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Santa Barbara, CA, USA to Palo Alto, CA, USA from $18: 7 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
Santa Barbara, United States of America
to
Palo Alto, United States of America

How to Get from Santa Barbara to Palo Alto: 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.

$18 by trainBest price
404 kmDistance
3h 23m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Santa Barbara to Palo Alto 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
Plane
Train
Average Duration
3h  23m
Estimated price
$162-367
Recommended
Company
Amtrak
Train
Average Duration
8h  26m
Estimated price
$18-138
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 404 km
Duration: 3h 23m

See more options

Company
Amtrak
Bus
Average Duration
7h  26m
Estimated price
$0-0
Company
Flixbus USA
Bus
Average Duration
7h  9m
Estimated price
$27-1620
Company
various
Train
Plane
Average Duration
6h  27m
Estimated price
$111-446
Company
various
Bus
Plane
Average Duration
6h  13m
Estimated price
$123-355
Company
various
Drive
Average Duration
5h  16m
Estimated price
$1621-1622

Traveling From Santa Barbara to Palo Alto

Your journey between Santa Barbara's sun-kissed beaches and Palo Alto's tech-driven vibrancy showcases a dynamic shift in scenery and culture.

Best Neighbourhoods in Palo Alto

Palo Alto offers a mix of vibrant neighborhoods each with its charm.

Downtown Palo Alto
• Lively dining and shopping options abound.
• Cultural events and street fairs happen year-round.
Professorville
• Historic homes reflect early 20th-century architecture.
• Beautiful tree-lined streets invite leisurely strolls.
Stanford Research Park
• Home to many tech companies and startups.
• Scenic walking paths designed for outdoor enthusiasts.

Best Times To Visit Palo Alto's Attractions

Maximize your experience in Palo Alto by timing your visits right.

Stanford University
Visit early morning or late afternoon for fewer crowds and beautiful light.
Elizabeth F. Gamble Garden
Weekdays offer a quieter experience with fewer visitors to enjoy the blooms.
Palo Alto Baylands Nature Preserve
Sunrise and sunset provide excellent birdwatching opportunities and scenic views.

Palo Alto Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Palo Alto enjoys a Mediterranean climate with mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers, making it an appealing destination year-round. Spring and fall present ideal weather for outdoor activities, while summer can get hot, influencing your plans for exploration.

Dining Recommendation in Palo Alto

Try the wood-fired pizzas at Pizzaiolo, where the inviting ambiance and artisanal craft elevate your dining experience. This contrasts with Santa Barbara's fresh seafood focus, as the diverse flavor profiles and emphasis on local, seasonal ingredients offer a distinct culinary adventure.

Santa Barbara - Palo Alto operators

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

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

Bus from Santa Barbara Bus Stop to San Jose Downtown

Average Duration
5h 30m
Estimated price
$1628-1629
Train
Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245
Website
amtrak.com

Train from Santa Barbara to San Jose

Average Duration
7h 25m
Estimated price
$3670-1627

Train from Santa Barbara to Burbank

Average Duration
2h 26m
Estimated price
$181-36795
Contact phone
+1 800-660-4287
Website
caltrain.com

Train from Millbrae Caltrain to Palo Alto Caltrain

Average Duration
36m
Estimated price
$3678-3679
Plane
Website
united.com

Plane from Santa Barbara (SBA) to San Francisco (SFO)

Average Duration
1h 17m
Estimated price
$3676-3677
Other Show other routes
Contact phone
+1 800-470-8818
Website
centralcoastshuttle.com

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

Average Duration
2h 35m
Estimated price
$187-3674

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from Santa Barbara to Palo Alto.

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The distance between Santa Barbara and Palo Alto is approximately 251 miles by air. By train, it takes about 8 hours and 26 minutes to travel between the two cities. If you choose to fly from Santa Barbara to San Francisco and then take the Caltrain, the journey typically takes around 3 hours and 23 minutes. Driving by car can take about 5 hours and 16 minutes, while taking a bus usually takes around 7 hours and 3 minutes.
The most cost-effective way to travel from Santa Barbara to Palo Alto is by bus, which costs between $26 and $95 and takes approximately 7 hours and 3 minutes. However, if time efficiency is prioritized, the quickest option is to fly from Santa Barbara to San Francisco and then take the Caltrain, which takes around 3 hours and 23 minutes and costs between $170 and $370. These options provide travelers with different trade-offs between cost and time.
When traveling from Santa Barbara to Palo Alto the prices for a train ticket can range from $18 to $138. On the other hand, bus ticket prices for the journey from Palo Alto to Santa Barbara can vary from $27 to $91. These prices are subject to change and may also depend on factors such as travel dates and availability.
To travel from Santa Barbara to Palo Alto without public transportation, you can drive the 308-mile distance, which takes around 5 hours and 16 minutes. You have the flexibility of choosing your own route and making stops along the way. The cost of the trip by car ranges from $55 to $85, depending on factors such as gas prices and toll fees.
The most convenient way to travel from Santa Barbara to Palo Alto without a car is by taking a bus. The journey usually takes around 7 hours and 3 minutes. The cost of the bus ticket can range from $26 to $95 depending on the bus company and the type of ticket. Bus services are a reliable and affordable option for those without access to a car.
There is no direct train or bus link between Santa Barbara and Palo Alto. However, there are options available with transfers. The train journey takes approximately 8 hours and 26 minutes, with transfers in San Jose. The bus journey takes around 7 hours and 3 minutes, with transfers in San Carlos and Santa Clara.
The flight from Santa Barbara to Palo Alto typically takes 1 hour and 11 minutes. The quickest way to reach Palo Alto is by taking a direct flight from Santa Barbara Airport to San Francisco Airport. The cost of the flight can vary depending on factors such as the time of booking and availability, so it is recommended to check with airlines for specific pricing information.
There are plenty of options for accommodation near Palo Alto, with over 856 hotels available. Prices start at $64 per night, so there are options to suit different budgets. Some popular hotels in the area include The Clement Hotel, Four Seasons Hotel Silicon Valley, and Dinah's Garden Hotel. It is recommended to book in advance to ensure availability, as Palo Alto is a popular destination.

Trips from Santa Barbara