Next departures to Chicago
One passenger / one way
- This trip is recommended because it is: CheapestDeparture time: June 5 atDeparture city: Santa BarbaraDeparture location: Train StationArrival time: June 8 atDestination city: ChicagoDestination location: Chicago (Union Station), ILOperated by: Amtrak
Vehicle: BusDuration: - This trip is recommended because it is: FastestDeparture time: June 5 atDeparture city: Santa BarbaraDeparture location: UC Santa BarbaraArrival time: June 8 atDestination city: ChicagoDestination location: Chicago (Union Station), ILOperated by: AmtrakVehicle: BusDuration:
- Departure time: June 5 atDeparture city: Santa BarbaraDeparture location: Train StationArrival time: June 8 atDestination city: ChicagoDestination location: Chicago (Union Station), ILOperated by: AmtrakVehicle: BusDuration:
- Departure time: June 5 atDeparture city: Santa BarbaraDeparture location: UC Santa BarbaraArrival time: June 8 atDestination city: ChicagoDestination location: Chicago (Union Station), ILOperated by: AmtrakVehicle: BusDuration:
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Compare 2 ways to go from Santa Barbara to Chicago.
Busbud recommends taking the bus from Santa Barbara to ChicagoAmong the sustainable travel choices, the bus stands out as the good way to reach Chicago. The journey takes about 2 days, 11 hours 35 minutes and with fares starting at just $243, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.
Bus Santa Barbara to Chicago: Trip Overview
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Santa Barbara to Chicago Bus
Busbud shows you the best bus ticket fares and bus schedules so you can easily plan and book a trip by bus from Santa Barbara to Chicago.
Bus service from Santa Barbara to Chicago will be provided by the most trusted bus companies.
Whether it is cheap bus tickets or more luxurious buses going to Chicago from Santa Barbara, we help you find what you're looking for based on how much of a budget you have.
Where are the popular stops in Santa Barbara and Chicago?
Frequently asked questions for your trip Santa Barbara - Chicago
Find cheapest prices for buses
Price is for a one-way ticket for one passenger and based on past searches.
The cheapest trip from Santa Barbara to Chicago was searched and found on Jun 9, 2025 with a price of $309To save money and be sure you have the best seat, it's a good idea to buy your bus tickets from Santa Barbara to Chicago, as early as possible.
You can expect to pay from $309 to $2,591 for a bus ticket from Santa Barbara to Chicago based on the last 2 days. You can expect to find the cheapest price for the trip at $309 which is on 2025-06-09.
About Bus Travel
Bus Travel Tips
If you're abroad, study some local language. Not only could it get you out of a pickle during your bus trip from Santa Barbara to Chicago but it'll also be endearing to native speakers who will surely appreciate your effort.
Much more than a mere vehicle taking you from Santa Barbara to Chicago, riding the bus will expose you to some of the most stunning panoramas while enroute to your final bus stop.
Buses are energy-efficient. Carrying a passenger over 100 kms by coach only takes 0.6-0.9 liters of gas. Compare that to the 2.6 liters required by high-speed train, 6.6 liters by airplane and 7.6 liters by gas-powered car, and it's clear that the bus is a more environmentally-conscious option for your bus transportation from Santa Barbara to Chicago.
Tune out to the fine sounds of your best music playlist on your bus trip from Santa Barbara to Chicago while indulging in miles on end of beautiful scenic views.
Did you know?
9.2% of ground transportation in Europe is done by bus versus 7.4% by train.
Did you know some bus companies in Germany offer to their passenger low-costs snacks and regional beer based on their destination? Prosit!
The word 'bus' is an abbreviation of 'omnibus" which means 'for all' in Latin as buses were meant to be transportation for everybody.
What's the cheapest way to go from Santa Barbara to Chicago?
The bus is the cheapest travel choice for this destinationTop traveled bus routes
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