4.9
4.6The cheapest and fastest buses from Santa Maria, CA to San Diego, CA
Cheapest price
$0.00
Average price
$-0.01
Fastest journey
9 h 27 m
Average duration
9 h 42 m
Buses per day
2
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.
It's difficult to get from Santa Maria, CA to San Diego, CA without transferring at least 3 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 $64. 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 $64, and a bus costs an average of $81.
Distance: 243 miles (392 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train |
|---|---|
$81 Average price | $81 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, Sunday, March 22. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6:15 AM Santa Maria, CA | 9h27 | 3:42 PM San Diego, CA | 3 transfers | |
| 8:15 AM Santa Maria, CA | 9h57 | 6:12 PM San Diego, CA | 3 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.
Mar 23
Mar 24
Mar 25
Mar 26
Mar 27
Mar 28
Mar 29
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Santa Maria, CA to San Diego, CA
USAUSA
Buses from Santa Maria, CA to San Diego, CA run on average 6 times per day, taking around 6h 50m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $81 (€66) but you can travel from only $64 (€52) by train.
The earliest bus runs at 04:01, the last at 21:25. The fastest bus covers the 243 miles (392 km) distance in 55h 34m.
Distance 243 miles (392 km) |
Average bus duration 6h 50m |
Cheapest ticket price $81 (€66) |
Buses per day 6 |
Fastest bus 55h 34m |
First bus 04:01 |
Last bus 21:25 |
Cheapest month Nov |
Cheapest day Fri |
High season Apr - Jun |
Low season Jan - Mar |
Best day to book ahead 3 days |
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 $64 (€52). 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.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Santa Maria, CA to San Diego, CA
Most popular bus connections from Santa Maria, CA
More options for your journey from Santa Maria, CA to San Diego, CA
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from San Diego, CA and 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.
