Find coaches from Santa Barbara to San Diego (CA), US

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Tomorrow15 Jun
from US$54
Mon16 Jun
from US$54
Tue17 Jun
from US$54
Wed18 Jun
from US$54
Thu19 Jun
from US$54
Fri20 Jun
from US$54
Sat21 Jun
from US$54
Sun22 Jun
from US$54

Next departures to San Diego

One passenger / one way

  • This trip is recommended because it is the: Cheapest
    Departure time: 15 June at
    Departure city: Santa Barbara
    Departure location: UC Santa Barbara
    Arrival time: 16 June at
    Destination city: San Diego
    Destination location: Santa Fe Depot
    Operated by: AmtrakAmtrak
    Vehicle: BusDuration:
  • This trip is recommended because it is the: Fastest
    Departure time: 15 June at
    Departure city: Santa Barbara
    Departure location: UC Santa Barbara
    Arrival time: 15 June at
    Destination city: San Diego
    Destination location: Old Town San Diego
    Operated by: AmtrakAmtrak
    Vehicle: BusDuration:
  • Departure time: 15 June at
    Departure city: Santa Barbara
    Departure location: Santa Barbara Station
    Arrival time: 15 June at
    Destination city: San Diego
    Destination location: Greyhound Bus Stop
    Operated by: FlixBus + Greyhound Lines, Inc.
    FlixBus + Greyhound Lines, Inc.
    Vehicle: BusDuration:
  • Departure time: 15 June at
    Departure city: Santa Barbara
    Departure location: Train Station
    Arrival time: 16 June at
    Destination city: San Diego
    Destination location: Santa Fe Depot
    Operated by: AmtrakAmtrak
    Vehicle: BusDuration:
  • Departure time: 15 June at
    Departure city: Santa Barbara
    Departure location: UC Santa Barbara
    Arrival time: 15 June at
    Destination city: San Diego
    Destination location: Santa Fe Depot
    Operated by: AmtrakAmtrak
    Vehicle: BusDuration:

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Compare 2 ways to travel from Santa Barbara to San Diego

Bus
Average priceUS$36 - US$104Average duration7h 45m
8kg CO₂e5 out of 5 stars
CheapestMost eco-friendly
Train
Average priceUS$47 - US$93Average duration6h 14m
27kg CO₂e1 out of 5 stars
Fastest
busbud logoBusbud recommends taking the train from Santa Barbara to San Diego

Among the sustainable travel choices, the train stands out as a good way to reach San Diego. The journey takes about 6 hours 14 minutes and with fares starting at just US$47, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

4train per day
6h 14mAverage duration
US$47Cheapest ticket
27kgCO₂ emissions

Bus Santa Barbara to San Diego: Trip Overview

Average ticket priceUS$54
Average bus trip duration7h 45m
Number of daily buses3
Earliest bus departure10:05
Distance194 miles
Latest bus departure21:55

Santa Barbara to San Diego Bus

With Busbud, comparing and booking tickets for a bus from Santa Barbara to San Diego is a breeze. Browse through an extensive selection of bus fares and bus schedules to find the best deals.

Bus service from Santa Barbara to San Diego will be provided by the most trusted bus companies.

Discover how much the bus trip from Santa Barbara to San Diego will cost you. Use our filters and sorting features to find the cheapest bus tickets or luxury buses.

Frequently asked questions on the trip Santa Barbara - San Diego (CA), US

  1. How much is the cheapest coach ticket from Santa Barbara to San Diego?

    Coach ticket prices from Santa Barbara to San Diego can start as low as US$36, though the average price for this trip is US$54. The exact cost can vary based on different factors such as the time of travel, the day of the week, and the coach service provider. Use Busbud to compare prices and amenities offered by different companies, ensuring you find the most favorable deals and promotions.

  2. How long does it take to travel from Santa Barbara to San Diego by bus?

    The coach journey between Santa Barbara and San Diego lasts about 7h 45m. If you're looking for the fastest trip, you can get there in just about 4h 40m. Please be aware that the time it takes for your journey may vary depending on the traffic conditions along the route.

  3. When is the first coach from Santa Barbara to San Diego?

    The first coach from Santa Barbara to San Diego leaves at 10:05. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.

  4. How far is San Diego from Santa Barbara by coach?

    The journey from Santa Barbara to San Diego by coach covers an approximate distance of 188 miles (303 km).

  5. Is there a way to reach San Diego from Santa Barbara without a car?

    You can reach San Diego from Santa Barbara by coach, as there are regular services between the two locations. Depending on your preferences, another alternative is to explore ridesharing trips.

Find cheapest prices for buses

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

Best price found
12/06
US$47
13/06
US$51
Today
US$43
15/06
US$51
16/06
US$51
17/06
US$51
18/06
US$51
19/06
US$51
busbud logoThe cheapest trip from Santa Barbara to San Diego was searched and found on 14 Jun 2025 with a price of US$43

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 Diego as early as possible.

You can expect to pay from US$43 to US$84 for a bus ticket from Santa Barbara to San Diego based on the last 2 days. You can expect to find the cheapest price for the trip at US$51, which is on 2025-06-15.

About Bus Travel

Bus Travel Tips

Meet and talk to locals at the bus stations while travelling from Santa Barbara to San Diego.There is no better way to get inside travel information while exploring a new city than to go straight to its people.

Much more than a mere vehicle taking you from Santa Barbara to San Diego, riding the bus will expose you to some of the most stunning panoramas while enroute to your final bus stop.

Buses have the smallest carbon footprint of all motorized transport modes. A bus going from Santa Barbara to San Diego will emit half the CO2 emitted by a train, and radically less than a car or an airplane.

Tune out to the fine sounds of your best music playlist on your bus trip from Santa Barbara to San Diego while indulging in miles on end of beautiful scenic views.

Did you know?

The bus driver with the longest career in the world drove more than 2,000,000 miles and is a happy World Record holder.

The average number of passengers on a coach bus is 32 meaning that a bus could replace a minimum of at least 30 cars!

It takes 27 hours to go by bus from Lima to Cusco, one of the craziest bus trips on the world. This route is used daily by locals and backpackers.

Will you be returning to Santa Barbara by bus?

Bus from Santa Barbara to San Diego

You can also go to San Diego by train

Train from Santa Barbara to San Diego

Why choose Busbud?

The Best Way To Book Bus and Train Tickets

Busbud helps you easily search, compare and book intercity bus tickets on a worlwide scale with our comprehensive list of bus routes and schedules. With several language and currency options available, Busbud seeks to cater to international bus travellers no matter where they are in the world. Busbud partners with safe and reliable bus companies throughout the world such as Greyhound, Eurolines, ALSA, OUIBUS (BlaBlaBus), National Express and many others so you can buy tickets without a worry.

People from around the world trust Busbud

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