Oakland, 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 Oakland to Santa Barbara: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way
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$15 by trainBest price
444 kmDistance
3h 36m Fastest
Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options
Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Oakland 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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Traveling From Oakland to Santa Barbara
The journey from Oakland to Santa Barbara presents a fascinating shift from the urban vibrancy of the Bay Area to the relaxed coastal charm of Southern California.
Best Neighbourhoods in Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara's neighborhoods offer diverse experiences and vibrant atmospheres.
Funk Zone
• Known for its trendy galleries and boutiques.
• Enjoy local wine tasting and craft breweries.
Stearns Wharf
• Features stunning ocean views and fresh seafood restaurants.
• Perfect spot for shopping and local art.
Mesa
• Offers picturesque beaches and scenic hiking trails.
• Family-friendly with a laid-back vibe and parks.
Best Times To Visit Santa Barbara's Attractions
Timing your visits to Santa Barbara's attractions can elevate your experience and provide a more enjoyable atmosphere.
Santa Barbara Mission
Visit early in the morning during weekdays for fewer crowds and cooler temperatures.
Stearns Wharf
Late afternoon visits offer beautiful sunset views and a lively ambiance.
Santa Barbara Botanic Garden
Spring and early summer mornings showcase blooming flowers with fewer visitors.
Santa Barbara Weather: What to Expect Year-Round
Santa Barbara enjoys a Mediterranean climate, characterized by mild winters and warm, sunny summers, making it an appealing destination year-round. Optimal visiting times include spring and fall, when pleasant temperatures enhance outdoor activities and sightseeing opportunities.
Dining Recommendation in Santa Barbara
For a distinctive culinary experience, try the fish tacos at La Super Rica, where fresh, locally-sourced ingredients create vibrant flavors, reflecting Santa Barbara’s coastal culture. This laid-back eatery offers a casual atmosphere that contrasts with the more eclectic dining scene in Oakland, immersing you in the essence of Southern California.
Oakland - Santa Barbara operators
Explore transport companies operating between Oakland and Santa Barbara, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.
Website
united.com
Plane from San Francisco (SFO) to Santa Barbara (SBA)
Average Duration
1h 21mEstimated price
$3666-3667Plane from Oakland (OAK) to Santa Barbara (SBA)
Average Duration
1h 11mEstimated price
$3660-3661Website
southwest.com
Plane from Oakland (OAK) to Santa Barbara (SBA)
Average Duration
1h 12mEstimated price
$1595-3662Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245Website
amtrak.com
Train from Oakland to Santa Barbara
Average Duration
9h 3mEstimated price
$15-140Train from Burbank Amtrak to Santa Barbara
Average Duration
2h 16mEstimated price
$157-158Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245Website
amtrak.com
Bus from Oakland to Santa Barbara
Average Duration
7h 50mEstimated price
$1594-1595Bus from San Jose to Santa Barbara Amtrak Station
Average Duration
7h 5mEstimated price
$0-0Contact phone
+1 (855) 626-8585Website
flixbus.com
Bus from Oakland to Santa Barbara
Average Duration
7h 5mEstimated price
$1594-1595Contact phone
+1-510-464-6000Website
bart.gov
Other from 12th Street / Oakland City Center to Berryessa / North San Jose
Average Duration
56mEstimated price
$0-0Other from 12th Street / Oakland City Center to Milpitas
Average Duration
51mEstimated price
$0-0Oakland to Santa Barbara: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips
Traveling between Oakland 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.
🚗 Start your journey from Oakland and cruise along the scenic route towards Santa Barbara spanning a distance of 331 miles. Enjoy the diverse landscapes and charming towns along the way.
💸 Depending on gas prices and your vehicle's fuel efficiency, the cost of driving from Oakland to Santa Barbara ranges from $60 to $90. Plan your budget accordingly for a smooth road trip experience.
🌴 After approximately 5 hours and 38 minutes of driving, you'll arrive in Santa Barbara, ready to explore its beautiful beaches, vibrant culture, and delicious cuisine. Embrace the laid-back California vibes and make unforgettable memories along the coast.
Average price
$60 - $90
🚆 Traveling by train from Oakland to Santa Barbara is a convenient and scenic journey that takes approximately 9 hours and 3 minutes. The direct train service operated by Amtrak runs once daily, making it easy to plan your trip.
