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Travel Information
Compare train and bus for San Diego, CA to Santa Maria, CA
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from San Diego, CA to Santa Maria, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $46. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 7h 19m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $46, and a train costs an average of $84.
Distance: 243 miles (392 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train |
|---|---|
$46 Average price Cheapest | $86 Average price |
7h 53m Average total duration 7h 23m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 49m Average total duration Fastest 7h 19m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
 Most popular bus company |  Most popular train company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Compare prices and tickets San Diego, CA to Santa Maria, CA by train or bus
Compare train and bus 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.
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Why should you book San Diego, CA to Santa Maria, CA buses with Omio?
FlixBus operates all buses services from San Diego, CA to Santa Maria, CA.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from San Diego, CA to Santa Maria, CA.
Why book with Omio vs FlixBus?
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare FlixBus with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from San Diego, CA to Santa Maria, CA.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trainline?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from San Diego, CA to Santa Maria, CA.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from San Diego, CA to Santa Maria, CA
USAUSA
Buses from San Diego, CA to Santa Maria, CA run on average 5 times per day, taking around 7h 23m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $46 (€38) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 04:01, the last at 21:25. The fastest bus covers the 243 miles (392 km) distance in 8h 10m.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Distance 243 miles (392 km) |
Average bus duration 7h 23m |
Cheapest ticket price $46 (€38) |
Buses per day 5 |
Fastest bus 8h 10m |
First bus 04:01 |
Last bus 21:25 |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Bus providers: FlixBus from San Diego, CA to Santa Maria, CAYou can travel by bus between San Diego, CA to Santa Maria, CA with FlixBus for as low as $46 (€38). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
FlixBus
About
FlixBus is one of Europe’s leading low-cost bus companies, founded in Germany and now offering long-distance services across Europe and the United States. In addition to its extensive daytime network, FlixBus also operates overnight buses on select European routes. Standard amenities include free Wi-Fi, power outlets to charge devices, extra legroom, luggage space, and onboard toilets, with snacks and drinks available for purchase. FlixBus offers a single Standard ticket type for all routes, which includes one carry-on bag and one checked bag per passenger. Additional fees apply for extra luggage and for reserving specific seats, such as Extra Seats, Table Seats, or Panorama Seats. This combination of affordability, comfort, and wide coverage makes FlixBus a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
7h 55m
Cheapest Price
$73 (€59)
FlixBus frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority boarding; Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed for a fee; must be booked.
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed; guide dogs travel for free.
FAQs: Bus from San Diego, CA to Santa Maria, CA
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from San Diego, 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.
Cheap bus tickets from San Diego, CA to Santa Maria, CA can start from as little as $46 (€38) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for San Diego, CA to Santa Maria, CA is $46 (€38) ; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by bus from San Diego, CA to Santa Maria, CA is 8h 10m to travel the 243 miles (392 km) long journey. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest bus from San Diego, CA to Santa Maria, CA leaves at 4:01 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from San Diego, CA to Santa Maria, CA leaves at 9:25 PM.
There are 5 buses a day from San Diego, CA to Santa Maria, CA which require at least one change with FlixBus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer buses.
When taking a bus from San Diego, CA to Santa Maria, CA, you can count on FlixBus for the best way to get you to Santa Maria, CA. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between San Diego, CA and Santa Maria, CA and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A trip to Santa Maria, CA from San Diego, CA is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 8h 10m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from San Diego, CA to Santa Maria, CA is December.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between San Diego, CA and Santa Maria, CA including taking a train and bus.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from San Diego, CA to Santa Maria, CA:
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from San Diego, CA to Santa Maria, CA for bus company FlixBus.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from San Diego, CA to Santa Maria, CA depends on the bus companies:
- FlixBus
- You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus company FlixBus.
Tickets are often cheaper when booked early. Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money. Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options. Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the bus from San Diego, CA to Santa Maria, CA.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from San Diego, CA to Santa Maria, CA:
- FlixBus
- One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a bus ticket from San Diego, CA to Santa Maria, CA:
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the bus from San Diego, CA to Santa Maria, CA. The following conditions apply:
- FlixBus
- Small pets in carriers allowed
- guide dogs travel for free.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from San Diego, CA to Santa Maria, CA with the following bus company: FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from San Diego, CA to Santa Maria, CA with the following bus company: FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from San Diego, CA to Santa Maria, CA with the following bus company: FlixBus.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from San Diego, CA to Santa Maria, CA
San Diego
Santa Maria
The major bus station for departures in San Diego is San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park). Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park) for your trip from San Diego to Santa Maria.
San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park)
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San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center
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The major bus station for arrivals in Santa Maria is Santa Maria, Nicholson Avenue / Cypress Street. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Santa Maria, Nicholson Avenue / Cypress Street for your trip to Santa Maria from San Diego.
Santa Maria, Nicholson Avenue / Cypress Street
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More options for your journey from San Diego, CA to Santa Maria, CA
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Santa Maria, CA and San Diego, CA
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