Santa Barbara, CA, USA to San Francisco, CA, USA from $29: 9 ways by bus, train, flight or car
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How to Get from Santa Barbara to San Francisco: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way
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$29 by busBest price
278.7 kmDistance
2h 49m Fastest
Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options
Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Santa Barbara to San Francisco 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.
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Traveling From Santa Barbara to San Francisco
The journey from Santa Barbara to San Francisco offers a stunning contrast between the laid-back charm of coastal Southern California and the vibrant, bustling culture of Northern California's iconic city.
Best Neighborhoods in San Francisco
San Francisco boasts diverse neighborhoods, each with its own distinct character.
Mission District
• Vibrant street art and murals throughout the area.
• Renowned for its buzzing food scene and trendy cafes.
Haight-Ashbury
• Historic epicenter of the 1960s counterculture movement.
• Unique shops and vintage clothing stores line the streets.
Chinatown
• One of the largest and oldest Chinatowns in the U.S.
• Explore authentic restaurants and bustling markets.
Best Times To Visit San Francisco's Attractions
Timing your visit to San Francisco's attractions can greatly enhance your experience.
Golden Gate Bridge
Early mornings offer breathtaking views with fewer tourists and clear skies.
Alcatraz Island
Visit during off-peak hours, like mid-afternoon, for shorter wait times.
Fisherman's Wharf
Weekdays in the late morning are less crowded, perfect for exploring.
San Francisco Weather: What to Expect Year-Round
San Francisco features a mild, Mediterranean climate with cool summers and foggy winters, making layers a smart choice for your wardrobe. Visiting during the fall months offers pleasantly warm temperatures and fewer crowds, enhancing your overall travel experience.
Dining Recommendation in San Francisco
Don't miss out on trying the renowned sourdough bread paired with clam chowder at Fisherman’s Wharf; this dish captures the city's maritime heritage. The lively atmosphere and fresh, local seafood directly contrast with the more relaxed, farm-to-table dining scene in Santa Barbara, giving you a taste of San Francisco's rich culinary tradition.
Santa Barbara - San Francisco operators
Explore transport companies operating between Santa Barbara and San Francisco, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.
Website
united.com
Plane from Santa Barbara to San Francisco
Average Duration
1h 17mEstimated price
$120-380Website
southwest.com
Plane from Santa Barbara to San Francisco
Average Duration
2h 49mEstimated price
$158-362Contact phone
+1-800-872-7245Website
amtrak.com
Train from Santa Barbara to Oakland
Average Duration
8h 45mEstimated price
$15-140Train from Santa Barbara to Los Angeles
Average Duration
2h 26mEstimated price
$3-75Contact phone
+1-510-464-6000Website
bart.gov
Train from Coliseum to Civic Center / UN Plaza
Average Duration
24mEstimated price
$3-5Contact phone
+1-800-660-4287Website
caltrain.com
Train from San Jose Diridon to San Francisco
Average Duration
1h 39mEstimated price
$9-12Contact phone
+1 (855) 626-8585Website
flixbus.com
Bus from Santa Barbara Bus Stop to San Francisco
Average Duration
6h 35mEstimated price
$29-100Contact phone
+1-800-470-8818Website
centralcoastshuttle.com
Bus from Santa Barbara to Los Angeles Airport
Average Duration
2h 35mEstimated price
$60-80Santa Barbara to San Francisco: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips
Traveling between Santa Barbara and San Francisco 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 San Francisco, covering a distance of 339 miles in approximately 5 hours and 46 minutes. Wind your way along the picturesque California coastline, passing through charming towns and breathtaking ocean views.
💰 The cost of driving from Santa Barbara to San Francisco ranges between $60 to $90, offering budget-friendly travel options for those seeking adventure on the road. Enjoy the flexibility of a car journey, stopping at roadside diners or hidden gems along the route to make the most of your trip.
Average price
$60 - $90
🚂 Despite the lack of a direct train from Santa Barbara to San Francisco, travelers can still enjoy a scenic journey via train services operated by Amtrak. The total travel time, including transfers, is approximately 9 hours and 20 minutes.
💰 Ticket prices for the Santa Barbara to San Francisco train journey range from $17 to $144. For a more cost-effective option with a slightly shorter travel time, travelers can consider taking a bus towards the West Oakland BART Station before reaching their final destination in San Francisco.
