Santa Barbara, CA, USA to San Diego, CA, USA from $9: 6 ways by bus, train, flight or car
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How to Get from Santa Barbara to San Diego: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way
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$9 by trainBest price
304 kmDistance
3h 44m Fastest
Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options
Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Santa Barbara to San Diego 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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Traveling From Santa Barbara to San Diego
Your journey from Santa Barbara to San Diego offers a picturesque change in scenery and atmosphere, with Santa Barbara’s Mediterranean charm contrasting sharply with San Diego’s lively beach culture and urban energy.
Best Neighbourhoods in San Diego
San Diego boasts diverse neighborhoods, each offering distinct experiences.
La Jolla
• Stunning coastal views and beaches.
• Upscale dining and shopping options.
Gaslamp Quarter
• Vibrant nightlife and entertainment scene.
• Historic Victorian architecture throughout.
Little Italy
• Renowned for its authentic Italian cuisine.
• Charming streets filled with local markets.
Best Times To Visit San Diego's Attractions
Timing your visits can elevate your San Diego experience at major attractions.
Balboa Park
Explore early in the morning on weekdays for quieter paths and shorter lines.
San Diego Zoo
Visit in late afternoons on weekdays for fewer crowds and cooler temperatures.
USS Midway Museum
Go early on weekdays; mornings typically see the lowest visitor numbers.
San Diego Weather: What to Expect Year-Round
San Diego boasts a mild, Mediterranean climate with plenty of sunshine, making it a welcoming destination at any time of year. Spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures and fewer tourists, enhancing your overall travel experience.
Dining Recommendation in San Diego
Try the fish tacos at The Fish Market, where fresh, locally sourced seafood meets vibrant, zesty flavors, quite different from Santa Barbara’s refined coastal cuisine. The casual, lively atmosphere enhances the experience, inviting you to savor each bite while enjoying views of the San Diego Bay.
Santa Barbara - San Diego operators
Explore transport companies operating between Santa Barbara and San Diego, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.
Contact phone
+1 (855) 626-8585Website
flixbus.com
Bus from Santa Barbara Bus Stop to San Diego
Average Duration
5h 15mEstimated price
$21-75Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245Website
amtrak.com
Train from Santa Barbara to San Diego
Average Duration
6h 14mEstimated price
$9-110Train from Santa Barbara to Los Angeles
Average Duration
2h 25mEstimated price
$0-0Train from Los Angeles to San Diego
Average Duration
3hEstimated price
$0-0Website
united.com
Plane from Santa Barbara (SBA) to San Diego (SAN)
Average Duration
5h 9mEstimated price
$214-215Plane from Santa Barbara (SBA) to San Diego (SAN) via Los Angeles
Average Duration
5h 9mEstimated price
$214-215Website
southwest.com
Plane from Santa Barbara (SBA) to San Diego (SAN) via Las Vegas
Average Duration
3h 15mEstimated price
$110-217Plane from Santa Barbara (SBA) to San Diego (SAN) via Sacramento
Average Duration
4h 17mEstimated price
$218-212Website
delta.com
Plane from Santa Barbara (SBA) to San Diego (SAN) via Salt Lake City
Average Duration
4h 48mEstimated price
$751-752Website
aa.com
Plane from Santa Barbara (SBA) to San Diego (SAN) via Phoenix
Average Duration
5h 20mEstimated price
$754-755Santa Barbara to San Diego: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips
Traveling between Santa Barbara and San Diego 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.
🚗 Experience a scenic drive down the California coast as you travel 220 miles from Santa Barbara to San Diego. Enjoy breathtaking ocean views and charming coastal towns along the way.
💰 Depending on gas prices and vehicle efficiency, expect to spend between $40 to $60 on the journey from Santa Barbara to San Diego by car. Plan your budget accordingly to account for stops and possible toll roads.
🌴 Arrive in vibrant San Diego after approximately 3 hours and 44 minutes on the road. Explore the city's renowned attractions, from beautiful beaches to world-class dining, making this road trip a memorable adventure along the stunning Pacific coastline.
Average price
$40 - $60
🚆 Enjoy a picturesque train journey from Santa Barbara to San Diego on the Amtrak service which operates four times a day, taking approximately 6 hours and 14 minutes.
