When you’re craving a change of pace from the buzzy World Cup energy of Los Angeles, Santa Barbara is an easy, scenic trip up the coast — perfect for breezy afternoons on a beach or fun weekend escapes between matches. Sit back and savor the adventure with breathtaking ocean views on a train or bus ride, or add exciting pit stops by driving to Santa Barbara. There are even direct flights between the two cities if you prefer air travel.
How far is Santa Barbara from Los Angeles?
Santa Barbara is just 95 miles northwest of Los Angeles, but with the sun-drenched coastline rolling past your window, the short journey is an experience in itself.
Taking the Train from Los Angeles to Santa Barbara
Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner and Coast Starlight trains both stop at Union Station in Los Angeles and Santa Barbara’s downtown station, offering one of the most comfortable ways to travel between the two cities. With creature comforts like Wi-Fi, restrooms and cafe service, the ride — which typically takes 2.5-3 hours — feels more like relaxation time than travel time.
Settle into vacation mode in spacious seats while enjoying wine, cocktails and snacks from the dining car. Immerse yourself in a book or gaze out picture windows at rolling hills, breaking waves and cozy seaside towns.
Multiple daily trains run between Los Angeles and Santa Barbara, so it’s easy to ride up the coast after cheering on your team or return from your getaway in time for kickoff.
Driving from Los Angeles to Santa Barbara
The drive between Los Angeles and Santa Barbara typically takes about two hours, though traffic can add extra time during peak travel periods. Luckily, the scenic route north makes the journey part of the fun, winding through green valleys, rocky cliffs and stretches of the legendary Pacific Coast Highway, known for its sweeping ocean views. As you cruise along, stop at palm-lined beaches to stretch your legs, snap selfies against stunning backdrops and feel the sand between your toes while looking for dolphins offshore. Before rounding into Santa Barbara, try local eateries in seaside communities like charming Summerland and the celebrity-studded Montecito.
Insider Tip: Start your drive earlier or later in the day to avoid traffic, especially if you’re headed back to LA for a match. Or, plan a fun detour along the way for a driving break and to keep off the road during heavy travel times.
bus Travel from Los Angeles to Santa Barbara
Bus journeys between Los Angeles and Santa Barbara are quick, easy and affordable. Travel takes 2-3 hours, depending on traffic and stops. It’s enough time to snooze in a cushy seat, plan your afternoon activities or simply watch the metropolis melt into tranquil Pacific coastline.
Choose from services like Greyhound, FlixBus, and Santa Barbara Airbus’ LAX Shuttle Bus. Buses drop passengers in downtown Santa Barbara, just a few steps from the restaurants and contemporary boutiques of the Funk Zone, numerous hotels and the sailboat-filled harbor, with its abundance of fresh seafood — eliminating the need for a car. With frequent departures and options for early-morning and late-night trips, buses are perfect for slipping in and out of the World Cup’s host city between matches. For the perfect long weekend in The American Riviera®, catch an evening ride to Santa Barbara after a Thursday-night match and return on the morning bus on Sunday.
Flying from Los Angeles to Santa Barbara
Short regional flights connect Los Angeles to Santa Barbara. Departing from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), most nonstop United Airlines flights touch down at Santa Barbara Airport (SBA) in Goleta in under an hour.
Need to kill a little time before your hotel check-in or return flight? Take a taxi or rideshare to nearby Goleta Beach Park. Just one mile from the airport, it’s a relaxing spot to breathe in the salty ocean air, eat lunch at a picnic table and stroll the fishing pier. Or head straight downtown — less than 10 miles away — where delicious restaurants, fascinating museums and unique shops are within easy reach.
Insider Tip: If you’re plane-hopping between matches, be sure to factor in time for steps like baggage claim and ground transportation to and from LAX.
Getting around Santa Barbara without a car
It’s easy to go car-free in Santa Barbara. Many parts of the city are walkable or bikeable, with public buses, taxis and rideshare services available when you want a set of wheels.
How long should you spend in Santa Barbara?
A day trip allows you to soak up the highlights, such as strolling along Stearns Wharf, spending a few hours walking on the beach and enjoying a fabulous dinner downtown. With two to three days, you can dig deeper with world-class wine tasting, surfing and kayaking, shopping and dining on State Street, and touring the city’s fascinating museums and historic sites.
Explore curated itineraries and trip ideas to start planning a getaway that fits your schedule and travel style.