💰 The prices for train tickets between Oakland and Santa Barbara range from $15 to $140, offering a budget-friendly option for travel between these two vibrant California cities.
Departure Point
Oakland station
Arrival Point
Santa Barbara station
Useful tips for train travellers
• Onboard Services: Amtrak operates the route between Oakland and Santa Barbara, and their Coast Starlight service offers complimentary snacks and beverages in the Business Class section. You also have access to the Sightseer Lounge Car, where you can purchase meals, drinks, and snacks while enjoying panoramic views. It's advisable to bring a refillable water bottle, as they provide free water stations onboard.
• Seating Options: On this route, Amtrak offers three seating classes: Coach, Business Class, and First Class. Coach seats are comfortable and provide ample legroom but are the most economical. Business Class offers more spacious seats, complimentary drinks, and access to the Lounge Car. First Class, although limited, features even more luxurious seating and enhanced meal options. Choose Business or First Class for a more comfortable experience, especially on this longer journey.
• Arrival Station Tip: Upon arriving at Santa Barbara station, you can find luggage storage services with the option to leave your bags for a few hours. Restrooms are available at the station, but there are no shower facilities. To navigate the station, consult the helpful staff if you have any questions about local transport connections; they can guide you through routes and schedules.
🛫 Flying from Oakland to Santa Barbara is a convenient choice for travelers looking to reach their destination quickly. With a direct flight from San Francisco Airport to Santa Barbara Airport, the journey only takes 1 hour and 19 minutes with United Airlines.
🏖️ Once you land in Santa Barbara, you'll be greeted with beautiful coastal views and a relaxed atmosphere. The total flying time from Oakland to Santa Barbara is approximately 4 hours and 14 minutes, offering a smooth and enjoyable travel experience.
💸 Prices for flights between Santa Barbara and Oakland can vary depending on the time of booking and airline choice, ranging from $159 to $366. Planning ahead and comparing prices can help you find the best deal for your trip to this charming California destination.
Departure Point
San Francisco Airport
Arrival Point
Santa Barbara Airport
Useful tips for plane travellers
• When booking your flight from Oakland to Santa Barbara, keep an eye out for United Airlines, as they frequently run direct flights and typically offer good timetable flexibility and competitive pricing.
• Upon arrival at Santa Barbara Airport, expect to navigate a smaller terminal; it's efficient but can be busy—head straight to baggage claim (usually to the right after security) if you checked bags, then look for signage directing you to the taxi and rideshare pick-up area.
• Taxi prices from Santa Barbara Airport to downtown typically range from $25 to $35, so consider this when budgeting; alternatively, check out local transportation options like the Santa Barbara Airport Shuttle, which can be a cost-effective choice.
🚌 The bus journey from Oakland to Santa Barbara is a convenient option with direct services departing three times a day and operating daily. The trip takes approximately 7 hours and 50 minutes.
🚌 Prices for the bus between Santa Barbara and Oakland can vary from $30 to $100, making it an affordable and efficient way to travel between these two cities.
Departure Point
Oakland station
Arrival Point
Santa Barbara station
Frequently asked questions
Find out more about the route from Oakland to Santa Barbara.
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The distance between Oakland and Santa Barbara is 276 miles by air and 332 miles by road. Typical travel times vary depending on the mode of transportation. It takes approximately 4 hours and 8 minutes to fly from Oakland to Santa Barbara, 5 hours and 38 minutes to drive by car, 7 hours and 50 minutes by bus, and 9 hours and 3 minutes by train. These times may be subject to variations due to traffic, weather conditions, and other factors.
The most cost-effective transportation option for traveling from Oakland to Santa Barbara is by train. It takes approximately 9 hours and 3 minutes and costs between $15 and $140. However, if time efficiency is a priority, flying is the quickest option. It takes around 3 hours and 41 minutes but can cost between $210 and $550.
The prices for a train journey between Oakland and Santa Barbara can range from $15 to $140. As for bus travel, the prices vary from $30 to $100. It's important to note that these prices are subject to change depending on factors such as the time of travel, demand, and any ongoing promotions or discounts. It's advisable to check with the respective transportation providers for the most up-to-date and accurate pricing information.
