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Santa Barbara, CA, USA to Santa Monica, CA, USA from $16: 6 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
Santa Barbara, United States
to
Santa Monica, United States

How to Get from Santa Barbara to Santa Monica: 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.

$16 - DriveBest price
92.4 milesDistance
1h 36m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Santa Barbara to Santa Monica 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
FlixBus
Bus
Average Duration
3h  1m
Estimated price
$11-45
Recommended
Company
various
Train
Bus
Average Duration
4h  6m
Estimated price
$7-77
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 92.4 miles
Duration: 1h 36m

See more options

Company
Amtrak
Train
Average Duration
3h  58m
Estimated price
$8-82
Company
N/A
Drive
Average Duration
1h  36m
Estimated price
$16-25
Company
various
Bus
Bus
Average Duration
3h  45m
Estimated price
$74-87
Company
various
Plane
Bus
Average Duration
3h  13m
Estimated price
$201-452
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Traveling From Santa Barbara to Santa Monica

As you journey from Santa Barbara's serene coastal charm to Santa Monica's vibrant urban beach scene, you'll experience a fascinating shift from laid-back relaxation to bustling nightlife.

Best Neighbourhoods in Santa Monica

Santa Monica features diverse neighborhoods each with its own distinct character.

Downtown Santa Monica
• Home to the iconic Santa Monica Pier
• Bustling shops and trendy restaurants nearby
Montana Avenue
• Known for upscale boutiques and cafes
• Offers a relaxed, local atmosphere
Ocean Park
• Close to the beach with stunning ocean views
• Features eclectic eateries and art galleries

Best Times To Visit Santa Monica's Attractions

Maximize your experience with these tips on the best times to explore Santa Monica's highlights.

Santa Monica Pier
Early mornings or weekdays offer a quieter atmosphere, perfect for photos.
Third Street Promenade
Visit in the late afternoon for vibrant street performances without the weekend crowds.
Palisades Park
Go early during sunrise for a peaceful stroll with stunning ocean views.

Santa Monica Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Santa Monica enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate, characterized by sunny summers and cooler, wet winters; the best times to visit are spring and fall for pleasant temperatures and clear skies. Whether lounging on the beach or exploring local attractions, the weather plays a significant role in shaping your outdoor plans.

Dining Recommendation in Santa Monica

For a vibrant contrast to Santa Barbara's wine-country cuisine, try the fresh fish tacos at Blue Plate Taco, where the lively beachside atmosphere complements the explosion of flavors from locally sourced ingredients. This dining experience captures the dynamic spirit of Santa Monica, making each bite a celebration of coastal California's diverse culinary scene.

Santa Barbara - Santa Monica operators

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

Bus Show bus routes
Contact phone
+1 (855) 626-8585
Website
flixbus.com

Bus from Santa Barbara Bus Stop to Los Angeles

Average Duration
2h
Estimated price
$9-45

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

Average Duration
2h 35m
Estimated price
$60-80

Bus from Aviation/Lax to 4Th Nb & Santa Monica Ns

Average Duration
58m
Estimated price
$1-2

Bus from Aviation/Lax to 4Th Nb & Colorado Fs

Average Duration
56m
Estimated price
$1-2
Contact phone
+1 800-470-8818
Website
centralcoastshuttle.com

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

Average Duration
2h 35m
Estimated price
$60-80
Contact phone
+1 310-451-5444
Website
bigbluebus.com

Bus from Aviation/Lax to 4Th Nb & Santa Monica Ns

Average Duration
58m
Estimated price
$1-2

Bus from Aviation/Lax to 4Th Nb & Colorado Fs

Average Duration
56m
Estimated price
$1-2
Train Show train routes
Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245
Website
amtrak.com

Train from Santa Barbara to Los Angeles

Average Duration
2h 56m
Estimated price
$4-80

Train from Santa Barbara to Van Nuys

Average Duration
2h 18m
Estimated price
$3-75
Plane Show flights
Website
united.com

