San Francisco, CA, USA to Santa Barbara, CA, USA from $29: 9 ways by bus, train, flight or car
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How to Get from San Francisco to Santa Barbara: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way
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$29 by busBest price
448.4 kmDistance
3h 52m Fastest
Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options
Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from San Francisco 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 San Francisco to Santa Barbara
Experience the vibrant urban life of San Francisco, complete with its iconic landmarks and cultural diversity, and then immerse yourself in the laid-back coastal charm of Santa Barbara, where sun-soaked beaches and Spanish architecture await.
Best Neighbourhoods in Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara’s neighborhoods offer diverse atmospheres and experiences that captivate travelers.
Funk Zone
• Known for its vibrant art scene.
• Home to trendy wine tasting rooms.
Historic District
• Features stunning Spanish Mission architecture.
• Close to shopping and dining options.
West Beach
• Offers beautiful ocean views and sandy shores.
• Perfect for beach activities and relaxation.
Best Times To Visit Santa Barbara's Attractions
Planning your visit to Santa Barbara's attractions can elevate your experience.
Santa Barbara Zoo
Visit early in the morning when animals are most active and crowds are minimal.
Stearns Wharf
Enjoy late afternoon visits for stunning sunset views and fewer tourists.
Santa Barbara Botanic Garden
Explore during weekdays in spring for beautiful blooms and tranquility.
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 throughout the year. Optimal times to visit are spring and fall, when temperatures are comfortable and crowds are lighter, enhancing your overall travel experience.
Dining in Santa Barbara: A Local Delight
For a taste of Santa Barbara's coastal bounty, try the fresh fish tacos at La Super Rica, where the vibrant flavors and casual outdoor setting contrast beautifully with the upscale dining scene in San Francisco. This experience highlights the joy of fresh, local ingredients surrounded by the relaxed ambiance of Southern California, allowing you to savor the essence of coastal life.
San Francisco - Santa Barbara operators
Explore transport companies operating between San Francisco and Santa Barbara, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.
Contact phone
+1 (855) 626-8585Website
flixbus.com
Bus from San Francisco to Santa Barbara Bus Stop
Average Duration
6h 40mEstimated price
$29-100Contact phone
+1 800-660-4287Website
caltrain.com
Train from San Francisco Caltrain to San Jose Diridon
Average Duration
1h 41mEstimated price
$9-12Train from San Jose to Santa Barbara
Average Duration
7h 46mEstimated price
$13-140Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245Website
amtrak.com
Train from Burbank Amtrak to Santa Barbara
Average Duration
2h 16mEstimated price
$3-75Train from San Jose to Santa Barbara
Average Duration
6h 45mEstimated price
$0-0Train from San Jose to Santa Barbara
Average Duration
6h 45mEstimated price
$0-0Website
united.com
Plane from San Francisco (SFO) to Santa Barbara (SBA)
Average Duration
1h 21mEstimated price
$120-380Website
southwest.com
Plane from Oakland (OAK) to Santa Barbara (SBA)
Average Duration
1h 11mEstimated price
$110-400Website
spirit.com
Plane from Oakland (OAK) to Burbank (BUR)
Average Duration
1h 11mEstimated price
$80-430Website
delta.com
Plane from Oakland (OAK) to Los Angeles (LAX)
Average Duration
1h 27mEstimated price
$110-420San Francisco to Santa Barbara: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips
Traveling between San Francisco 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 San Francisco to Santa Barbara, spanning 339 miles of stunning California coastline.
💸 Enjoy the flexibility of pricing options ranging from $60 to $90 for a journey full of diverse landscapes and vibrant cities.
🏖️ In just under 6 hours, you'll find yourself in Santa Barbara, ready to explore its charming beachfront, Spanish architecture, and vineyard-dotted hillsides.
Average price
$60 - $90
🚆 Departing from San Francisco Caltrain Southbound, travelers can embark on a scenic 10-hour train journey towards Santa Barbara. With a transfer in San Jose, the total travel time is approximately 10 hours and 27 minutes.
🌊 The route spans 367 miles, offering passengers a glimpse of California's diverse landscapes along the way. The train services, operated by Caltrain and Amtrak, ensure a comfortable and enjoyable travel experience.
💰 Ticket prices for the train between San Francisco and Santa Barbara range from $23 to $152, providing an affordable transportation option for those looking to explore the coastal beauty of Santa Barbara from the vibrant city of San Francisco.
Departure Point
San Francisco Caltrain Southbound station
Arrival Point
Santa Barbara station
Useful tips for train travellers
• On your train trip from San Francisco to Santa Barbara, you may choose Amtrak as your operator. They offer several onboard services, including a Café Car where you can purchase snacks, beverages, and light meals. Their menu includes sandwiches, salads, and a variety of coffee and tea options, making it convenient to enjoy a meal while watching the scenic views of California.
• Amtrak provides a few seating options on this route: Business Class, which offers more spacious seating and complimentary drinks, and Economy Class, which is the more budget-friendly option. If you're looking for extra comfort, consider upgrading to Business Class for a quieter environment and more legroom.
• After arriving at the Santa Barbara train station, expect to find amenities like restrooms and snack options onsite. However, luggage storage services are not available at the station. To get to the city center, you can take the MTD Bus Line 15 (Destination: Santa Barbara SBCC), which runs frequently and will take you directly from the station to downtown Santa Barbara in about 15 minutes.
🛫 Flying from San Francisco to Santa Barbara is convenient with the direct flight offered by United Airlines, taking just 1 hour and 19 minutes to reach your destination.