To get from Oakland to Santa Barbara without using public transportation, you can drive. The distance between the two cities is approximately 331 miles, and it takes about 5 hours and 38 minutes to drive. The cost of driving from Oakland to Santa Barbara can range from $60 to $90, depending on factors such as gas prices and tolls.
To travel from Oakland to Santa Barbara without a car, the best option is to take a bus. The bus journey takes approximately 7 hours and 50 minutes and costs between $30 and $100. Another option is to fly, which takes about 4 hours and 8 minutes and costs between $160 and $370. Alternatively, you can also take a train, which takes about 9 hours and 3 minutes and costs between $15 and $140.
Yes, there is a direct link between Oakland and Santa Barbara. You can take a train operated by Amtrak that departs once daily from Oakland and arrives at Santa Barbara, with a journey time of approximately 9 hours and 3 minutes. Alternatively, there is a direct bus service operated by Amtrak that departs twice daily from Oakland and arrives at Santa Barbara, with a journey time of approximately 7 hours and 50 minutes.
The flight time between Oakland and Santa Barbara is typically 1 hour and 13 minutes for a direct flight from San Francisco Airport to Santa Barbara Airport. However, it's important to note that flight durations can vary depending on factors such as weather conditions and air traffic. In terms of cost, flights between Santa Barbara and Oakland can range from $169 to $366, with prices fluctuating based on factors such as the airline, time of booking, and availability. It's advisable to check with airlines for the most up-to-date and accurate pricing information.
Trips from Oakland
- Oakland to Antioch
- Oakland to Manteca
- Oakland to Fremont
- Oakland to Santa Clara
- Oakland to Santa Rosa
- Oakland to Modesto
- Oakland to Santa Cruz
- Oakland to Sacramento
- Oakland to Los Angeles
- Oakland to Sonoma
- Oakland to San Diego
- Oakland to Reno
- Oakland to San Francisco
- Oakland to Las Vegas
- Oakland to Seattle
- Oakland to Salt Lake City
- Oakland to Newark
- Oakland to Stockton
- Oakland to Bakersfield
- Oakland to Vancouver
- Oakland to Dallas
- Oakland to Bellingham
- Oakland to Guadalajara
- Oakland to Palm Springs
- Oakland to Ontario
- Oakland to Crescent City
- Oakland to Houston
- Oakland to Nashville
- Oakland to Mexico City
- Oakland to Burbank
- Oakland to San Jose
- Oakland to Vallejo
- Oakland to Yosemite National Park
- Oakland to Berkeley
- Oakland to Austin
- Oakland to Phoenix
- Oakland to Miami
- Oakland to Portland
- Oakland to Santa Ana
- Oakland to Lake Tahoe
Trips to Santa Barbara
- Lompoc to Santa Barbara
- Riverside to Santa Barbara
- Newport Beach to Santa Barbara
- Los Angeles to Santa Barbara
- Oceanside to Santa Barbara
- Fresno to Santa Barbara
- Long Beach to Santa Barbara
- San Jose to Santa Barbara
- Camarillo to Santa Barbara
- Irvine to Santa Barbara
- San Francisco to Santa Barbara
- San Luis Obispo to Santa Barbara
- Ventura to Santa Barbara
- Sacramento to Santa Barbara
- Oxnard to Santa Barbara
- San Diego to Santa Barbara
- Burbank to Santa Barbara
- Santa Cruz to Santa Barbara
- Palm Springs to Santa Barbara
- Bakersfield to Santa Barbara
- Anaheim to Santa Barbara
- Monterey to Santa Barbara
- Ojai to Santa Barbara
- New York City to Santa Barbara
- Salt Lake City to Santa Barbara
- Las Vegas to Santa Barbara
- Phoenix to Santa Barbara
- Denver to Santa Barbara
- Santa Rosa to Santa Barbara
- Carpinteria to Santa Barbara
- Paso Robles to Santa Barbara
- Dallas to Santa Barbara
- Pasadena to Santa Barbara
- Los Olivos to Santa Barbara
- Boston to Santa Barbara
- Santa Maria (Santa Barbara County) to Santa Barbara
- Santa Monica to Santa Barbara
- Solvang to Santa Barbara
- Rancho Cucamonga to Santa Barbara
- Santa Ynez to Santa Barbara