- Recommended
Santa Maria Valley Historical Society Museum
Local history museum with exhibits on railroads, farming, ranching, and everyday life in the Santa Maria Valley.
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Sacramento, 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 Sacramento, CA to Santa Maria, CA will cost around $128 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $69.
It's difficult to get from Sacramento, CA to Santa Maria, CA without transferring at least once.
549 Capitol Corridor · 4770 Connecting Bus
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539 Capitol Corridor · 6241 Connecting Bus
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702 Gold Runner · 4101 Connecting Bus · 6241 Connecting Bus
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539 Capitol Corridor · 6241 Connecting Bus
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549 Capitol Corridor · 4770 Connecting Bus
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702 Gold Runner · 4101 Connecting Bus · 6241 Connecting Bus
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Take a bus from Sacramento, CA to Santa Maria, CA and enjoy the approximately 257 miles (414 km) long journey. Find schedules and pricing options for a convenient and affordable trip.
The earliest bus runs at 06:26, the last at 23:35.
Plan this route
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Sacramento, CA to Santa Maria, CA.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 12:03AM | Arrival Time 11:40AM | Duration 11h37 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $67 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 02:03AM | Arrival Time 11:40AM | Duration 9h37 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $64 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 03:03AM | Arrival Time 12:40PM | Duration 9h37 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $64 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 07:09AM | Arrival Time 08:25PM | Duration 13h16 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $159 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 11:53AM | Arrival Time 08:25PM | Duration 8h32 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $155 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 02:05PM | Arrival Time 04:40AM | Duration 14h35 | Departure days Tue, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $140 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 07:03PM | Arrival Time 04:40AM | Duration 9h37 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $69 |
Operator Sacramento Regional Transit | Departure Time 07:31PM | Arrival Time 11:15AM | Duration 15h44 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $129 |
Operator Sacramento Regional Transit | Departure Time 07:43PM | Arrival Time 11:15AM | Duration 15h32 | Departure days Tue, Fri | Cheapest price $129 |
The table below shows live departures for Sacramento, CA to Santa Maria, CA buses for tomorrow, Wednesday, November 4. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
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702 Gold Runner · 4101 Connecting Bus · 6241 Connecting Bus | 7:09 AM Sacramento Valley Station, Sacramento, CA | 13h16 | 8:25 PM Santa Maria, CA | 2 transfers | |
539 Capitol Corridor · 6241 Connecting Bus | 11:53 AM Sacramento Valley Station, Sacramento, CA | 8h32 | 8:25 PM Santa Maria, CA | 1 transfer | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Buses from Sacramento, CA to Santa Maria, CA with Sacramento Regional Transit. Use the details below to compare onboard facilities.
Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.
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.
Santa Maria-style barbecue centers on tri-tip seasoned with salt, pepper and garlic, grilled over red oak. It is the city’s signature meal and a Central Coast tradition.
Pinquito beans are small pink beans grown in the Santa Maria Valley, traditionally simmered with bacon, tomatoes and spices as a classic barbecue side.
Fresh salsa usually made with tomatoes, onion, cilantro and chile. It is a standard accompaniment to Santa Maria barbecue and local Mexican-influenced meals.
Classic steakhouse and bar serving Santa Maria-style beef, seafood and hearty grills in an old-school local atmosphere.
Historic casual spot known for Santa Maria-style barbecue, especially tri-tip plates and classic sides in a relaxed ranch-style setting.
Long-running local favorite for oak-grilled tri-tip sandwiches and plates, offering a straightforward traditional Santa Maria barbecue experience.
Moderate for California. Hotels and dining are usually cheaper than major coastal cities, but car travel and limited transit can add costs for visitors.
Tip 15-20% at restaurants, about $1-2 per drink at bars, and round up or tip 10% for taxis. Cafes often have tip jars or checkout prompts.
Get destination-focused answers for the end of your trip, including what to do, when to go, practical entry details, and tips for making the most of your time in Santa Maria, CA.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Sacramento, 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 Sacramento, CA to Santa Maria, CA buses use the Sacramento, Bus Terminal to Santa Maria, Nicholson Avenue / Cypress Street station pair. Use this guide to compare Sacramento, CA and Santa Maria, CA bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Sacramento, Bus Terminal is 1 km from Sacramento city centre. Public transport options include:
Sacramento, Bus Terminal has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Fast food and coffee shop available
Free with registration. ATMs are multiple ATMs near ticket office.
Ticket office support is available at Sacramento, Bus Terminal.
Available at Sacramento, Bus Terminal: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Sacramento, Bus Terminal: Wheelchair ramps and elevators available.
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.
Check bus stations information for Sacramento, CA and Santa Maria, CA, including where buses depart and arrive on this route.