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Phoenix, AZ, USA to Santa Barbara, CA, USA from $26: 10 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
Phoenix, United States of America
to
Santa Barbara, United States of America

How to Get from Phoenix 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.

$26 - Bus, TrainBest price
716 kmDistance
3h 56m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Phoenix 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
Plane
Average Duration
3h  56m
Estimated price
$190-305
Recommended
Company
various
Bus
Train
Average Duration
15h  10m
Estimated price
$26-261
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 716 km
Duration: 3h 56m

See more options

Company
various
Plane
Train
Average Duration
5h  24m
Estimated price
$52-348
Company
various
Plane
Bus
Average Duration
5h  57m
Estimated price
$115-310
Company
various
Plane
Drive
Average Duration
5h  20m
Estimated price
$197-515
Company
various
Plane
Train
Average Duration
6h  9m
Estimated price
$1900-1901
Company
various
Bus
Average Duration
9h  50m
Estimated price
$1902-1903
Company
various
Bus
Train
Average Duration
10h  23m
Estimated price
$1904-1905
Company
various
Bus
Average Duration
10h  30m
Estimated price
$1906-1907
Company
various
Drive
Average Duration
7h  35m
Estimated price
$1908-1909
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Traveling From Phoenix to Santa Barbara

This journey from Phoenix, a vibrant desert oasis, to Santa Barbara, a coastal gem with stunning beaches, offers you a chance to experience the stark contrast between arid landscapes and lush, oceanfront scenery.

Best Neighbourhoods in Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara boasts diverse neighborhoods, each with its distinctive charm.

Santa Barbara Downtown
• Vibrant shopping and dining scene.
• Stunning architecture and cultural spots.
Funk Zone
• Artsy vibe with local galleries.
• Great wine tasting rooms and eateries.
Montecito
• Exclusive homes and beautiful gardens.
• Scenic beach access and upscale boutiques.

Best Times To Visit Santa Barbara's Attractions

Planning your trip around the best times to visit can enhance your Santa Barbara experience.

Santa Barbara Zoo
Visit early on weekdays for a quieter, more personal experience.
Stearns Wharf
Go during early mornings to enjoy peaceful views and fewer tourists.
Mission Santa Barbara
Explore during late afternoons when lighting is ideal for photos.

Santa Barbara Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Santa Barbara enjoys a Mediterranean climate characterized by mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers, making it an ideal destination year-round. Visiting in spring or fall provides comfortable temperatures and less crowded attractions, enhancing your travel experience.

Dining Recommendation in Santa Barbara

For a delicious contrast to Phoenix's Southwestern flavors, try the fresh seafood at The Boathouse at Hendry's Beach, where the ocean view complements the vibrant dishes. Here, locally sourced ingredients meet coastal cuisine, delivering a dining experience that highlights the freshness of the Pacific in a relaxed, beachside atmosphere.

Phoenix - Santa Barbara operators

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

Bus Show bus routes
Contact phone
+1 214-849-8100
Website
https://www.greyhound.com/

Bus from Phoenix Bus Station to Los Angeles Union Station

Average Duration
6h 30m
Estimated price
$3050-3483

Bus from Los Angeles Union Station to Santa Barbara Bus Stop

Average Duration
2h 20m
Estimated price
$3487-524
Contact phone
+1 (855) 626-8585
Website
https://www.flixbus.com/

Bus from Phoenix Bus Station to Los Angeles Union Station

Average Duration
6h 50m
Estimated price
$262-3054

Bus from Los Angeles Union Station to Santa Barbara Bus Stop

Average Duration
2h 20m
Estimated price
$3487-524

Bus from Phoenix Bus Station to Los Angeles Downtown

Average Duration
7h
Estimated price
$262-3054

Bus from Los Angeles Downtown to Santa Barbara Bus Stop

Average Duration
2h 30m
Estimated price
$3488-524
Train
Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245
Website
https://www.amtrak.com/

Train from Tempe Amtrak Bus Stop to Maricopa

Average Duration
45m
Estimated price
$267-525

Train from Maricopa to Los Angeles

Average Duration
8h 33m
Estimated price
$3484-3051

Train from Burbank Amtrak to Santa Barbara

Average Duration
2h 16m
Estimated price
$267-268

Train from Los Angeles to Santa Barbara

Average Duration
2h 42m
Estimated price
$529-260
Plane Show flights
Website
https://www.aa.com/

Plane from Phoenix Airport to Santa Barbara Airport

Average Duration
1h 40m
Estimated price
$260-3052
Website
https://www.southwest.com/

Plane from Phoenix Airport to Santa Barbara Airport

Average Duration
1h 39m
Estimated price
$190-310
Website
https://www.jsx.com/

Plane from Phoenix Scottsdale Municipal Apt to Burbank

Average Duration
1h 35m
Estimated price
$262-263
Website
https://www.delta.com/

Plane from Phoenix Airport to Los Angeles

Average Duration
1h 35m
Estimated price
$3054-265
Website
https://www.united.com/

