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Journey Information
There are 2 intercity buses per day from Chicago to Santa Barbara. Traveling by bus from Chicago to Santa Barbara usually takes around 53 hours and 33 minutes, but the fastest FlixBus US bus can make the trip in 53 hours and 20 minutes.
| Distance | 1805 mi (2905 km) |
| Shortest duration | 53h 20m |
| Cheapest price | $286.63 |
| Most frequent service | FlixBus US |
| Bus lines | 1 |
What bus companies travel from Chicago to Santa Barbara?
There is one intercity bus company available to search and book on Wanderu that operates from Chicago to Santa Barbara. FlixBus US is the one bus line that serves this route. Although it's the sole option, there are a couple of different scheduled times to choose from.
| Bus | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus US | 2 | 2d 5h 33m | $286.63 |
FlixBus US is the American branch of German bus company FlixBus, known for providing sustainable, affordable, and modern bus travel. The company offers cheap bus tickets to popular urban destinations throughout the United States. FlixBus US buses include many amenities, including comfortable seats, free WiFi, power outlets at every seat, and an online portal for free entertainment. On average, FlixBus US operates 2 trips per day from Chicago to Santa Barbara, and the average ticket for this route costs only .
Frequently Asked Questions
The bus takes an average of 53 hours and 33 minutes to cover the 2905 kilometers from Chicago to Santa Barbara. However, the fastest bus only takes 53 hours and 20 minutes. It’s definitely on the longer side, so plan to get comfortable for a long road trip. Keep in mind that your actual bus may arrive earlier or later than scheduled, depending on whether there is more or less traffic than usual.
The first bus leaves at 9:00am and the last bus leaves at 9:00am. To see the times for all buses from Chicago to Santa Barbara, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
There are usually only 2 buses per day from Chicago to Santa Barbara. However, neither bus offers direct service, so you will have to get off your original vehicle to transfer buses during the trip.
Need more travel options? Consider taking the train from Chicago to Santa Barbara; ticket prices start at $279.17.
City Information
Chicago
Known for its innovative architecture, cultural contributions to jazz and house music, and of course that irresistible deep-dish pizza, the many sights and experiences in Chicago make it one of the best urban vacation destinations for millennials and a top destination in Illinois.
You can't beat the views of the city and Lake Michigan from the SkyDeck in the Willis Tower; at over 1,300 feet, this is the highest observation deck in the U.S. Snap that classic selfie with the Bean in Millennium Park, then wander the many museums in nearby Grant Park. Navy Pier is a popular tourist hotspot for its parks, restaurants, and attractions right on Lake Michigan, and baseball fans will find paradise in Wrigleyville, home to the Chicago Cubs' Wrigley Field and sports bars galore.
Chicago's enormous parks offer plentiful opportunities for outdoor activities in gorgeous urban settings. Many companies offer kayak rentals or boat tours on the Chicago River, with special tours running on Saint Patrick's Day, when the entire river is dyed green. When you’re ready to buy some souvenirs from your epic trip, hit the big brand stores on the Magnificent Mile, or shop local in neighborhoods like Andersonville and Wicker Park. And don't miss the chance to laugh until you cry at The Second City comedy theater, famous for launching the careers of comedians like Tina Fey and Stephen Colbert.
Chicago is one of the biggest transportation hubs in the Midwest, and provides easy access to nearby destinations ideal for day trips, as well as international travel from two airports. Thanks to plenty of bus and train stations throughout the city, getting to the Windy City is a breeze.
Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara is a major travel destination along the southern coast of California. Dramatically situated between the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Ynez Mountains, Santa Barbara offers incomparable scenery with a comfortably warm climate year-round. White stucco buildings with Mediterranean-style architecture, gorgeous beaches, and upscale local cuisine give Santa Barbara the nickname "The American Riviera."
There are many kinds of vacations to enjoy in Santa Barbara. You can spend days on the soft sand of Leadbetter Beach, surfing in the swells at Rincon Point, or shopping for trinkets along Stearns Wharf. Or embrace the area's history by visiting the Mission Santa Barbara, a Spanish mission founded in 1786. Highlights from the mission include Spanish architecture, a rose garden, a museum, and even crypts.
Santa Barbara Airport, only a few miles from downtown, serves passengers to the region. Amtrak's Pacific Surfliner stops in Santa Barbara on its way from San Diego to San Luis Obispo, with plenty of connections to other SoCal hotspots. Intercity buses, including FlixBus, offer routes from Santa Barbara to destinations like L.A., San Diego, and Las Vegas.
Station Information
Where does the bus leave from in Chicago?
Main departure station: Dan Ryan Bus Station
Chicago has two bus stations with service to Santa Barbara.
All bus stations in Chicago:
Dan Ryan Bus Station
Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St
Where does the bus arrive in Santa Barbara?
Main arrival station: 209 State Street
All buses from Chicago arrive at one main station in Santa Barbara.
Bus stations in Santa Barbara:
209 State Street
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