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Irvine, CA, USA to Santa Barbara, CA, USA from $25: 5 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

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

How to Get from Irvine 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.

$25 - OtherBest price
227 kmDistance
2h 25m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Irvine 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
Train
Average Duration
4h  54m
Estimated price
$13-104
Recommended
Company
N/A
Drive
Average Duration
2h  25m
Estimated price
$25-40
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 227 km
Duration: 2h 25m

See more options

Company
various
Bus
Train
Bus
Average Duration
6h  31m
Estimated price
$0-0
Company
various
Bus
Average Duration
6h  46m
Estimated price
$15-86
Company
various
Train
Plane
Average Duration
4h  47m
Estimated price
$209-479
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Traveling From Irvine to Santa Barbara

The journey from Irvine to Santa Barbara offers a striking contrast between the bustling urban charm of Irvine and the laid-back coastal vibe of Santa Barbara.

Best Neighbourhoods in Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara boasts diverse neighborhoods, each with its own charm and character.

State Street
• Lively shopping, dining, and nightlife options.
• Central hub for cultural events and festivals.
Santa Barbara Waterfront
• Scenic beach views and great outdoor activities.
• Access to the iconic Stearns Wharf.
Mission Canyon
• Close to the Santa Barbara Mission and botanic gardens.
• Offers serene hiking trails and natural beauty.

Best Times To Visit Santa Barbara's Attractions

Planning your visit around peak times can enhance your Santa Barbara experience.

Santa Barbara Zoo
Visit in the late afternoon for cooler weather and fewer crowds.
Stearns Wharf
Early mornings offer a peaceful stroll and stunning sunrise views.
Santa Barbara Mission
Weekdays in spring provide a quieter experience to explore the grounds.

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 a pleasant destination year-round. Spring and fall are particularly enticing, as the weather is comfortable and crowds are thinner, allowing for a more enjoyable travel experience.

Dining Recommendation in Santa Barbara

Try the fresh seafood at The Boathouse at Hendrys Beach, where locally sourced ingredients shine in dishes like the grilled fish tacos. This dining experience, set against the stunning ocean backdrop, contrasts with Irvine's urban eateries, offering a relaxed atmosphere that showcases the coastal flavors of Santa Barbara.

Irvine - Santa Barbara operators

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

Train Show train routes
Website
https://metrolinktrains.com

Train from Tustin station to L. A. Union Station station

Average Duration
1h 8m
Estimated price
0-0

Train from L. A. Union Station station to Santa Barbara

Average Duration
2h 42m
Estimated price
0-0
Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245
Website
https://www.amtrak.com/home.html

Train from L. A. Union Station to Santa Barbara

Average Duration
2h 42m
Estimated price
$134-138

Train from Anaheim to Los Angeles

Average Duration
47m
Estimated price
$0-0
Bus Show bus routes
Contact phone
+1 214-849-8100
Website
https://www.greyhound.com/

Bus from Santa Ana Bus Stop to Los Angeles Union Station

Average Duration
1h 45m
Estimated price
$15-130

Bus from Los Angeles Union Station to Santa Barbara Bus Stop

Average Duration
2h 45m
Estimated price
$0-0
Contact phone
+1 (855) 626-8585
Website
https://www.flixbus.com/

Bus from Santa Ana Bus Stop to Los Angeles Union Station

Average Duration
1h 40m
Estimated price
$15-130

Bus from Los Angeles Union Station to Santa Barbara Bus Stop

Average Duration
2h 20m
Estimated price
$0-0
Plane Show flights
Website
https://www.united.com/

