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Santa Barbara, CA, USA to Big Sur, CA, USA from $35: 9 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
Santa Barbara, United States of America
to
Big Sur, United States of America

How to Get from Santa Barbara to Big Sur: 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.

$35 by carBest price
343 kmDistance
3h 57m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Santa Barbara to Big Sur 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
Bus
Taxi
Average Duration
6h  11m
Estimated price
$162-256
Recommended
Company
various
Train
Taxi
Average Duration
6h  50m
Estimated price
$151-294
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 343 km
Duration: 3h 57m

See more options

Company
various
Bus
Average Duration
8h  2m
Estimated price
$0-0
Company
various
Plane
BART
Bus
Taxi
Average Duration
7h  7m
Estimated price
$0-0
Company
various
Drive
Average Duration
3h  57m
Estimated price
$35-60
Company
various
Bus
Plane
Average Duration
5h  39m
Estimated price
$268-586
Company
various
Plane
Drive
Average Duration
6h  18m
Estimated price
$285-1620
Company
various
Bus
Plane
Drive
Average Duration
7h  45m
Estimated price
$1621-1622
Company
various
Train
Plane
Drive
Average Duration
7h  59m
Estimated price
$1623-1624
Browse car rentalsExplore flights

Traveling From Santa Barbara to Big Sur

Your journey from the sun-kissed beaches of Santa Barbara to the dramatic coastal cliffs of Big Sur offers a striking contrast between laid-back charm and rugged wilderness.

Best Neighbourhoods in Big Sur

Big Sur's neighborhoods offer stunning views and diverse experiences for visitors.

Carmel Highlands
• Panoramic ocean views from cliffside homes.
• Access to rugged hiking trails nearby.
Big Sur Village
• Hub for local dining and shopping.
• Close to iconic landmarks like McWay Falls.
Gorda
• Quaint coastal village with a laid-back vibe.
• Perfect spot for whale watching in season.

Best Times To Visit Big Sur's Attractions

Timing your visit to Big Sur’s attractions can significantly enhance your experience.

McWay Falls
Visit early in the morning for fewer crowds and breathtaking sunrise views.
Pfeiffer Beach
Weekdays in late fall offer a tranquil atmosphere and stunning sunsets.
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
Spring provides blooming wildflowers and fewer visitors on the trails.

Big Sur Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Big Sur enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate, with cool, foggy summers and wetter winters; the best times to visit are late spring and early fall for clear skies and comfortable temperatures. Be mindful that weather conditions can change rapidly, impacting everything from hiking plans to coastal views.

Dining Recommendation in Big Sur

Try the abalone at Nepenthe, where the stunning ocean views complement the fresh, locally-sourced seafood—an experience that sets it apart from the more casual beachfront dining in Santa Barbara. Here, the flavors are bold and the atmosphere offers a rustic elegance, providing a taste of the unique coastal environment.

Santa Barbara - Big Sur operators

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

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

Train from Santa Barbara to Salinas

Average Duration
5h 49m
Estimated price
$1511-2567

Train from Santa Barbara to Burbank Amtrak

Average Duration
2h 26m
Estimated price
$2942-1517
Bus
Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245
Website
https://www.amtrak.com/home.html

Bus from Santa Barbara Amtrak Station to Salinas Amtrak Station

Average Duration
5h 10m
Estimated price
$0-0

Bus from Santa Barbara to Salinas

Average Duration
5h 15m
Estimated price
$0-0
Contact phone
+1 (855) 626-8585
Website
flixbus.com

Bus from Santa Barbara Bus Stop to Salinas Train Station

Average Duration
4h 20m
Estimated price
$352-2569
Shuttle
Contact phone
+1 800-470-8818
Website
centralcoastshuttle.com

Shuttle from Santa Barbara, CA to Los Angeles Airport, CA

Average Duration
2h 35m
Estimated price
$60-2569
Contact phone
+1 831-373-7777
Website
groometransportation.com

Shuttle from SFO - San Francisco Airport Domestic to Monterey - Calle Principal / Parking Garage

Average Duration
2h 25m
Estimated price
$0-0

Shuttle from San Jose International Airport to Monterey - Calle Principal / Parking Garage

