How much is the bus ticket from Santa Barbara to Los Angeles?

The cheapest bus tickets from Santa Barbara to Los Angeles start at R 339. The average price for this route is around R 1 198. Busbud recommends booking your tickets in advance for the best chance of getting the lowest possible price.

How long is the bus journey from Santa Barbara to Los Angeles?

The average bus journey time from Santa Barbara to Los Angeles is 2h 40m, covering a distance of 135 km. The fastest bus gets you there in 1h 50m and is operated by Santa Barbara Airbus .

Which bus companies service the Santa Barbara to Los Angeles route?

Several major bus companies operate on this route with 13 buses available per day, including services from Santa Barbara Airbus , Amtrak , FlixBus .

What is the earliest and latest departure time for the bus from Santa Barbara to Los Angeles?

The earliest bus departs from Santa Barbara to Los Angeles at 03:50. And the latest bus departs at 21:55.

What are the CO₂ emissions for the bus trip from Santa Barbara to Los Angeles?

A bus trip from Santa Barbara to Los Angeles produces an estimated 3 kg of CO₂, making it a highly eco-friendly travel option and Busbud’s recommended way to travel.

What is the best bus company from Santa Barbara to Los Angeles?

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 5696 reviews.

Which bus company has the best Wi-Fi from Santa Barbara to Los Angeles?

Based on reviews on Busbud, 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 Santa Barbara to Los Angeles?

According to Busbud traveller reviews, the most punctual bus company on this route is Santa Barbara Airbus , with a punctuality rating of 5.0 out of 5 stars.

Which bus company has the cleanest buses from Santa Barbara to Los Angeles?

According to Busbud traveller reviews, the bus company with the cleanest buses on this route is Santa Barbara Airbus , with a cleanliness rating of 5.0 out of 5 stars.

Bus Santa Barbara to Los Angeles from R 236 | Refundable Tickets

Next bus departures

Next departures from Santa Barbara to Los Angeles on 17 January
Operated by	Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
FlixBus + Greyhound Lines, Inc.	Bus	18:45	Santa Barbara (University of California), CA	5h 20m	00:05	Lankershim/Magnolia - North Hollywood	Cheapest
	Bus	18:45	Santa Barbara (University of California), CA	1h 50m	20:35	Los Angeles Union Station	Fastest
	Bus	18:45	Santa Barbara (University of California), CA	1h 50m	20:35	Los Angeles (Americanstar)	No tags
	Bus	21:30	Train Station	2h 25m	23:55	Union Station	No tags
	Bus	18:20	La Cumbre Plaza	2h 40m	21:00	LAX Airport	No tags

Next departures from Santa Barbara to Los Angeles on 18 January
Operated by	Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
FlixBus + Greyhound Lines, Inc.	Bus	18:45	Santa Barbara (University of California), CA	5h 20m	00:05	Lankershim/Magnolia - North Hollywood	Cheapest
	Bus	18:45	Santa Barbara (University of California), CA	1h 50m	20:35	Los Angeles Union Station	Fastest
	Bus	18:45	Santa Barbara (University of California), CA	1h 50m	20:35	Los Angeles (Americanstar)	No tags
	Bus	21:30	Train Station	2h 25m	23:55	Union Station	No tags
	Bus	03:50	La Cumbre Plaza	2h 25m	06:15	LAX Airport	No tags

Next departures from Santa Barbara to Los Angeles on 19 January
Operated by	Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
	Bus	14:45	Santa Barbara Station	2h 20m	17:05	Los Angeles Union Station	Cheapest
	Bus	18:45	Santa Barbara (University of California), CA	1h 50m	20:35	Los Angeles Union Station	Fastest
	Bus	18:45	Santa Barbara (University of California), CA	1h 50m	20:35	Los Angeles (Americanstar)	No tags
	Bus	21:55	Train Station	2h 25m	00:20	Union Station	No tags
FlixBus + Greyhound Lines, Inc.	Bus	18:45	Santa Barbara (University of California), CA	5h 20m	00:05	Lankershim/Magnolia - North Hollywood	No tags

