Next departures
| Operated by | Vehicle type | Departure time | Departure location | Trip duration | Arrival time | Arrival location | Recommended | Price and booking link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Train Station | Chicago (Union Station), IL | Cheapest | |||||
| Train Station | Chicago (Union Station), IL | Fastest | |||||
| Train Station | Chicago (Union Station), IL | No tags | |||||
| Train Station | Chicago (Union Station), IL | No tags | |||||
| Train Station | Chicago (Union Station), IL | No tags |
Last refresh of the prices: Yesterday at 2:42 AM PST.
Compare 2 ways to go 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, 7 hours 25 minutes, and with fares starting at just $317, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.
Where are the popular stops in Santa Barbara and Chicago?
Stops in Chicago
- A630 W Harrison St, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
- 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
Frequently asked questions about travelling 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 $317. The average price for this route is around $378. 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 travel time from Santa Barbara to Chicago is 2d 7h, covering a distance of 2904 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?
What are the earliest and latest departure times for the bus from Santa Barbara to Chicago?
The earliest bus departs from Santa Barbara to Chicago at 2:45pm. 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 a mode of travel recommended 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 5627 reviews.
Which bus company has the best Wi-Fi from Santa Barbara to Chicago?
Based on Busbud reviews, the bus company Amtrak has the highest Wi-Fi rating with a score of 3.6.
Which bus company has the best on-time performance from Santa Barbara to Chicago?
According to Busbud traveller reviews, the most punctual 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.
Find cheapest prices for buses
Price is for a one-way ticket for one passenger and based on past searches.
The cheapest trip from Santa Barbara to Chicago was searched and found on Dec 6, 2025 with a price of $287To 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.
What's the cheapest way to go from Santa Barbara to Chicago?
The bus is the cheapest travel choice for this destination
