How much is the bus ticket from Santa Barbara to Chicago?

The cheapest bus tickets from Santa Barbara to Chicago start from $227. The average price for this route is around $267. Busbud recommends that you book your tickets in advance for a better chance to get the lowest possible price.

How long is the bus ride from Santa Barbara to Chicago?

The average bus trip duration from Santa Barbara to Chicago is 2d 1h, covering a distance of 1809 miles (2917 km). The quickest bus can get you there in 2d and is operated by Amtrak .

Which bus companies service the Santa Barbara to Chicago route?

Several major bus companies operate on this route with 3 buses available per day, including services from Amtrak , FlixBus .

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

The earliest bus departs from Santa Barbara to Chicago at 1:40pm. And the latest bus departs at 6:45pm.

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

A bus trip from Santa Barbara to Chicago generates an estimated 73 kg of CO₂, making it a highly eco-friendly travel option and recommended mode of travel by Busbud.

What is the best bus company from Santa Barbara to Chicago?

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 5654 reviews.

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

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

Which bus company has the most timely service from Santa Barbara to Chicago?

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.

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

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 Santa Barbara to Chicago from $420 | Refundable Tickets

Next departures

Next departures for Santa Barbara to Chicago on December 31
Operated by	Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended	Price and booking link
		10:05pm	Train Station	2d 14h	2:39pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	CheapestFastest

Next departures for Santa Barbara to Chicago on January 1
Operated by	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
FlixBus + Greyhound Lines, Inc.	2:45pm	Santa Barbara Station	2d 1h	6:35pm	Chicago 95Th & Dan Ryan	Cheapest
FlixBus + Greyhound Lines, Inc.	2:45pm	Santa Barbara Station	1d 23h	4:30pm	Downtown Greyhound Station	Fastest
	12:00pm	Train Station	2d	2:42pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
FlixBus + Greyhound Lines, Inc.	2:45pm	Santa Barbara Station	2d 15h	8:00am	537-517 W. Jackson Blvd	No tags
	12:00pm	Train Station	2d	2:42pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags

Last refresh of the prices: Yesterday at 11:02 AM PST.

Compare 2 ways to go from Santa Barbara to Chicago

We recommend taking the bus

Among the sustainable travel choices, the bus stands out as the good way to reach Chicago. The journey takes about 2 days, 1 hour 50 minutes and with fares starting at just $227, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

3bus per day

2d 1hAverage Duration

1809 milesDistance

73kgCO₂ emissions

	Average Price	Average Duration	CO₂ emissions	Actions
Bus	Average Price$227 - $437	Average Duration2d 1h	CO₂ emissions 73kg CO₂e
Train	Average Price$297 - $3,398	Average Duration2d 3h	CO₂ emissions 264kg CO₂e

Where are the popular stops in Santa Barbara and Chicago?

Stops in Santa Barbara

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

Stops in Chicago

A
Downtown Greyhound Station
630 W Harrison St, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
Visit page
B
Chicago O'Hare International Airport
Visit page
C
Polk St & Canal St
500-536 W Polk St, Chicago IL 60607, USA
D
Tornado Bus S Kedzie Ave
2807 S Kedzie Ave, Chicago, IL 60623, USA
E
Cumberland CTA
5800 N Cumberland Ave, Chicago, IL 60631, USA
F
Turimex California Ave
2139 S California Ave, Chicago, IL 60608, USA

Compare bus companies

Amtrak

4/55,690 reviews

Staff4.7

Timeliness3.8

Cleanliness4.6

Wifi3.6

FlixBus

3.5/511,832 reviews

Staff4.1

Timeliness3.9

Cleanliness4.1

Wifi2.7

Flixbus is a European bus operator that offers intercity and bus travel in over 38 countries. Known for their easy-to-spot lime green buses and for offering affordable transportation between cities in Europe and the Americas, Flixbus is a good option for those looking for an affordable, reliable bus company. In their buses, you'll find free WiFi, bathrooms, and power outlets. You can also pay extra to choose your seat and get extra legroom, or even buy a snack or drink onboard directly from the driver. You can reschedule your ticket for a small fee, which varies from $1 to $5, depending on how close you are to the departure date.

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

Frequently asked questions about traveling from Santa Barbara to Chicago by bus

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

How much is the bus ticket from Santa Barbara to Chicago?
The cheapest bus tickets from Santa Barbara to Chicago start from $227. The average price for this route is around $267. Busbud recommends that you book your tickets in advance for a better chance to get the lowest possible price.
How long is the bus ride from Santa Barbara to Chicago?
The average bus trip duration from Santa Barbara to Chicago is 2d 1h, covering a distance of 1809 miles (2917 km). The quickest bus can get you there in 2d and is operated by Amtrak.
Which bus companies service the Santa Barbara to Chicago route?
Several major bus companies operate on this route with 3 buses available per day, including services from Amtrak, FlixBus.
What is the earliest and latest departure time for the bus from Santa Barbara to Chicago?
The earliest bus departs from Santa Barbara to Chicago at 1:40pm. And the latest bus departs at 6:45pm.
What are the CO₂ emissions for the bus trip from Santa Barbara to Chicago?
A bus trip from Santa Barbara to Chicago generates an estimated 73 kg of CO₂, making it a highly eco-friendly travel option and recommended mode of travel by Busbud.
What is the best bus company from Santa Barbara to Chicago?
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 5654 reviews.
Which bus company has the best Wi-Fi from Santa Barbara to Chicago?
Based on reviews on Busbud, the bus company Amtrak has the best Wi-Fi rating with a score of 3.6.
Which bus company has the most timely service from Santa Barbara to Chicago?
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.
Which bus company has the cleanest buses from Santa Barbara to Chicago?
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.