Next departures from Santa Barbara to Los Angeles on 20 January
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Bus	14:45	Santa Barbara Station	2h 20m	17:05	Los Angeles Union Station	Cheapest
Bus	21:55	Train Station	2h	23:55	UCLA	Fastest
Bus	21:55	Train Station	2h 25m	00:20	Union Station	No tags
Bus	03:50	La Cumbre Plaza	2h 25m	06:15	LAX Airport	No tags
Bus	21:40	UC Santa Barbara	2h 15m	23:55	UCLA	No tags

Next departures from Santa Barbara to Los Angeles on 21 January
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Bus	14:45	Santa Barbara Station	2h 20m	17:05	Los Angeles Union Station	Cheapest
Bus	21:55	Train Station	2h	23:55	UCLA	Fastest
Bus	21:55	Train Station	2h 25m	00:20	Union Station	No tags
Bus	14:45	Santa Barbara Station	5h 45m	20:30	Lankershim/Magnolia - North Hollywood	No tags
Bus	03:50	La Cumbre Plaza	2h 25m	06:15	LAX Airport	No tags

Next departures from Santa Barbara to Los Angeles on 22 January
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Bus	14:45	Santa Barbara Station	2h 20m	17:05	Los Angeles Union Station	Cheapest
Bus	21:55	Train Station	2h	23:55	UCLA	Fastest
Bus	21:55	Train Station	2h 25m	00:20	Union Station	No tags
Bus	14:45	Santa Barbara Station	5h 45m	20:30	Lankershim/Magnolia - North Hollywood	No tags
Bus	03:50	La Cumbre Plaza	2h 25m	06:15	LAX Airport	No tags

Next departures from Santa Barbara to Los Angeles on 23 January
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Bus	21:55	Train Station	2h 25m	00:20	Union Station	Cheapest
Bus	21:55	Train Station	2h	23:55	UCLA	Fastest
Bus	21:40	UC Santa Barbara	2h 15m	23:55	UCLA	No tags
Bus	03:50	La Cumbre Plaza	2h 25m	06:15	LAX Airport	No tags
Bus	21:40	UC Santa Barbara	2h 40m	00:20	Union Station	No tags

Next departures from Santa Barbara to Los Angeles on 24 January
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Bus	21:30	Train Station	2h 25m	23:55	Union Station	Cheapest
Bus	21:30	Train Station	2h	23:30	UCLA	Fastest
Bus	21:15	UC Santa Barbara	2h 15m	23:30	UCLA	No tags
Bus	03:50	La Cumbre Plaza	2h 25m	06:15	LAX Airport	No tags
Bus	21:15	UC Santa Barbara	2h 40m	23:55	Union Station	No tags

Last refresh of the prices: Yesterday at 8:58 PM PST.

Compare 2 ways to travel from Santa Barbara to Los Angeles

We recommend taking the train

Among the sustainable travel choices, the Train stands out as a good way to reach Los Angeles. The journey takes about 2 hours 53 minutes and with fares starting at just R 421, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

10train per day

2h 53mAverage duration

140 kmDistance

13kgCO₂ emissions

	Average price	Average duration	CO₂ emissions	Actions
Bus	Average priceR 339 - R 1 198	Average duration2h 40m	CO₂ emissions 3kg CO₂e
Train	Average priceR 421 - R 1 953	Average duration2h 53m	CO₂ emissions 13kg CO₂e

Where are the popular stops in Santa Barbara and Los Angeles?