🌊 Traveling 230 miles, you'll pass through beautiful coastal scenery on the direct route from Santa Barbara to San Diego. Sit back and relax as you watch the ocean views go by during this comfortable train ride.
🌴 Arrive at San Diego station after a pleasant 6-hour journey, ready to explore the vibrant city and all it has to offer. With ticket prices ranging from $9 to $110, this train trip is a convenient and scenic way to travel between these two iconic California destinations.
Departure Point
Santa Barbara station
Arrival Point
San Diego station
Useful tips for train travellers
• Ensure you check out the onboard catering services offered by Amtrak Pacific Surfliner. They offer a Café Car where you can purchase snacks and beverages, along with some light meal options. Don't forget to try their local wines and craft beers, which showcase the flavors of California!
• On the Pacific Surfliner, you have several seating options to choose from: First Class, Business Class, and Economy. First Class seating features spacious recliners and complimentary meals, while Business Class offers more legroom and complimentary beverages. Economy is more budget-friendly but still provides comfortable seating with large windows for scenic views!
• There are multiple operators available for this route, primarily Amtrak Pacific Surfliner. You can visit their website at amtrak.com for more information. Additionally, both Metrolink (metrolinktrains.com) and Greyhound (greyhound.com) offer alternative transit options if you prefer other modes of travel.
🛫 Flying from Santa Barbara to San Diego involves a journey of about 3 hours and 10 minutes with one stopover. Airlines like Delta, American Airlines, United Airlines, and Southwest Airlines provide options for this route.
🌴 Although there are no direct flights available, travelers can enjoy a seamless connection to soak up the sun in San Diego. The total travel time to reach San Diego from Santa Barbara by plane is approximately 4 hours and 45 minutes.
💸 Prices for flights between these two sunny California cities range from $191 to $426, offering passengers a variety of choices to suit their budget and travel preferences.
Departure Point
Santa Barbara Airport
Arrival Point
San Diego Airport. The quickest flight takes 3h 10m and has one stopover
🚌 Traveling from Santa Barbara to San Diego by bus involves a journey with transfers, lasting around 6 hours and 25 minutes. The bus service, operated by Amtrak, connects these two beautiful California cities.
🌴 Route options vary in duration with different numbers of transfers, ranging from 2 to 3 stops. You can choose buses that provide a scenic route through Los Angeles, offering a convenient and affordable way to reach San Diego.
🌞 Enjoy the 222-mile journey from Santa Barbara to San Diego, experiencing the diverse landscapes of Southern California while traveling comfortably on the bus. Greyhound and other bus services provide convenient options for a memorable trip.
Departure Point
Santa Barbara station
Arrival Point
San Diego station
Useful tips for bus travellers
• Make sure to check the Santa Barbara MTD schedule for the bus to Carpinteria, as this is the first leg of your trip; you can find it here: sbmtd.gov Plan for potential delays, especially during peak hours.
• When you arrive at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), look for the FlyAway service to Union Station; it's crucial to keep an eye on the arrival terminal signs and allow extra time for security checks if you’re changing facilities.
• Once you arrive at San Diego's Patsaouras Bus Plaza, you can easily navigate your way to downtown by utilizing the San Diego Trolley; look for signs directing you to the Old Town Trolley or the Blue Line, which facilitates direct access to popular areas like Gaslamp Quarter.
Frequently asked questions
Find out more about the route from Santa Barbara to San Diego.
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The cheapest way to travel from Santa Barbara to San Diego is by train. Amtrak offers multiple daily train services from Santa Barbara to San Diego with ticket prices ranging from $9 to $110, depending on the class and time of travel. The journey takes approximately 6 hours and 14 minutes, offering beautiful scenic views along the California coastline.
The fastest way to travel from Santa Barbara to San Diego is by car. The drive takes approximately 3 hours and 44 minutes, depending on traffic and road conditions. The estimated cost for gas is around $40 to $60, depending on the vehicle's fuel efficiency and gas prices.
The distance between Santa Barbara and San Diego is approximately 304 km. If you prefer to travel by road, the distance is slightly longer at 353 km. The driving time between the two cities is usually around 3 hours and 45 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.
