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Santa Barbara, CA, USA to Joshua Tree, CA, USA from $40: 6 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
Santa Barbara, United States of America
to
Joshua Tree, United States of America

How to Get from Santa Barbara to Joshua Tree: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way

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$40 - OtherBest price
314 kmDistance
3h 52m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Santa Barbara to Joshua Tree 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
FlixBus
Bus
Average Duration
6h  7m
Estimated price
$122-217
Recommended
Company
Various
Train
Average Duration
7h  11m
Estimated price
$108-288
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 314 km
Duration: 3h 52m

See more options

Company
Various
Bus
Average Duration
7h  11m
Estimated price
$0-0
Company
N/A
Drive
Average Duration
3h  52m
Estimated price
$40-60
Company
Various
Bus
Plane
Average Duration
5h  29m
Estimated price
$343-1220
Company
Various
Plane
Average Duration
5h  31m
Estimated price
$350-911
Browse car rentalsExplore flights

Traveling From Santa Barbara to Joshua Tree

Your journey from the coastal charm of Santa Barbara to the expansive desert landscapes of Joshua Tree offers a striking contrast between serene beach vibes and dramatic, rocky scenery.

Best Neighbourhoods in Joshua Tree

Joshua Tree features eclectic neighborhoods that reflect its artistic spirit.

Joshua Tree Village
• Home to quirky shops and local art galleries.
• Offers a vibrant dining scene with unique eateries.
Pioneertown
• Originally built as a movie set in the 1940s.
• Known for live music at the iconic Pappy & Harriet's.
JT National Park Area
• Closest access to stunning desert hikes and rock formations.
• Ideal for stargazing with minimal light pollution.

Best Times To Visit Joshua Tree's Attractions

Timing your visit can greatly enhance your experience in Joshua Tree.

Joshua Tree National Park
Early mornings or weekdays help you avoid the crowds and enjoy peaceful hikes.
Cholla Cactus Garden
Visit at sunrise for stunning views and fewer visitors amidst the cacti.
Keys View
Early evenings offer cooler temperatures and breathtaking sunset views over the Coachella Valley.

Joshua Tree Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Joshua Tree typically experiences a desert climate with hot summers and mild winters, making spring and fall the most pleasant times for exploration. Weather conditions can greatly influence your experience, with cooler temperatures ideal for daytime hikes and stargazing.

Dining Recommendation in Joshua Tree

For an unforgettable dining experience, try the lamb burger at Crossroads Café, which highlights bold flavors and local ingredients in a casual desert atmosphere. This meal stands in stark contrast to Santa Barbara's seafood-focused cuisine, providing a hearty taste of the high desert's culinary identity.

Santa Barbara - Joshua Tree operators

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

Bus Show bus routes
Contact phone
+1 (855) 626-8585
Website
flixbus.com

Bus from Santa Barbara Bus Stop to Los Angeles Downtown

Average Duration
2h 25m
Estimated price
$2883-1086

Bus from Los Angeles Union Station to Palm Springs North

Average Duration
2h 5m
Estimated price
$2884-1086
Contact phone
+1 214-849-8100
Website
greyhound.com

Bus from Los Angeles Union Station to Desert Hot Springs

Average Duration
3h
Estimated price
$2885-1086
Contact phone
+1 800-470-8818
Website
centralcoastshuttle.com

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

Average Duration
2h 35m
Estimated price
$60-1080
Train Show train routes
Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245
Website
amtrak.com

Train from Santa Barbara to Los Angeles

Average Duration
2h 56m
Estimated price
$2179-1080

Train from Los Angeles to Palm Springs Amtrak

Average Duration
2h 36m
Estimated price
$2179-1080
Plane Show flights

Plane from Santa Barbara (SBA) to Indio/Palm Springs (PSP)