💸 Ticket prices for this route typically range from $158 to $365, offering travelers flexibility in finding a fare that best fits their budget for a quick and easy journey to Southern California.
Departure Point
San Francisco Airport
Arrival Point
Santa Barbara Airport
🚌 Traveling from San Francisco to Santa Barbara by bus takes approximately 6 hours and 40 minutes with one direct daily service operated by Flixbus USA.
🛣️ The journey covers a distance of 297 miles, and tickets for the bus between Santa Barbara and San Francisco can cost between $29 to $100 depending on availability and booking time.
Departure Point
San Francisco station
Arrival Point
Santa Barbara Bus Stop station
Useful tips for bus travellers
• Prior to your trip from San Francisco to Santa Barbara, check Flixbus's official site for the latest schedule and availability, as buses only run once daily; you can view schedules here: flixbus.com
• Bring snacks and drinks for the 6h 40m journey; while the direct bus may not have extensive food services, there are some rest stops where you can use restrooms and stretch your legs.
• Upon arriving at the Santa Barbara Bus Stop, familiarize yourself with its layout using this map: santabarbaraca.gov and consider utilizing local transit options like MTD for easy access to your final destination (sbmtd.gov).
Frequently asked questions
Find out more about the route from San Francisco to Santa Barbara.
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The distance between San Francisco and Santa Barbara is approximately 279 miles. The typical travel times vary depending on the mode of transportation. It takes around 10 hours and 26 minutes to reach Santa Barbara from San Francisco by train. Alternatively, taking a flight can take around 3 hours and 52 minutes. Driving by car usually takes about 5 hours and 46 minutes, while taking a bus may take around 7 hours and 15 minutes.
The most cost-effective option for traveling from San Francisco to Santa Barbara is by bus, which costs around $29-$100 and takes approximately 7 hours and 15 minutes. However, if time efficiency is a priority, flying is the quickest option. It takes about 3 hours and 52 minutes to fly from San Francisco to Santa Barbara, with prices ranging from $160-$370.
The prices for a train ticket between San Francisco and Santa Barbara range from $23 to $152, depending on the class and type of ticket. On the other hand, the prices for a bus ticket between Santa Barbara and San Francisco vary from $29 to $100. These prices may vary based on factors such as time of booking, seat availability, and type of bus service chosen. It is recommended to check with the respective train or bus company for the most accurate and up-to-date pricing information.
To travel from San Francisco to Santa Barbara without using public transportation, you can opt to drive. The road distance between the two cities is approximately 339 miles, and the journey takes around 5 hours and 46 minutes. You can rent a car or use your own vehicle to enjoy the scenic coastal drive along Highway 1 or take the faster route via Highway 101. The cost of renting a car for this trip typically ranges from $60 to $90, depending on the rental agency and vehicle type.
To travel from San Francisco to Santa Barbara without a car, you have several options. The best option is to take a bus, which takes approximately 7 hours and 15 minutes and costs between $29 and $100. Another option is to fly, which takes around 3 hours and 52 minutes and costs between $160 and $370. If you prefer, you can also take the Caltrain and train, which takes about 10 hours and 26 minutes and costs between $22 and $160.
Yes, there is a direct link between San Francisco and Santa Barbara. Although there is no direct train service, you can take a train from San Francisco Caltrain to Santa Barbara via San Jose, which takes approximately 10 hours and 26 minutes. Alternatively, you can take a direct bus from San Francisco to Santa Barbara, which operates twice daily and takes approximately 7 hours and 15 minutes.
The flight between San Francisco and Santa Barbara typically takes 1 hour and 13 minutes. The cost of the flight can range from $168 to $365, depending on factors such as the airline, time of booking, and availability. It's recommended to compare prices and book in advance to secure the best deals for your flight.
There are a wide range of accommodation options available near Santa Barbara. With over 148 hotels to choose from, there is something to suit every budget and preference. Prices for hotels in the area start at $57 per night. Whether you are looking for a luxurious resort, a charming boutique hotel, or a budget-friendly motel, there are plenty of options to choose from when staying near Santa Barbara.
Trips from San Francisco
- San Francisco to Las Vegas
- San Francisco to San Jose
- San Francisco to Portland
- San Francisco to Los Angeles
- San Francisco to Sonoma
- San Francisco to San Diego
- San Francisco to Fresno
- San Francisco to Bakersfield
- San Francisco to Seattle
- San Francisco to Tiburon
- San Francisco to Monterey
- San Francisco to Mendocino
- San Francisco to Mexico City
- San Francisco to Napa
- San Francisco to Fairbanks
- San Francisco to Santa Rosa
- San Francisco to Sacramento
- San Francisco to Miami
- San Francisco to Anchorage
- San Francisco to Atlanta
- San Francisco to Oaxaca
- San Francisco to Houston
- San Francisco to Oakland
- San Francisco to Santa Clara
- San Francisco to Lake Tahoe
- San Francisco to Sequoia National Park
- San Francisco to Yosemite National Park
- San Francisco to Tahiti
- San Francisco to TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS
- San Francisco to Phuket
- San Francisco to Seoul
- San Francisco to Dallas
- San Francisco to Tulum
- San Francisco to Kalamazoo
- San Francisco to Edinburgh
- San Francisco to Venice
- San Francisco to Paris
- San Francisco to Florence
- San Francisco to Vienna
- San Francisco to Wuhan
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 Luis Obispo to Santa Barbara
- Ventura to Santa Barbara
- Sacramento to Santa Barbara
- Oxnard to Santa Barbara
- Oakland 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