- Must visit
The Getty Center
Hilltop art museum with European paintings, sculpture, gardens, and striking architecture plus sweeping city views.
Cheapest price
lei447
Average price
lei452
Fastest journey
9 h 5 m
Average duration
9 h 5 m
Buses per day
2
Distance
224 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Santa Maria, CA to Los Angeles, 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 Los Angeles, CA will cost around lei452 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only lei447.
Of the 2 buses that leave Santa Maria, CA for Los Angeles, CA on Thu, Aug 06, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, Aug 06 the direct buses cover the 224 km distance in an average of 9 h 5 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 9 h 5 m .
On Thu, Aug 06 the slowest buses will take 9 h 5 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 Santa Maria, CA to Los Angeles, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from lei295. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 3h 59m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of lei295, and a bus costs an average of lei179.
Distance: 139 miles (224 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
lei419 Average price | lei327 Average price Cheapest | lei147 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 29m Average total duration Fastest 3h 59m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 26m Average total duration 4h 56m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 2m 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 Santa Maria, CA to Los Angeles, CA:
A train is lei93 less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Santa Maria, CA to Los Angeles, CA costing on average lei419.
Other travel options to Los Angeles, CA take longer:
Train takes on average 4h 56m.
You'll arrive about {timeSavings} sooner ({durationInMinutes} by bus vs {drivingDurationInMinutes} by car) and save roughly {savingsAmount} compared to fuel and tolls ({cheapestPrice} vs {drivingPriceInCents}). You also skip the drive itself — no traffic stress, no parking, and you can use the time to work, nap, or catch up on a series with the onboard Wi-Fi.
Direct coaches are operated by {directProviders}.
Driving is still worth considering if you're travelling with bulky luggage, need flexibility on departure times, or plan to stop along the way.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 03:10PM | Arrival Time 12:15AM | Duration 9h05 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price lei456 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 04:10PM | Arrival Time 01:15AM | Duration 9h05 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price lei447 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:40PM | Arrival Time 07:50PM | Duration 3h10 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price lei179 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:40PM | Arrival Time 02:50AM | Duration 3h10 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price lei179 |
The table below shows live departures for Santa Maria, CA to Los Angeles, CA buses for today, Wednesday, August 5. 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 | 9h05 | 12:15 AM Los Angeles, 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 Santa Maria, CA to Los Angeles, CA run on average 4 times per day, taking around 3h 59m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at lei179 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 10m.
Distance 139 miles (224 km) |
Average bus duration 3h 59m |
Cheapest ticket price lei179 |
Buses per day 4 |
Direct buses 1 |
Fastest bus 3h 10m |
First bus 4:40 AM |
Last bus 8:30 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 4 days |
Discover the best of Los Angeles, CA — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Los Angeles, CA trip today.
Hilltop art museum with European paintings, sculpture, gardens, and striking architecture plus sweeping city views.
Major contemporary art museum in Downtown LA, known for broad collections, special shows, and bold architecture.
World-class encyclopedic museum on Wilshire Boulevard, famous for diverse collections and the Urban Light installation.
Legendary boulevard known for the Walk of Fame, theaters, neon, and classic Hollywood atmosphere mixed with tourist energy.
Lively beachside promenade with street performers, Muscle Beach, and easy access to the Venice Boardwalk scene.
Major urban park with trails, the observatory, picnic areas, and some of the best public views in Los Angeles.
A bacon-wrapped hot dog grilled on a street cart and topped with peppers, onions, mustard, ketchup, and mayo. A late-night Los Angeles street food classic.
A French dip sandwich of thin-sliced roast beef on a roll, often dipped in meat jus. Los Angeles claims the original and locals still debate the best version.
Double corn tortillas filled with stewed beef, birria broth, onions, and cilantro. A beloved Los Angeles Mexican staple, especially popular from trucks and taquerias.
Acclaimed fine-dining restaurant serving a seasonal California tasting menu. Refined, intimate, and one of Los Angeles's most respected special-occasion venues.
Legendary taqueria known for charcoal-grilled carne asada tacos. Casual, fast-paced, and widely considered one of Los Angeles's essential taco stops.
Historic downtown deli linked to the French dip. Old-school counter service and classic sandwiches in a landmark Los Angeles setting.
Los Angeles is pricier than many U.S. cities for hotels, dining, parking, and rides. Budget options exist, but tourist areas and transport costs raise daily spend.
Tip 18-20% in restaurants, 15-20% for taxis or rideshares, and $1-2 at cafes for counter service or coffee.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Santa Maria, CA to Los Angeles, 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 Los Angeles, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Santa Maria, CA to Los Angeles, CA buses use the Santa Maria, Nicholson Avenue / Cypress Street to Los Angeles, Patsaouras Transit Plaza (Union Station) station pair, with some services arriving at Los Angeles, Cesar E Chavez / Vignes. Use this guide to compare Santa Maria, CA and Los Angeles, CA bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
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.
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.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need