Traveling from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to UC Santa Barbara (UCSB) offers various options tailored to different needs—whether you prioritize speed, cost, or comfort. Here’s a guide to help you choose the best and most convenient mode of transportation for your journey.
Note: International travelers to LAX should allow at least two hours for passport control and customs. The airline will NOT pay for your hotel if you are delayed by customs and immigration officials. Be sure to have at least $200 with you in case of an unexpected delay and stay over.
Rental Car: Flexibility and Scenic Routes
Duration: Approximately 2 to 2.5 hours, depending on traffic
Cost: Varies (rental fees + gas)
Convenience: High
Renting a car at LAX offers the most flexibility for your trip to UCSB, allowing you to travel at your own pace and enjoy the journey. Upon arrival at LAX, you can easily access rental car services by taking a free shuttle from the airport terminals to the Rental Car Facility. Shuttles are available outside each terminal and run frequently, making it convenient to pick up your vehicle.
The drive from LAX to UCSB primarily follows US-101 North, which offers scenic views of the California coastline. For an even more picturesque route, consider taking the Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1) for part of the journey. This route adds a bit of time but rewards you with stunning ocean views and opportunities to stop at iconic spots like Malibu and Ventura.
If you’re traveling during peak times, such as when students are returning to UCSB or during graduation ceremonies, it’s essential to reserve your rental car well in advance. Prices can fluctuate significantly, so it’s wise to keep checking rates even after booking, as you might find a better deal closer to your travel date.
For groups, renting a car can be particularly cost-effective, as the expense per person decreases with more passengers. While the best rates are typically for rentals picked up and dropped off at LAX, one-way rentals (picking up at LAX and dropping off near UCSB) can be more affordable if you plan to travel in that direction only. Notably, dropping off at UCSB tends to be cheaper than the reverse route.
To make the car pickup process as smooth as possible, enroll in your chosen rental company’s fast checkout program before you arrive. This can save you significant time, as lines at rental counters can sometimes result in hour-long waits, especially during busy periods.
Santa Barbara Airbus: Safe and Direct Shuttle from LAX to Santa Barbara – The Local’s Choice
Duration: Approximately 2 to 2.5 hours
Cost: $45 – $65 per person
Convenience: High
Santa Barbara Airbus offers a convenient and reliable shuttle service directly from LAX to Santa Barbara, ideal for those who prefer not to drive and want a hassle-free, direct ride. This locally owned and managed service is known for its punctuality and excellent maintenance.
The shuttle picks you up right in front of all LAX terminals, making it easy to locate after your flight. It then takes you to 750 Technology Drive in Goleta, with three to four additional stops along the way. If you prefer to take a taxi from the final stop, simply inform the driver, and they will assist you in arranging one.
Santa Barbara Airbus is particularly popular among international and new UCSB students, as the buses offer free Wi-Fi—a handy feature if you don’t yet have a U.S. SIM card. Additionally, the service is accommodating; if you miss your scheduled bus, you can either call their office or wait for the next one. If there’s space available, they will usually let you board the next bus at no extra charge.
The buses are well-equipped for comfort, with restrooms on board and a consistently cool temperature, so it’s wise to keep a sweater within reach, even during the summer. The service typically operates about eight trips per day from LAX to Santa Barbara/Goleta, with the first bus departing at 8 a.m. and the last one at 10 p.m. For the more accurate and up-to-date schedule, please visit Santa Barbara Aribus LAX shuttle Schedule webpage.
Santa Barbara Airbus also offers flexible ticketing options, allowing you to do a round trip (LAX-Santa Barbara-LAX or Santa Barbara-LAX-Santa Barbara) in a single day for the cost of a one-way ticket. This can be particularly useful if you need to make a quick trip to or from the airport.
For group travelers or those booking in advance, discounts are available:
| Number of Passengers | LAX to Santa Barbara | Santa Barbara to LAX |
| 1 | $55 per passenger | $65 per passenger |
| 2 | $50 per passenger | $60 per passenger |
| 3+ | $45 per passenger | $55 per passenger |
With its convenience, comfort, and flexibility, Santa Barbara Airbus is an excellent choice for those traveling between LAX and UCSB. Whether you’re arriving for the first time or making a return trip, this shuttle service ensures a smooth and stress-free journey.
