Bus from Santa Maria, US to Santa Barbara: Tickets & Schedules

Next bus departures

Next departures for Santa Maria to Santa Barbara on December 2
Operated byVehicle typeDeparture timeDeparture locationTrip durationArrival timeArrival locationRecommendedPrice and booking link
AmtrakBus
Nicholson Ave
Train StationCheapest
AmtrakBus
Nicholson Ave
UC Santa BarbaraFastest

Last refresh of the prices: Last Sunday at 7:57 PM PST.

Get from Santa Maria to Santa Barbara

This route is served by bus only

The journey takes about 1 hour 15 minutes and with fares starting at just $20, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

2bus per day
1h 15mAverage Duration
50 milesDistance
2kgCO₂ emissions

Frequently asked questions about traveling from Santa Maria, US to Santa Barbara 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 Maria to Santa Barbara?

    The cheapest bus tickets from Santa Maria to Santa Barbara start from $20. The average price for this route is around $36. 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 Maria to Santa Barbara?

    The average bus trip duration from Santa Maria to Santa Barbara is 1h 15m, covering a distance of 50 miles (80 km). The quickest bus can get you there in 1h 10m and is operated by Amtrak.

  3. Which bus companies service the Santa Maria to Santa Barbara 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 Maria to Santa Barbara?

    The earliest bus departs from Santa Maria to Santa Barbara at 5:25pm. And the latest bus departs at 8:30pm.

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

    A bus trip from Santa Maria to Santa Barbara generates an estimated 2 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 Maria to Santa Barbara?

    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 Maria to Santa Barbara?

    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 Maria to Santa Barbara?

    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 Maria to Santa Barbara?

    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
11/30
No data
12/01
$33
Today
$33
12/03
No data
12/04
No data
12/05
No data
12/06
No data
12/07
No data
busbud logoThe cheapest trip from Santa Maria, US to Santa Barbara was searched and found on Dec 1, 2025 with a price of $33

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

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