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Santa Barbara, CA, USA to Pismo Beach, CA, USA from $17: 4 ways by bus, train, flight or car

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from
Santa Barbara, United States of America
to
Pismo Beach, United States of America

How to Get from Santa Barbara to Pismo Beach: 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.

$17 by carBest price
151 kmDistance
1h 37m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Santa Barbara to Pismo Beach 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 Thruway Connecting Service
Bus
Average Duration
2h  53m
Estimated price
$0-0
Recommended
Company
Pacific Surfliner
Train
Average Duration
3h  12m
Estimated price
$5-81
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 151 km
Duration: 1h 37m

See more options

Company
Amtrak Thruway Connecting Service
Bus
Average Duration
2h  57m
Estimated price
$0-0
Company
various
Drive
Average Duration
1h  37m
Estimated price
$17-25
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Traveling From Santa Barbara to Pismo Beach

The drive from Santa Barbara to Pismo Beach offers a delightful shift from the vibrant coastal charm of Santa Barbara to the relaxed, sandy shores of Pismo, revealing the distinct beauty of California's Central Coast.

Best Neighbourhoods in Pismo Beach

Pismo Beach offers diverse neighborhoods, each with its own charm and attractions.

Downtown Pismo Beach
• Walkable access to shops, restaurants, and beach activities.
• Home to local events and vibrant nightlife.
Shell Beach
• Quiet, residential area with scenic coastal views.
• Great for beachcombing and relaxing without crowds.
Pismo Heights
• Elevated views of the coastline and dramatic sunsets.
• Peaceful neighborhood near hiking trails and parks.

Best Times To Visit Pismo Beach's Attractions

Maximize your enjoyment of Pismo Beach by timing your visits right.

Pismo Beach Pier
Visit early in the morning for stunning sunrises and fewer crowds.
Monarch Butterfly Grove
Explore from late October to February to see thousands of butterflies.
Oceano Dunes
Go on weekdays or during off-peak seasons for a quieter experience.

Pismo Beach Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Pismo Beach enjoys a Mediterranean climate with mild temperatures year-round, making it a pleasant destination for most travelers. The best times to visit are in the spring and fall when the weather is comfortable and crowds are smaller, allowing for a more enjoyable experience at the beach and nearby attractions.

Dining Recommendation

Visit Splash Café for their iconic clam chowder served in a freshly baked sourdough bread bowl, providing a rustic and hearty meal that contrasts with the more refined dining options in Santa Barbara. The casual beachfront atmosphere and focus on fresh, local seafood create a relaxed, authentic experience that captures the essence of coastal living.

Santa Barbara - Pismo Beach operators

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

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

Bus from Santa Barbara Amtrak Station to Grover Beach

Average Duration
1h 50m
Estimated price
$0-0

Bus from Santa Barbara to Grover Beach Amtrak

Average Duration
2h 53m
Estimated price
$0-0

Bus from Santa Barbara to Grover Beach Amtrak

Average Duration
1h 54m
Estimated price
$0-0
Train Show train routes
Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245
Website
https://www.amtrak.com/home.html

Train from Santa Barbara to Grover Beach Amtrak

Average Duration
2h 10m
Estimated price
$4-80

Train from Santa Barbara to Pismo Beach

Average Duration
3h 12m
Estimated price
$5-85

Santa Barbara to Pismo Beach: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips

Traveling between Santa Barbara and Pismo Beach 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 Pismo Beach to cover 94 miles of stunning coastal beauty in just 1 hour and 37 minutes. 💸 Prices for this delightful journey range from $17 to $25, offering a budget-friendly option to explore the Central California coastline at your own pace.
Average price
$17 - $25
🚂 Hop on a train from Santa Barbara to Pismo Beach for a scenic 3-hour and 12-minute journey along the California coast. 💰 Ticket prices for the train ride between Santa Barbara and Pismo Beach can range from $5 to $81, depending on the class and availability. Consider booking in advance to secure the best deals.
🚌 Starting from Santa Barbara Amtrak Station, the bus journey to Pismo Beach involves a transfer along the way. The total travel time, including transfers, is approximately 2 hours and 53 minutes. 🌊 The first leg of the trip takes passengers towards San Jose on a bus operated by AmericanStar. This segment lasts about 1 hour and 25 minutes, covering a distance of 78.6 miles from Santa Barbara to Santa Maria Amtrak Bus Stop. 🌴 The second step of the journey entails boarding a bus towards Government Center, operated by SoCo Transit. This leg of the trip takes around 39 minutes and concludes at Pismo Beach Premium Outlets, providing passengers with a convenient and scenic route to their destination.
Departure Point
Santa Barbara Amtrak Station
Arrival Point
Grover Beach station

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from Santa Barbara to Pismo Beach.

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The distance between Santa Barbara and Pismo Beach is approximately 74 miles by road. The typical travel times vary depending on the mode of transportation. By train, it takes around 3 hours and 12 minutes to reach Pismo Beach from Santa Barbara. By car, the journey can be completed in about 1 hour and 37 minutes from Pismo Beach to Santa Barbara. Finally, by bus, it takes approximately 2 hours and 53 minutes to travel from Santa Barbara to Pismo Beach.
The most cost-effective and time-efficient transportation option for traveling from Santa Barbara to Pismo Beach is to drive. It takes about 1 hour and 37 minutes to reach Pismo Beach from Santa Barbara by car. This option is both quick and affordable, with costs ranging from $17 to $25. Other modes of transportation such as train and bus may take longer and may not be as convenient in terms of time and cost.
The prices for a train ticket from Santa Barbara to Pismo Beach can vary between $5 and $81. The price range may depend on factors such as the class of travel, the time of booking, and any promotions or discounts available. It is advisable to check with the train service provider for the most accurate and up-to-date pricing information.
To get from Santa Barbara to Pismo Beach without using public transportation, your best option is to drive. The driving distance between the two cities is approximately 94 miles, and it takes around 1 hour and 37 minutes to complete the journey by car. Depending on the specific vehicle and current gas prices, the cost of the trip can vary from $17 to $25.
To travel from Santa Barbara to Pismo Beach without a car, the best option is to take a bus. The bus journey takes approximately 2 hours and 53 minutes. There are regular bus services available between the two cities, offering a convenient and cost-effective means of transportation. Buses provide a comfortable way to travel, allowing you to enjoy the scenic beauty of the California coastline while en route to Pismo Beach.
Yes, there is a direct link between Santa Barbara and Pismo Beach. Although there is no direct bus route, there is a bus service operated by Amtrak that departs from Santa Barbara station and arrives at Grover Beach Amtrak station, with a journey time of approximately 2 hours and 53 minutes. Transfers may be required during the journey. Alternatively, it takes approximately 1 hour and 37 minutes to drive from Santa Barbara to Pismo Beach by car.
There are several options for accommodations near Pismo Beach. There are currently 162+ hotels available in the area, offering a range of prices starting at $45 per night. Some popular hotel options in Pismo Beach include The Cliffs Resort, Dolphin Bay Resort & Spa, and SeaVenture Beach Hotel. These hotels offer comfortable rooms and amenities, and are conveniently located near the beach and other attractions in the area.

Trips from Santa Barbara