Skip to Main Content

Transit: Seamless Connections Across the South Coast

Navigating the district and the surrounding region is effortless thanks to the Santa Barbara Metropolitan Transit District (MTD). At the heart of our neighborhood lies the Transit Center, located at 1020 Chapala Street. This central hub serves as the primary gateway for the community, with more than 10,000 passengers utilizing the facility every single day.

The MTD is dedicated to enhancing the personal mobility of South Coast residents and visitors by offering safe, clean, reliable, and environmentally responsible transit. Whether you are a daily commuter or a first-time visitor, the Transit Center makes it possible to travel across the region with ease.

Plan Your Trip

If you need assistance navigating the routes, customer service representatives are on-site and happy to provide detailed, personalized trip-planning services. You can also visit the MTD website for real-time arrivals and digital maps.

From this central point, you can connect to virtually any line in the system, reaching the South Coast's most popular destinations:

  • The Waterfront & Stearns Wharf: Enjoy a quick ride down to the harbor or the Sea Center.
  • Educational Hubs: Frequent, direct routes provide easy access to UC Santa Barbara (UCSB) and Santa Barbara City College (SBCC).
  • Shopping & Medical Districts: Stay connected to La Cumbre Plaza, Sansum Clinic, and Cottage Hospital.
  • Regional Travel: Reach the Santa Barbara Airport or the Goleta Amtrak Station for travel beyond the South Coast.

Downtown-Waterfront Shuttle

The Downtown-Waterfront Shuttle returns for the season on May 29th, 2026. El servicio de transporte del centro al paseo marítimo regresa el 29 de mayo de 2026.

This convenient shuttle connects the heart of downtown with our most popular coastal destinations. During the summer season, the shuttle provides a direct link between Downtown, the Amtrak Station, the Santa Barbara Zoo, and the Santa Barbara Harbor. Please note that service to Stearns Wharf, the Zoo, and the Harbor is exclusively available during these summer operating hours.

Summer Schedule (May 29th – September 7th, 2026)

  • Days: Friday through Sunday (Including Labor Day)
  • Hours: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
  • Frequency: Every 20 minutes

Shuttle Fares & Payment Boarding is easier than ever with Contactless Payment. You can pay your fare instantly on any MTD bus or shuttle using your contactless credit/debit card or mobile wallet.

  • One-Way Fare: $0.50
  • Senior/Disabled: $0.25
  • One-Day Pass (Unlimited Rides): $1.00* *One-Day Passes are available only at the Transit Center, local hotels, and participating retail outlets.