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Santa Monica, CA, USA to Santa Barbara, CA, USA from $8: 5 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

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

How to Get from Santa Monica to Santa Barbara: 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.

$8 by trainBest price
121 kmDistance
1h 37m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Santa Monica 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.

Company
various
Bus
Bus
Average Duration
3h  26m
Estimated price
$10-46
Recommended
Company
various
Tram
Train
Average Duration
4h  40m
Estimated price
$8-84
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 121 km
Duration: 1h 37m

See more options

Company
various
Bus
Bus
Average Duration
5h  12m
Estimated price
$0-0
Company
self-drive
Drive
Average Duration
1h  37m
Estimated price
$16-25
Company
various
Bus
Plane
Average Duration
4h  1m
Estimated price
$201-456
Browse car rentalsExplore flights

Traveling From Santa Monica to Santa Barbara

This route connects the vibrant beaches and bustling atmosphere of Santa Monica with the serene charm and wine country appeal of Santa Barbara, offering you two distinct coastal experiences.

Best Neighbourhoods in Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara boasts diverse neighborhoods, each offering its own charm.

Upper East Side
• Historic architecture and lush gardens abound.
• Close to museums and galleries.
Mesa
• Stunning ocean views and hiking trails.
• Laid-back vibe with local eateries.
Funk Zone
• Vibrant art scene and wine tasting rooms.
• Trendy shops and eclectic restaurants.

Best Times To Visit Santa Barbara's Attractions

Timing your visit can significantly enhance your Santa Barbara experience.

Santa Barbara Zoo
Visit in the morning during weekdays for smaller crowds and cooler temperatures.
Stearns Wharf
Afternoons on weekdays offer a leisurely stroll with fewer tourists.
Santa Barbara Mission
Early morning visits provide a peaceful atmosphere and stunning light for photos.

Santa Barbara Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Santa Barbara enjoys a Mediterranean climate with mild winters and warm summers, making it a pleasant destination year-round. While spring and fall offer the best temperatures and fewer crowds, each season can enhance your travel experience with unique activities and events.

Dining in Santa Barbara: A Culinary Delight

Sample the fresh seafood at The Boathouse at Hendry's Beach, where the ocean views complement a menu focused on local ingredients and innovative flavors. This experience differs from the lively dining scene in Santa Monica, offering a more relaxed atmosphere that emphasizes the region’s natural bounty and laid-back coastal charm.

Santa Monica - Santa Barbara operators

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

Bus
Contact phone
+1 310-451-5444
Website
bigbluebus.com

Bus from Lincoln Nb & Santa Monica Fs to Gayley Nb & Strathmore Ns

Average Duration
31m
Estimated price
$1-2

Bus from 4Th Sb & Santa Monica Place to Aviation/Lax

Average Duration
54m
Estimated price
$1-2
Contact phone
+1 (855) 626-8585
Website
flixbus.com

Bus from Los Angeles to Santa Barbara Bus Stop

Average Duration
1h 55m
Estimated price
$7-35
Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245
Website
amtrak.com

Bus from Westwood UCLA Amtrak Bus Stop to Santa Barbara

Average Duration
2h
Estimated price
$8-80

Bus from Van Nuys to Santa Barbara

Average Duration
2h 25m
Estimated price
$16-25
Train
Contact phone
+1-323-466-3876
Website
metro.net

Train from Downtown Santa Monica Station to Santa Barbara

Average Duration
2h 42m
Estimated price
$10-101
Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245
Website
amtrak.com

