- Must visit
The Tech Interactive
Interactive science center with hands-on exhibits, an IMAX dome theater, and family-friendly displays in the heart of downtown.
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Santa Maria, CA to San Jose, CA
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 02
Cheapest price on Sep 02
$93
Average ticket price on Sep 02
$93
Fastest journey on Sep 02
4 h 55 m
Average journey duration on Sep 02
4 h 55 m
Buses on Sep 02
3
Distance
296 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Santa Maria, CA to San Jose, 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 Jose, CA will cost around $93 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $93.
Fast buses
On Wed, Sep 02, we found 3 buses from Santa Maria, CA to San Jose, CA, including 3 direct services.
On Wed, Sep 02 the direct buses cover the 296 km distance in an average of 4 h 55 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 4 h 55 m .
On Wed, Sep 02 the slowest buses will take 4 h 55 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.
1:25 PM4h55Santa Maria, CA6:20 PMSan Jose, CA$931One-way0 transfers- 3:30 PM4h55Santa Maria, CA8:25 PMSan Jose, CA$931One-way0 transfers
- 11:35 PM4h55Santa Maria, CA4:30 AMSan Jose, CA$931One-way0 transfers
- 1:25 PM4h55Santa Maria, CA6:20 PMSan Jose, CA$931One-way0 transfers
- 3:30 PM4h55Santa Maria, CA8:25 PMSan Jose, CA$931One-way0 transfers
- 11:35 PM4h55Santa Maria, CA4:30 AMSan Jose, CA$931One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare bus for Santa Maria, CA to San Jose, CA
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Santa Maria, CA to San Jose, CA among Omio's users.
Distance: 183 miles (296 km)
Compare bus with
Most popular Bus | Driving |
|---|---|
$44 Average price (fuel + tolls) | |
3h 18m Average total duration (door-to-door) | |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Santa Maria, CA to San Jose, CA Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 07:35AM | Arrival Time 02:24PM | Duration 6h49 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $82 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 01:25PM | Arrival Time 06:20PM | Duration 4h55 | Departure days Wed, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $93 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 03:30PM | Arrival Time 08:25PM | Duration 4h55 | Departure days Wed, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $93 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 04:05PM | Arrival Time 09:57PM | Duration 5h52 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $85 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 06:25PM | Arrival Time 12:32AM | Duration 6h07 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $86 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 07:25PM | Arrival Time 01:32AM | Duration 6h07 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $82 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 11:35PM | Arrival Time 04:30AM | Duration 4h55 | Departure days Wed, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $93 |
Live departures
Santa Maria, CA to San Jose, CA bus times
The table below shows live departures for Santa Maria, CA to San Jose, CA buses for tomorrow, Wednesday, September 2. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1:25 PM Santa Maria, CA | 4h55 | 6:20 PM San Jose, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 3:30 PM Santa Maria, CA | 4h55 | 8:25 PM San Jose, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
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 Jose, CA by bus
Compare bus 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.
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Journey information
Overview: Bus from Santa Maria, CA to San Jose, CA
USAUSA
Take a bus from Santa Maria, CA to San Jose, CA and enjoy the approximately 183 miles (296 km) long journey. Find schedules and pricing options for a convenient and affordable trip.
The earliest bus runs at 05:35, the last at 23:35.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Distance 183 miles (296 km) |
First bus 5:35 AM |
Last bus 11:35 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Complete guide to San Jose, CA
Things to do in San Jose, CA
Discover the best of San Jose, CA — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect San Jose, CA trip today.
- Must visit
San Jose Museum of Art
Large art museum known for modern and contemporary works, strong West Coast focus, and thoughtful rotating exhibitions.
- Must visit
Computer History Museum
A vast collection of restored computer history, from early machines to supercomputers, popular with tech enthusiasts.
- Must visit
Plaza de César Chávez
Signature downtown plaza for festivals, concerts, and civic life, surrounded by museums, hotels, and historic buildings.
- Must visit
Japantown
A vibrant historic district with Japanese shops, temples, murals, and a strong sense of local community and heritage.