Average Duration
6h 25m
Estimated price
$350-1226

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

Traveling between Santa Barbara and Joshua Tree 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 Santa Barbara to Joshua Tree, covering a distance of 223 miles in just under 4 hours. Enjoy the diverse landscapes of Southern California as you make your way towards the iconic desert destination. 💰 Experience the flexibility of pricing, with the cost of driving from Santa Barbara to Joshua Tree ranging between $40 to $60. Plan your budget accordingly and set out on a budget-friendly journey through the scenic highways and desert views.
Average price
$40 - $60
🚆 Embark on a scenic train journey from Santa Barbara to Joshua Tree, a ride that lasts approximately 7 hours and 11 minutes. As you travel through diverse landscapes, you'll have ample time to relax and enjoy the views. 🎟️ Ticket prices for the train ride from Santa Barbara to Joshua Tree typically range between $108 and $288, offering flexibility to suit different budgets. With comfortable seating and amenities onboard, the journey promises a smooth and pleasant travel experience.
🛫 Flying from Santa Barbara to Joshua Tree involves a connecting flight, with multiple airlines like Alaska, Southwest, American, and United offering options with a layover at Indio/Palm Springs Airport. The journey typically takes around 3 hours and 35 minutes. 🌵 Upon reaching Indio/Palm Springs Airport, travelers can take additional transportation to reach Joshua Tree, extending the travel time to approximately 5 hours and 31 minutes. The desert landscapes and unique rock formations of Joshua Tree National Park await eager visitors at the conclusion of the flight. 💸 Prices for flights between Santa Barbara and Joshua Tree can range from $350 to $911, depending on factors such as booking time, airline, and availability. Planning ahead and comparing options can help secure the best deals for this aerial journey to the serene desert oasis.
Departure Point
Santa Barbara Airport
Arrival Point
Indio/Palm Springs Airport. The quickest flight takes 3h 35m and has one stopover
🚌 The journey from Santa Barbara to Joshua Tree by bus takes around 6 hours and 7 minutes. Enjoy the scenic ride through beautiful California landscapes during the trip. 💸 Prices for a bus ticket from Joshua Tree to Santa Barbara can vary from $122 to $217.

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from Santa Barbara to Joshua Tree.

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The distance between Santa Barbara and Joshua Tree is approximately 195 miles by car. This journey takes around 3 hours and 52 minutes. If you prefer taking a bus, the travel time is around 5 hours and 57 minutes. For a faster option, you can fly from Santa Barbara to Joshua Tree in approximately 5 hours and 2 minutes. Alternatively, taking a combination of bus and train can take around 7 hours and 11 minutes.
The most cost-effective and time-efficient transportation option for traveling from Santa Barbara to Joshua Tree is by driving. It takes approximately 3 hours and 52 minutes and costs around $40 to $60. This is both the cheapest and quickest way to reach your destination. Other modes of transportation such as trains, buses, and flights incur higher expenses and longer travel times.
The prices of a train ticket from Santa Barbara to Joshua Tree range from $108 to $288, depending on the class and fare type chosen. Similarly, the prices of a bus ticket from Joshua Tree to Santa Barbara range from $121 to $216. It is important to check the specific dates and booking options to get the most accurate and up-to-date prices for your travel.
To get from Santa Barbara to Joshua Tree without using public transportation, you can opt to drive. The distance between the two cities is approximately 223 miles, and it takes about 3 hours and 52 minutes to drive. The cost of driving can vary, but it typically ranges from $40 to $60, depending on factors such as fuel consumption and toll fees.
To travel from Santa Barbara to Joshua Tree without a car, the best option is to take a bus. The bus journey takes approximately 5 hours and 57 minutes and costs between $120 and $220. Alternatively, you can also consider taking a train, which takes around 7 hours and 11 minutes and costs between $100 and $290. Another option is to fly, which takes about 5 hours and 2 minutes and costs between $370 and $1100. These transportation options provide convenient ways to reach Joshua Tree from Santa Barbara without having to rely on a car.
The flight between Santa Barbara and Joshua Tree typically takes around 3 hours and 6 minutes with one stopover. However, there is no direct flight available between Santa Barbara Airport and Indio/Palm Springs Airport, so travelers will need to make a connecting flight. The cost of a flight between Joshua Tree and Santa Barbara can vary, ranging from $370 to $1011. It is recommended to compare prices and book in advance for the best deals.
There are numerous accommodation options near Joshua Tree. There are over 491 hotels available in the area, offering a range of prices starting from $54 and going up depending on the amenities and location. Some popular options include Joshua Tree Inn, Harmony Motel, and Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott. It is recommended to book in advance to secure the best rates and availability for your stay.

Trips from Santa Barbara

Trips to Joshua Tree