- Recommended
Santa Maria Valley Historical Society Museum
Local history museum with exhibits on railroads, farming, ranching, and everyday life in the Santa Maria Valley.
Cheapest price on Sep 20
$46
Average ticket price on Sep 20
$72
Fastest journey on Sep 20
3 h 20 m
Average journey duration on Sep 20
6 h 25 m
Buses on Sep 20
2
Distance
224 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Los Angeles, CA to Santa Maria, CA is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Los Angeles, CA to Santa Maria, CA will cost around $72 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $46.
On Sun, Sep 20, we found 2 buses from Los Angeles, CA to Santa Maria, CA, including 2 direct services.
On Sun, Sep 20 the direct buses cover the 224 km distance in an average of 6 h 25 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 3 h 20 m .
On Sun, Sep 20 the slowest buses will take 9 h 30 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.




Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Los Angeles, CA to Santa Maria, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of $48 For those with little time, consider booking a bus, which has an average total journey time of 3h 46m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.2kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $48, while a bus costs an average of $60.
Distance: 139 miles (224 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$60 Average price | $48 Average price Cheapest | $33 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 46m Average total duration Fastest 3h 16m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 17m Average total duration 4h 47m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 49m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.2 - 0.6kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Los Angeles, CA to Santa Maria, CA:
A train is $12 less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Los Angeles, CA to Santa Maria, CA costing on average $60.
Other travel options to Santa Maria, CA take longer:
Train takes on average 4h 47m.
Tickets start at around $60 compared to roughly $33 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-27.50. The journey takes 3h 16m versus 2h 49m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can use the time productively rather than spending it behind the wheel. No parking to sort, no fuel stops, and most coaches have Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Driving is worth considering if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), or want the flexibility to stop along the way.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 02:50PM | Arrival Time 12:20AM | Duration 9h30 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $97 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 03:50PM | Arrival Time 01:20AM | Duration 9h30 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $96 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 04:10PM | Arrival Time 01:20AM | Duration 9h10 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $101 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:40PM | Arrival Time 10:00PM | Duration 3h20 | Departure days Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $39 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:40PM | Arrival Time 10:55PM | Duration 3h15 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $34 |
The table below shows live departures for Los Angeles, CA to Santa Maria, CA buses for today, Saturday, September 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 6:40 PM Los Angeles, CA | 3h20 | 10:00 PM Santa Maria, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Sunday, September 20 | |||||
![]() | 2:50 PM Los Angeles, CA | 9h30 | 12:20 AM Santa Maria, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus and train prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Buses from Los Angeles, CA to Santa Maria, CA run on average 1 times per day, taking around 3h 16m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $36 if you book in advance.
There are 1 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 04:40, the last at 20:30. The fastest bus covers the 139 miles (224 km) distance in 3h 15m.
Distance 139 miles (224 km) |
Average bus duration 3h 16m |
Cheapest ticket price $36 |
Buses per day 1 |
Direct buses 1 |
Fastest bus 3h 15m |
First bus 4:40 AM |
Last bus 8:30 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 1 day |
Discover the best of Santa Maria, CA — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Santa Maria, CA trip today.
Local history museum with exhibits on railroads, farming, ranching, and everyday life in the Santa Maria Valley.
Hands-on aviation museum featuring restored aircraft and exhibits connected to the region's military and civilian flying history.
Museum and events venue at Santa Maria Airport with classic warbirds and aircraft displays for aviation enthusiasts.
Large city park with a lake, walking paths, gardens, and open space; one of Santa Maria's best everyday outdoor stops.
Scenic preserve with trails through oak woodland and ranch landscapes; a favorite for hiking, wildlife, and wide valley views.
Popular community park with lawns, playgrounds, events, and the historic chapel nearby; good for an easy local walk.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Los Angeles, CA to Santa Maria, CA by bus. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest bus, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Santa Maria, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Los Angeles, CA to Santa Maria, CA buses use the Los Angeles, Patsaouras Transit Plaza (Union Station) to Santa Maria, Nicholson Avenue / Cypress Street station pair. Use this guide to compare Los Angeles, CA and Santa Maria, CA bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Los Angeles, Patsaouras Transit Plaza (Union Station) is 1 km from Los Angeles city centre. Public transport options include:
Los Angeles, Patsaouras Transit Plaza (Union Station) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Food court and various dining options available.
Wi-Fi available in main waiting areas. ATMs are aTMs available near main concourse.
Ticket office support is available at Los Angeles, Patsaouras Transit Plaza (Union Station).
Available at Los Angeles, Patsaouras Transit Plaza (Union Station): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Los Angeles, Patsaouras Transit Plaza (Union Station): Station fully accessible with elevators and ramps.
Los Angeles, Cesar E Chavez / Vignes is 1 km from Los Angeles city centre. Public transport options include:
Los Angeles, Cesar E Chavez / Vignes has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Los Angeles, Cesar E Chavez / Vignes. ATMs are available at Los Angeles, Cesar E Chavez / Vignes.
Ticket office support is available at Los Angeles, Cesar E Chavez / Vignes.
Available at Los Angeles, Cesar E Chavez / Vignes: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Los Angeles, Cesar E Chavez / Vignes: The station is accessible to people with disabilities.
Los Angeles, North Hollywood (W Magnolia Blvd / Klump Ave) is 17 km from Los Angeles city centre. Public transport options include:
Los Angeles, North Hollywood (W Magnolia Blvd / Klump Ave) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Los Angeles, North Hollywood (W Magnolia Blvd / Klump Ave). ATMs are available at Los Angeles, North Hollywood (W Magnolia Blvd / Klump Ave).
Ticket office support is available at Los Angeles, North Hollywood (W Magnolia Blvd / Klump Ave).
Available at Los Angeles, North Hollywood (W Magnolia Blvd / Klump Ave): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Los Angeles, North Hollywood (W Magnolia Blvd / Klump Ave): Ramps available for wheelchair access.
Santa Maria, Nicholson Avenue / Cypress Street is 1 km from Santa Maria city centre. Public transport options include:
Santa Maria, Nicholson Avenue / Cypress Street has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Santa Maria, Nicholson Avenue / Cypress Street. ATMs are available at Santa Maria, Nicholson Avenue / Cypress Street.
Ticket office support is available at Santa Maria, Nicholson Avenue / Cypress Street.
Available at Santa Maria, Nicholson Avenue / Cypress Street: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Santa Maria, Nicholson Avenue / Cypress Street: Accessible for passengers with mobility challenges.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need