Average Duration
1h 35m
Estimated price
$1628-2941
Taxi
Contact phone
+1 831-424-1234
Website
yellowcab1234.com

Taxi from Salinas Amtrak Station to Big Sur

Average Duration
1h 1m
Estimated price
$2561-2566
Contact phone
+1 831-422-7276

Taxi from Salinas Amtrak Station to Big Sur

Average Duration
1h 1m
Estimated price
$0-0
Plane
Website
aa.com

Plane from Los Angeles to San Jose

Average Duration
1h 18m
Estimated price
$2563-1510
Website
delta.com

Plane from Los Angeles to San Jose

Average Duration
1h 13m
Estimated price
$2565-2564
Website
united.com

Plane from Los Angeles to Monterey

Average Duration
1h 21m
Estimated price
$2566-600

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

Traveling between Santa Barbara and Big Sur 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 Santa Barbara to Big Sur, covering a distance of 213 miles in just under 4 hours. 🌊 Experience the breathtaking coastal views along Highway 1 as you make your way to this rugged and enchanting destination. ⛽️ Depending on your vehicle's fuel efficiency, the cost of gas for the journey ranges between $35 to $60 round trip. 🍃 Take advantage of stopovers in quaint coastal towns like Carmel-by-the-Sea and Monterey to explore charming boutiques and enjoy fresh seafood by the Pacific Ocean.
Average price
$35 - $60
🛫 The journey from Santa Barbara to Big Sur by plane involves taking a quick direct flight from Los Angeles Airport to Monterey Airport, which only lasts 1 hour and 21 minutes. United Airlines is the airline that offers flights on this route.
Departure Point
Los Angeles Airport
Arrival Point
Monterey Airport
🚌 Embark on a scenic bus journey from Santa Barbara to Big Sur, covering a distance of approximately 8 hours and 2 minutes.

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from Santa Barbara to Big Sur.

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The distance between Santa Barbara and Big Sur is approximately 176 miles or 213.2 miles by road. The travel time varies depending on the mode of transportation selected. By taking a bus and then a taxi, it typically takes 6 hours and 11 minutes to reach Big Sur from Santa Barbara. Alternatively, by plane, the travel time is around 5 hours. If driving by car, it takes approximately 3 hours and 57 minutes to travel from Big Sur to Santa Barbara.
The most cost-effective and time-efficient transportation option for traveling from Santa Barbara to Big Sur is by driving a personal vehicle. The road distance is approximately 213.2 miles and takes around 3 hours and 57 minutes. This option provides the flexibility to explore the scenic route and enjoy the beautiful coastal views. Additionally, driving allows for greater freedom to stop along the way and visit other attractions in the area.
To get from Santa Barbara to Big Sur without using public transportation, you can take a personal car or rent a car. The driving distance between the two places is approximately 213 miles, and it takes about 3 hours and 57 minutes to drive from Santa Barbara to Big Sur. The cost of getting from Santa Barbara to Big Sur by car can vary depending on factors such as gas prices and tolls, but it is typically between $35 and $60.
To travel from Santa Barbara to Big Sur without a car, the best option is to take a bus and then a taxi. This journey takes approximately 6 hours and 11 minutes and may cost between $160 and $260. Alternatively, you could also consider taking a flight from Santa Barbara to Big Sur, which takes around 5 hours and is a quicker option. However, please note that there are no direct flights between these two destinations, so you may have to make a layover depending on the airline you choose.
The flight duration from Santa Barbara to Big Sur varies depending on the number of stopovers, but the quickest flight with one stopover takes approximately 3 hours and 10 minutes. However, there are no direct flights available between Santa Barbara Airport and Monterey Airport in Big Sur. The cost of a flight between the two destinations typically ranges from $325 to $721, depending on the airline and the time of booking.
There are several hotel options available near Big Sur. There are at least 11 hotels in the area, offering a range of prices starting at $119 per night. Some popular options include the Ventana Big Sur, a luxurious resort with stunning ocean views, and the Ripplewood Resort, offering cozy cabins nestled in the Redwoods. The availability of hotels ensures that visitors can find accommodations that fit their preferences and budget near Big Sur.

Trips from Santa Barbara