- Recommended
Santa Maria Valley Historical Society Museum
Local history museum with exhibits on railroads, farming, ranching, and everyday life in the Santa Maria Valley.
2,000+ travel companies
2,000+ travel companies
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
4.942K ratings
Google Play
4.6136K reviews
The cheapest and fastest buses from San Jose, CA to Santa Maria, CA
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 20
Cheapest price on Sep 20
$63
Average ticket price on Sep 20
$63
Fastest journey on Sep 20
10 h 45 m
Average journey duration on Sep 20
10 h 45 m
Buses on Sep 20
1
Distance
296 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from San Jose, 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 San Jose, CA to Santa Maria, CA will cost around $63 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $63.
Fast buses
On Sun, Sep 20, we found 1 buses from San Jose, CA to Santa Maria, CA, including 1 direct services.
On Sun, Sep 20 the direct buses cover the 296 km distance in an average of 10 h 45 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 10 h 45 m .
On Sun, Sep 20 the slowest buses will take 10 h 45 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.
12:35 PM10h45San Jose, CA11:20 PMSanta Maria, CA$631One-way0 transfers
- 12:35 PM10h45San Jose, CA11:20 PMSanta Maria, CA$631One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare bus and train for San Jose, CA to Santa Maria, CA
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from San Jose, CA to Santa Maria, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $70 For those with little time, consider booking a bus, which has an average total journey time of 5h 43m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $70, while a bus costs an average of $70.
Distance: 183 miles (296 km)
Compare bus with
Most popular Bus | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$70 Average price Cheapest | $44 Average price (fuel + tolls) | |
5h 43m Average total duration Fastest 5h 13m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 15m Average total duration (door-to-door) | |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from San Jose, CA to Santa Maria, CA is a bus with an average price of $70.
The fastest way to travel from San Jose, CA to Santa Maria, CA is by bus with an average journey time of 5h 13m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between San Jose, CA and Santa Maria, CA including taking a bus and train.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from San Jose, CA to Santa Maria, CA among Omio's users.
Take the bus. It's the cheapest way to make this trip, and the price gap is usually bigger than people expect.
Tickets start at around $70 compared to roughly $44 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-25.90. The journey takes 5h 13m versus 3h 15m 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.
San Jose, CA to Santa Maria, CA Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 06:20AM | Arrival Time 11:15AM | Duration 4h55 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Sat | Cheapest price $92 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 09:25AM | Arrival Time 02:20PM | Duration 4h55 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Sat | Cheapest price $92 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:35PM | Arrival Time 11:20PM | Duration 10h45 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $63 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 03:17PM | Arrival Time 09:20PM | Duration 6h03 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $82 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 04:17PM | Arrival Time 10:20PM | Duration 6h03 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $80 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 11:45PM | Arrival Time 04:40AM | Duration 4h55 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Sat | Cheapest price $92 |
Live departures
San Jose, CA to Santa Maria, CA bus times
The table below shows live departures for San Jose, CA to Santa Maria, CA buses for today, Saturday, September 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 11:45 PM San Jose, CA | 4h55 | 4:40 AM Santa Maria, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Sunday, September 20 | |||||
| 12:35 PM San Jose, CA | 10h45 | 11:20 PM Santa Maria, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets San Jose, CA to Santa Maria, CA by bus or train
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.
Sun
Sep 20
Sep 20
Mon
Sep 21
Sep 21
Tue
Sep 22
Sep 22
Wed
Sep 23
Sep 23
Thu
Sep 24
Sep 24
Fri
Sep 25
Sep 25
Sat
Sep 26
Sep 26
Why should you book San Jose, CA to Santa Maria, CA buses with Omio?
FlixBus operates all buses services from San Jose, CA to Santa Maria, CA.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from San Jose, 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 bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from San Jose, 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 bus and train to find the ideal travel option from San Jose, CA to Santa Maria, CA.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from San Jose, CA to Santa Maria, CA
USAUSA
Buses from San Jose, CA to Santa Maria, CA run on average 1 times per day, taking around 5h 13m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $50 if you book in advance.
There are 1 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 05:35, the last at 23:35. The fastest bus covers the 183 miles (296 km) distance in 3h 50m.
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 183 miles (296 km) |
Average bus duration 5h 13m |
Cheapest ticket price $50 |
Buses per day 1 |
Direct buses 1 |
Fastest bus 3h 50m |
First bus 5:35 AM |
Last bus 11:35 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
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 Jose, CA to Santa Maria, CAYou can travel by bus between San Jose, CA to Santa Maria, CA with FlixBus for as low as $50. 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 FlixBus Duration
3h 50m
Cheapest FlixBus Price
$50
FlixBus frequency
1 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.
Complete guide to Santa Maria, CA
Things to do in Santa Maria, CA
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.
- Recommended
Santa Maria Museum of Flight
Hands-on aviation museum featuring restored aircraft and exhibits connected to the region's military and civilian flying history.
Estrella Warbirds Museum Annex at Santa Maria Airport
Museum and events venue at Santa Maria Airport with classic warbirds and aircraft displays for aviation enthusiasts.
- Recommended
Waller Park
Large city park with a lake, walking paths, gardens, and open space; one of Santa Maria's best everyday outdoor stops.
- Recommended
Los Flores Ranch Park
Scenic preserve with trails through oak woodland and ranch landscapes; a favorite for hiking, wildlife, and wide valley views.
