Bus from Santa Barbara to Chicago: Tickets & Timetables

Next departures

Next departures from Santa Barbara to Chicago on 7 December
Operated byVehicle typeDeparture timeDeparture locationTrip durationArrival timeArrival locationRecommendedPrice and booking link
Amtrak
Train Station
Chicago (Union Station), ILCheapestFastest
Amtrak
Train Station
Chicago (Union Station), ILNo tags

Last refresh of the prices: Yesterday at 02:42 PST.

Compare 2 ways to travel from Santa Barbara to Chicago

We recommend taking the bus

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 £172, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

2bus per day
2d 7hAverage duration
1801 milesDistance
73kgCO₂ emissions
Average price£172 - £345Average duration2d 7h
73kg CO₂e
Average price£195 - £2,500Average duration2d 17h
264kg CO₂e

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

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

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

    The cheapest coach tickets from Santa Barbara to Chicago start from £172. The average price for this route is around £205. Busbud recommends that you book your tickets in advance for a better chance to get the lowest possible price.

  2. How long is the bus journey from Santa Barbara to Chicago?

    The average bus journey time from Santa Barbara to Chicago is 2d 7h, covering a distance of 1801 miles. The fastest bus can take you there in 2d and is operated by Amtrak.

  3. Which bus companies service the Santa Barbara to Chicago route?

    Several major bus companies operate on this route with 2 buses available per day, including services from Amtrak, FlixBus.

  4. 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 14:45. And the latest bus departs at 18:45.

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

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

  6. Which 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.

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

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

  8. Which bus company offers the most punctual service 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.

  9. 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.

Best price found
05/12
No data
06/12
£156
Today
£186
08/12
No data
09/12
No data
10/12
No data
11/12
No data
12/12
No data
busbud logoThe cheapest trip from Santa Barbara to Chicago was searched and found on 6 Dec 2025 with a price of £156

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.

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

busbud logoThe bus is the cheapest travel choice for this destination

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