How far is Montecito, CA from Buellton, CA?
The driving distance from Montecito, CA to Buellton, CA is about 48.1 miles (77.4 km), with a travel time of about 00h 58m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 34.2 miles (55 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 57m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM PDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination.
Flight Distance
Driving Distance
Gas Cost Calculator
Leave and Arrive Planner
Pick a departure time to see your estimated arrival and same-day return window.
Drive time stays fixed at 00h 58m.
A morning start gives you useful time at the destination and keeps the return out of the late evening.
You are leaving earlier than the recommended window, which gives you extra margin for breaks and traffic.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Sunny
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Montecito and Buellton.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Montecito and Buellton.
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1
Start on San Ysidro Road
1.5 km · 2 min · San Ysidro Road
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2
Enter the roundabout and take exit 2 toward US 101 North
37 m · 6 sec
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3
Exit the roundabout onto US 101 North
778 ft · 19 sec
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4
Merge slight left onto El Camino Real
46.6 mi · 54 min · El Camino Real
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5
Take the exit slight right toward CA 246: Lompoc, Solvang
807 ft · 25 sec
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6
Turn left
1037 ft · 22 sec
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7
Continue straight
88 m · 29 sec
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8
Turn sharp left
50 m · 12 sec
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9
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Montecito and Buellton.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
El Camino Real
Merge slight left onto El Camino Real
46.6 mi · 00h 54m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A comfortable day-trip route
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
Sunny leaving Montecito and Sunny near Buellton.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Montecito to Buellton?
The road trip is about 48.1 miles (77.4 km) and usually takes 00h 58m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Isla Vista is a useful midpoint, sitting about 24 miles from Montecito and 24.1 miles from Buellton.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 34.2 miles (55 km), while the road route adds roughly 13.9 extra miles because roads do not follow the straight air line.
When is the best time to leave for this route?
A good departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM PDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 4:32 PM PDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $10.64 one way or $21.29 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 15.1 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Montecito and Sunny near Buellton.
Stop Ideas Near Isla Vista
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Ballard Inn & Gathering Table
Hampton Inn & Suites Buellton/Santa Ynez Valley
Ocean Mesa RV Resort
City of Goleta City Hall
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Isla Vista.
Goleta station
Santa Barbara
Carpinteria station
Solvang, California
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Montecito and Buellton. Straight-line distance: 34.17 mi (54.99 km).
#1 Montecito
Unincorporated census-designated place in Santa Barbara County, California
| Population | 8,965 |
| Coordinates | 34.4366600, -119.6320800 |
| Altitude | 55 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Buellton
City in Santa Barbara County, California
| Population | 5,449 |
| Coordinates | 34.6136000, -120.1926500 |
| Altitude | 109 |
| Country | United States |
End: Buellton (-120.19265, 34.6136)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 77 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 36m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 12m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 57m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 48m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 41m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 36m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $6.26 | $10.64 | $21.29 |
| Mid-grade | $6.50 | $11.05 | $22.10 |
| Premium | $6.69 | $11.37 | $22.74 |
| Diesel | $8.41 | $14.30 | $28.60 |
Assumes 8.3 L/100 km (about 28.3 MPG). CO2 is an estimate and varies by vehicle, fuel blend, traffic, and terrain.
Prices in California · Oct 15, 2026