Preisker Park
Popular community park with lawns, playgrounds, events, and the historic chapel nearby; good for an easy local walk.
FAQs: Bus from San Jose, CA to Santa Maria, CA
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from San Jose, 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 Jose, CA to Santa Maria, CA can start from as little as $50 when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for San Jose, CA to Santa Maria, CA is $70 ; 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 Jose, CA to Santa Maria, CA is 3h 50m to travel the 183 miles (296 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 Jose, CA to Santa Maria, CA leaves at 5:35 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from San Jose, CA to Santa Maria, CA leaves at 11:35 PM.
Yes, there are 1 direct buses a day from San Jose, CA to Santa Maria, CA with . Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct buses.
When taking a bus from San Jose, 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 Jose, CA and Santa Maria, CA and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
Passengers board the bus most frequently from San José, Cahill Street (Diridon Station), which is located around 0 miles (1 km) away from the city centre, and they get off the bus at Santa Maria, Nicholson Avenue / Cypress Street, CA, located 1 away from the city centre.
A trip to Santa Maria, CA from San Jose, CA is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 3h 50m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from San Jose, CA to Santa Maria, CA is July.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between San Jose, CA and Santa Maria, CA including taking a bus and train.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from San Jose, CA to Santa Maria, CA:
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from San Jose, CA to Santa Maria, CA for bus company FlixBus.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from San Jose, 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 Jose, CA to Santa Maria, CA.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from San Jose, 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 Jose, 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 Jose, 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 Jose, CA to Santa Maria, CA with the following bus company: FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from San Jose, CA to Santa Maria, CA with the following bus company: FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from San Jose, CA to Santa Maria, CA with the following bus company: FlixBus.
Since neither San Jose, CA nor Santa Maria, CA are in the Schengen Area, passport requirements depend on the specific immigration rules of United States and United States. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from San Jose, CA to Santa Maria, CA among Omio's users.
The currency used in the United States is the US Dollar (USD). For travelers, using cards is generally more convenient and widely accepted, especially credit and debit cards, while cash is useful for small purchases or places that do not accept cards.
In Santa Maria, CA, travelers should be cautious of vehicle break-ins, especially in parking areas near popular attractions. It's advisable to avoid poorly lit or isolated areas at night. Common scams include overcharging by unlicensed taxi services and fake ticket sellers for local events. Staying aware of surroundings and using reputable transportation options helps ensure a safe visit.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from San Jose, CA to Santa Maria, CA
Most San Jose, CA to Santa Maria, CA buses use the San José, Cahill Street (Diridon Station) to Santa Maria, Nicholson Avenue / Cypress Street station pair. Use this guide to compare San Jose, CA and Santa Maria, CA bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Departure bus stations in San Jose
Arrival bus stations in Santa Maria
Which San Jose, CA station do buses to Santa Maria, CA leave from?
Buses from San Jose, CA to Santa Maria, CA leave from San José, Cahill Street (Diridon Station). The station is 0 miles (1 km) from San Jose, CA city centre at San Jose Diridon Station, 65 Cahill St, San Jose, CA 95110, USA.
San José, Cahill Street (Diridon Station)San Jose Diridon Station, 65 Cahill St, San Jose, CA 95110, USA
City-centre transport
Getting to San José, Cahill Street (Diridon Station) from San Jose city centre
San José, Cahill Street (Diridon Station) is 1 km from San Jose city centre. Public transport options include:
BusRapid 500, Rapid 568, 64A, 64B, 68, 202 · 7m · $6 · every ~26 min
TramGreen Line · 17m · $4 · every ~7 min
San José, Cahill Street (Diridon Station) bus station facilities and services
San José, Cahill Street (Diridon Station) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Various food options available inside the station.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at San José, Cahill Street (Diridon Station). ATMs are aTMs located near the entrance.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at San José, Cahill Street (Diridon Station).
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at San José, Cahill Street (Diridon Station): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at San José, Cahill Street (Diridon Station): Wheelchair accessible with ramps and elevators.
Which Santa Maria, CA station do buses from San Jose, CA arrive at?
Buses from San Jose, CA to Santa Maria, CA arrive at Santa Maria, Nicholson Avenue / Cypress Street. Santa Maria, Nicholson Avenue / Cypress Street is 1 miles (2 km) from Santa Maria, CA city centre.
Santa Maria, Nicholson Avenue / Cypress StreetNicholson Ave, Santa Maria, CA 93454, USA
City-centre transport
Getting to Santa Maria, Nicholson Avenue / Cypress Street from Santa Maria city centre
Santa Maria, Nicholson Avenue / Cypress Street is 1 km from Santa Maria city centre. Public transport options include:
Bus3 · 9m · $1 · every ~2 min
Santa Maria, Nicholson Avenue / Cypress Street bus station facilities and services
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 and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Santa Maria, Nicholson Avenue / Cypress Street. ATMs are available at Santa Maria, Nicholson Avenue / Cypress Street.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Santa Maria, Nicholson Avenue / Cypress Street.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Santa Maria, Nicholson Avenue / Cypress Street: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Santa Maria, Nicholson Avenue / Cypress Street: Accessible for passengers with mobility challenges.
Most popular bus connections from San Jose, CA
More options for your journey from San Jose, 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 Jose, CA
Most popular bus connections to Santa Maria, CA
The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy
We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.
