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How to get fromSanta Barbara to Big Surby train, taxi, bus (Amtrak), car, plane, or shuttle

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There are 7 ways to get from Santa Barbara to Big Sur by train, taxi, bus (Amtrak), car, plane, or shuttle

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

  1. Train, taxi

    best
    1. Take the train from Santa Barbara to Salinastrain train Coast Starlight
    2. Take the taxi from Salinas to Big Surtaxi taxi
    6h 48m
    $201–326

  2. Drive 202 mi

    cheapest
    1. Drive from Santa Barbara to Big Surcar car 202 mi
    4h 5m
    $37–54

  3. Bus (Amtrak)

    1. Take the bus from Santa Barbara to Salinasbus bus Amtrak Thruway Connecting Service
    7h 12m
    $156–210

  4. Fly Santa Barbara Municipal Airport to Monterey Regional Airport, taxi

    1. Fly from Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA) to Monterey Regional Airport (MRY)plane plane SBA - MRY
    2. Take the taxi from Monterey Regional Airport (MRY) to Big Surtaxi taxi
    5h 39m
    $116–302

  5. Fly Santa Barbara Municipal Airport to San Francisco International Airport, shuttle

    1. Fly from Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA) to San Francisco International Airport (SFO)plane plane SBA - SFO
    2. Take a shuttle bus from SFO Airport Terminal 3-Lower Level to Monterey Shuttle Stationshuttle bus
    6h 59m
    $310–597

  6. Train to Los Angeles International Airport, fly to Monterey Regional Airport, taxi

    1. Take the train from Santa Barbara to Los Angelestrain train
    2. Fly from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Monterey Regional Airport (MRY)plane plane LAX - MRY
    3. Take the taxi from Monterey Regional Airport (MRY) to Big Surtaxi taxi
    6h 43m
    $395–891

  7. Train to Burbank Bob Hope Airport, fly to Monterey Regional Airport, taxi

    1. Take the train from Santa Barbara to Van Nuystrain train
    2. Fly from Burbank Bob Hope Airport (BUR) to Monterey Regional Airport (MRY)plane plane BUR - MRY
    3. Take the taxi from Monterey Regional Airport (MRY) to Big Surtaxi taxi
    6h 22m
    $578–974

Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA) to Monterey Regional Airport (MRY) flights

Calendar56Weekly Planes
Duration4h 53mAverage Duration
Ticket$30Cheapest Price
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Questions & Answers

Map of how to get from Santa Barbara to Big Sur.ExpandLaunch map view
  • Distance: 293.6 mi
  • Duration: 6h 48m

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

Amtrak operates a bus from Santa Barbara to Salinas 3 times a day. Tickets cost $75–120 and the journey takes 5h 15m.

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