The cheapest and fastest buses from Santa Maria, CA to Bakersfield, CA
Cheapest price
$79
Average price
$79
Fastest journey
5 h 47 m
Average duration
5 h 47 m
Buses per day
1
Distance
137 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Santa Maria, CA to Bakersfield, CA is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Santa Maria, CA to Bakersfield, CA will cost around $79 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $79.
Of the 1 buses that leave Santa Maria, CA for Bakersfield, CA on Wed, Dec 17, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Dec 17 the direct buses cover the 137 km distance in an average of 5 h 47 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 5 h 47 m .
On Wed, Dec 17 the slowest buses will take 5 h 47 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.


Live departures
Santa Maria, CA to Bakersfield, CA bus times
The table below shows live departures for Santa Maria, CA to Bakersfield, CA buses for today, Tuesday, December 16. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 3:10 PM Santa Maria, CA | 5h47 | 8:57 PM Bakersfield, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Santa Maria, CA to Bakersfield, CA by bus
Compare 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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Journey information
Overview: Bus from Santa Maria, CA to Bakersfield, CA
Buses from Santa Maria, CA to Bakersfield, CA run on average 4 times per day, taking around 5h 23m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $78 (€62) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 04:35, the last at 23:35. The fastest bus covers the 85 miles (137 km) distance in 5h 47m.
Distance 85 miles (137 km) |
Average bus duration 5h 23m |
Cheapest ticket price $78 (€62) |
Buses per day 4 |
Fastest bus 5h 47m |
First bus 04:35 |
Last bus 23:35 |
Bus providers: Clean Air Express from Santa Maria, CA to Bakersfield, CAYou can travel by bus between Santa Maria, CA to Bakersfield, CA with Clean Air Express for as low as $78 (€62). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
Clean Air Express
FAQs: Bus from Santa Maria, CA to Bakersfield, CA
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Santa Maria, CA to Bakersfield, 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 Bakersfield, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

- Kern County Museum, a historical museum showcasing artifacts and exhibits from the region's past
- Buck Owens' Crystal Palace, a music venue and restaurant dedicated to the legacy of country music star Buck Owens
- California Living Museum (CALM), a zoo and botanical garden focusing on native California wildlife and plants
- Bakersfield Museum of Art, featuring a diverse collection of contemporary and traditional artworks
- Hart Memorial Park, a large public park offering picnic areas, fishing spots, and scenic views along the Kern River.
- Explore the vibrant downtown Bakersfield area, with its eclectic mix of shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues
- Attend a live performance at the historic Fox Theater, known for its stunning architecture and diverse lineup of shows
- Enjoy a day of hiking or biking at the Panorama Vista Preserve, offering beautiful trails and wildlife viewing opportunities
- Visit the Buena Vista Museum of Natural History & Science, featuring fascinating exhibits on paleontology, geology, and anthropology
- Experience local flavors at the Bakersfield Farmers Market, where you can find fresh produce and artisanal goods.
To find the cheapest bus tickets for your trip from Santa Maria, CA to Bakersfield, CA, follow these tips:
Start your search now and compare ticket prices to find the best deal!
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Santa Maria, CA to Bakersfield, CA
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