The cheapest and fastest buses from Santa Maria, CA to San Diego, CA
Cheapest price
$81
Average price
$81
Fastest journey
2 d 7 h 34 m
Average duration
2 d 7 h 34 m
Buses per day
1
Distance
392 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Santa Maria, CA to San Diego, 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 San Diego, CA will cost around $81 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $81.
It's difficult to get from Santa Maria, CA to San Diego, CA without transferring at least 2 times.


Travel Information
Compare bus and train for Santa Maria, CA to San Diego, CA
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Santa Maria, CA to San Diego, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from €63. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 6h 50m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of €63, and a bus costs an average of €70.
Distance: 243 miles (392 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train |
|---|---|
€70 Average price | €69 Average price Cheapest |
7h 20m Average total duration Fastest 6h 50m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 32m Average total duration 8h 2m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Live departures
Santa Maria, CA to San Diego, CA bus times
The table below shows live departures for Santa Maria, CA to San Diego, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 1:51 PM Santa Maria, CA | 55h34 | 9:25 PM San Diego, 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 San Diego, 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
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Nov 13
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Santa Maria, CA to San Diego, CA
Distance 243 miles (392 km) |
Average bus duration 6h 50m |
Cheapest ticket price $86 (€70) |
Buses per day 6 |
Fastest bus 9h 15m |
First bus 04:01 |
Last bus 21:25 |
Key Takeaways
Train Ticket Prices
- Budget Options: Train tickets from Santa Maria, CA to San Diego, CA start from as low as $86 (€70) if booked well in advance.
- Standard Fares: Typically, trains cost $86 (€70) depending on the train type and class.
Bus providers: Clean Air Express from Santa Maria, CA to San Diego, CAYou can travel by bus between Santa Maria, CA to San Diego, CA with Clean Air Express for as low as $77 (€63). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
Clean Air Express
FAQs: Bus from Santa Maria, CA to San Diego, CA
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Santa Maria, CA to San Diego, 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 San Diego, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

- Balboa Park, a sprawling urban park with museums, gardens, and the San Diego Zoo
- USS Midway Museum, a historic naval aircraft carrier museum offering interactive exhibits and tours
- La Jolla Cove, a picturesque coastal area known for its stunning views and marine life
- Gaslamp Quarter, a lively historic district with Victorian architecture, dining, and entertainment options
- Coronado Beach, a beautiful sandy beach known for its gentle waves and iconic hotel.
- Explore the vibrant art scene at the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego
- Enjoy a harbor cruise for stunning views of the skyline and naval ships
- Hike the scenic trails at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
- Visit the Birch Aquarium to learn about marine life and ocean conservation
- Experience the thrill of a whale watching tour off the coast.
To find the cheapest bus tickets for your trip from Santa Maria, CA to San Diego, 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 San Diego, CA
More options for your journey from Santa Maria, CA to San Diego, CA
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