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Getting Around Santa Barbara

Getting Around Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara California, USA Travel Guide

Transit System Basics

Santa Barbara MTD

The MTD operates a comprehensive bus system that serves Santa Barbara, Goleta, Montecito, and Carpinteria, covering most tourist attractions.

Downtown-Waterfront Shuttle

These distinctive electric shuttles run frequently along State Street and to Stearns Wharf, offering an easy and inexpensive way to move between main tourist areas.

Route Access

Detailed route maps and schedules are available on the official Santa Barbara MTD website. Use mapping applications like Google Maps for real-time tracking.

Transit Hubs & Routes

Major Hubs
  • The main transit hub for the MTD bus system is the Transit Center located at 1020 Chapala St in Downtown Santa Barbara.
  • This central location allows easy transfers between different bus routes throughout the city.
  • The MTD aims for accessibility and reliability in its services.
Popular Routes
  • State Street/Waterfront Shuttle: This route has convenient access along State Street, from Stearns Wharf up to Sola Street, covering the core tourist area.
  • Line 11: This route connects downtown Santa Barbara to Santa Barbara Airport (SBA) and the city of Goleta, useful for airport transfers or exploring the western part of the county.
  • Line 15x (Express): This is an express service connecting downtown Santa Barbara to Carpinteria, a charming coastal town to the south. Line 24x (Express) connects downtown to Goleta.

Ticketing & Fares

Single Ride

A single ride on a local MTD bus costs $1.75. Exact change needed if paying cash.

Day Pass

For unlimited rides throughout the day, a Day Pass costs $6.00. Good value for frequent bus use.

Youth/Senior Fares

Reduced rates are available for seniors (65+), persons with disabilities, and youth (ages 5-18) with a valid ID. Children under 5 ride free.

Shuttle Fare

The Downtown-Waterfront Shuttle costs $0.50 per ride, payable with cash directly to the driver.

Taxis & Ride-Sharing

Taxis and ride-sharing services give convenient, on-demand transportation options in Santa Barbara, notably useful for direct trips or when public transport is less convenient.

Licensed Taxi Information

  • Identification: Licensed taxis typically are yellow or have distinct company branding (e.g., Yellow Cab of Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara Checker Cab). They have meters and often a taxi number displayed.
  • Hailing Procedures: Street hailing is not common in Santa Barbara, especially outside of major transportation hubs.
  • Booking: The most reliable way to get a taxi is to call a local taxi company directly or ask your hotel to arrange one for you.
  • Typical Fares: Taxi fares are metered, generally starting with a base fare (typically $3-5) plus a per-mile charge. A trip from downtown Santa Barbara to Goleta might cost $30-40 or more.

Ride-Sharing & Safety

  • Recommended Apps: Uber and Lyft are the most widely available and popular ride-sharing services in Santa Barbara. They offer a convenient way to request a ride via a smartphone app.
  • Affordability: Ride-sharing services are often more affordable and convenient than traditional taxis for most trips within the city. They also present transparent pricing and the ability to track your ride.
  • Safety Considerations: Always confirm that the driver and vehicle details (license plate, make, model) match the information provided by the app. Do not enter a vehicle if the driver or car does not match the app's details.
  • Share your trip details with a friend or family member for added safety, especially when traveling alone at night.

Rental Options

  • Car Rental Requirements: To rent a car in the U.S., you will need a valid driver's license. For international visitors, your foreign driver's license is acceptable if in English, otherwise an IDP is needed.
  • You also need a major credit card in the renter's name for the reservation and security deposit. The minimum age for renting is usually 21 (surcharge applies for under 25).
  • Major Companies: Hertz, Enterprise, Avis, Budget, National, and Alamo have counters at Santa Barbara Airport (SBA) and various city locations. Booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak season. Explore options with DiscoverCars.com.
  • Bicycle Rentals: Many shops along the Santa Barbara waterfront (near Stearns Wharf, West Beach) offer hourly or daily bicycle rentals. You can find various types, including comfortable beach cruisers, road bikes, and electric bikes. Prices generally range from $10-20 per hour to $30-60 per day.
  • Motorcycle and Scooter Rentals: Options are limited compared to cars or bicycles. Some specialized shops may offer scooter rentals, but they are not as prevalent as in some other tourist destinations. Inquire locally if interested.
  • Bike Share Programs: Santa Barbara does not have a large-scale public bike-share program like some major cities. However, the abundance of private rental shops makes it easy to access bikes.

