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San Marcos, CA, USA to Santa Barbara, CA, USA from $10: 7 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
San Marcos, United States of America
to
Santa Barbara, United States of America

How to Get from San Marcos 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.

$10 by trainBest price
275 kmDistance
3h 20m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from San Marcos 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
Amtrak
Train
Average Duration
6h  40m
Estimated price
$10-106
Recommended
Company
Amtrak
Train
Average Duration
6h  40m
Estimated price
$10-110
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 275 km
Duration: 3h 20m

See more options

Company
Greyhound/FlixBus
Bus
Average Duration
7h  45m
Estimated price
$22-105
Company
various
Drive
Average Duration
3h  20m
Estimated price
$35-55
Company
Amtrak Thruway Connecting Service
Bus
Bus
Average Duration
7h  47m
Estimated price
$100-110
Company
various
Train
Plane
Average Duration
7h  41m
Estimated price
$138-628
Company
various
Train
Plane
Average Duration
7h  27m
Estimated price
$235-536
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Traveling From San Marcos to Santa Barbara

The journey from San Marcos to Santa Barbara offers a fascinating shift from the relaxed vibe of a small town to the vibrant coastal culture of a bustling beach city.

Best Neighbourhoods in Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara boasts diverse neighborhoods that cater to a variety of tastes.

Funk Zone
• Known for its vibrant art scene and murals.
• Popular for trendy cafes and wine tasting rooms.
State Street
• Heart of shopping with local boutiques and eateries.
• Frequent events and street performances draw crowds.
West Beach
• Offers stunning ocean views and sandy beaches.
• Close proximity to the Santa Barbara Harbor.

Best Times To Visit Santa Barbara's Attractions

Timing your visit can greatly enhance your experience in Santa Barbara's attractions.

Santa Barbara Mission
Visit early in the morning to enjoy quieter surroundings and beautiful light.
Stearns Wharf
Late afternoon offers fewer crowds and stunning sunset views over the ocean.
Santa Barbara Botanic Garden
Weekdays are ideal for a tranquil stroll among diverse plant life.

Santa Barbara Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Santa Barbara enjoys a Mediterranean climate with mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers, making it a pleasant destination year-round. Visiting in spring or fall often provides comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds, enhancing your overall travel experience.

Dining Recommendation in Santa Barbara

Try the fresh seafood at The Boathouse at Hendry's Beach, where you can indulge in dishes like the grilled octopus served with locally-sourced vegetables. This dining experience contrasts with San Marcos by offering ocean views and a menu inspired by the rich flavors of Southern California, elevating your meal with an inviting coastal atmosphere.

San Marcos - Santa Barbara operators

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

Train Show train routes
Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245
Website
https://www.amtrak.com/home.html

Train from Oceanside to Santa Barbara

Average Duration
6h 40m
Estimated price
10-110

Train from Oceanside to San Diego Old Town Transportation Center

Average Duration
45m
Estimated price
10-35

Train from Oceanside to Los Angeles

Average Duration
2h
Estimated price
22-55
Bus Show bus routes
Contact phone
+1 214-849-8100
Website
https://www.greyhound.com/

Bus from Oceanside Transportation Center to Los Angeles Union Station

Average Duration
2h
Estimated price
55-35

Bus from Los Angeles Union Station to Santa Barbara Bus Stop

Average Duration
2h 20m
Estimated price
10-351
Contact phone
+1 (855) 626-8585
Website
https://www.flixbus.com/

Bus from Oceanside Transportation Center to Los Angeles Union Station

Average Duration
2h 25m
Estimated price
554-353

Bus from Los Angeles Union Station to Santa Barbara Bus Stop

Average Duration
2h 20m
Estimated price
10-351
Plane Show flights
Website
https://www.united.com/

Plane from San Diego (SAN) to Santa Barbara (SBA)

Average Duration
4h 6m
Estimated price
102-550
Website
https://www.southwest.com/

Plane from San Diego (SAN) to Santa Barbara (SBA)

Average Duration
4h 26m
Estimated price
107-108
Website
https://www.aa.com/

Plane from San Diego (SAN) to Santa Barbara (SBA)

Average Duration
6h 2m
Estimated price
103-104
Website
https://www.delta.com/

Plane from San Diego (SAN) to Santa Barbara (SBA)

