Santa Barbara, CA to San Jose, CA bus with FlixBus

Wed, Apr 01
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Santa Barbara, CA to San Jose, CA

Showing times and prices for Apr 02

Cheapest price

$50

Average price

$83

Fastest journey

5 h 25 m

Average duration

7 h 30 m

Buses per day

5

Distance

380 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Santa Barbara, CA to San Jose, CA is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Santa Barbara, CA to San Jose, CA will cost around $83 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $50.

Fast buses

Of the 5 buses that leave Santa Barbara, CA for San Jose, CA on Thu, Apr 02, 5 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Thu, Apr 02 the direct buses cover the 380 km distance in an average of 7 h 30 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 5 h 25 m .

On Thu, Apr 02 the slowest buses will take 8 h 18 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.

  • FlixBus
    9:40 PM5h25
    Santa Barbara, CA
    3:05 AMSan Jose, CA
    $501One-way
    0 transfers
  • Amtrak
    3:35 PM7h22
    Santa Barbara, CA
    10:57 PMSan Jose, CA
    $821One-way
    0 transfers
  • Amtrak
    7:55 PM8h15
    Santa Barbara, CA
    4:10 AMSan Jose, CA
    $831One-way
    0 transfers
  • Amtrak
    6:05 AM8h18
    Santa Barbara, CA
    2:23 PMSan Jose, CA
    $841One-way
    0 transfers
  • Amtrak
    5:58 PM8h12
    Santa Barbara, CA
    2:10 AMSan Jose, CA
    $1171One-way
    0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare train, bus, and flight for Santa Barbara, CA to San Jose, CA

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Santa Barbara, CA to San Jose, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $50. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 6h 12m. 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 $50, and a flight costs an average of $160.

Distance: 236 miles (380 km)

Compare bus with

Bus
Most popular
Train
Flight

$95

Average price

Cheapest

$151

Average price

$480

Average price

6h 42m

Average total duration

Fastest

6h 12m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

7h 54m

Average total duration

7h 24m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

12h 11m

Average total duration

9h 11m

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.

Santa Barbara, CA to San Jose, CA Bus Timetables

OperatorDeparture TimeArrival TimeDurationDeparture daysCheapest price
Operator
Amtrak
Departure Time
07:35AM
Arrival Time
02:57PM
Duration
7h22
Departure days
Mon, Wed, Fri
Cheapest price
$84
Operator
Amtrak
Departure Time
10:05AM
Arrival Time
04:57PM
Duration
6h52
Departure days
Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
$84
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
11:15AM
Arrival Time
04:30PM
Duration
5h15
Departure days
Mon, Wed, Sun
Cheapest price
$86
Operator
Amtrak
Departure Time
11:47AM
Arrival Time
06:50PM
Duration
7h03
Departure days
Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
$111
Operator
Amtrak
Departure Time
12:00PM
Arrival Time
10:05PM
Duration
10h05
Departure days
Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
$91
Operator
Amtrak
Departure Time
10:05PM
Arrival Time
06:24AM
Duration
8h19
Departure days
Mon, Wed, Sun
Cheapest price
$84

Live departures

Santa Barbara, CA to San Jose, CA bus times

The table below shows live departures for Santa Barbara, CA to San Jose, CA buses for today, Wednesday, April 1. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
amtrak6238 AMTRAK · 538 Capitol Corridor2:35 PM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA
7h22
9:57 PM Santa Clara Station, Santa Clara, CA1 transfer
amtrak4761 AMTRAK · 544 Capitol Corridor5:05 PM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA
7h27
12:32 AM Santa Clara Station, Santa Clara, CA1 transfer
amtrak4761 AMTRAK · 550 Capitol Corridor5:05 PM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA
8h57
2:02 AM Santa Clara Station, Santa Clara, CA1 transfer
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus6:15 PM Santa Barbara, Bus station
5h15
11:30 PM San José, Cahill Street (Diridon Station)0 transfersDirect
amtrak765 Pacific Surfliner · 4765 AMTRAK6:47 PM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA
7h03
1:50 AM San José Diridon Station, San Jose, CA1 transfer
amtrak5619 AMTRAK · 719 Gold Runner · 4119 AMTRAK7:00 PM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA
10h05
5:05 AM San José Diridon Station, San Jose, CA2 transfers
Thursday, April 2
amtrak4785 AMTRAK · 524 Capitol Corridor5:05 AM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA
8h19
1:24 PM Santa Clara Station, Santa Clara, CA1 transfer

This is the last bus of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Santa Barbara, CA to San Jose, 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.

Thu
Apr 02
Fri
Apr 03
Sat
Apr 04
Sun
Apr 05
Mon
Apr 06
Tue
Apr 07
Wed
Apr 08

Why should you book Santa Barbara, CA to San Jose, CA buses with Omio?

FlixBus operates all buses services from Santa Barbara, CA to San Jose, CA.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Santa Barbara, CA to San Jose, CA.

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 Santa Barbara, CA to San Jose, 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 Santa Barbara, CA to San Jose, CA.