Driving Laws & Parking

Driving Rules

Standard U.S. Driving laws apply. Drive on the right side of the road. Seatbelts are mandatory for all occupants. Right turns on a red light after a full stop are generally permitted unless a sign prohibits it. Adhere to posted speed limits.

Road Conditions

Roads in Santa Barbara are generally good. US-101, the main highway, is a well-maintained freeway. Traffic within Santa Barbara city limits is generally manageable, though State Street can be busy.

Parking

Metered street parking is common in downtown Santa Barbara and near popular attractions. Several public parking garages are available in downtown Santa Barbara, often offering the first 75 minutes free or low hourly rates. Hotel parking can be an additional fee, sometimes substantial. Always read parking signs carefully for restrictions (e.g., street sweeping days, time limits) to avoid tickets.

Walking & Cycling

Santa Barbara is a pleasant city to explore on foot or by bicycle, especially in its central and coastal areas.

Pedestrian-Friendly Areas

  • State Street: The heart of downtown Santa Barbara, now largely pedestrian-only between Sola Street and Cabrillo Boulevard. Ideal for strolling, window shopping, and dining at outdoor cafes.
  • Funk Zone: This trendy, artsy district near the waterfront is highly walkable. Explore its urban wine tasting rooms, craft breweries, and art galleries on foot.
  • Waterfront Promenade: A flat, paved path stretches along the beaches (East Beach, West Beach) and connects to Stearns Wharf. Perfect for a leisurely walk, jog, or bike ride with scenic ocean views.
  • Residential Neighborhoods: Historic areas like the Presidio neighborhood offer pleasant walks, allowing you to admire the Spanish Colonial Revival architecture.

Walking Tour Options & Safety

  • Guided Tours: Several local companies offer guided walking tours focusing on Santa Barbara's history, architecture, or the Funk Zone's food and wine scene.
  • Self-guided Tours: Easy to create using maps from the Santa Barbara Visitor Center or online resources. Many historical sites have interpretive plaques.
  • Bicycle Infrastructure: Santa Barbara has an extensive network of bike paths and lanes, notably along the waterfront and connecting to areas like Goleta. The Coastal Bike Path is popular and mostly flat.
  • Safety: While bike-friendly, always follow traffic laws, use hand signals, and be aware of pedestrians and vehicles. Helmets are recommended for all cyclists and legally needed for those under 18. Generally safe, but exercise caution on busy streets without dedicated bike lanes or sidewalks, especially at night.

Specialized Transportation

Tour Buses

The Santa Barbara Trolley offers narrated tours of major attractions with hop-on/hop-off stops. This provides a convenient way to see many sights without worrying about parking or navigation. Various private tour companies offer specific tours (e.g., wine tours to the Santa Ynez Valley, historical tours) using vans or minibuses.

Curated Experiences

Water Transportation

Lil' Toot Water Taxi: This charming boat offers scenic rides between Stearns Wharf and the Santa Barbara Harbor. It is not a main mode of transportation but a fun experience that provides an unique perspective of the waterfront.

Scenic Boat Rides

Accessibility Services

Santa Barbara is generally accommodating for travelers with mobility needs. All Santa Barbara MTD buses are fully accessible with ramps or lifts. Many attractions, hotels, and restaurants are ADA compliant. The waterfront path is flat and paved, making it easily navigable for wheelchairs.

Mobility Friendly

Rent vs Buy Decision Matrix

Rent Options
  • Bicycles: Easily rented along the waterfront and at various shops.
  • Kayaks: Readily available for rent for water exploration.
  • Paddleboards: Common rental item for coastal fun.
Buy/Bring Options
  • Personal hiking poles (if preferred).
  • Specific camera gear (if professional-grade).
  • Comfortable walking shoes.

Driving Laws & Parking

  • Drive on the right side of the road.
  • Seatbelts are mandatory for all occupants.
  • Right turns on red after a full stop are generally permitted (unless signed otherwise).
  • Adhere to posted speed limits.
  • Public Parking Garages: Several downtown, often with free initial minutes.
  • Metered Street Parking: Common downtown; check signs for restrictions.
  • Hotel Parking: Often an additional daily fee.
  • Read parking signs carefully to avoid tickets.

Travel Logistics

By using these transportation options, you can effectively explore all that Santa Barbara has to offer.

Plan your routes and choose the best mode of transport for your daily activities.

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