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

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

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 (Amtrak)

    best
    1. Take the train from Santa Barbara to Oceansidetrain train Pacific Surfliner
    6h 22m
    $65–129

  2. Bus (Flixbus)

    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 Downtown to Oceanside Transportation Centerbus bus FlixBus 2017
    6h 42m
    $32–55

  3. Drive 186.6 mi

    1. Drive from Santa Barbara to Vistacar car 186.6 mi
    3h 17m
    $35–50

  4. Fly to Mcclellan–Palomar Airport

    1. Fly from Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA) to Mcclellan–Palomar Airport (CLD)plane plane SBA - CLD
    5h 18m
    $68–275

  5. Fly to San Diego International Airport, train, tram

    1. Fly from Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA) to San Diego International Airport (SAN)plane plane SBA - SAN
    2. Take the train from San Diego to Oceansidetrain train
    3. Take the tram from Oceanside Transit Center to Vista Transit Centertram tram
    5h 45m
    $208–261

Santa Barbara to Vista by train and bus (Amtrak)

Calendar42Weekly Services
Duration6h 22mAverage Duration
Ticket$65Cheapest Price
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Questions & Answers

Map of how to get from Santa Barbara to Vista.ExpandLaunch map view
  • Distance: 203.1 mi
  • Duration: 6h 22m

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

Amtrak operates a train from Santa Barbara to Oceanside every 4 hours. Tickets cost $60–130 and the journey takes 5h 10m. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Santa Barbara Bus Stop to Vista Transit Center Stall 5 via Los Angeles Union Station, Los Angeles Downtown, Oceanside Transportation Center, and Oceanside Transit Center Stall 10 in around 6h 42m.

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