Santa Cruz, CA, USA to Santa Barbara, CA, USA from $15: 9 ways by bus, train, flight or car

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How to Get from Santa Cruz to Santa Barbara: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way

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$15 - Bus, TrainBest price

356 kmDistance

4h 37m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Santa Cruz to Santa Barbara 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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Santa Cruz - Santa Barbara operators

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

Bus

Contact phone

+1 (831) 425-8600

Website

http://www.scmtd.com

Bus from Soquel Ave & Front to Diridon Station

Average Duration

58m

Estimated price

$3211-759

Bus from Ocean & Water to Diridon Station

Average Duration

56m

Estimated price

$3211-759

Contact phone

+1 800-872-7245

Website

https://www.amtrak.com/home.html

Bus from San Jose to Santa Barbara Amtrak Station

Average Duration

7h 5m

Estimated price

$0-0

Bus from Salinas to Santa Barbara

Average Duration

5h 45m

Estimated price

$0-0

Train

Contact phone

+1 800-872-7245

Website

https://www.amtrak.com/home.html

Train from San Jose to Santa Barbara

Average Duration

7h 46m

Estimated price

$1479-157

Train from Burbank Amtrak to Santa Barbara

Average Duration

2h 16m

Estimated price

$458-75

Train from San Jose to Oakland Coliseum/Airport Amtrak

Average Duration

55m

Estimated price

$754-755

Plane

Website

southwest.com

Plane from San Jose to Los Angeles

Average Duration

1h 19m

Estimated price

$155-156

Other Show other routes

Contact phone

+1 831-423-1234

Other from Santa Cruz to Monterey

Average Duration

47m

Estimated price

$150-1471

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

Traveling between Santa Cruz and Santa Barbara 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 picturesque road trip from Santa Cruz to Santa Barbara, covering approximately 269 miles of beautiful California coastline in just under 4 and a half hours. 💰 Enjoy the flexibility of budget-friendly travel options, with car rental prices ranging from $45 to $75 for the journey from Santa Cruz to the vibrant city of Santa Barbara.

Average price

$45 - $75

🛫 Embark on a quick and convenient journey from Santa Cruz to Santa Barbara by catching a United Airlines flight from Monterey Airport to Los Angeles Airport. The direct flight takes approximately 1 hour and 23 minutes, whisking you towards your sunny destination.

Departure Point

Monterey Airport

Arrival Point

Los Angeles Airport

🚌 Despite the lack of a direct bus route, travelers can still journey from Santa Cruz to Santa Barbara by making a transfer in San Jose. The total travel time, including transfers, typically lasts around 9 hours and 3 minutes.

Departure Point

Soquel Ave & Front station

Arrival Point

Santa Barbara Amtrak Station

Frequently asked questions

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

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The distance between Santa Cruz and Santa Barbara is approximately 355.7 km by road. The typical travel time by car is approximately 4 hours and 37 minutes. Alternatively, taking a bus from Santa Cruz to Santa Barbara takes around 7 hours and 41 minutes, while a combination of bus and train can take approximately 9 hours and 40 minutes.

The most cost-effective transportation option for traveling from Santa Cruz to Santa Barbara is by taking a bus and train, with prices ranging from $15 to $150. This journey takes approximately 9 hours and 40 minutes. However, for a more time-efficient option, driving is the fastest way to reach Santa Barbara from Santa Cruz, taking about 4 hours and 37 minutes. The cost for this option is around $45 to $75, depending on factors such as gas prices and tolls.

The prices for a bus ticket between Santa Cruz and Santa Barbara range from $28 to $100.

To get from Santa Cruz to Santa Barbara without using public transportation, you can opt to drive. The distance between the two cities is approximately 432.9 km, and it takes about 4 hours and 37 minutes to drive the route. The cost of driving varies from $45 to $75, depending on factors such as fuel prices and toll fees.

The most convenient way to travel from Santa Cruz to Santa Barbara without a car is by bus. The bus journey takes approximately 7 hours and 41 minutes, and the ticket prices range from $28 to $100, depending on the type of bus and any available discounts.

Yes, there is a link between Santa Cruz and Santa Barbara. However, there is no direct bus route between the two cities. The journey typically involves taking a bus from Santa Cruz to Salinas, and then transferring to another bus that goes from Salinas to Santa Barbara. The total travel time, including transfers, is approximately 9 hours and 42 minutes.

The flight between Santa Cruz and Santa Barbara takes approximately 1 hour and 13 minutes. The cost of a flight ticket can vary depending on various factors such as the airline, time of year, and how far in advance you book. On average, a one-way ticket can range from $100 to $300.

There are plenty of accommodation options near Santa Barbara. With over 148 hotels available, you can find a range of options to suit your preferences and budget. Prices start at $57 per night, offering affordable choices for travelers.