Departure Point
Santa Barbara station
Arrival Point
Oakland station
Useful tips for train travellers
• Onboard Services: When traveling on Amtrak's Pacific Surfliner service, you will find a Café Car that offers a selection of food and beverages, including sandwiches, snacks, and hot drinks. Make sure to check the menu early during your trip, as some popular items may sell out quickly.
• Seating Options: The Pacific Surfliner offers different seating classes. You can choose from Coach Class for basic seating, Business Class which provides larger seats and complimentary snacks, and First Class featuring more spacious accommodations. If you’re looking for a more comfortable experience, consider upgrading to Business Class.
• Arrival Station Tip: Arriving at the San Francisco Amtrak station (also known as the 4th and King Street Station), you should know that luggage storage is available through a locker service for a small fee. The restrooms are accessible, but there are no shower facilities. To navigate from the station, simply follow the signs to the Muni Metro light rail to catch the N-Judah or T-Third lines heading to the city center.
🛫 Flying from Santa Barbara Airport to San Francisco Airport is a quick and convenient option, with the direct flight taking just 1 hour and 12 minutes with United Airlines.
🌉 Upon arrival in San Francisco, you can expect a total travel time of 2 hours and 49 minutes, allowing you to start exploring the iconic city by the bay in no time.
💸 The prices for flights between San Francisco and Santa Barbara can range from $158 to $362, offering flexibility to suit different budgets for your trip.
Departure Point
Santa Barbara Airport
Arrival Point
San Francisco Airport
Useful tips for plane travellers
• Consider booking a morning flight; Santa Barbara's calm weather often leads to fewer delays, ensuring a smoother journey over to San Francisco.
• Upon arriving at San Francisco International Airport (SFO), head to the AirTrain system located on the Departures level; it efficiently connects you to various terminals and the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) station for easy access to downtown.
• Expect to pay approximately $50-$70 for a taxi ride from SFO to San Francisco's city center; alternatively, check out rideshare options like Uber and Lyft for potentially lower rates.
🚌 Traveling from Santa Barbara to San Francisco by bus is a convenient option, with services departing twice daily and taking approximately 6 hours and 35 minutes to reach the destination. Flixbus USA operates this route, with buses departing from Santa Barbara Bus Stop and arriving at San Francisco station.
🛤️ The journey covers a distance of 282 miles and offers different routes, each with its own duration and transfer options. For a direct route, passengers can board the bus towards Oakland at the Santa Barbara Amtrak station, which takes approximately 6 hours and 5 minutes to reach San Francisco with FlixBus.
🎫 Fares for the Santa Barbara to San Francisco bus vary from $29 to $100, providing travelers with flexibility in choosing their preferred option. Whether taking a direct route or making transfers, passengers can enjoy a comfortable and scenic journey through California by bus.
Departure Point
Santa Barbara Bus Stop station
Arrival Point
San Francisco station
Useful tips for bus travellers
• Upon arrival at San Francisco’s bus station, be prepared for a bustling environment; after exiting the bus, follow the signs to the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) at the nearby 5th/Townsend station for easy access to downtown.
Frequently asked questions
Find out more about the route from Santa Barbara to San Francisco.
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The distance between Santa Barbara and San Francisco is 279 miles. By car, the typical travel time is 5 hours and 46 minutes. By bus, it takes around 7 hours and 35 minutes to reach San Francisco from Santa Barbara. Additionally, there are other options such as taking a train, which typically takes 9 hours and 20 minutes, and flying, which takes the shortest time at 2 hours and 48 minutes.
The most cost-effective option for traveling from Santa Barbara to San Francisco is by taking a bus. This option typically costs $30-$100 and takes approximately 7 hours and 35 minutes. However, if you are looking for a quicker option, flying is the most time-efficient choice. Flights from Santa Barbara to San Francisco take around 2 hours and 48 minutes and cost between $160-$370.
The prices for a train ticket between Santa Barbara and San Francisco can range from $17 to $144, depending on the type of ticket and the class of service. On the other hand, the prices for a bus ticket between San Francisco and Santa Barbara can range from $30 to $100, with variations based on the bus company and the time of travel. It is advisable to check for current prices and availability before making a reservation.