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

Average Duration
58m
Estimated price
$180-400
all-pages.other Show other routes
Contact phone
+1-323-466-3876
Website
metro.net

Other from Van Nuys / Keswick to Westwood / Weyburn

Average Duration
1h 2m
Estimated price
$2-2

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

Traveling between Santa Barbara and Santa Monica 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 Santa Monica, covering a distance of 148.1 km in just 1 hour and 36 minutes. 💰 Enjoy the flexibility of pricing options ranging from $16 to $25 for the journey by car, making it an affordable and convenient travel choice.
Average price
$16 - $25
🌴 Enjoy a leisurely 3 hours and 58 minutes ride through beautiful landscapes as you make your way from Santa Barbara to Santa Monica on the Amtrak-operated train services. 🎟️ Tickets for the train between Santa Barbara and Santa Monica can range from $8 to $82, offering an affordable and efficient transportation option for your adventure from one coastal city to another in Southern California.
Departure Point
Santa Barbara station
Arrival Point
Los Angeles station
🛫 Flying from Santa Barbara to Santa Monica is a convenient and quick journey that can be completed in under an hour. The direct flight typically takes around 58 minutes.
Departure Point
Santa Barbara Airport
Arrival Point
Los Angeles Airport
🚌 Although there is no direct bus from Santa Barbara to Santa Monica, travelers can take a journey with transfers that takes approximately 3 hours and 1 minute. 🎫 Prices for the bus ride between Santa Monica and Santa Barbara can range from $11 to $45, providing an affordable and convenient option for those looking to travel between these two coastal cities in California.
Departure Point
Santa Barbara Bus Stop station
Arrival Point
Los Angeles station

Frequently asked questions

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

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The distance between Santa Barbara and Santa Monica is 121 km by air. By train, it takes approximately 3 hours and 58 minutes to travel from Santa Barbara to Santa Monica. If you choose to drive, the journey typically takes around 1 hour and 36 minutes. Taking a combination of train and bus would take about 4 hours and 6 minutes to reach Santa Monica from Santa Barbara.
The most cost-effective and time-efficient transportation option for traveling from Santa Barbara to Santa Monica is driving. It takes approximately 1 hour and 36 minutes with costs ranging from $16 to $25.
The prices for traveling between Santa Barbara and Santa Monica can vary depending on the mode of transportation chosen. For a train journey, ticket prices range from $8 to $82. On the other hand, taking a bus between the two cities can cost between $11 and $45.
To travel from Santa Barbara to Santa Monica without using public transportation, you can drive the approximately 148 km distance, which takes about 1 hour and 36 minutes depending on traffic conditions. The cost of driving from Santa Barbara to Santa Monica typically ranges between $16 to $25, with variations based on fuel prices and vehicle efficiency.
The most convenient way to travel from Santa Barbara to Santa Monica without a car is by taking a bus, which typically takes around 3 hours and 1 minute. The journey by bus is affordable, with ticket prices ranging from $10 to $45.
There is no direct link between Santa Barbara and Santa Monica by train. Travelers need to transfer at Union Station and 7th Street / Metro Center Station on their journey, taking approximately 3 hours and 58 minutes. Similarly, there is no direct bus route between the two cities, requiring passengers to transfer as well, with a total travel time of around 3 hours and 1 minute.
The flight between Santa Barbara and Santa Monica typically takes 58 minutes when traveling on a direct flight from Santa Barbara Airport to Los Angeles Airport. The cost of this flight can vary depending on the airline, time of booking, and other factors, with typical prices starting around $100 for a one-way ticket. It is a convenient and relatively quick option for travelers looking to move between these two cities in Southern California.
There are plenty of accommodation options near Santa Monica with over 3032 hotels to choose from. Prices for hotels in the area start at $98 per night, catering to various budget preferences. Whether you are looking for luxury resorts, boutique hotels, or budget-friendly motels, Santa Monica offers a diverse range of lodging choices for all types of travelers.