The cheapest and fastest buses from San Jose, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
Cheapest price
$47
Average price
$86
Fastest journey
5 h 25 m
Average duration
8 h 16 m
Buses per day
5
Distance
380 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from San Jose, 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 San Jose, CA to Santa Barbara, CA will cost around $86 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $47.
Of the 5 buses that leave San Jose, CA for Santa Barbara, CA on Sat, Apr 04, 5 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 380 km distance in an average of 8 h 16 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 5 h 25 m .
On Sat, Apr 04 the slowest buses will take 12 h 10 m 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.
9:15 PM5h25San Jose, CA2:40 AMSanta Barbara, CA$471One-way0 transfers
8:47 PM8h43San Jose, CA5:30 AMSanta Barbara, CA$821One-way0 transfers
9:47 PM7h43San Jose, CA5:30 AMSanta Barbara, CA$831One-way0 transfers
1:35 PM13h05San Jose, CA2:40 AMSanta Barbara, CA$1061One-way0 transfers
7:30 AM12h10San Jose, CA7:40 PMSanta Barbara, CA$1091One-way0 transfers
9:15 PM5h25San Jose, CA2:40 AMSanta Barbara, CA$471One-way0 transfers
7:35 PM7h19San Jose, CA2:54 AMSanta Barbara, CA$1111One-way0 transfers
9:47 PM7h43San Jose, CA5:30 AMSanta Barbara, CA$831One-way0 transfers
8:47 PM8h43San Jose, CA5:30 AMSanta Barbara, CA$821One-way0 transfers
7:30 AM12h10San Jose, CA7:40 PMSanta Barbara, CA$1091One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for San Jose, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from San Jose, CA to Santa Barbara, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $42. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 6h 22m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $42, and a flight costs an average of $267.
Distance: 236 miles (380 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight |
|---|---|---|
$86 Average price Cheapest | $180 Average price | $730 Average price |
6h 52m Average total duration Fastest 6h 22m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 15m Average total duration 7h 45m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 17h 12m Average total duration 14h 12m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.4 - 0.9kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 1.1 - 2.3kg CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
San Jose, CA to Santa Barbara, CA Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:35AM | Arrival Time 05:55PM | Duration 12h20 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $168 |
Live departures
San Jose, CA to Santa Barbara, CA bus times
The table below shows live departures for San Jose, 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 | 12:35 PM San José, Cahill Street (Diridon Station) | 12h20 | 12:55 AM Isla Vista, UC Santa Barbara (Bus Loop), CA | 1 transfer | |
| Saturday, April 4 | |||||
![]() | 7:30 AM San Jose, CA | 12h10 | 7:40 PM Santa Barbara, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets San Jose, CA to Santa Barbara, CA by train, bus, or flight
Compare train, bus, and flight 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
Apr 05
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Apr 07
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Apr 10
Why should you book San Jose, CA to Santa Barbara, CA buses with Omio?
Why book with Omio vs FlixBus?
- 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, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from San Jose, 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, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from San Jose, CA to Santa Barbara, CA.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from San Jose, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
Buses from San Jose, CA to Santa Barbara, CA run on average 4 times per day, taking around 6h 22m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $42 (€34) if you book in advance.
There are 1 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:55, the last at 23:30. The fastest bus covers the 236 miles (380 km) distance in 5h 15m.
Distance 236 miles (380 km) |
Average bus duration 6h 22m |
Cheapest ticket price $42 (€34) |
Buses per day 4 |
Direct buses 1 |
Fastest bus 5h 15m |
First bus 12:55 AM |
Last bus 11:30 PM |
Bus providers: FlixBus from San Jose, CA to Santa Barbara, CAYou can travel by bus between San Jose, CA to Santa Barbara, CA with FlixBus for as low as $42 (€34). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
FlixBus
FAQs: Bus from San Jose, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from San Jose, 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 San Jose, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
Most popular bus connections from San Jose, CA
More options for your journey from San Jose, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
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