Train from Los Angeles to Santa Barbara

Average Duration
2h 42m
Estimated price
$8-84
Plane
Website
united.com

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

Average Duration
54m
Estimated price
$180-100

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

Traveling between Santa Monica 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 scenic coastal journey from Santa Monica to Santa Barbara, covering a distance of 93 miles in just under an hour and a half. Enjoy the picturesque views of the Pacific Ocean along the iconic Pacific Coast Highway. 💰 Plan your budget accordingly as the cost of driving from Santa Monica to Santa Barbara ranges between $16 to $25, offering flexibility for different travel preferences. Explore charming seaside towns and make pit stops at local shops and eateries along the way.
Average price
$16 - $25
🚆 Starting from Downtown Santa Monica Station, travelers can take the Metro Los Angeles service to the 7th Street / Metro Center Station to transfer to the Metro B & D Lines, which will eventually lead them to Los Angeles. 🌴 The train journey from Santa Monica to Santa Barbara, with a duration of approximately 4 hours and 40 minutes, offers scenic views of Southern California's coastal landscapes and charming towns along the way.
Departure Point
Downtown Santa Monica Station
Arrival Point
Santa Barbara station
🛫 Flying from Santa Monica to Santa Barbara is a convenient and quick option, with direct flights taking just 54 minutes. United Airlines provides flights from Los Angeles Airport to Santa Barbara Airport, making the journey easy and efficient.
Departure Point
Los Angeles Airport
Arrival Point
Santa Barbara Airport
🚌 Although there is no direct bus from Santa Monica to Santa Barbara, travelers can take a bus departing from Lincoln Nb & Santa Monica Fs and arriving in Santa Barbara with a transfer in Los Angeles. The journey, including transfers, takes approximately 3 hours and 26 minutes. 🏖️ The Santa Monica to Santa Barbara bus services are operated by Big Blue Bus and Flixbus USA. Travelers departing from Lincoln Nb & Santa Monica Fs station will arrive at the Santa Barbara Bus Stop station after the 3-hour and 26-minute journey. Prices for the bus ticket range from $10 to $46, offering a budget-friendly travel option.
Departure Point
Lincoln Nb & Santa Monica Fs station
Arrival Point
Santa Barbara Bus Stop station
Useful tips for bus travellers
• Make sure to check the schedule for both Big Blue Bus and Flixbus USA, as you'll need to change routes in Los Angeles; you can find the schedules at Big Blue Bus and Flixbus USA.
• Arrive at the Lincoln Nb & Santa Monica Fs station at least 20 minutes early to ensure you have enough time to board and locate your bus, especially since the transfer in Los Angeles can be busy and may require additional navigation.
• Upon arriving at the Santa Barbara Bus Stop, head towards the nearby Santa Barbara downtown area, which is just a 15-minute walk; be sure to grab a bite at the popular Santa Barbara Public Market for a variety of dining options.

Frequently asked questions

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

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The distance between Santa Monica and Santa Barbara is approximately 120.7 km by road. The typical travel time by car is around 1 hour and 37 minutes. If you choose to take the tram and then the train, the travel time is longer at 4 hours and 40 minutes. Another option is taking the bus, which typically takes 3 hours and 26 minutes.
The most cost-effective and time-efficient transportation option for traveling from Santa Monica to Santa Barbara is by driving. It takes approximately 1 hour and 37 minutes to drive between the two cities, and the cost ranges from $16 to $25. Taking public transportation such as a tram and train may take longer, with a travel time of 4 hours and 40 minutes, but it would also provide a scenic route and potentially be a more relaxing option for those who prefer not to drive.
The prices for a bus ticket between Santa Monica and Santa Barbara range from $10 to $46, depending on the type of bus and the time of travel.
To travel from Santa Monica to Santa Barbara without using public transportation, you can opt to drive. The distance between the two cities is approximately 149.7 km, and it takes around 1 hour and 37 minutes to reach Santa Barbara by car. The cost of the journey can vary, with prices for a one-way trip typically ranging from $16 to $25, depending on factors such as gas prices and tolls.
If you do not have a car, the best way to travel from Santa Monica to Santa Barbara is to take the line 18 bus and a regular bus. This route takes approximately 3 hours and 26 minutes and costs between $10 and $50.
Yes, there are transportation options available between Santa Monica and Santa Barbara, but there is no direct link. For train travel, you would need to take a tram and then a train, which takes approximately 4 hours and 40 minutes. By car, the journey takes about 1 hour and 37 minutes, and by bus, it takes around 3 hours and 26 minutes, including transfers.
The flight between Santa Monica and Santa Barbara typically takes around 52 minutes.
There are plenty of options for accommodations near Santa Barbara. With over 148 hotels to choose from, there is something for every budget and preference. Prices for hotels in the area start at $57 per night, offering affordable options for travelers.