Arriving by train, plane or bus? Start with Getting to Santa Barbara or our LAX to Santa Barbara guide, then use this page once you're here.
Parking in downtown Santa Barbara
The City runs a network of downtown parking lots and garages, and they're a great deal for short visits:
- First 75 minutes free in the City's gated downtown lots.
- After that, $3 per hour (or part of an hour), with a $33 maximum per 24 hours.
- The free period applies once per car every 24 hours, so you can't leave and come back for another free 75 minutes.
- Lots are open 24 hours, with a 72-hour limit. You can pay by card (American Express isn't accepted) or by phone using the QR code on your ticket.
- With a disabled parking placard, you get 2.5 hours free and a $12 daily maximum.
Parking at the beach and harbor
The City's waterfront lots near the beaches, Stearns Wharf and the harbor are self-pay: $3.50 per hour, up to $20 a day. Most waterfront lots close from 2 to 6 a.m., except the Harbor Main lot and the Launch Ramp lot.
Money-saving move: Park once downtown, then walk or take the bus or shuttle to the waterfront instead of paying for parking twice.
Taking the bus (MTD)
Santa Barbara MTD (the Metropolitan Transit District, the local bus system) covers the city and nearby towns like Goleta and Carpinteria. Many routes meet at the downtown Transit Center on Chapala Street.
| Fare | Price |
|---|---|
| One-way ride | $2.50 |
| Youth one-way | $1.25 |
| Day pass | $6 |
| Kids under 45 inches tall | Free (up to three per paying adult) |
You can tap a contactless card or phone to pay with MTD's Tap2Ride system. Arriving by Amtrak? Your same-day train ticket gets you a free ride on any MTD bus. From the airport, MTD Line 11 runs to the downtown Transit Center in about 50 minutes.
The Downtown-Waterfront Shuttle (summer)
Every summer, MTD runs a shuttle that loops between downtown and the waterfront. In 2026 it ran from May 29 to September 7, Fridays through Sundays plus Labor Day, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., about every 20 minutes. The fare is just 50 cents, or $1 for a day pass, and it's free with a Santa Barbara Zoo ticket or a same-day Amtrak ticket. It stops near the Amtrak station, along Cabrillo Boulevard, at the Zoo and at the Harbor, and runs on Chapala and Anacapa Streets downtown. Check MTD's shuttle page for next summer's dates.
Biking and bike share
Santa Barbara is mostly flat near the coast, with a beachfront bike path along Cabrillo Boulevard. Santa Barbara BCycle (the city bike share, which you unlock with the BCycle app) is available 24/7:
- Single ride: $8.70 for 30 minutes, then $8.70 for each extra 30 minutes.
- 24-hour Guest Pass: $18.50 for unlimited rides of up to an hour each.
Prefer someone to show you the sights? Guided e-bike tours and the trolley tour are two of the most popular ways visitors see the city.
Affiliate link: we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Walking
Downtown State Street is lined with shops, cafes and plazas and is easy to explore on foot. From there it's an easy walk to the Funk Zone and the beach. Our free things to do guide has plenty of walkable ideas.
FAQ
Is parking free in downtown Santa Barbara?
For short visits, yes. The City's gated downtown lots are free for the first 75 minutes, then $3 per hour, with a $33 daily maximum.
Can you visit Santa Barbara without a car?
Yes. Downtown, the Funk Zone, Stearns Wharf and the beaches are close together and walkable, and MTD buses, bike share and a summer waterfront shuttle fill in the gaps.
How much is the bus in Santa Barbara?
An MTD one-way ride is $2.50 and a day pass is $6. Kids under 45 inches ride free, and a same-day Amtrak ticket gets you a free ride.
Is there a free shuttle in Santa Barbara?
The Downtown-Waterfront Shuttle costs 50 cents, but it's free with a Zoo ticket or a same-day Amtrak ticket. It runs on summer weekends.
How much does it cost to park at the beach in Santa Barbara?
The City's waterfront lots are $3.50 per hour, up to $20 a day.
Plan your trip
Once you know how you'll get around, map out your days with one day in Santa Barbara or our weekend itinerary.