How much is the bus ticket from San Luis Obispo to Santa Barbara?

The cheapest coach tickets from San Luis Obispo to Santa Barbara start from £17. The average price for this route is around £28. Busbud recommends that you book your tickets in advance for a better chance to get the lowest possible price.

How long is the bus journey from San Luis Obispo to Santa Barbara?

The average bus journey time from San Luis Obispo to Santa Barbara is 2h 25m, covering a distance of 82 miles. The fastest bus can take you there in 1h 45m and is operated by FlixBus .

Which bus companies service the San Luis Obispo to Santa Barbara route?

Several major bus companies operate on this route with 5 buses available per day, including services from Amtrak , FlixBus .

What is the earliest and latest departure time for the bus from San Luis Obispo to Santa Barbara?

The earliest bus departs from San Luis Obispo to Santa Barbara at 12:55. And the latest bus departs at 19:25.

What are the CO₂ emissions for the bus trip from San Luis Obispo to Santa Barbara?

A bus journey from San Luis Obispo to Santa Barbara produces an estimated 3 kg of CO₂, making it a highly eco-friendly choice and a mode of travel recommended by Busbud.

Which is the best bus company from San Luis Obispo 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 5627 reviews.

Which company has the best Wi-Fi from San Luis Obispo to Santa Barbara?

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

Which bus company offers the most punctual service from San Luis Obispo to Santa Barbara?

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

Which bus company has the cleanest buses from San Luis Obispo 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.

Bus San Luis Obispo to Santa Barbara from £14 | Refundable Tickets

Next departures

Next departures from San Luis Obispo to Santa Barbara on 7 December
Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
19:00	AMTRAK Station	2h 15m	21:15	UC Santa Barbara	CheapestFastest
18:50	Cal Poly Vista Grande Dining Complex	2h 40m	21:30	Train Station	No tags
15:40	Cal Poly Vista Grande Dining Complex	3h 14m	18:54	Train Station	No tags
15:40	Cal Poly Vista Grande Dining Complex	3h 14m	18:54	Train Station	No tags
16:15	Cal Poly Vista Grande Dining Complex	5h 15m	21:30	Train Station	No tags

Next departures from San Luis Obispo to Santa Barbara on 8 December
Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
12:55	San Luis Obispo	1h 45m	14:40	Santa Barbara Station	CheapestFastest
19:25	AMTRAK Station	2h 15m	21:40	UC Santa Barbara	No tags
19:15	Cal Poly Vista Grande Dining Complex	2h 40m	21:55	Train Station	No tags
15:40	Cal Poly Vista Grande Dining Complex	3h 14m	18:54	Train Station	No tags
15:40	Cal Poly Vista Grande Dining Complex	3h 14m	18:54	Train Station	No tags

Next departures from San Luis Obispo to Santa Barbara on 9 December
Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
12:55	San Luis Obispo	1h 45m	14:40	Santa Barbara Station	CheapestFastest
19:25	AMTRAK Station	2h 15m	21:40	UC Santa Barbara	No tags
19:15	Cal Poly Vista Grande Dining Complex	2h 40m	21:55	Train Station	No tags
15:40	Cal Poly Vista Grande Dining Complex	3h 14m	18:54	Train Station	No tags
15:40	Cal Poly Vista Grande Dining Complex	3h 14m	18:54	Train Station	No tags

Next departures from San Luis Obispo to Santa Barbara on 10 December
Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
12:55	San Luis Obispo	1h 45m	14:40	Santa Barbara Station	CheapestFastest
19:25	AMTRAK Station	2h 15m	21:40	UC Santa Barbara	No tags
19:15	Cal Poly Vista Grande Dining Complex	2h 40m	21:55	Train Station	No tags
15:40	Cal Poly Vista Grande Dining Complex	3h 14m	18:54	Train Station	No tags
15:40	Cal Poly Vista Grande Dining Complex	3h 14m	18:54	Train Station	No tags

Next departures from San Luis Obispo to Santa Barbara on 11 December
Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
12:55	San Luis Obispo	1h 45m	14:40	Santa Barbara Station	CheapestFastest
19:25	AMTRAK Station	2h 15m	21:40	UC Santa Barbara	No tags
19:15	Cal Poly Vista Grande Dining Complex	2h 40m	21:55	Train Station	No tags
15:40	Cal Poly Vista Grande Dining Complex	3h 14m	18:54	Train Station	No tags
15:40	Cal Poly Vista Grande Dining Complex	3h 14m	18:54	Train Station	No tags

Next departures from San Luis Obispo to Santa Barbara on 12 December
Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
19:25	AMTRAK Station	2h 15m	21:40	UC Santa Barbara	CheapestFastest
19:15	Cal Poly Vista Grande Dining Complex	2h 40m	21:55	Train Station	No tags
15:40	Cal Poly Vista Grande Dining Complex	3h 14m	18:54	Train Station	No tags
15:40	Cal Poly Vista Grande Dining Complex	3h 14m	18:54	Train Station	No tags
19:25	AMTRAK Station	2h 30m	21:55	Train Station	No tags

