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How to get fromSanta Barbara to Imperial Beachby plane, tram, bus, train (Amtrak), bus (Flixbus, Greyhound), or car

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There are 5 ways to get from Santa Barbara to Imperial Beach by plane, tram, bus, train (Amtrak), bus (Flixbus, Greyhound), or car

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

  1. Fly, tram, line 933 bus

    best
    1. Fly from Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA) to San Diego International Airport (SAN)plane plane SBA - SAN
    2. Take the tram from America Plaza Station to Palm Avenue Stationtram tram
    3. Take the bus from Palm Av & Hollister St to Palm Av & Emory Stbus bus
    4h 14m
    $82–244

  2. Bus via Los Angeles

    cheapest
    1. Take the bus from Santa Barbara Bus Stop to Los Angeles Union Stationbus bus FlixBus 2005
    2. Take the bus from Los Angeles Union Station to San Diegobus bus Los Angeles
    7h 16m
    $38–66

  3. Train (Amtrak)

    1. Take the train from Santa Barbara to San Diego Old Town Transportation Centertrain train Pacific Surfliner
    7h 13m
    $61–135

  4. Drive  226 mi

    1. Drive from Santa Barbara to Imperial Beachcar car 226 mi
    3h 59m
    $42–60

  5. Bus

    1. Take the bus from Figueroa at Chapala to Pacific View Mallbus bus 80 / ...
    2. Take the bus from Oxnard to San Ysidrobus bus Lxus 3103
    10h 33m
    $46–71

Santa Barbara to Imperial Beach by train, tram, and bus (Amtrak)

Calendar42Weekly Services
Duration7h 13mAverage Duration
Ticket$61Cheapest Price
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Comparing Your Travel Options

Map of how to get from Santa Barbara to Imperial Beach.ExpandLaunch map view
  • Distance: 219.5 mi
  • Duration: 4h 14m

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

Amtrak operates a train from Santa Barbara to San Diego Old Town Transportation Center every 4 hours. Tickets cost $55–130 and the journey takes 5h 55m. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Santa Barbara Bus Stop to 9th St & Palm Av via Los Angeles Union Station, San Diego, and 12th & Imperial Transit Center in around 7h 16m.

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