The best way to travel from Santa Barbara to San Diego without a car is by train. Amtrak offers a convenient and scenic route with a travel time of approximately 6 hours and 14 minutes. The cost of a train ticket can range from $9 to $110, depending on the class of service and time of booking.
The train journey from Santa Barbara to San Diego takes approximately 6 hours and 14 minutes, which includes any necessary transfers.
The cheapest way to travel from Santa Barbara to San Diego is by train, with ticket costs ranging from $9 to $110. The train journey takes approximately 6 hours and 14 minutes. If you prefer a slightly longer travel time, you can also take a bus, which typically takes 6 hours and 25 minutes, with ticket prices ranging from $25 to $90. Alternatively, opting for a faster but more expensive option, you can fly from Santa Barbara to San Diego in approximately 4 hours and 50 minutes, with ticket prices ranging from $180 to $410.
There are a wide variety of accommodation options available in San Diego, with over 1163+ hotels to choose from. Prices for hotels in the area start at $53 per night.
Yes, you can drive from Santa Barbara to San Diego. The driving distance is approximately 354 km and it takes approximately 3 hours and 44 minutes without traffic.
Yes, there is no direct bus between Santa Barbara and San Diego. However, you can take a bus from Santa Barbara Bus Stop to Los Angeles Union Station, and then transfer to another bus that will take you to San Diego. The entire journey, including transfers, takes approximately 6 hours and 25 minutes.
You can catch the bus from Santa Barbara to San Diego at the Santa Barbara Bus Stop. The bus services are operated by Flixbus USA. Please check the Flixbus USA website or app for the most accurate and up-to-date information on schedules and ticket availability.
The Santa Barbara to San Diego bus arrives at the San Diego station.
To get to San Diego from the airport, you can take a taxi, an Uber, or a shuttle service. Taxis are readily available at the airport, and the fare to San Diego can range from $300 to $500. Uber and other ride-sharing services are also available and can be a more affordable option. Additionally, there are several shuttle services that offer transportation from the airport to San Diego at varying prices, typically ranging from $40 to $55.
There are multiple airlines that offer flights between Santa Barbara and San Diego. Alaska Airlines, Inc., American Airlines, United Airlines, and Southwest Airlines all operate flights on this route. Santa Barbara Airport offers convenient departures to San Diego Airport, providing travelers with a range of options for their journey.
The fastest way to get from Santa Barbara to San Diego by plane is to catch a flight with Alaska Airlines, Inc., American Airlines, United Airlines, or Southwest Airlines. However, please note that there are no direct flights between Santa Barbara Airport and San Diego Airport, so a stopover will be required. This option typically takes around 4 hours and 50 minutes to reach San Diego. Prices for these flights can range from $181 to $406.
The flight from Santa Barbara to San Diego typically takes around 3 hours and 15 minutes.
Trains traveling from Santa Barbara to San Diego arrive at the San Diego station. The San Diego station is conveniently located in downtown San Diego, making it easily accessible to various attractions and accommodations. Amtrak operates the train services between these two cities, ensuring a comfortable and convenient travel experience for passengers.
Yes, there is a direct train between Santa Barbara and San Diego. The train departs from Santa Barbara and arrives at San Diego. The train service operates four times a day, every day. The journey takes approximately 6 hours and 14 minutes.
To catch the train from Santa Barbara to San Diego you will need to go to the Santa Barbara station. This is where the Amtrak train services operate from. The station is located at 209 State Street in Santa Barbara.
The cost of a flight from Santa Barbara to San Diego can vary depending on various factors such as the airline, booking time, and class of travel. On average, the prices range from $181 to $406.
The cost of a train ticket from Santa Barbara to San Diego ranges from $9 to $110.
The cost of a bus ticket from Santa Barbara to San Diego can range from $25 to $86 depending on the bus service and the time of travel. Popular bus companies such as Greyhound and Amtrak offer affordable options for this route.
The cost of driving from Santa Barbara to San Diego can vary depending on factors such as gas prices and the type of vehicle you are using. On average, you can expect to spend between $40 to $60 for the trip. This estimate takes into account the distance of approximately 220 miles between the two cities and assumes an average fuel efficiency.