Anyone ever do this route? How/where do youcatch the bus in Santa Barbara (the schedule says you only have like 4 minutes)?

Regarding accommodations in Solvang - any little motel types that isn't $125 per night?

The Surfliners should begin running as far as Santa Barbara on February 8th. Service north, including the SLO Surfliners and the Starlight will resume on February 28th.

I don't have any suggestions on motels in Solvang. They all tend to be pretty pricey, especially on weekends.

If you are taking the Surfliner on a Holiday weekend I'd suggest springing for Business Class. They are very crowded and you might not, depending on where you board, get a seat. Business Class guarantees you a reserved seat.