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Santa Barbara, CA, USA to Salinas, CA, USA from $10: 5 ways by bus, train, flight or car

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from
Santa Barbara, United States of America
to
Salinas, United States of America

How to Get from Santa Barbara to Salinas: 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
375 kmDistance
3h 56m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Santa Barbara to Salinas 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
Bus
Average Duration
5h  10m
Estimated price
$21-80
Recommended
Company
Amtrak
Train
Average Duration
5h  49m
Estimated price
$10-120
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 375 km
Duration: 3h 56m

See more options

Company
Various
Drive
Average Duration
3h  56m
Estimated price
$40-65
Company
Various
Plane
Train
Bus
Average Duration
6h  18m
Estimated price
$120-211
Company
Various
Bus
Plane
Average Duration
5h  16m
Estimated price
$223-531
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Traveling From Santa Barbara to Salinas

This journey takes you from the coastal charm of Santa Barbara, with its Mediterranean vibe and stunning beaches, to the agricultural heartland of Salinas, known for its rich farmland and vibrant cultural scene.

Best Neighbourhoods in Salinas

Salinas offers a variety of neighborhoods, each with its own charm.

Downtown Salinas
• Bustling with local shops and eateries.
• Features historic architecture and vibrant art galleries.
Oldtown Salinas
• Rich in history and cultural events.
• Known for its farmers' market and festivals.
North Salinas
• Family-friendly with parks and recreational areas.
• Offers easy access to regional attractions.

Best Times To Visit Salinas's Attractions

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

National Steinbeck Center
Visit during weekdays to enjoy fewer crowds and a more intimate experience.
Salinas Valley Farm
Early mornings in autumn offer a peaceful atmosphere and beautiful scenery.
Oldtown Salinas
Explore during local festivals in spring for vibrant culture and community events.

Salinas Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Salinas enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate with cool, wet winters and warm, dry summers, making it a pleasant destination year-round. Ideal visiting times are late spring and early fall, when you can enjoy outdoor activities without the summer heat.

Dining Recommendation in Salinas

Head to The Steinbeck House for a taste of home-cooked comfort food that showcases local produce, a stark contrast to the seafood-centric offerings in Santa Barbara. The cozy atmosphere, combined with dishes like hearty vegetable soups and fresh salads, reflects the region's agricultural roots and offers a warm, inviting dining experience.

Santa Barbara - Salinas operators

Explore transport companies operating between Santa Barbara and Salinas, 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 Salinas Amtrak Station

Average Duration
5h 10m
Estimated price
$21-80

Bus from San Jose to Salinas Amtrak Station

Average Duration
1h 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
$21-80
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
$65-80
Train Show train routes
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
$10-120
Plane Show flights
Website
united.com

Plane from Los Angeles (LAX) to Monterey (MRY)

Average Duration
1h 21m
Estimated price
$180-210

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

Average Duration
1h 17m
Estimated price
$120-211

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

Traveling between Santa Barbara and Salinas 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.

🚗 Starting your journey from beautiful Santa Barbara, your scenic road trip to Salinas spans 233 miles and offers breathtaking views along the Pacific Coast Highway. 💸 Depending on factors such as gas prices and vehicle efficiency, the cost of driving from Santa Barbara to Salinas typically ranges from $40 to $65, making it an affordable adventure. 🌊 Arriving in Salinas after a drive of approximately 3 hours and 56 minutes, you'll discover the charming town known for its agricultural heritage and welcoming atmosphere.
Average price
$40 - $65
🚆 Travel from Santa Barbara to Salinas by train is convenient and comfortable. With direct services departing twice daily, passengers can reach their destination in approximately 5 hours and 49 minutes. 💰 Ticket prices for the Santa Barbara to Salinas train route range from $10 to $120, offering a range of options to suit different budgets. Whether for leisure or business, the train journey provides a hassle-free and affordable way to travel between these two Californian cities.
Departure Point
Santa Barbara station
Arrival Point
Salinas station
✈️ Enjoy a short and comfortable flight duration of only 1 hour and 21 minutes, allowing you to reach your destination swiftly. Sit back, relax, and take in the scenic views as you fly from southern to central California.
Departure Point
Los Angeles Airport
Arrival Point
Monterey Airport
🚌 Traveling from Santa Barbara to Salinas by bus is a convenient option with a direct route from Santa Barbara Amtrak Station to Salinas Amtrak Station. The journey typically takes around 5 hours and 10 minutes. 🚌 Bus tickets for the Santa Barbara to Salinas route range in price from $21 to $80, offering affordable transportation for those looking to explore the scenic route between these two California cities.
Departure Point
Santa Barbara Amtrak Station
Arrival Point
Salinas Amtrak Station

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from Santa Barbara to Salinas.

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The distance between Santa Barbara and Salinas is 192 miles by road and 233 miles by car. Travel times vary depending on the mode of transportation. It takes approximately 5 hours and 49 minutes to reach Salinas from Santa Barbara by train, 6 hours and 5 minutes by flying to San Francisco and then taking Caltrain, and 6 hours and 49 minutes by plane. If you are driving, it takes about 3 hours and 56 minutes to travel from Salinas to Santa Barbara, and by bus, it takes around 5 hours and 10 minutes.
The most cost-effective option for traveling from Santa Barbara to Salinas is by train, which typically costs between $10 and $120 and takes approximately 5 hours and 49 minutes. However, if you are looking for the quickest option, driving is the way to go. It usually takes around 3 hours and 56 minutes and costs between $40 and $65 for fuel expenses.
The prices for traveling by train from Santa Barbara to Salinas range from $10 to $120, depending on factors such as the class of service and the time of booking. On the other hand, the prices for a bus journey between Salinas and Santa Barbara can vary from $21 to $80. It is recommended to check with the specific train or bus operator for accurate and up-to-date pricing information.
To get from Santa Barbara to Salinas without using public transportation, you can opt to drive. The distance between the two cities is approximately 233 miles, and it typically takes around 3 hours and 56 minutes by car. The cost of driving can vary, ranging from $40 to $65 depending on factors such as fuel prices and vehicle efficiency.
To travel from Santa Barbara to Salinas without a car, the best option is to take a bus. The bus journey takes approximately 5 hours and 10 minutes and costs between $21 and $80. Another alternative is to take a train, which takes about 5 hours and 49 minutes and costs between $10 and $120. If you prefer to fly, it is possible to take a flight which takes around 6 hours and 49 minutes and costs between $230 and $650.
Yes, there is a direct link between Santa Barbara and Salinas. You can take a direct train that departs from Santa Barbara and arrives at Salinas, with services operating twice daily. The journey by train takes approximately 5 hours and 49 minutes. Alternatively, there is also a direct bus that departs from Santa Barbara and arrives at Salinas, with services operating every four hours and taking approximately 5 hours and 10 minutes.
The flight between Santa Barbara and Salinas typically takes around 3 hours and 10 minutes with one stopover. However, there is no direct flight from Santa Barbara Airport to Monterey Airport, so a layover is required. The cost of a flight between Salinas and Santa Barbara can vary between $234 and $607, depending on the airline and booking time.
There are plenty of options for accommodation near Salinas. With over 163 hotels available, you have a wide range of choices. Prices start at $53, making it accessible for various budgets. Whether you're looking for a luxury hotel, a budget-friendly option, or something in between, you'll be able to find suitable accommodation near Salinas.

Trips from Santa Barbara