Bus from Santa Barbara to San Francisco, US: Tickets & Schedules

Next departures

Next departures for Santa Barbara to San Francisco on November 29
Operated byVehicle typeDeparture timeDeparture locationTrip durationArrival timeArrival locationRecommendedPrice and booking link
Amtrak
UC Santa Barbara
Mission St & Fremont StCheapest
FlixBus
Santa Barbara (University of California), CA
409 Townsend St, SFFastest
FlixBus + Greyhound Lines, Inc.
Santa Barbara (University of California), CA
San Francisco Bus StationNo tags
Amtrak
Train Station
Mission St & Fremont StNo tags

Last refresh of the prices: Last Wednesday at 7:24 PM PST.

Get from Santa Barbara to San Francisco

This route is served by bus only

The journey takes about 6 hours 25 minutes and with fares starting at just $23, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

2bus per day
6h 25mAverage Duration
277 milesDistance
11kgCO₂ emissions

Frequently asked questions about traveling from Santa Barbara to San Francisco, US by bus

Please note that schedules, routes, or operator details shown here may be updated or vary at the time of your trip.

  1. How much is the bus ticket from Santa Barbara to San Francisco?

    The cheapest bus tickets from Santa Barbara to San Francisco start from $23. The average price for this route is around $73. Busbud recommends that you book your tickets in advance for a better chance to get the lowest possible price.

  2. How long is the bus ride from Santa Barbara to San Francisco?

    The average bus trip duration from Santa Barbara to San Francisco is 6h 25m, covering a distance of 277 miles (446 km). The quickest bus can get you there in 6h 20m and is operated by FlixBus.

  3. Which bus companies service the Santa Barbara to San Francisco route?

    Several major bus companies operate on this route with 2 buses available per day, including services from Amtrak, FlixBus.

  4. What is the earliest and latest departure time for the bus from Santa Barbara to San Francisco?

    The earliest bus departs from Santa Barbara to San Francisco at 11:45am. And the latest bus departs at 10:20pm.

  5. What are the CO₂ emissions for the bus trip from Santa Barbara to San Francisco?

    A bus trip from Santa Barbara to San Francisco generates an estimated 11 kg of CO₂, making it a highly eco-friendly travel option and recommended mode of travel by Busbud.

  6. What is the best bus company from Santa Barbara to San Francisco?

    According to Busbud customers, the highest-rated bus company on this route is Amtrak, with an average rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars based on 5597 reviews.

  7. Which bus company has the best Wi-Fi from Santa Barbara to San Francisco?

    Based on reviews on Busbud, the bus company Amtrak has the best Wi-Fi rating with a score of 3.6.

  8. Which bus company has the most timely service from Santa Barbara to San Francisco?

    According to Busbud traveller reviews, the most timely bus company on this route is FlixBus, with a punctuality rating of 3.9 out of 5 stars.

  9. Which bus company has the cleanest buses from Santa Barbara to San Francisco?

    According to Busbud traveller reviews, the bus company with the cleanest buses on this route is Amtrak, with a cleanliness rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Find cheapest prices for buses

Price is for a one-way ticket for one passenger and based on past searches.

Best price found
11/26
$95
11/27
$69
Today
$103
11/29
$103
11/30
$95
12/01
No data
12/02
$88
12/03
$44
busbud logoThe cheapest trip from Santa Barbara to San Francisco, US was searched and found on Dec 3, 2025 with a price of $44

To save money and be sure you have the best seat, it's a good idea to buy your bus tickets from Santa Barbara to San Francisco, US, as early as possible.

You can expect to pay from $44 to $139 for a bus ticket from Santa Barbara to San Francisco, US based on the last 2 days. You can expect to find the cheapest price for the trip at $44 which is on 2025-12-03.

Usually Amtrak will charge you higher prices for tickets closer to the departure date. To find the best prices, you should be flexible on your date of travel.

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