Flying Directly from LAX to Santa Barbara: Fast and Convenient
Duration: Approximately 50 minutes (flight time)
Cost: $150 – $300
Convenience: Very High
For those who prioritize speed and convenience, flying directly from LAX to Santa Barbara is an excellent option. With flight times of just about 50 minutes, this is by far the quickest way to travel from Los Angeles to UCSB. Several airlines, including United and American Airlines, offer multiple daily flights between LAX and Santa Barbara Airport (SBA).
If you’re arriving from outside the U.S., it’s important to plan for a longer layover between your international flight and the connecting flight to Santa Barbara. You’ll need to pass through customs, collect your luggage, and then check it back in for the domestic leg of your journey. Allowing extra time for this process will help ensure a smooth transition and avoid any missed connections.
Once you arrive at SBA, UCSB is just a short 10-minute drive away, making this option incredibly convenient. There is a bus service from the airport to UCSB that operates until about 10 or 11 p.m. (check MTD website for more accurate schedules) If you arrive later, your best options for getting to campus are taxi services or rideshares like Uber or Lyft. Alternatively, you could pick up a rental car if you prefer to have your own transportation.
Amtrak Train: Scenic but slow
Duration: Approximately 4 to 5 hours (can vary)
Cost: $30 – $50 per person
Convenience: Moderate
For those seeking a more relaxed and scenic travel experience, the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner is an excellent option. To begin your journey, you’ll need to travel from LAX to Union Station in downtown Los Angeles. There are buses and shuttles available right in front of the terminals at LAX, which will take you to Union Station. The cost for these services varies depending on the provider, typically ranging from $10 to $25.
Once at Union Station, you’ll board the Pacific Surfliner, one of the most scenic train routes in the United States, with breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean for much of the journey to Santa Barbara.
There are two train stops in the Santa Barbara region: one in Downtown Santa Barbara and the other in Goleta, which is just 3.5 miles (a 7-minute ride) from UCSB. Depending on your destination, you can choose the most convenient stop. From either station, you can take a short taxi or bus ride to the UCSB campus.
However, it’s important to note that train schedules in the U.S., including the Pacific Surfliner, can be somewhat unpredictable. While the journey is often completed in about 3 hours, delays are not uncommon, and in rare cases, the trip can take more than 10 hours. This makes the train a less convenient option, particularly for those with tight schedules or traveling with large or multiple pieces of luggage.
For those traveling light and interested in exploring Los Angeles before heading to UCSB, the train can be a pleasant and leisurely option. Multiple trains run daily between Los Angeles and Santa Barbara/Goleta, with the first departing around 7 a.m. and the last at approximately 7 p.m. For the exact schedule, it’s best to check the Amtrak website.
Ticket prices are approximately $30 for economy class and $50 for business class, offering flexibility depending on your budget and comfort preferences.
Rideshares (Uber/Lyft): Convenient Door-to-Door Service
Duration: Approximately 2 to 2.5 hours
Cost: $120 – $180 (depending on time of day and demand)
Convenience: High
Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft offer a convenient and relatively quick option for getting from LAX to UCSB. The major advantage of this option is door-to-door service, meaning you won’t have to worry about navigating public transportation or transferring between modes of transport.
While more expensive than shuttle services or public transportation, rideshares can be cost-effective if you’re traveling with others and can split the fare. But before planning to use these services, remember to check the flights from LAX to Santa Barbara Airport! Sometimes it is not that much more expensive to take the flight rather than using these rideshares.
Bus Services: Budget-Friendly but Time-Consuming
Duration: Approximately 4 to 5 hours
Cost: $10 – $25 per person
Convenience: Moderate to Low
For budget-conscious travelers, bus services like Greyhound offer an economical way to travel from LAX to Santa Barbara. However, this option is more time-consuming due to the need for transfers and the longer route. Buses typically depart from downtown Los Angeles, so you’ll need to take a shuttle or rideshare from LAX terminals to the bus terminal. Note that considering the time and money you may spend to go to the Union Station, Santa Barbara Airbus may be a better choice.
This option is best suited for those with flexible schedules and a priority on saving money over time.
