The cheapest and fastest buses from Santa Maria, CA to Los Angeles, CA
Cheapest price
$43
Average price
$81
Fastest journey
3 h 10 m
Average duration
6 h 40 m
Buses per day
3
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 $81 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $43.
Of the 3 buses that leave Santa Maria, CA for Los Angeles, CA on Fri, Nov 07, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Nov 07 the direct buses cover the 224 km distance in an average of 6 h 40 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 3 h 10 m .
On Fri, Nov 07 the slowest buses will take 8 h 25 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.
FlixBus
4015 AMTRAK · 710 Gold Runner · 5710 AMTRAK
4015 AMTRAK · 710 Gold Runner · 5810 AMTRAK
FlixBus
4015 AMTRAK · 710 Gold Runner · 5710 AMTRAK
4015 AMTRAK · 710 Gold Runner · 5810 AMTRAKTravel Information
Compare bus and train for Santa Maria, CA to Los Angeles, CA
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 €57. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 3h 57m. 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 €57, and a bus costs an average of €77.
Distance: 139 miles (224 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train |
|---|---|
€80 Average price | €58 Average price Cheapest |
4h 27m Average total duration Fastest 3h 57m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 25m Average total duration 4h 55m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.2 - 0.6kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Santa Maria, CA to Los Angeles, CA Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 08:10AM | Arrival Time 04:35PM | Duration 8h25 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $101 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:25PM | Arrival Time 08:35PM | Duration 3h10 | Departure days Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $41 |
Live departures
Santa Maria, CA to Los Angeles, CA bus times
The table below shows live departures for Santa Maria, CA to Los Angeles, CA buses for tomorrow, Friday, November 7. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
4015 AMTRAK · 710 Gold Runner · 5710 AMTRAK | 4:10 PM Santa Maria, CA | 8h25 | 12:35 AM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 2 transfers | |
4015 AMTRAK · 710 Gold Runner · 5810 AMTRAK | 4:10 PM Santa Maria, CA | 8h25 | 12:35 AM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 2 transfers | |
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 Los Angeles, 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.
Nov 07
Nov 08
Nov 09
Nov 10
Nov 11
Nov 12
Nov 13
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Santa Maria, CA to Los Angeles, CA
Distance 139 miles (224 km) |
Average bus duration 3h 57m |
Cheapest ticket price $95 (€77) |
Buses per day 4 |
Direct buses 1 |
Fastest bus 8h 25m |
First bus 04:40 |
Last bus 20:30 |
Key Takeaways
Train Ticket Prices
- Budget Options: Train tickets from Santa Maria, CA to Los Angeles, CA start from as low as $95 (€77) if booked well in advance.
- Standard Fares: Typically, trains cost $98 (€80) depending on the train type and class.
Bus providers: FlixBus, Santa Maria Area Transit, Clean Air Express from Santa Maria, CA to Los Angeles, CAYou can travel by bus between Santa Maria, CA to Los Angeles, CA with FlixBus, Santa Maria Area Transit, Clean Air Express for as low as $71 (€57). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
FlixBus
Santa Maria Area Transit
Clean Air Express
FAQs: Bus from Santa Maria, CA to Los Angeles, CA
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.

- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
- Griffith Observatory, an iconic facility offering stunning views of Los Angeles and exhibits on astronomy
- The Getty Center, a renowned art museum with impressive architecture and beautiful gardens
- Santa Monica Pier, a historic landmark featuring an amusement park, aquarium, and scenic ocean views
- Hollywood Walk of Fame, a famous sidewalk celebrating entertainment industry icons with star plaques
- Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), the largest art museum in the western United States with diverse collections.
- Explore the vibrant Venice Beach Boardwalk, known for its eclectic shops, street performers, and skate park
- Visit the historic El Capitan Theatre for a classic movie experience
- Take a scenic hike in Runyon Canyon Park, offering panoramic views of the city
- Enjoy a live performance at the Walt Disney Concert Hall, known for its stunning architecture and acoustics
- Discover the unique exhibits at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County.
- 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.
To find the cheapest bus tickets for your trip from Santa Maria, CA to Los Angeles, CA, follow these tips:
Start your search now and compare ticket prices to find the best deal!
- FlixBus
- One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
- FlixBus
- Small pets in carriers allowed
- Guide dogs travel for free.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Santa Maria, CA to Los Angeles, CA
More options for your journey from Santa Maria, CA to Los Angeles, CA
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