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

Average Duration
54m
Estimated price
$131-400

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

Traveling between Irvine 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 Irvine to Santa Barbara, spanning 141 miles of stunning California coastline. The journey typically unfolds over a leisurely 2 hours and 25 minutes, allowing ample time to soak in the scenic beauty along the way. 💸 Indulge in the freedom of the open road as you navigate from Irvine to Santa Barbara, where the cost of travel ranges from $25 to $40 by car. Whether you opt for a budget-friendly drive or a more luxurious ride, the journey promises to be a memorable experience filled with breathtaking vistas and unforgettable moments.
Average price
$25 - $40
🚆 Traveling from Irvine to Santa Barbara by train involves a journey with transfers. The trip, operated by Metrolink Trains and Amtrak, takes approximately 4 hours and 54 minutes. 🚆 Ticket prices for the train from Irvine to Santa Barbara range from $13 to $104, making it an affordable and efficient way to travel between these two beautiful cities along the coast. Enjoy a relaxing journey and arrive at your destination ready to explore all that Santa Barbara has to offer.
Departure Point
Tustin station
Arrival Point
Santa Barbara station
Useful tips for train travellers
• On your train trip from Irvine to Santa Barbara, you will primarily be using Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner. Onboard services include a café car offering a variety of snacks, beverages, and light meals. Don’t miss trying some local California wines if you’re interested in a quick drink!
• The Pacific Surfliner provides several seating options, including Business Class and Coach Class. Business Class offers larger seats, more legroom, and complimentary non-alcoholic beverages. Coach Class is more economical but still comfortable—ideal for a scenic trip along the coast.
• When you arrive at Santa Barbara station, you can easily navigate the area as the station is quite compact. You will find luggage storage services available, and public restrooms are accessible nearby. If you need a shower, you can head to local gyms like 'Gold's Gym' located a short walk away. For transportation to the city center, the MTD bus line 1 runs frequently, taking approximately 15 minutes.
🛫 The journey from Irvine to Santa Barbara by plane is a quick and convenient option. Opt for the direct flight from Los Angeles Airport to Santa Barbara Airport, which only takes 54 minutes.
Departure Point
Los Angeles Airport
Arrival Point
Santa Barbara Airport
🚌 Although there is no direct bus from Irvine to Santa Barbara, travelers can take a bus from University-Ent 3773 Mariposa Villa and make transfers at Santa Ana Bus Stop and Los Angeles Union Station. The journey duration, including transfers, is approximately 6 hours and 46 minutes. 🌴 The Irvine to Santa Barbara bus services, operated by Greyhound USA, depart from Santa Ana Bus Stop station. On the other hand, Flixbus USA operates the buses that arrive at Santa Barbara Bus Stop station. The prices for a bus ticket between Santa Barbara and Irvine can vary from $15 to $86. 🌊 Travelers can enjoy a scenic bus journey from Irvine to Santa Barbara, taking in the coastal views and California landscapes. The 6-hour and 46-minute bus ride offers a convenient and affordable way to explore these two charming cities in Southern California.
Departure Point
Santa Ana Bus Stop station
Arrival Point
Santa Barbara Bus Stop station

Frequently asked questions

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

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The driving distance between Irvine and Santa Barbara is approximately 140.8 miles, with a travel time of around 2 hours and 25 minutes by car. By train, it takes around 4 hours and 54 minutes to reach Santa Barbara from Irvine. Alternatively, taking Line 53 bus followed by a train can take around 6 hours and 31 minutes. Taking a bus straight from Irvine to Santa Barbara usually takes around 6 hours and 1 minute.
The most cost-effective and time-efficient transportation option for traveling from Irvine to Santa Barbara is by car. It takes approximately 2 hours and 25 minutes to drive the 120-mile distance between the two cities. The cost of this option is estimated to be around $25 to $40. Additionally, driving allows you the flexibility to explore the scenic coastal route at your own pace.
The prices for a train journey between Irvine and Santa Barbara can range from $13 to $104. On the other hand, the prices for a bus trip from Santa Barbara to Irvine vary from $16 to $83. It is advisable to check with the respective train and bus operators for the most up-to-date and accurate pricing information.
To travel from Irvine to Santa Barbara without public transportation, you can drive the distance of approximately 141 miles. The journey typically takes about 2 hours and 25 minutes by car. The cost of the trip by car can range from $25 to $40 depending on factors such as fuel prices and tolls.
To travel from Irvine to Santa Barbara without a car, the best option is to take a train. The train journey takes approximately 4 hours and 54 minutes, and the ticket prices range from $13 to $110. This mode of transportation is convenient and offers a scenic route to enjoy during the journey.
Yes, there is a link between Irvine and Santa Barbara but there is no direct train or bus route between the two cities. The most convenient option is to take a train from Irvine to Santa Barbara, which takes approximately 4 hours and 54 minutes, including transfers in Los Angeles. Alternatively, you can take a bus, which takes around 6 hours and 1 minute, with transfers in Santa Ana and Los Angeles. Driving by car is the fastest option, with a travel time of approximately 2 hours and 25 minutes.
The flight between Irvine and Santa Barbara is relatively short, taking only 52 minutes on the direct flight from Los Angeles Airport to Santa Barbara Airport. However, it is important to consider the time required for check-in and security procedures before the flight. As for the cost, it can vary depending on the airline and time of booking, but a typical roundtrip flight can range from $200 to $400. It is recommended to compare prices from different airlines and book in advance to get the best deals.
There are several options for accommodation in Santa Barbara. There are over 148 hotels available, with prices starting as low as $57 per night. Some popular hotels in the area include the Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort, the Fess Parker Doubletree Resort, and the Kimpton Canary Hotel. These hotels offer a range of amenities and are conveniently located near popular attractions in Santa Barbara. It is recommended to book your stay in advance to ensure availability.

Trips from Irvine

Trips to Santa Barbara