Bus Tickets from Santa Barbara to Chicago

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TodayJun 5
from US$347
TomorrowJun 6
from US$292
SatJun 7
from US$242
SunJun 8
from US$257
MonJun 9
from US$271
TueJun 10
from US$322
WedJun 11
from US$240
ThuJun 12

Next departures to Chicago

One passenger / one way

  • This trip is recommended because it is the: Cheapest
    Departure time: June 6 at
    Departure city: Santa Barbara
    Departure location: Santa Barbara Station
    Arrival time: June 9 at
    Destination city: Chicago
    Destination location: Downtown Greyhound Station
    Operated by: FlixBus + Greyhound Lines, Inc.
    FlixBus + Greyhound Lines, Inc.
    Vehicle: BusDuration:
  • This trip is recommended because it is the: Fastest
    Departure time: June 6 at
    Departure city: Santa Barbara
    Departure location: Train Station
    Arrival time: June 8 at
    Destination city: Chicago
    Destination location: Chicago (Union Station), IL
    Operated by: AmtrakAmtrak
    Vehicle: BusDuration:
  • Departure time: June 6 at
    Departure city: Santa Barbara
    Departure location: Train Station
    Arrival time: June 8 at
    Destination city: Chicago
    Destination location: Chicago (Union Station), IL
    Operated by: AmtrakAmtrak
    Vehicle: BusDuration:
  • Departure time: June 6 at
    Departure city: Santa Barbara
    Departure location: Santa Barbara Station
    Arrival time: June 9 at
    Destination city: Chicago
    Destination location: 537-517 W. Jackson Blvd
    Operated by: FlixBus + Greyhound Lines, Inc.
    FlixBus + Greyhound Lines, Inc.
    Vehicle: BusDuration:
  • Departure time: June 6 at
    Departure city: Santa Barbara
    Departure location: Train Station
    Arrival time: June 8 at
    Destination city: Chicago
    Destination location: Chicago (Union Station), IL
    Operated by: AmtrakAmtrak
    Vehicle: BusDuration:

Last refresh of the prices: Last Tuesday at 7:23 PM PDT.

Prices and availability are subject to change.

Accepted payments

  • Visa
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  • American Express
  • China Union Pay
  • Diners Club Canada
  • Discover Click to Pay
  • JCB payment
  • Klarna (Pay over time)
  • Google Pay

Compare 2 ways to go from Santa Barbara to Chicago

Average PriceUS$243 - US$841Average Duration2d 11h
73kg CO₂e5 out of 5 stars
CheapestFastestMost eco-friendly
Average PriceUS$615 - US$854Average Duration3d 2h
264kg CO₂e1 out of 5 stars
busbud logoBusbud recommends taking the bus from Santa Barbara to Chicago

Among the sustainable travel choices, the bus stands out as a good way to reach Chicago. The journey takes about 2 days, 11 hours 35 minutes, and with fares starting at just US$243, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

3bus per day
2d 11hAverage Duration
US$243Cheapest ticket
73kgCO₂ emissions

Bus Santa Barbara to Chicago: Trip Overview

Average Ticket PriceUS$288
Average Bus Trip Duration2d 11h
Number of daily buses3
Earliest bus departure11:25am
Distance2904 km
Latest bus departure10:20pm

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 on the trip Santa Barbara - Chicago

  1. How long is the bus trip from Santa Barbara to Chicago?

    The trip from Santa Barbara to Chicago will take on average 2d 11h. For the shortest travel time, select the fastest bus available, which will take you to Chicago in about 2d 6h.

  2. How far is Santa Barbara from Chicago?

    The distance covered from Santa Barbara to Chicago is 2907 km (1802 miles).

  3. What are the departure and arrival locations for buses traveling from Santa Barbara to Chicago?

    Buses traveling this route start their trip at Train Station, in Santa Barbara, and end it at Downtown Greyhound Station, in Chicago.

  4. What is the cheapest way to go from Santa Barbara to Chicago?

    If you're on a budget, consider traveling by bus to Chicago from Santa Barbara; it tends to be more affordable. Starting at US$243, this bus is the most cost-effective option for your journey.

  5. How much does it cost to take the bus from Santa Barbara to Chicago?

    The bus fare from Santa Barbara to Chicago is approximately US$288.

  6. Can I take an overnight bus from Santa Barbara to Chicago?

    Yes! Catch buses leaving from Santa Barbara until 10:20pm and reaching Chicago on the following day.

Find cheapest prices for buses

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

Best price found
06-03
US$401
06-04
US$401
Today
US$334
06-06
US$401
06-07
US$334
06-08
US$334
06-09
US$309
06-10
US$309
busbud logoThe cheapest trip from Santa Barbara to Chicago was searched and found on Jun 9, 2025 with a price of US$309

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 US$309 to US$2,591 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 US$309 which is on 2025-06-09.

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 coach 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 Santa Barbara to Chicago

You can also go to Chicago by train

Train from Santa Barbara to Chicago

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 Busbud, wherever you go, you have a worldwide bus station within reach and available in your own language and currency. 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.

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