Getting Around Santa Barbara

Transportation is one of the things that make Santa Barbara a dream destination. By air, you can fly directly into enchanting little Spanish-style Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA) or Los Angeles International (LAX). By train, Amtrak brings you right downtown. By car, you can enjoy one of the world's most spectacularly scenic drives, along Pacific Coast Highway. Once here, getting around is easy--via electric shuttle, pedicab, renowned public transit, or, of course, on foot.

Airport
Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (500 Fowler Rd., 805/683-4011), 8 miles from downtown, serves the Santa Barbara region. Flights from outside the United States involve a change of planes, often in Los Angeles or San Francisco. Flying time is roughly five hours from New York and four hours from Chicago.

Cars
U.S. 101 and Highway 1 are the main routes to Santa Barbara from Los Angeles and San Francisco.

Rail
Trains arrive at the old Southern Pacific station at 209 State St, a block west of US-101.

Getting Around
Take a vacation from your car and explore Santa Barbara's downtown and waterfront areas the most relaxing way, on foot. Visitors and locals alike also enjoy taking advantage of convenient bike rentals and scenic bike paths. Additional transportation options include taxi and local bus service.

Public Transportation
You can walk to most places, although a frequent shuttle bus (25¢ per ride) loops around Santa Barbara during the day, with the Santa Barbara Metropolitan Transit District covering the outlying areas into the evening. A motorized San Francisco style cable car operated by Santa Barbara Trolley Co. ( 805/965-0353) makes 90 minute runs from 10 am- 4 pm past major hotels, shopping areas, and attractions. Get off when you wish to, and pick up another trolley when you're ready to move on. The trolley departs from and returns to Stearns Wharf. The fare is currently $9.

Car Rentals
Numerous car rental agencies and taxi companies are also available to help with your local transportation requirements.