Powered by Nike, engineered by Schwinn - in Santa Barbara the best transportation consists of two legs with an option of two wheels. But sometimes you'll need to rely on others for transportation - so here is a list of the basics.
Convenient round trip transportation between Los Angeles International Airport and Santa Barbara is available from the Santa Barbara Airbus. There are seven bus trips each day, with buses leaving Santa Barbara 4am-7pm. A one-way trip costs $30 if pre-paid at least 24 hours in advance ($35 non pre-pay price); round-trip is $55 if pre-paid ($60 non pre-pay). Group rates are also available. Hours every day: 7am-8pm; 964-7759.
The Santa Barbara Airport is located northeast of UCSB and can be reached via Ward Memorial to Sandspit Road. American Airlines flies in and out of Santa Barbara, as does American Eagle, Skywest, U.S. Air Express, United Airlines, and United Express. Call the airport or a travel agent to find out which airlines are currently in operation. Bus transportation (No. 11) to and from campus is available; 683-4011.
The A.S. Bikeshop, located between the Old Gym pool and the Events Center, is a student-staffed, non-profit shop run by Associated Students. The experienced Bikeshop staff will repair your bicycle for a slight labor charge or you can do it yourself, using Bikeshop tools and expertise. The shop offers a complete line of quality parts at low prices. It also distributes information on local bike clubs and has a bulletin board to advertise bikes and parts for sale. The A.S. Bikeshop is open to the UCSB community and the general public for repairs and sales. Bring your UCSB ID card (student, staff, faculty, or alumni) to use the tool loan facilities. Visa and Mastercard are accepted. Hours: Mon-Fri, 10am-5pm and Sat 11am-4pm; Trailer 324; 893-3610.
The Metropolitan Transit District (MTD) provides public transportation for the South Coast with bus routes from UCSB to Ellwood Beach, Isla Vista, Goleta, Santa Barbara, Montecito, Summerland and Carpinteria. You can ride free by showing the driver your Student ID Card with a current registration sticker. Most buses run every half-hour; weekend schedules differ. Schedules are available in Cheadle Hall and the UCen; 683-3702.
The Greyhound depot is in Santa Barbara on the corner of Carrillo and Chapala Streets, next door to the local MTD Transit Center. Trips between Los Angeles and Santa Barbara take about two and a half hours and cost $14 one-way, $27 round-trip. From S.B. to San Diego it's about six hours and costs $31 one-way, $62 round-trip. To San Francisco it's nine hours and costs $34 one-way, $68 round-trip. It's a good idea to call and inquire about specials. About 10 buses leave each day from the S.B. depot in either direction. Seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis (reservations are not accepted) so it is advised that you arrive 45 minutes to 1 hour early to insure a seat; 965-3971.
There are several limousine services in the area. Some specialize in long overnight trips, while others serve only the local area. Consult the yellow pages for information.
Information about rides that are offered or needed, destinations, and contact persons can be found on ride boards located in some on-campus residence halls and in the UCen.
This is another popular form of transportation among UCSB students although there has been a lot of controversy about skateboards as a result of several pedestrians getting injured. Be sure to heed all local laws and regulations. For equipment and repairs, check the yellow pages.
There are a few taxi companies in the Santa Barbara area including Santa Barbara City Cab Co.: 968-6868; Orange Cab Co.: 964-2800; and Yellow Cab Co.: 965-5111.
The Amtrak station is located at 209 State Street in downtown Santa Barbara. Amtrak offers two trains daily from Santa Barbara to Los Angeles, with connections to San Diego and to the east. Another train travels daily to Seattle and points between. Trips to Los Angeles cost $20 one-way and $26 round-trip. The trip to San Francisco costs $67 one-way, $68 round-trip and takes nine hours. Trips to San Diego are 5-6 hours, cost $32 one-way, $39 round-trip and require a bus-to-train transfer in Los Angeles. Fares change depending on season and availability but there is usually a discount on round trip fares. Information is available at the depot every day 7am-11pm, except when closed for meals (1:30-2:30pm and 6:30-7pm); or you can call for information and reservations; 1-800-USA-RAIL. Fare and schedule information as well as tickets can also be obtained at Dean Travel in the UCen; 968-5151.
Parking Services offers a Transportation Alternatives Program to assist UCSB faculty, staff, and students commute to campus using alternatives to driving alone. Current students may ride the local bus system (MTD) for free by showing their valid Student ID card. The Vanpool Program provides round-trip transportation between campus and Santa Maria, Lompoc, the Santa Ynez Valley, Carpinteria, Ventura, Camarillo, and Thousand Oaks. The Carpool Program provides computerized assistance in matching potential carpoolers, a monthly random drawing, carpool parking spaces, courtesy parking coupons, and a Guaranteed Ride Home Program. For more information, contact the Rideshare Coordinator at 893-2917.
Located on campus, Dean Travel, a full-service agency, assists students, faculty, and staff by providing free services to clients and finding the lowest rates available. As a member of a consortium of campus agencies across the country, they are able to provide many excellent discounts and specials not available from other agencies. Air travel, tours, cruises, train trips, and more can be arranged for individuals and groups to anywhere in the world. Open all year, Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm; UCen Room 2211; 968-5151.
Taken from USCB-MCL information pages!