- Must visit
San Diego Museum of Art
Major Balboa Park museum with works from Spanish old masters to modern art, plus strong regional and international exhibitions.
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.

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Take a bus from Santa Maria, CA to San Diego, CA and enjoy the approximately 243 miles (392 km) long journey. Find schedules and pricing options for a convenient and affordable trip.
The earliest bus runs at 04:01, the last at 21:25.
Plan this route
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Santa Maria, CA to San Diego, CA.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Santa Maria Area Transit | Departure Time 06:15AM | Arrival Time 03:42PM | Duration 9h27 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $0 |
Operator Santa Maria Area Transit | Departure Time 08:15AM | Arrival Time 06:12PM | Duration 9h57 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $0 |
Operator Santa Maria Area Transit | Departure Time 10:15AM | Arrival Time 10:15PM | Duration 12h00 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $133 |
Operator Santa Maria Area Transit | Departure Time 01:15PM | Arrival Time 07:32AM | Duration 18h17 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $0 |
Operator Santa Maria Area Transit | Departure Time 05:00PM | Arrival Time 10:05AM | Duration 17h05 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $0 |
The table below shows live departures for Santa Maria, CA to San Diego, CA buses for today, Tuesday, November 3. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 1:15 PM Santa Maria, CA | 18h17 | 7:32 AM San Diego, CA | 3 transfers | |
![]() | 5:00 PM Santa Maria, CA | 20h22 | 1:22 PM San Diego, CA | 3 transfers | |
| Wednesday, November 4 | |||||
![]() | 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 | |
![]() | 10:15 AM Santa Maria, CA | 12h00 | 10:15 PM San Diego, CA | 3 transfers | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Discover the best of San Diego, CA — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect San Diego, CA trip today.
Major Balboa Park museum with works from Spanish old masters to modern art, plus strong regional and international exhibitions.
Acclaimed contemporary art museum in La Jolla featuring oceanfront settings, modern works, and rotating global exhibitions.
Museum aboard a historic aircraft carrier with restored aircraft, naval exhibits, and immersive views of life at sea.
Balboa Park is San Diego's grand cultural park, packed with gardens, architecture, museums, and walkable plazas worth lingering in.
Historic Gaslamp Quarter offers Victorian-era streets, nightlife energy, and preserved downtown architecture for an atmospheric walk.
Dramatic seaside cliffs and walking paths in La Jolla, famous for waves, sea lions, and sweeping Pacific views.
A San Diego staple: grilled fish in a soft tortilla with cabbage, crema, and salsa. Popularized by Baja influence and coastal seafood culture.
French fries, carne asada, cheese, guacamole, and crema wrapped in a flour tortilla. A late-night local favorite born in San Diego taquerias.
Fresh local sea urchin served raw, prized for its rich, buttery taste. It reflects San Diego's access to Pacific seafood and sushi culture.
Celebrated sushi restaurant specializing in omakase and pristine seafood, including uni. Intimate, polished, and highly respected by locals.
Iconic casual seafood counter known for fish tacos, smoked fish, and harbor views. A classic stop for San Diego's Baja-inspired seafood style.
Refined fine-dining restaurant showcasing local seafood and seasonal California ingredients. Elegant room with one of the city's strongest reputations.
San Diego is pricey for US travel, with higher hotel rates, dining, and parking than many cities, though casual food and buses stay manageable.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, 15-20% for taxis or rideshares, and $1-2 for coffee drinks or small cafe orders.
Get destination-focused answers for the end of your trip, including what to do, when to go, practical entry details, and tips for making the most of your time in 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.