Next departures from San Luis Obispo to Santa Barbara on 13 December
Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
19:00	AMTRAK Station	2h 15m	21:15	UC Santa Barbara	CheapestFastest
18:50	Cal Poly Vista Grande Dining Complex	2h 40m	21:30	Train Station	No tags
15:40	Cal Poly Vista Grande Dining Complex	3h 14m	18:54	Train Station	No tags
15:40	Cal Poly Vista Grande Dining Complex	3h 14m	18:54	Train Station	No tags
16:20	Cal Poly Vista Grande Dining Complex	5h 10m	21:30	Train Station	No tags

Next departures from San Luis Obispo to Santa Barbara on 14 December
Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
19:00	AMTRAK Station	2h 15m	21:15	UC Santa Barbara	CheapestFastest
18:50	Cal Poly Vista Grande Dining Complex	2h 40m	21:30	Train Station	No tags
15:40	Cal Poly Vista Grande Dining Complex	3h 14m	18:54	Train Station	No tags
15:40	Cal Poly Vista Grande Dining Complex	3h 14m	18:54	Train Station	No tags
16:20	Cal Poly Vista Grande Dining Complex	5h 10m	21:30	Train Station	No tags

Last refresh of the prices: Last Thursday at 20:13 PST.

Compare 2 ways to travel from San Luis Obispo to Santa Barbara

We recommend taking the bus

Among the sustainable travel choices, the bus stands out as a good way to reach Santa Barbara. The journey takes about 2 hours 25 minutes and with fares starting at just £17, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

5bus per day

2h 25mAverage duration

82 milesDistance

3kgCO₂ emissions

	Average price	Average duration	CO₂ emissions	Actions
Bus	Average price£17 - £37	Average duration2h 25m	CO₂ emissions 3kg CO₂e
Train	Average price£21 - £47	Average duration2h 35m	CO₂ emissions 12kg CO₂e

Where are the popular stops in San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara?

Stops in San Luis Obispo

A
AMTRAK Station
1730 Santa Rosa St, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401, USA
Visit page
B
San Luis Obispo Bus Stop
1460 Calle Joaquin, San Luis Obispo, CA 93405, USA

Stops in Santa Barbara

A
Train Station
224 Chapala St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Visit page

Compare bus companies

Amtrak

4/55,628 reviews

Staff4.7

Timeliness3.8

Cleanliness4.6

WiFi3.6

FlixBus

3.5/511,545 reviews

Staff4.2

Timeliness3.9

Cleanliness4.1

WiFi2.7

Based on 11545 reviews, the company was rated 3.5 stars on Busbud. Travellers were especially satisfied with the ticket access and the staff but often complained with the Wi-Fi. FlixBus ticket prices on this trip start at £17

FlixBus San Luis Obispo Santa Barbara recent customer reviews

Nice, clean bus. Came on time. Quiet, smooth ride. Only issue was the lack of signage for the bus stop in San Luis Obispo. We were all confused.

Rebecca K.

18 April 2023

US Bus Companies: FlixBus, BlaBlaCar Bus, ALSA, Greyhound, Intercape, Trenitalia, Big Sky

Frequently asked questions about travelling by bus from San Luis Obispo to Santa Barbara

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

How much is the bus ticket from San Luis Obispo to Santa Barbara?
The cheapest coach tickets from San Luis Obispo to Santa Barbara start from £17. The average price for this route is around £28. Busbud recommends that you book your tickets in advance for a better chance to get the lowest possible price.
How long is the bus journey from San Luis Obispo to Santa Barbara?
The average bus journey time from San Luis Obispo to Santa Barbara is 2h 25m, covering a distance of 82 miles. The fastest bus can take you there in 1h 45m and is operated by FlixBus.
Which bus companies service the San Luis Obispo to Santa Barbara route?
Several major bus companies operate on this route with 5 buses available per day, including services from Amtrak, FlixBus.
What is the earliest and latest departure time for the bus from San Luis Obispo to Santa Barbara?
The earliest bus departs from San Luis Obispo to Santa Barbara at 12:55. And the latest bus departs at 19:25.
What are the CO₂ emissions for the bus trip from San Luis Obispo to Santa Barbara?
A bus journey from San Luis Obispo to Santa Barbara produces an estimated 3 kg of CO₂, making it a highly eco-friendly choice and a mode of travel recommended by Busbud.
Which is the best bus company from San Luis Obispo 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 5627 reviews.
Which company has the best Wi-Fi from San Luis Obispo to Santa Barbara?
Based on Busbud reviews, the bus company Amtrak has the best Wi-Fi rating with a score of 3.6.
Which bus company offers the most punctual service from San Luis Obispo to Santa Barbara?
According to Busbud traveller reviews, the most punctual bus company on this route is FlixBus, with a punctuality rating of 3.9 out of 5 stars.
Which bus company has the cleanest buses from San Luis Obispo 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

05/12

£32

06/12

£26

Today

£26

08/12

£15

09/12

£14

10/12

£14

11/12

£14

12/12

£26

The cheapest trip from San Luis Obispo to Santa Barbara was searched and found on 9 Dec 2025 with a price of £14

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

You can expect to pay from £14 to £46 for a bus ticket from San Luis Obispo to Santa Barbara based on the last 2 days. You can expect to find the cheapest price for the trip at £14, which is on 2025-12-09.

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.