Find coaches from Santa Barbara to Chicago

Next departures

Next departures from Santa Barbara to Chicago on 21 September
Operated byVehicle typeDeparture timeDeparture locationTrip durationArrival timeArrival locationRecommendedPrice and booking link
FlixBus + Greyhound Lines, Inc.
Santa Barbara Station
Downtown Greyhound StationCheapest
Amtrak
Train Station
Chicago (Union Station), ILFastest
Amtrak
Train Station
Chicago (Union Station), ILNo tags
FlixBus + Greyhound Lines, Inc.
Santa Barbara Station
537-517 W. Jackson BlvdNo tags
Amtrak
Train Station
Chicago (Union Station), ILNo tags

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Compare 2 ways to travel from Santa Barbara to Chicago

Bus
Average priceUS$232 - US$351Average duration2d 8h
73kg CO₂e5 out of 5 stars
CheapestFastestMost eco-friendly
Train
Average priceUS$658 - US$658Average 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, 8 hours 35 minutes and with fares starting at just US$232, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

2bus per day
2d 8hAverage duration
US$232Cheapest ticket
73kgCO₂ emissions

Bus Santa Barbara to Chicago: Trip Overview

Average ticket priceUS$255
Average bus trip duration2d 8h
Number of daily buses2
Earliest bus departure13:40
Distance1801 miles
Latest bus departure18:45

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. What's the distance between Santa Barbara and Chicago by coach?

    The distance between Santa Barbara and Chicago by coach is approximately 1802 miles (2907 km).

  2. How can I travel from Santa Barbara to Chicago avoiding air travel?

    You have the option to select the coach for your journey on this route. The coach ensures a pleasant travel experience, granting you the opportunity to appreciate the scenery as you make your way to your final stop. You also have the option of utilising carpooling services.

Find cheapest prices for buses

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

Best price found
15/09
US$284
16/09
US$284
Today
No data
18/09
US$284
19/09
US$250
20/09
No data
21/09
US$250
22/09
US$284
busbud logoThe cheapest trip from Santa Barbara to Chicago was searched and found on 19 Sept 2025 with a price of US$250

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$250 to US$3,020 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$250, which is on 2025-09-19.

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 Chicago to Santa Barbara

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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