Getting around: rental cars, rideshares, buses and on-site options
The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara is easiest reached by car or rideshare; Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA) is the nearest airport at about a 10‑minute drive and taxi/rideshare is the most practical option from there. On site the resort offers valet-only parking, free bicycles, a large spa with an adults-only pool, and nearby public transit and Amtrak connections for longer trips.
In this guide
Getting to the resort — airport, Amtrak and driving
The closest airport is Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA), commonly a roughly 10‑minute drive from the resort. Taxis or rideshares are usually the most direct way from the airport to the property.
Amtrak serves the area at Goleta Station and Santa Barbara Station via the Pacific Surfliner and Coast Starlight routes; travelers arriving by train can take a short taxi or rideshare to the resort.
- Nearest airport: Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA) — ~10 minutes by car
- Nearest Amtrak stops: Goleta Station and Santa Barbara Station (Pacific Surfliner / Coast Starlight)
- Driving access: the resort sits just off U.S. Highway 101 on Hollister Avenue (8301 Hollister Avenue, Goleta)
| Mode | Typical transfer to resort |
|---|---|
| Taxi / Rideshare (SBA) | About 10 minutes |
| Amtrak (Goleta/Santa Barbara Station) | Short taxi/rideshare; station-to-resort time varies |
| Car | Direct access via Hollister Ave / US-101 |
Rental cars and on-site parking
If you plan to explore beyond Goleta — wine country, Solvang, beaches or state parks — a rental car provides the most flexibility. Rental-car counters are available at SBA and at larger airports such as LAX if you fly into Los Angeles.
The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara provides valet parking only; there is no self-parking option on site. The property also has at least one electric vehicle charging station available.
- Valet parking only — no self-parking option on property
- Electric vehicle charging station reported on site
- Rentals: available at SBA and larger airports (if arriving via LAX, expect a longer drive)
| Parking feature | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Type | Valet only |
| EV charging | Station(s) reported on site |
| Self-parking | Not available |
Rideshares, taxis and private transfers
Rideshare services (Uber/Lyft) and local taxis are common and convenient for airport transfers, trips to downtown Santa Barbara, or short drives to nearby beaches and attractions. From SBA to the resort, rideshares are typically the most practical option.
Private car services and pre-booked airport transfers can be useful for larger groups or for set arrival/departure times; the resort’s front desk and concierge can advise on recommended providers and pick‑up/drop‑off instructions.
- Rideshare or taxi is the simplest option from Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA)
- Reserve private transfers in advance for scheduled arrivals or larger parties
- Ask the resort concierge about trusted local transfer companies and recommended pick-up spots
| Journey | Typical transport |
|---|---|
| SBA ↔ Ritz-Carlton Bacara | Rideshare / Taxi (~10 minutes) |
| Downtown Santa Barbara (State Street / Stearns Wharf) | Rideshare or 20–30 minute drive depending on traffic |
| Sandpiper Golf Club / local beaches | Short taxi or rideshare |
Public transit and local buses
Santa Barbara MTD operates local buses serving the Goleta and Santa Barbara corridors. Some routes connect the airport and the Hollister/Goleta area but travel by bus can be significantly slower than a car or rideshare.
For example, a public-bus connection between the airport area and the Hollister corridor can involve transfers and longer travel times; travelers on tight schedules or with luggage often prefer taxis or rideshares instead.
- Santa Barbara MTD runs multiple routes in the Goleta/Hollister corridor
- Public-bus trips from SBA area to the resort can take considerably longer than driving
- Check MTD schedules and exact route stops before relying on buses for timed connections
| Option | When to use it |
|---|---|
| Santa Barbara MTD bus | Budget travel, flexible schedule, light luggage |
| Amtrak + local bus | Long-distance train travelers connecting to local routes |
| Rideshare / taxi | Faster and more direct for airport or timed plans |
On-site mobility — bikes, walking and resort layout
The resort offers free bicycles for guests, which is a pleasant way to explore nearby flat stretches and nearby beaches. The property is set across 78 landscaped acres, so walking distances between some venues, pools and beaches can be moderate.
Inside the resort campus there are multiple village levels, restaurants and event spaces; allow extra time if you’re walking between, for example, Marisella, SunBar, Mission Market, the Main Pool and the spa.
- Free bicycles available for guest use
- Resort covers 78 landscaped acres — some internal walking needed between venues
- On-site golf/tennis/fitness options reduce the need to leave the property for activities
| On-site option | Note |
|---|---|
| Bicycles | Complimentary for guests |
| Walking | Resort is extensive; plan for moderate walks |
| Concierge | Can arrange local transport, excursions and transfers |
Day trips, driving distances and practical tips
If you’re planning day trips — wine tasting in the Santa Ynez Valley, a visit to Solvang, or downtown Santa Barbara — a car or private transfer will save time. Solvang and many wine-country towns are roughly a 40–45 minute drive; downtown Santa Barbara and Stearns Wharf are commonly a 15–25 minute drive depending on traffic.
For short local outings (beaches, Sandpiper Golf Club, Goleta Butterfly Grove) rideshares or the resort concierge’s recommendations will be the simplest option.
- Solvang / Santa Ynez Valley: about a 40–45 minute drive
- Downtown Santa Barbara / Stearns Wharf: typically around 15–25 minutes by car
- Sandpiper Golf Club: a short drive; check with concierge for tee times and directions
| Destination | Typical transit |
|---|---|
| Solvang / Santa Ynez Valley | ~40–45 minute drive |
| Downtown Santa Barbara / Stearns Wharf | ~15–25 minute drive |
| Sandpiper Golf Club | Short drive (local) |