Average Duration
6h 3m
Estimated price
223-224

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

Traveling between San Marcos 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 San Marcos to Santa Barbara, covering a distance of 196 miles. Enjoy the journey through beautiful Californian landscapes along the way. 💰 Explore flexible pricing options ranging from $35 to $55 for a convenient car ride to Santa Barbara from San Marcos. Choose the best deal that suits your budget and travel preferences. 🏖️ Arrive in Santa Barbara after approximately 3 hours and 20 minutes of driving, ready to discover the charming coastal city known for its stunning beaches, Spanish architecture, and vibrant cultural scene.
Average price
$35 - $55
🚂 Traveling from San Marcos to Santa Barbara by train is a scenic journey with a transfer in Oceanside. While there isn't a direct route, the trip takes approximately 6 hours and 40 minutes. 🎫 Prices for the train ride between San Marcos and Santa Barbara can range from $10 to $106, depending on the ticket class and availability.
Departure Point
Oceanside station
Arrival Point
Santa Barbara station
🛫 Flying from San Marcos to Santa Barbara typically involves a journey with one stopover. The quickest flight option takes approximately 2 hours and 49 minutes to reach Santa Barbara Airport from San Diego Airport.
Departure Point
San Diego Airport
Arrival Point
Santa Barbara Airport. The quickest flight takes 2h 49m and has one stopover
🚌 Although there is no direct bus from San Marcos to Santa Barbara, travelers can take a route with transfers via Vista Transit Center, Oceanside Transportation Center, and Los Angeles Union Station. The journey duration, including transfers, is approximately 7 hours and 45 minutes. 💰 The prices for bus tickets between Santa Barbara and San Marcos range from $22 to $105, providing affordable transportation options for those looking to travel between these two beautiful Californian cities.
Departure Point
Oceanside Transportation Center station
Arrival Point
Santa Barbara Bus Stop station

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from San Marcos to Santa Barbara.

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The distance between San Marcos and Santa Barbara is approximately 171 miles by road. By train, it takes around 6 hours and 40 minutes to reach Santa Barbara from San Marcos. Another option is taking a train and then flying, which takes approximately 7 hours and 45 minutes. If traveling by car, it typically takes 3 hours and 20 minutes to reach San Marcos from Santa Barbara. Lastly, by bus, it takes around 7 hours and 40 minutes to travel from San Marcos to Santa Barbara.
The most cost-effective option for traveling from San Marcos to Santa Barbara is by train, with ticket prices ranging from $10 to $110. The train journey takes 6 hours and 40 minutes. However, for a quicker option, driving is the most time-efficient choice as it takes only 3 hours and 20 minutes and costs between $35 and $55 for fuel.
The prices for traveling by train from San Marcos to Santa Barbara range from $10 to $106, depending on the class and type of train. Alternatively, the prices for traveling by bus from Santa Barbara to San Marcos vary from $22 to $105, depending on the bus company and ticket type. These prices can fluctuate depending on factors such as travel dates, time of booking, and availability, so it is advisable to check with the respective transportation providers for accurate and up-to-date pricing information.
To get from San Marcos to Santa Barbara without using public transportation, you can drive. The distance is approximately 196 miles, and it takes around 3 hours and 20 minutes to drive between the two cities. The average cost of driving from San Marcos to Santa Barbara by car is around $35 to $55, depending on factors such as gas prices and toll fees.
The best way to travel from San Marcos to Santa Barbara without a car is by train. The journey takes approximately 6 hours and 40 minutes and ticket prices range from $10 to $110. Taking the train allows you to relax and enjoy the scenic views along the way. There are no direct flight or bus options available for this route without a car.
There is no direct train or bus link between San Marcos and Santa Barbara. However, you can take a train from San Marcos Civic Center Station to Santa Barbara via Oceanside, which takes approximately 6h 40m. Alternatively, you can take a bus from San Marcos via Vista Transit Center Stall 4, Oceanside Bus Stop, and Los Angeles Union Station to Santa Barbara, which takes approximately 7h 40m. Both options require transfers and have longer travel times compared to driving, which takes around 3h 20m.
The flight between San Marcos and Santa Barbara typically takes around 2 hours and 53 minutes with one stopover. The cost of the flight can vary depending on the airline and time of booking, but it is generally affordable for domestic flights within the United States. It is recommended to check with different airlines and use flight comparison websites to find the best deals and prices for this route.
There are plenty of accommodation options available near Santa Barbara. With over 148 hotels to choose from, you can find something to suit every budget and preference. Prices for hotels in Santa Barbara start at around $57 per night. Whether you are looking for luxury resorts, boutique hotels, or budget-friendly options, there are plenty of choices available for your stay near Santa Barbara.

Trips to Santa Barbara