Bus Tickets from Santa Barbara to Chicago

Next departures

Next departures for Santa Barbara to Chicago on November 2
Operated byVehicle typeDeparture timeDeparture locationTrip durationArrival timeArrival locationRecommendedPrice and booking link
Amtrak
    		UC Santa Barbara
    		Chicago (Union Station), ILCheapest
    Amtrak
      		Train Station
      		Chicago (Union Station), ILFastest
      Amtrak
        		Train Station
        		Chicago (Union Station), ILNo tags
        Amtrak
          		UC Santa Barbara
          		Chicago (Union Station), ILNo tags
          Amtrak
            		UC Santa Barbara
            		Chicago (Union Station), ILNo tags

            Last refresh of the prices: Last Thursday at 7:37 AM PDT.

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            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 $232, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

            2bus per day
            2d 1hAverage Duration
            1801 milesDistance
            73kgCO₂ emissions
            Bus
            		Average Price$232 - $440Average Duration2d 1h
            73kg CO₂e
            Train
            		Average Price$214 - $743Average Duration2d 17h
            264kg CO₂e

            Bus Santa Barbara to Chicago: Trip Overview

            Average ticket price$269
            Average bus trip duration2d 1h
            Number of daily buses2
            Earliest bus departure2:45pm
            Distance1801 miles (2904 km)
            Latest bus departure6:45pm

            Santa Barbara to Chicago Bus

            Busbud shows you the best bus ticket fares and bus schedules so you can easily plan and book a trip by bus from Santa Barbara to Chicago.

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

            Whether it is cheap bus tickets or more luxurious buses going to Chicago from Santa Barbara, we help you find what you're looking for based on how much of a budget you have.

            Frequently asked questions for your trip Santa Barbara - Chicago

            Find cheapest prices for buses

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

            Best price found
            10/30
            $284
            10/31
            $358
            Today
            $284
            11/02
            $284
            11/03
            No data
            11/04
            No data
            11/05
            No data
            11/06
            No data
            busbud logoThe cheapest trip from Santa Barbara to Chicago was searched and found on Oct 30, 2025 with a price of $284

            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 Chicago, as early as possible.

            You can expect to pay from $284 to $2,552 for a bus ticket from Santa Barbara to Chicago based on the last 2 days. You can expect to find the cheapest price for the trip at $284 which is on 2025-11-02.

            About Bus Travel

            Bus Travel Tips

            If you're abroad, study some local language. Not only could it get you out of a pickle during your bus trip from Santa Barbara to Chicago but it'll also be endearing to native speakers who will surely appreciate your effort.

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

            Buses are energy-efficient. Carrying a passenger over 100 kms by bus only takes 0.6-0.9 liters of gas. Compare that to the 2.6 liters required by high-speed train, 6.6 liters by airplane and 7.6 liters by gas-powered car, and it's clear that the bus is a more environmentally-conscious option for your bus transportation from Santa Barbara to Chicago.

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

            Did you know?

            9.2% of ground transportation in Europe is done by bus versus 7.4% by train.

            Did you know some bus companies in Germany offer to their passenger low-costs snacks and regional beer based on their destination? Prosit!

            The word 'bus' is an abbreviation of 'omnibus" which means 'for all' in Latin as buses were meant to be transportation for everybody.

            What's the cheapest way to go from Santa Barbara to Chicago?

            busbud logoThe bus is the cheapest travel choice for this destination

            Will you be returning to Santa Barbara by bus?

            Bus from Chicago to Santa Barbara

            You can also go to Chicago by train

            Train from Santa Barbara to Chicago

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