The cheapest and fastest buses from Los Angeles, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
Cheapest price
$39
Average price
$39
Fastest journey
2 h
Average duration
2 h
Buses per day
1
Distance
140 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Los Angeles, CA to Santa Barbara, CA is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Los Angeles, CA to Santa Barbara, CA will cost around $39 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $39.
Of the 1 buses that leave Los Angeles, CA for Santa Barbara, CA on Sat, Apr 04, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Apr 04 the direct buses cover the 140 km distance in an average of 2 h but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 2 h .
On Sat, Apr 04 the slowest buses will take 2 h and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
FlixBus11:40 AM2h00Los Angeles, Cesar E Chavez / Vignes, CA1:40 PMIsla Vista, UC Santa Barbara (Bus Loop), CA$391One-way0 transfers
FlixBus11:40 AM2h00Los Angeles, Cesar E Chavez / Vignes, CA1:40 PMIsla Vista, UC Santa Barbara (Bus Loop), CA$391One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Los Angeles, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Los Angeles, CA to Santa Barbara, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $12. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 2h 28m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $12, and a train costs an average of $29.
Distance: 86 miles (140 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train |
|---|---|
$31 Average price Cheapest | $34 Average price |
2h 58m Average total duration Fastest 2h 28m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 10m Average total duration 2h 40m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions | 0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Los Angeles, CA to Santa Barbara, CA Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:00AM | Arrival Time 11:10AM | Duration 2h10 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $26 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:40AM | Arrival Time 01:40PM | Duration 2h00 | Departure days Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $35 |
Live departures
Los Angeles, CA to Santa Barbara, CA bus times
The table below shows live departures for Los Angeles, CA to Santa Barbara, CA buses for today, Friday, April 3. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus | 6:40 PM Los Angeles, Cesar E Chavez / Vignes, CA | 2h00 | 8:40 PM Isla Vista, UC Santa Barbara (Bus Loop), CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Los Angeles, CA to Santa Barbara, CA by train or bus
Compare train and bus prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Apr 04
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Why should you book Los Angeles, CA to Santa Barbara, CA buses with Omio?
Why book with Omio vs FlixBus?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for FlixBus, but also compare tickets for the likes of LAX FlyAway to find the best option for your trip from Los Angeles, CA to Santa Barbara, CA.
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare FlixBus with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Los Angeles, CA to Santa Barbara, CA.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trainline?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Los Angeles, CA to Santa Barbara, CA.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Los Angeles, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
Buses from Los Angeles, CA to Santa Barbara, CA run on average 2 times per day, taking around 2h 28m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $12 (€10) if you book in advance.
There are 2 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 05:00, the last at 21:55. The fastest bus covers the 86 miles (140 km) distance in 1h 55m.
Distance 86 miles (140 km) |
Average bus duration 2h 28m |
Cheapest ticket price $12 (€10) |
Buses per day 2 |
Direct buses 2 |
Fastest bus 1h 55m |
First bus 5:00 AM |
Last bus 9:55 PM |
Bus providers: FlixBus, LAX FlyAway from Los Angeles, CA to Santa Barbara, CAYou can travel by bus between Los Angeles, CA to Santa Barbara, CA with FlixBus, LAX FlyAway for as low as $12 (€10). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
FlixBus
LAX FlyAway
FAQs: Bus from Los Angeles, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Los Angeles, CA to Santa Barbara, CA by bus. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest bus, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Santa Barbara, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
- Santa Barbara Mission, a historic Spanish mission known for its stunning architecture and beautiful gardens
- Stearns Wharf, a popular pier offering shops, restaurants, and scenic ocean views
- Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, a 78-acre garden showcasing California native plants and picturesque landscapes
- Santa Barbara Zoo, a family-friendly attraction featuring diverse animal exhibits and interactive experiences
- Lotusland, a unique botanical garden with exotic plants and themed gardens.
- State Street, a vibrant downtown area filled with shopping, dining, and entertainment options
- Explore the Santa Barbara Museum of Art, featuring a diverse collection of artwork from around the world
- Take a wine tasting tour in the Santa Ynez Valley, known for its beautiful vineyards and excellent wines
- Enjoy a scenic hike in the Santa Ynez Mountains, offering breathtaking views of the coastline and city
- Visit the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum, which highlights the region's rich maritime history.
- FlixBus
- You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
- FlixBus
- One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
- FlixBus
- Small pets in carriers allowed
- guide dogs travel for free.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Los Angeles, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
Most popular bus connections from Los Angeles, CA
More options for your journey from Los Angeles, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
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