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Help shape the future of Santa Barbara's Waterfront! Respond to our survey at SantaBarbaraCA.gov/WaterfrontSurvey.
¡Ayúdanos a dar forma al futuro de la zona costera de Santa Bárbara! Responde a nuestra encuesta en SantaBarbaraCA.gov/WaterfrontSurvey.

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MTD's Downtown-Waterfront Shuttle stopped along the sidewalk.
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MTD to Bring Back Electric Downtown-Waterfront Shuttle Service for Summer 2026

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The Downtown-Waterfront Shuttle returns Friday, May 29, 2026, providing convenient all-electric service between Santa Barbara’s Downtown and Waterfront destinations for a second summer in a row. The seasonal shuttle offers residents and visitors an easy, zero-emission way to travel between the harbor and waterfront, Santa Barbara Zoo, Santa Barbara Train Depot, the historic County Courthouse, hotels, shopping districts, restaurants, and other popular attractions.

Service will operate Fridays through Sundays, between May 29 and September 7, 2026, including Labor Day Monday. The shuttle will run every 20 minutes, with riders able to board at any MTD stop along the route.

Downtown-Waterfront Shuttle Schedule
Friday, May 29 – Monday, September 7, 2026
10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (Fridays–Sundays)
Arrivals every 20 minutes
Service also operates on Labor Day Monday.

Downtown-Waterfront Shuttle fares:

  • One-way fare: $0.50
  • Seniors and people with disabilities: $0.25
  • One-day pass (unlimited rides): $1.00*

*One-day passes are available only at the Transit Center, hotels, and participating retail outlets.

The Downtown-Waterfront Shuttle operates as a circulator route serving Downtown Santa Barbara, the Amtrak station, Cabrillo Boulevard, Santa Barbara Harbor, and the Santa Barbara Zoo. Due to the State Street promenade, the Downtown portion of the route continues to operate on Chapala and Anacapa Streets.

Passengers with a valid Amtrak ticket may also ride the shuttle or any MTD bus free on the day listed on their train ticket.

Downtown Waterfront Shuttle Route Map

The Downtown-Waterfront Shuttle is funded through a partnership between Santa Barbara MTD and the City of Santa Barbara, helping expand access to key destinations while supporting sustainable transportation options throughout the community.