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How to get fromSanta Barbara to Palm Desertby bus (Flixbus, Greyhound), train, bus, car, or plane

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There are 7 ways to get from Santa Barbara to Palm Desert by bus (Flixbus, Greyhound), train, bus, car, 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.

  1. Bus

    best
    1. Take the bus from Santa Barbara to Los Angelesbus bus Ans 6241 / ...
    2. Take the bus from Los Angeles Union Station to Indio Bus Stationbus bus Greyhound US1000 / ...
    6h 51m
    $38–69

  2. Train, bus (Amtrak)

    1. Take the train from Santa Barbara to Fullerton Amtrak Stationtrain train Pacific Surfliner
    2. Take the bus from Fullerton Amtrak Station to Palm Desert Amtrak Bus Stopbus bus Amtrak Thruway Connecting Service
    7h 22m
    $77–133

  3. Drive 215.1 mi

    1. Drive from Santa Barbara to Palm Desertcar car 215.1 mi
    3h 44m
    $40–57

  4. Fly from Santa Barbara Municipal Airport

    1. Fly from Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA) to Palm Springs International Airport (PSP)plane plane SBA - PSP
    6h 11m
    $72–252

  5. Train, bus via Los Angeles

    1. Take the train from Santa Barbara to Los Angelestrain train Pacific Surfliner / ...
    2. Take the bus from Los Angeles Downtown to Indio Bus Stationbus bus FlixBus 2054
    7h 56m
    $55–103

  6. Train, bus via Fontana

    1. Take the train from Santa Barbara to Los Angelestrain train
    2. Take the train from L.A. Union Station to Fontanatrain train
    3. Take the bus from Fontana Metrolink Transit Center to Indio Bus Stationbus bus
    8h 58m
    $89–141

  7. Train to Los Angeles International Airport, fly

    1. Take the train from Santa Barbara to Los Angelestrain train
    2. Fly from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Palm Springs International Airport (PSP)plane plane LAX - PSP
    6h 13m
    $206–690

Santa Barbara to Palm Desert by bus and foot

Calendar11Weekly Services
Duration6h 51mAverage Duration
Ticket$38Cheapest Price
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Questions & Answers

Map of how to get from Santa Barbara to Palm Desert.ExpandLaunch map view
  • Distance: 241.8 mi
  • Duration: 6h 51m

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

You can take a bus from Santa Barbara to Hwy 111 at San Luis Rey via Los Angeles Union Station, Indio Bus Station, and Hwy 111 at Golf Center Pkwy in around 6h 51m. Alternatively, American Airlines, United Airlines, and two other airlines fly from Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA) to Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) every 3 hours.

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