Stops in Santa Barbara

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

Stops in Los Angeles

A
UCLA
571-581 Gayley Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90024, USA
Visit page Map
B
Ramirez Street bus stop
530 Ramirez St, Los Angeles, CA 90012, USA
Map
C
Los Angeles International Airport
Visit page Map
D
613 Maple Ave
613 Maple Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90014, USA
Visit page Map
E
Downtown Westin Bonaventure
404 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90071, USA
Map
F
LAX Airport Holiday Inn
9901 S La Cienega Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90045, USA
Map

Compare bus companies

Santa Barbara Airbus

4/51 reviews

Staff5

Timeliness5

Cleanliness5

Amtrak

4/55 740 reviews

Staff4.7

Timeliness3.8

Cleanliness4.6

WiFi3.6

Users have shared positive experiences with Amtrak, highlighting the opportunity to enjoy beautiful landscapes during their train journeys. Additionally, passengers appreciated being able to accomplish some work while traveling comfortably by train.

Amtrak Santa Barbara Los Angeles recent customer reviews

The trip by train allowed me to see the landscape, which was beautiful. Hard to do while driving. Also could get a little work done, which was appreciated.

Dale L.

6 October 2023

My experience with Amtrak has been wonderful.

Gilberto Alessandro N.

26 November 2024

No leg room. Late, without notification.

Igor L.

5 April 2023

FlixBus

3.5/512 074 reviews

Staff4.1

Timeliness3.9

Cleanliness4.1

WiFi2.7

Based on 12074 reviews, the company was rated 3.5 stars on Busbud. Travellers were especially satisfied with the ticket access and the temperature but often complained with the Wi-Fi. FlixBus ticket prices on this trip start at R 339

FlixBus Santa Barbara Los Angeles recent customer reviews

I enjoyed the helpfulness of my driver and the efficiency of the ride. I didn’t enjoy being seated behind the enormous unit behind the driver.

Jordan L.

12 June 2023

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

Frequently asked questions about travelling from Santa Barbara to Los Angeles, US by bus

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

How much is the bus ticket from Santa Barbara to Los Angeles?
The cheapest bus tickets from Santa Barbara to Los Angeles start at R 339. The average price for this route is around R 1 198. Busbud recommends booking your tickets in advance for the best chance of getting the lowest possible price.
How long is the bus journey from Santa Barbara to Los Angeles?
The average bus journey time from Santa Barbara to Los Angeles is 2h 40m, covering a distance of 135 km. The fastest bus gets you there in 1h 50m and is operated by Santa Barbara Airbus.
Which bus companies service the Santa Barbara to Los Angeles route?
Several major bus companies operate on this route with 13 buses available per day, including services from Santa Barbara Airbus, Amtrak, FlixBus.
What is the earliest and latest departure time for the bus from Santa Barbara to Los Angeles?
The earliest bus departs from Santa Barbara to Los Angeles at 03:50. And the latest bus departs at 21:55.
What are the CO₂ emissions for the bus trip from Santa Barbara to Los Angeles?
A bus trip from Santa Barbara to Los Angeles produces an estimated 3 kg of CO₂, making it a highly eco-friendly travel option and Busbud’s recommended way to travel.
What is the best bus company from Santa Barbara to Los Angeles?
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 5696 reviews.
Which bus company has the best Wi-Fi from Santa Barbara to Los Angeles?
Based on reviews on Busbud, 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 Santa Barbara to Los Angeles?
According to Busbud traveller reviews, the most punctual bus company on this route is Santa Barbara Airbus, with a punctuality rating of 5.0 out of 5 stars.
Which bus company has the cleanest buses from Santa Barbara to Los Angeles?
According to Busbud traveller reviews, the bus company with the cleanest buses on this route is Santa Barbara Airbus, with a cleanliness rating of 5.0 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

15/01

R 404

16/01

R 723

Today

R 555

18/01

R 555

19/01

R 396

20/01

R 337

21/01

R 295

22/01

R 286

The cheapest trip from Santa Barbara to Los Angeles, US was searched and found on 22 Jan 2026 with a price of R 286

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 Los Angeles, US as early as possible.

You can expect to pay from R 286 to R 1 161 for a bus ticket from Santa Barbara to Los Angeles, US based on the last 2 days. You can expect to find the cheapest price for the trip at R 286, which is on 2026-01-22.

Usually Santa Barbara Airbus 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.