Why Santa Barbara Churches & Religious Organizations Choose Santa Barbara Coach Bus Service
We know how important it is for your group to arrive on time and travel together—especially when public transportation like MTD buses or Amtrak Pacific Surfliner trains can’t accommodate large groups or strict schedules. That’s why we offer private bus rentals that run on your itinerary, not someone else’s. With Santa Barbara Coach Bus Service, you can customize every detail of your trip, from pick-up and drop-off locations to departure times and rest stops. Need to transport 50 choir members from First Presbyterian Church on State Street to a performance at Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa? Or shuttle volunteers from Goleta to a Habitat for Humanity build site in Ventura County? We’ll make it happen exactly as you envision it.
Our 24/7 reservation team is always available to answer questions, provide quotes, and help you choose the best vehicle for your needs. We serve all of Santa Barbara County—including Carpinteria, Montecito, Isla Vista, Lompoc, and Santa Maria—as well as neighboring areas like San Luis Obispo, Ventura, and Bakersfield. No matter where your ministry takes you, we’ll get you there safely and comfortably.
Comfortable & Affordable Transportation for Every Faith Community
Santa Barbara Coach Bus Service offers one of the largest fleets in California, with vehicles ranging from 15-passenger minibuses to 56-passenger charter buses. This means we can accommodate groups of any size and provide amenities that make long journeys more enjoyable.
For example, if your congregation is planning a weekend retreat at El Capitan Canyon or a youth conference at Westmont College, you’ll appreciate having reclining seats, climate control, and onboard restrooms. Want to keep kids entertained during the drive? Request a bus with WiFi and TV monitors so they can watch movies or play games. Need extra storage for musical instruments or potluck dishes? Under-floor luggage bays and overhead racks have you covered.
Best of all, renting a bus is often more cost-effective than reimbursing drivers for gas or booking multiple vans through Enterprise or Hertz. You’ll save money while keeping everyone together—and reducing the risk of anyone getting lost along the way.
Weekly Worship Service Shuttles Made Simple
Parking can be a challenge at many houses of worship, especially those located in downtown Santa Barbara or residential neighborhoods like San Roque and the Mesa. If your church is struggling with limited parking, consider setting up a shuttle service from an off-site lot or nearby park-and-ride. A dedicated minibus can run back and forth before and after each service, making it easier for seniors, families with young children, and members with mobility issues to attend without hassle.
This solution works especially well for large congregations such as Calvary Chapel Santa Barbara, Trinity Episcopal Church, or St. Raphael Catholic Church in Goleta. It’s also a great way to welcome visitors during holidays like Easter and Christmas when attendance spikes. By providing convenient transportation, you’ll make everyone feel more included and reduce traffic congestion around your facility.
Mission Trips & Outreach Programs Across California
Serving others is at the heart of many religious traditions, and that often involves traveling beyond your local community. Whether you’re organizing a mission trip to build homes in Tijuana, distribute food in Downtown Los Angeles’ Skid Row, or assist wildfire recovery efforts in Northern California, having reliable transportation is essential.
A charter bus allows your team to stay together, bond during the journey, and carry all necessary supplies without worrying about logistics. You can even use the travel time for group prayers, planning meetings, or simply resting before a day of hard work. And since we operate statewide, we can take you anywhere your calling leads—from San Diego to Sacramento and everywhere in between.
Youth Group Outings & Religious Retreats
Keeping young people engaged in their faith often means taking them out of their usual environment for fun and fellowship. Popular destinations for youth group outings in the Santa Barbara area include hiking in the Santa Ynez Mountains, beach days at Arroyo Burro or Butterfly Beach, ice skating at Ice in Paradise, or attending Christian concerts at the Santa Barbara Bowl. For overnight retreats, Lake Cachuma, Forest Home in Ojai, and Camp Hume Lake are all within easy driving distance.
With a private bus rental, you can ensure that everyone arrives safely and on time, without the need for parents to carpool or worry about directions. Kids will love riding together, watching movies, and sharing snacks, while chaperones can relax knowing that transportation is taken care of.
Interfaith Events & Pilgrimages
Sacred travel is an important part of many religious traditions, whether it’s a pilgrimage to a holy site or participation in an interfaith gathering. Santa Barbara is home to a diverse array of faith communities, including the Santa Barbara Islamic Center, Congregation B’nai B’rith, and Vedanta Society. If your organization is hosting or attending an event that brings together people from different backgrounds, a charter bus is the perfect way to foster unity and connection.
Recent examples include the annual Interfaith Solidarity Walk from Storke Plaza to the Courthouse Sunken Gardens, pilgrimages to Mission San Buenaventura, and joint service projects with churches in Oxnard and Ventura. Traveling together allows for meaningful conversations and shared experiences that deepen understanding across traditions.