santa Barbara and Riverside, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.
Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245Website
https://www.amtrak.com/home.html
Train from Santa Barbara to Los Angeles
Average Duration
2h 56mEstimated price
$15-159Train from L. A. Union Station to Riverside-Downtown
Average Duration
1h 27mEstimated price
$15-40Contact phone
(800) 371-LINK (5465)Website
https://metrolinktrains.com
Train from L. A. Union Station to Riverside-Downtown
Average Duration
1h 27mEstimated price
$15-40Contact phone
+1 (855) 626-8585Website
https://www.flixbus.com
Bus from Santa Barbara Bus Stop to Los Angeles Downtown
Average Duration
2h 25mEstimated price
$15-151Bus from Los Angeles Union Station to Riverside
Average Duration
1h 10mEstimated price
$19-89Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245Website
https://www.amtrak.com/home.html
Bus from Santa Barbara to Los Angeles
Average Duration
2h 25mEstimated price
$15-159Website
https://united.com
Plane from Santa Barbara (SBA) to Los Angeles (LAX)
Average Duration
58mEstimated price
$1500-4000Santa Barbara to Riverside: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips
Traveling between Santa Barbara and Riverside 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 Riverside, covering a distance of 149 miles in approximately 2 hours and 36 minutes. Enjoy the diverse landscapes of Southern California along the way, from coastal views to inland valleys.
💰 The cost of driving from Santa Barbara to Riverside ranges from $27 to $40, making it an affordable and convenient option for those looking to explore different parts of the state by car. Plan your budget accordingly and consider factors like fuel prices and tolls for a smooth journey.
Average price
$27 - $40
🚆 If you're traveling from Santa Barbara to Riverside by train, be prepared for a journey with a transfer. The total travel time, including transfers, is approximately 5 hours and 27 minutes with services operated by Amtrak and Metrolink Trains.
🎟️ The prices for train tickets between Santa Barbara and Riverside can vary from $15 to $118. Keep this in mind when planning your budget for the trip.
Departure Point
Santa Barbara station
Arrival Point
Riverside-Downtown station
🛫 Begin your trip from Santa Barbara to Riverside with a quick 58-minute direct flight from Santa Barbara Airport to Los Angeles Airport.
Departure Point
Santa Barbara Airport
Arrival Point
Los Angeles Airport
🚌 The journey from Santa Barbara to Riverside by bus takes approximately 5 hours and 30 minutes with transfers. There is no direct bus service available for this route.
🛤️ Route options vary in duration, distance, and number of transfers, ranging from 7 hours 20 minutes to 8 hours 21 minutes. Prices for the bus ticket between Santa Barbara and Riverside can range from $19 to $89.
Departure Point
Santa Barbara Bus Stop station
Arrival Point
Riverside station
Frequently asked questions
Find out more about the route from Santa Barbara to Riverside.
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The distance between Santa Barbara and Riverside is 218.9 km or 240.0 km by road. When traveling by train, it takes approximately 5 hours and 27 minutes to reach Riverside from Santa Barbara. Alternatively, if you choose to fly and then take a tram, it takes approximately 5 hours and 33 minutes. Traveling by car is the quickest option, with a travel time of about 2 hours and 36 minutes from Riverside to Santa Barbara. Lastly, taking a bus from Santa Barbara to Riverside would take around 5 hours and 45 minutes.
The most cost-effective and time-efficient transportation option for traveling from Santa Barbara to Riverside is by car. It takes approximately 2 hours and 36 minutes to drive the distance of 240.0 km, and the cost ranges from $27 to $40. Taking a bus is also a viable option, but it may take longer, with a travel time of 5 hours and 45 minutes. However, if time is not a constraint, this option could be more economical, with ticket prices ranging from $9 to $35.
The price range for a train ticket from Santa Barbara to Riverside is between $15 and $118. On the other hand, the price range for a bus ticket from Riverside to Santa Barbara is between $18 and $88.
To travel from Santa Barbara to Riverside without using public transportation, you can drive by car. The distance between the two cities is approximately 239.8 km, and it takes around 2 hours and 36 minutes to complete the journey. The cost of driving from Santa Barbara to Riverside ranges from $27 to $40, depending on factors such as fuel consumption and toll fees.
If you don't have a car, the best way to travel from Santa Barbara to Riverside is by train. The journey takes approximately 5 hours and 27 minutes and the ticket prices range from $15 to $120.
Yes, there is a direct link between Santa Barbara and Riverside, but it requires transfers. The train journey from Santa Barbara to Riverside takes approximately 5 hours and 27 minutes, with a transfer at L.A. Union Station. Alternatively, the bus journey takes around 5 hours and 45 minutes, with transfers at Los Angeles Union Station and San Bernardino Transit Center.
The flight duration from Santa Barbara to Riverside is not available as there are no direct flights between these two cities. However, the quickest flight option is to fly from Santa Barbara Airport to Los Angeles Airport, which takes approximately 57 minutes.
There are plenty of options for accommodations near Riverside. There are over 197 hotels available, offering a range of prices starting at $69. Some popular options in the area include the Mission Inn Hotel & Spa, Hyatt Place Riverside Downtown, and Marriott Riverside at the Convention Center.