To get from Santa Barbara to San Francisco without using public transportation, you can drive the distance of approximately 339 miles. This typically takes around 5 hours and 46 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. The cost of driving can vary, but you can expect to spend around $60 to $90 on fuel and tolls for the trip.
To travel from Santa Barbara to San Francisco without a car, you have a few options. The quickest way is to fly, which takes around 2 hours and 48 minutes and costs between $160 and $370. Another option is to take a bus, which takes approximately 7 hours and 35 minutes and costs between $30 and $100. Finally, you can also consider taking a train, which takes around 9 hours and 20 minutes and costs between $17 and $150. The best option for you will depend on your budget and preferred mode of transportation.
No, there is no direct train service between Santa Barbara and San Francisco. If you were to take the train, it would take approximately 9 hours and 20 minutes, including transfers. However, there is a direct bus service that operates twice daily and takes around 7 hours and 35 minutes.
The flight between Santa Barbara and San Francisco typically takes 1 hour and 11 minutes. The cost of the flight can vary between $168 and $362 depending on the airline and time of booking. It is advisable to check with different airlines and compare prices to get the best deal.
There are numerous options for accommodation near San Francisco. With over 835 hotels available, travelers have a wide range to choose from. Prices for hotels in San Francisco start at $74 per night. Whether you prefer luxury, budget-friendly, or boutique accommodations, you are sure to find a suitable place to stay in San Francisco.
Trips from Santa Barbara
- Santa Barbara to Morro Bay
- Santa Barbara to San Luis Obispo
- Santa Barbara to Carpinteria
- Santa Barbara to Newport Beach
- Santa Barbara to Riverside
- Santa Barbara to Irvine
- Santa Barbara to Big Bear Lake
- Santa Barbara to Santa Monica
- Santa Barbara to Beverly Hills
- Santa Barbara to Sacramento
- Santa Barbara to Oxnard
- Santa Barbara to San Diego
- Santa Barbara to Solvang
- Santa Barbara to Simi Valley
- Santa Barbara to Anaheim
- Santa Barbara to Santa Rosa
- Santa Barbara to Paso Robles
- Santa Barbara to Santa Ynez
- Santa Barbara to San Jose
- Santa Barbara to Palm Springs
- Santa Barbara to Pismo Beach
- Santa Barbara to Joshua Tree
- Santa Barbara to Oakland
- Santa Barbara to Mammoth Lakes
- Santa Barbara to Bakersfield
- Santa Barbara to Fresno
- Santa Barbara to Ojai
- Santa Barbara to Los Olivos
- Santa Barbara to Phoenix
- Santa Barbara to Reno
- Santa Barbara to Big Sur
- Santa Barbara to Denver
- Santa Barbara to La Quinta
- Santa Barbara to Los Angeles
- Santa Barbara to Ventura
- Santa Barbara to Yosemite National Park
- Santa Barbara to Malibu
- Santa Barbara to Honolulu
- Santa Barbara to Córdoba
- Santa Barbara to Burbank
Trips to San Francisco
- Palo Alto to San Francisco
- Santa Rosa to San Francisco
- Davis to San Francisco
- Stockton to San Francisco
- Las Vegas to San Francisco
- Irvine to San Francisco
- Santa Cruz to San Francisco
- Sacramento to San Francisco
- Modesto to San Francisco
- Fresno to San Francisco
- Vallejo to San Francisco
- Dallas to San Francisco
- Santa Clara to San Francisco
- San Diego to San Francisco
- New York City to San Francisco
- Ontario to San Francisco
- Portland to San Francisco
- Seattle to San Francisco
- San Bernardino to San Francisco
- Redding to San Francisco
- Los Angeles to San Francisco
- Chicago to San Francisco
- Houston to San Francisco
- Atlanta to San Francisco
- Tampa to San Francisco
- Toronto to San Francisco
- San Jose to San Francisco
- Sequoia National Park to San Francisco
- Berkeley to San Francisco
- Charlotte to San Francisco
- Reno to San Francisco
- Anaheim to San Francisco
- Napa to San Francisco
- Big Sur to San Francisco
- Indianapolis to San Francisco
- Bakersfield to San Francisco
- Alameda to San Francisco
- Beijing to San Francisco
- Honolulu to San Francisco
- Lake Tahoe to San Francisco