Santa Barbara, CA, USA to San Jose, CA, USA from $13: 8 ways by bus, train, flight or car
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How to Get from Santa Barbara to San Jose: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way
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$13 by trainBest price
383 kmDistance
3h 23m Fastest
Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options
Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Santa Barbara to San Jose 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 - San Jose operators
Explore transport companies operating between Santa Barbara and San Jose, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.
Contact phone
+1 800-470-8818Website
centralcoastshuttle.com
Bus from Santa Barbara, CA to Los Angeles Airport, CA
Average Duration
2h 35mEstimated price
$3703-1646Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245Website
amtrak.com
Bus from Santa Barbara Amtrak Station to San Jose Diridon Station
Average Duration
6h 40mEstimated price
$0-0Contact phone
+1 (855) 626-8585Website
flixbus.com
Bus from Santa Barbara Bus Stop to San Jose Downtown
Average Duration
5h 30mEstimated price
$1643-1644Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245Website
amtrak.com
Train from Santa Barbara to San Jose
Average Duration
7h 25mEstimated price
$13-140Contact phone
+1 800-660-4287Website
caltrain.com
Train from Millbrae Caltrain to San Jose Diridon
Average Duration
1h 16mEstimated price
$134-135Website
southwest.com
Plane from Santa Barbara (SBA) to San Francisco (SFO)
Average Duration
1h 12mEstimated price
$1649-3700Website
united.com
Plane from Santa Barbara Airport (SBA) to San Francisco Airport (SFO)
Average Duration
1h 17mEstimated price
$3707-3708Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245Website
amtrak.com
Other from Santa Barbara Amtrak Station to San Jose Diridon Station
Average Duration
6h 40mEstimated price
$1643-1644Santa Barbara to San Jose: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips
Traveling between Santa Barbara and San Jose 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 from Santa Barbara to San Jose, spanning 293 miles of picturesque California landscapes. Enjoy the journey as you cruise through charming coastal towns and rolling hills along the way.
💰 Save money on transportation with car prices ranging between $50 to $80 for the trip from Santa Barbara to San Jose. This cost-effective option allows you the flexibility to explore the diverse attractions both cities have to offer at your own pace.
🌉 Arrive in San Jose after approximately 4 hours and 59 minutes of driving, ready to immerse yourself in the vibrant culture and tech-forward atmosphere of Silicon Valley. Relax and unwind as you experience the unique blend of history, innovation, and natural beauty this dynamic city has to offer.
Average price
$50 - $80
🚆 Traveling by train from Santa Barbara to San Jose is a scenic journey that takes approximately 7 hours and 25 minutes. The train services operated by Amtrak depart twice daily, offering a convenient option for travelers heading north.
🌉 The route covers a distance of 320 miles, passing through beautiful landscapes and coastal views along the way. The Coast Starlight train departs from Santa Barbara station and arrives at San Jose station, providing a comfortable and leisurely way to travel between the two cities.
💰 Ticket prices for the Santa Barbara to San Jose train vary from $13 to $140, depending on the class and amenities chosen.
Departure Point
Santa Barbara station
Arrival Point
San Jose station
Useful tips for train travellers
• Onboard the Amtrak Coast Starlight (the primary operator for this route), you can enjoy a dining car service offering meals, snacks, and beverages. The menu typically includes fresh, local California fare, with options like sandwiches, salads, and breakfast items, as well as alcoholic drinks. Be sure to check the schedule for meal times, as they can vary.
• The Amtrak Coast Starlight offers various seating options including Coach Class, Business Class, and First Class. Coach Class provides comfortable seating with generous legroom, while Business Class features reclining seats and access to the Business Class Lounge at selected stations. First Class offers spacious seating, complimentary meals, and premium amenities.
• Arriving at the San Jose Diridon Station, you can find amenities such as restrooms and waiting areas. Luggage storage is not available at the station, so make sure to carry your belongings with you. For a smooth transition from the station, consider heading to the nearby VTA light rail service or bus stops right outside for convenient access to the city center.
🛫 Flying from Santa Barbara to San Francisco, you can take a direct 1 hour 12 minute flight offered by United Airlines. This leg of the journey is efficient and convenient.
🚘 From San Francisco Airport, it's a 3 hour 23 minute journey to reach San Jose by plane. This provides an opportunity to enjoy the scenic views as you travel between the two cities.
💸 Flight prices between San Jose and Santa Barbara range from $222 to $536.
Departure Point
Santa Barbara Airport
Arrival Point
San Francisco Airport
🚌 Begin your journey from Santa Barbara Amtrak Station on a direct bus heading to San Jose Diridon Station, with services departing every four hours and operating daily. The travel time for this route is approximately 6 hours and 40 minutes.
🛣️ Covering a distance of 248 miles, the bus ride from Santa Barbara USA to San Jose USA offers a scenic route through California. The reliable service is operated by Amtrak, ensuring a comfortable and convenient travel experience.
🌉 Upon arrival at San Jose Diridon Station, after your pleasant 6-hour and 40-minute bus journey, you can explore the vibrant city and all its attractions. The AmericanStar agency manages the route, making it easy to plan your trip through their website at http://www.amtrak.com/.
Departure Point
Santa Barbara Amtrak Station
Arrival Point
San Jose Diridon Station
Useful tips for bus travellers
• Make sure to check the latest bus schedule on the Amtrak website Amtrak Schedule prior to your trip, as services depart every four hours, and it's wise to plan your day accordingly.
• To maximize comfort on your 6h 40m journey, consider bringing a neck pillow and snacks from local Santa Barbara eateries, as dining options on the bus may be limited—try places like The Habit Burger Grill for a quick meal before you board.
• Upon arriving at San Jose Diridon Station, take a moment to find the visitor information kiosk for maps and local transit guides; the station is well-connected with VTA buses and light rail, making it easy to reach your final destination in the city.
Frequently asked questions
Find out more about the route from Santa Barbara to San Jose.
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The most cost-effective option for traveling from Santa Barbara to San Jose is by train, with prices ranging from $13 to $140. Although it takes approximately 7 hours and 25 minutes, it offers a more affordable option for budget-conscious travelers. However, the quickest way to reach San Jose is by flying and taking BART, which takes around 3 hours and 23 minutes, but costs between $220 and $550.
The prices for train travel between Santa Barbara and San Jose range from $13 to $140, depending on the type of ticket purchased and the class of service.
To get from Santa Barbara to San Jose without using public transportation, you can drive. The distance between the two cities is approximately 472 km, and it takes about 4 hours and 59 minutes to drive between them. The cost of driving can vary, with prices ranging from $50 to $80 depending on factors such as gas prices and toll fees.
The best way to travel from Santa Barbara to San Jose without a car is to take the Amtrak Thruway. This route takes approximately 6 hours and 40 minutes and the ticket prices range from $26 to $90. The Amtrak Thruway offers a convenient and comfortable option for travelers who prefer not to drive.
Yes, there is a direct link between Santa Barbara and San Jose. You can take a train that departs twice daily from Santa Barbara and arrives at San Jose, with a journey time of approximately 7 hours and 25 minutes. Alternatively, there is a direct bus service that departs every four hours from Santa Barbara Amtrak Station and arrives at San Jose Diridon Station, with a journey time of approximately 6 hours and 40 minutes.
The flight between Santa Barbara and San Jose typically takes around 1 hour and 11 minutes. The cost of a flight between the two cities can vary, with prices ranging from $222 to $516.
There are numerous options for accommodation near San Jose. With 684+ hotels available, travelers have a wide range of choices to suit their preferences and budgets. Prices start at $49, making it possible to find options that are affordable for different types of travelers.