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Santa Barbara, CA to San Jose, CA

USAUSA
USAUSA
Icon of bus

Buses from Santa Barbara, CA to San Jose, CA run on average 4 times per day, taking around 6h 12m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $50 (€40) if you book in advance.

There are 1 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:40, the last at 23:50. The fastest bus covers the 236 miles (380 km) distance in 5h 15m.

Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Distance
236 miles (380 km)
Average bus duration
6h 12m
Cheapest ticket price
$50 (€40)
Buses per day
4
Direct buses
1
Fastest bus
5h 15m
First bus
12:40 AM
Last bus
11:50 PM
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information

Bus providers: FlixBus from Santa Barbara, CA to San Jose, CAYou can travel by bus between Santa Barbara, CA to San Jose, CA with FlixBus for as low as $50 (€40). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey

FlixBus

About
FlixBus is one of Europe’s leading low-cost bus companies, founded in Germany and now offering long-distance services across Europe and the United States. In addition to its extensive daytime network, FlixBus also operates overnight buses on select European routes. Standard amenities include free Wi-Fi, power outlets to charge devices, extra legroom, luggage space, and onboard toilets, with snacks and drinks available for purchase. FlixBus offers a single Standard ticket type for all routes, which includes one carry-on bag and one checked bag per passenger. Additional fees apply for extra luggage and for reserving specific seats, such as Extra Seats, Table Seats, or Panorama Seats. This combination of affordability, comfort, and wide coverage makes FlixBus a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
5h 15m
Cheapest Price
$50 (€40)
FlixBus frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
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.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority boarding; Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed for a fee; must be booked.
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed; guide dogs travel for free.

FAQs: Bus from Santa Barbara, CA to San Jose, CA

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Santa Barbara, CA to San Jose, 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 San Jose, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Cheap bus tickets from Santa Barbara, CA to San Jose, CA can start from as little as $50 (€40) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Santa Barbara, CA to San Jose, CA is $95 (€77) ; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by bus from Santa Barbara, CA to San Jose, CA is 5h 15m to travel the 236 miles (380 km) long journey. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest bus from Santa Barbara, CA to San Jose, CA leaves at 12:40 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Santa Barbara, CA to San Jose, CA leaves at 11:50 PM.
Yes, there are 1 direct buses a day from Santa Barbara, CA to San Jose, CA with FlixBus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct buses.
When taking a bus from Santa Barbara, CA to San Jose, CA, you can count on FlixBus for the best way to get you to San Jose, CA. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Santa Barbara, CA and San Jose, CA and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A trip to San Jose, CA from Santa Barbara, CA is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 5h 15m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Santa Barbara, CA to San Jose, CA is July.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Santa Barbara, CA and San Jose, CA including taking a train, bus, and flight.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Santa Barbara, CA to San Jose, CA:
  • FlixBus
    • Assistance
    • Priority boarding
    • Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Santa Barbara, CA to San Jose, CA for bus company FlixBus.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in San Jose, CA are:
  • Winchester Mystery House, an architectural curiosity with a maze-like design and historical significance
  • The Tech Interactive, an engaging science and technology center with hands-on exhibits
  • San Jose Museum of Art, a contemporary art museum featuring works from the 20th and 21st centuries
  • Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum, a museum dedicated to ancient Egyptian artifacts and culture
  • Municipal Rose Garden, a beautiful and serene garden featuring over 3,500 rose bushes.
The best things to do in San Jose, CA include:
  • Explore the Japanese Friendship Garden, a tranquil space inspired by Japanese landscape design
  • Visit the Children's Discovery Museum, offering interactive exhibits for families and children
  • Enjoy a performance at the San Jose Center for the Performing Arts, hosting a variety of shows and events
  • Discover the history of Silicon Valley at the Computer History Museum
  • Take a scenic hike in Alum Rock Park, offering trails and natural beauty.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Santa Barbara, CA to San Jose, CA depends on the bus companies:
  • 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.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus company FlixBus.
Tickets are often cheaper when booked early. Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money. Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options. Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the bus from Santa Barbara, CA to San Jose, CA.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Santa Barbara, CA to San Jose, CA:
  • FlixBus
    • One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a bus ticket from Santa Barbara, CA to San Jose, CA:
  • FlixBus
    • Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the bus from Santa Barbara, CA to San Jose, CA. The following conditions apply:
  • FlixBus
    • Small pets in carriers allowed
    • guide dogs travel for free.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Santa Barbara, CA to San Jose, CA with the following bus company: FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Santa Barbara, CA to San Jose, CA with the following bus company: FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Santa Barbara, CA to San Jose, CA with the following bus company: FlixBus.

popular bus stations

Popular bus stations from Santa Barbara, CA to San Jose, CA

Santa Barbara
San Jose
The major bus station for departures in Santa Barbara is Santa Barbara, Bus station. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Santa Barbara, Bus station for your trip from Santa Barbara to San Jose.
Santa Barbara, Bus station
information

Most popular buses to and from San Jose, CA and Santa Barbara, CA

HomeBusesBuses in USABus tickets to San Jose, CASanta Barbara, CA to San Jose, CA bus

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