Bus from Santa Barbara to Oakland: Tickets & Timetables

Next departures

Next departures from Santa Barbara to Oakland on 3 December
Operated byVehicle typeDeparture timeDeparture locationTrip durationArrival timeArrival locationRecommendedPrice and booking link
FlixBus
Santa Barbara Station
West Oakland BARTCheapestFastest
Amtrak
Train Station
Coliseum/AirportNo tags
Amtrak
UC Santa Barbara
Jack London SquareNo tags
Amtrak
UC Santa Barbara
Jack London SquareNo tags
Amtrak
UC Santa Barbara
Coliseum/AirportNo tags

Last refresh of the prices: Yesterday at 8:49 PM PST.

Compare 2 ways to travel from Santa Barbara to Oakland

We recommend taking the train

Among the sustainable travel choices, the train stands out as a good way to reach Oakland. The journey takes about 8 hours 45 minutes and with fares starting at just R 1 021, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

1train per day
8h 45mAverage duration
447 kmDistance
41kgCO₂ emissions
Average priceR 811 - R 4 041Average duration11h 25m
11kg CO₂e
Average priceR 1 021 - R 1 894Average duration8h 45m
41kg CO₂e

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

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

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

    The cheapest bus tickets from Santa Barbara to Oakland start at R 811. The average price for this route is around R 1 092. Busbud recommends booking your tickets in advance for the best chance of getting the lowest possible price.

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

    The average bus journey time from Santa Barbara to Oakland is 11h 25m, covering a distance of 437 km. The fastest bus gets you there in 6h 50m and is operated by FlixBus.

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

    Several major bus companies operate on this route with 4 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 Oakland?

    The earliest bus departs from Santa Barbara to Oakland at 11:45. And the latest bus departs at 18:45.

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

    A bus trip from Santa Barbara to Oakland produces an estimated 11 kg of CO₂, making it a highly eco-friendly travel option and Busbud’s recommended way to travel.

  6. What is the best bus company from Santa Barbara to Oakland?

    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 5597 reviews.

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

    Based on reviews on Busbud, 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 Oakland?

    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 Oakland?

    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
28/11
R 1 475
29/11
R 1 686
Today
R 1 475
01/12
R 1 493
02/12
R 861
03/12
R 1 229
04/12
R 1 475
05/12
R 1 475
busbud logoThe cheapest trip from Santa Barbara to Oakland was searched and found on 02 Dec 2025 with a price of R 861

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 Oakland as early as possible.

You can expect to pay from R 861 to R 2 476 for a bus ticket from Santa Barbara to Oakland based on the last 2 days. You can expect to find the cheapest price for the trip at R 861, which is on 2025-12-02.

Usually Amtrak will charge you higher prices for tickets closer to the departure date. To find the best prices, you should be flexible on your date of travel.

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