What is the cheapest way to get from Carmel to Santa Barbara?

The cheapest way to get from Carmel to Santa Barbara is to drive which costs $40 - $60 and takes 4h 34m.

What is the fastest way to get from Carmel to Santa Barbara?

The fastest way to get from Carmel to Santa Barbara is to drive which takes 4h 34m and costs $40 - $60.

Is there a direct bus between Carmel and Santa Barbara?

No, there is no direct bus from Carmel to Santa Barbara. However, there are services departing from Rio Rd / The Crossroads Carmel and arriving at Santa Barbara via Monterey Transit Plaza / Gate 4 Tyler and Salinas. The journey, including transfers, takes approximately 8h 50m.

Is there a direct train between Carmel and Santa Barbara?

No, there is no direct train from Carmel to Santa Barbara. However, there are services departing from Salinas and arriving at Santa Barbara via . The journey, including transfers, takes approximately 6h 37m.

How far is it from Carmel to Santa Barbara?

The distance between Carmel and Santa Barbara is 276 miles. The road distance is 222.9 miles.

How do I travel from Carmel to Santa Barbara without a car?

The best way to get from Carmel to Santa Barbara without a car is to train which takes 6h 37m and costs $150 - $260.

How long does it take to get from Carmel to Santa Barbara?

It takes approximately 6h 37m to get from Carmel to Santa Barbara, including transfers.

Where do I catch the Carmel to Santa Barbara bus from?

Carmel to Santa Barbara bus services, operated by Amtrak, depart from Salinas station.

Where do I catch the Carmel to Santa Barbara train from?

Carmel to Santa Barbara train services, operated by Amtrak, depart from Salinas station.

Train or bus from Carmel to Santa Barbara?

The best way to get from Carmel to Santa Barbara is to train which takes 6h 37m and costs $150 - $260. Alternatively, you can bus, which costs $80 - $130 and takes 8h 50m.

Where does the Carmel to Santa Barbara bus arrive?

Carmel to Santa Barbara bus services, operated by Amtrak, arrive at Santa Barbara station.

Where does the Carmel to Santa Barbara train arrive?

Carmel to Santa Barbara train services, operated by Amtrak, arrive at Santa Barbara station.

Can I drive from Carmel to Santa Barbara?

Yes, the driving distance between Carmel to Santa Barbara is 223 miles. It takes approximately 4h 34m to drive from Carmel to Santa Barbara.

How do I get a bus ticket from Carmel to Santa Barbara?

Book your Carmel to Santa Barbara bus tickets online with Omio.

Where can I stay near Santa Barbara?

There are 247+ hotels available in Santa Barbara.

Carmel to Santa Barbara - 4 ways to travel via train, bus, car, and shuttle

How to get fromCarmel to Santa Barbara

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There are 4 ways to get from Carmel to Santa Barbara by train (Amtrak), bus (Amtrak), car, shuttle, or plane

Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2Rio's travel planner.

Train (Amtrak)
best
1. Take the train from Salinas to Santa Barbaratrain Coast Starlight
6h 37m
$150–253
Drive 221.6 mi
cheapest
1. Drive from Carmel to Santa Barbaracar 221.6 mi
4h 34m
$41–59
Bus (Amtrak)
1. Take the bus from Salinas to Santa Barbarabus Amtrak Thruway Connecting Service
8h 50m
$84–127
Shuttle, fly
1. Take a shuttle bus from Monterey Shuttle Station to SFO Airport Internationalshuttle
2. Fly from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA)plane SFO - SBA
7h 42m
$238–505

Carmel to Santa Barbara by bus (Amtrak)

21Weekly Buses

8h 50mAverage Duration

$84Cheapest Price

See schedules

Questions & Answers

Map of how to get from Carmel to Santa Barbara.

Launch map view

Distance: 274.2 mi
Duration: 6h 37m

What companies run services between Carmel, CA, USA and Santa Barbara, CA, USA?

Amtrak operates a train from Salinas to Santa Barbara once daily. Tickets cost $80–170 and the journey takes 6h 6m. Alternatively, Amtrak operates a bus from Salinas to Santa Barbara 3 times a day. Tickets cost $80–120 and the journey takes 6h 5m.

Airlines

Train operators

Bus operators

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