Plane from Phoenix Airport to Los Angeles

Average Duration
1h 34m
Estimated price
$3054-3057
Website
https://www.flyfrontier.com/

Plane from Phoenix Airport to Los Angeles

Average Duration
1h 30m
Estimated price
$262-266
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Contact phone
+1 866-691-9732
Website
https://www.eplalimo.com/

Other from Phoenix, AZ to Los Angeles

Average Duration
6h 19m
Estimated price
$524-260

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

Traveling between Phoenix 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 road trip from the desert landscapes of Phoenix to the coastal beauty of Santa Barbara spanning 470 miles of diverse terrain and breathtaking vistas. ⛽️ Fuel up for the journey ahead as you traverse through picturesque highways and endless stretches of the open road, with a drive time of approximately 7 hours and 35 minutes. 💰 Enjoy the freedom and flexibility of exploring at your own pace, with car travel costs ranging from $85 to $130 for a memorable journey from the desert oasis to the golden shores.
Average price
$85 - $130
🛫 Flying from Phoenix to Santa Barbara is a convenient option with the quickest direct flight taking only 1 hour and 39 minutes. Both American Airlines and Southwest Airlines operate flights between Phoenix and Santa Barbara. 🌊 The flight duration for this route averages around 3 hours and 56 minutes, offering a relatively quick journey from the desert landscape of Phoenix to the coastal beauty of Santa Barbara. Travelers can enjoy a comfortable flight with various amenities on board. 💸 Ticket prices for flights between Santa Barbara and Phoenix typically range between $190 and $305, providing travelers with options to fit different budgets when planning their trip between these two vibrant cities on the West Coast.
Departure Point
Phoenix Airport
Arrival Point
Santa Barbara Airport
🚌 Although there is no direct bus from Phoenix to Santa Barbara travelers can reach their destination by taking a route that includes transfers. The journey, with transfers, takes approximately 9 hours and 50 minutes. 🌴 Route options vary in duration, distance, and number of transfers. Prices for the bus between Santa Barbara and Phoenix range from $42 to $153. Travelers can choose from different routes offered by Greyhound USA and Flixbus USA, depending on their preferences.
Departure Point
Phoenix Bus Station
Arrival Point
Santa Barbara Bus Stop station

Frequently asked questions

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

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The distance between Phoenix and Santa Barbara is 445 miles or 469.8 miles by road. The typical travel time by various modes of transportation varies. It takes approximately 15 hours and 10 minutes to travel from Phoenix to Santa Barbara by bus and train via Maricopa. If you choose to fly, the typical travel time is 3 hours and 46 minutes. Alternatively, driving from Santa Barbara to Phoenix takes about 7 hours and 35 minutes, while taking a bus from Phoenix to Santa Barbara takes approximately 9 hours and 50 minutes.
The most cost-effective transportation option for traveling from Phoenix to Santa Barbara is by taking a bus and train via Maricopa. This option costs between $26 and $270 and takes approximately 15 hours and 10 minutes. However, if time is a priority, the quickest way to travel is by flying, which takes around 3 hours and 46 minutes and costs between $170 and $550. Ultimately, the choice between cost-effectiveness and time-efficiency depends on personal preferences and travel needs.
The prices of a bus ticket between Santa Barbara and Phoenix can vary depending on the bus company and the time of booking. On average, the prices range from $42 to $153 per ticket. It is recommended to check with different bus operators and compare prices to ensure the best deal.
To get from Phoenix to Santa Barbara without using public transportation, the most convenient option is to drive. The driving distance is approximately 470 miles and it takes around 7 hours and 35 minutes to reach Santa Barbara by car. The prices for renting a car and driving from Phoenix to Santa Barbara range from $85 to $130.
To travel from Phoenix to Santa Barbara without a car, the best option is to take a bus. The bus journey takes approximately 9 hours and 50 minutes and can cost anywhere from $40 to $160. There are several bus companies that operate on this route, providing regular services between the two cities.
Yes, there is a connection between Phoenix and Santa Barbara although it is not a direct link. The most common option is to take a bus from Phoenix to Los Angeles Union Station and then transfer to another bus that goes to Santa Barbara. This journey takes approximately 9 hours and 50 minutes. Alternatively, there are several other transportation options available, such as flying or driving, which may provide a faster and more convenient way to travel between the two cities.
The flight between Phoenix and Santa Barbara typically takes around 1 hour and 29 minutes. The prices for this flight can range from $170 to $505, depending on the airline and time of travel. It's recommended to check for deals and compare prices to find the best option for your budget.
There are plenty of options for accommodation near Santa Barbara with over 148 hotels available. The prices for hotels in the area start at $57 per night, making it suitable for various budget ranges. Whether you're looking for luxury resorts or more budget-friendly options, you will have plenty of choices to choose from to suit your preferences and needs.

Trips to Santa Barbara