- Must visit
SoFA District
Lively arts district centered on galleries, murals, and monthly South First Fridays, ideal for an evening walk downtown.
Pho
A Vietnamese noodle soup with beef or chicken in a fragrant broth. San Jose's large Vietnamese community makes it a defining local comfort food.
Banh Mi
A Vietnamese sandwich on a crisp baguette, often filled with grilled pork, pickled vegetables, herbs, and pate. A staple tied to San Jose's Little Saigon.
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
- Gluten-free
Dosa
A South Indian rice and lentil crepe served with chutney and sambar. It is a local favorite thanks to San Jose's strong South Asian community.
Le Papillon
Refined fine dining destination offering modern French cuisine, polished service, and an elegant special-occasion atmosphere.
Henry's Hi-Life
Beloved San Jose institution serving smoked meats, ribs, and classic sides in a casual, old-school barbecue setting.
Pupuseria Los Dubon
Casual neighborhood favorite for handcrafted pupusas and Salvadoran comfort food with a warm, family-run feel.
US Dollar ($)
San Jose is pricier than many US cities. Hotels, dining, and parking add up fast, though public transit and casual food can help control daily costs.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- $12-18 for fast food or casual takeout.
- Mid-range
- $25-45 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- $80+ per person for upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- $4-6 for a coffee drink.
Tipping culture
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, 15-20% for taxis or rideshares, and $1-2 at cafes for good service. Tax is usually added separately.
FAQs: Bus from Santa Maria, CA to San Jose, CA
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Santa Maria, CA to San Jose, 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 Jose, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Santa Maria, CA to San Jose, CA
Most Santa Maria, CA to San Jose, CA buses use the Santa Maria, Nicholson Avenue / Cypress Street to San José, Cahill Street (Diridon Station) station pair. Use this guide to compare Santa Maria, CA and San Jose, CA bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Departure bus stations in Santa Maria
Arrival bus stations in San Jose
Which Santa Maria, CA station do buses to San Jose, CA leave from?
Buses from Santa Maria, CA to San Jose, CA leave from Santa Maria, Nicholson Avenue / Cypress Street. The station is 1 miles (2 km) from Santa Maria, CA city centre at Nicholson Ave, Santa Maria, CA 93454, USA.
Santa Maria, Nicholson Avenue / Cypress StreetNicholson Ave, Santa Maria, CA 93454, USA
City-centre transport
Getting to Santa Maria, Nicholson Avenue / Cypress Street from Santa Maria city centre
Santa Maria, Nicholson Avenue / Cypress Street is 1 km from Santa Maria city centre. Public transport options include:
Bus3 · 9m · $1 · every ~2 min
Santa Maria, Nicholson Avenue / Cypress Street bus station facilities and services
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 and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Santa Maria, Nicholson Avenue / Cypress Street. ATMs are available at Santa Maria, Nicholson Avenue / Cypress Street.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Santa Maria, Nicholson Avenue / Cypress Street.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Santa Maria, Nicholson Avenue / Cypress Street: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Santa Maria, Nicholson Avenue / Cypress Street: Accessible for passengers with mobility challenges.
Which San Jose, CA station do buses from Santa Maria, CA arrive at?
Buses from Santa Maria, CA to San Jose, CA arrive at San José, Cahill Street (Diridon Station). San José, Cahill Street (Diridon Station) is 0 miles (1 km) from San Jose, CA city centre.
San José, Cahill Street (Diridon Station)San Jose Diridon Station, 65 Cahill St, San Jose, CA 95110, USA
City-centre transport
Getting to San José, Cahill Street (Diridon Station) from San Jose city centre
San José, Cahill Street (Diridon Station) is 1 km from San Jose city centre. Public transport options include:
BusRapid 500, Rapid 568, 64A, 64B, 68, 202 · 7m · $6 · every ~26 min
TramGreen Line · 17m · $4 · every ~7 min
San José, Cahill Street (Diridon Station) bus station facilities and services
San José, Cahill Street (Diridon Station) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Various food options available inside the station.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at San José, Cahill Street (Diridon Station). ATMs are aTMs located near the entrance.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at San José, Cahill Street (Diridon Station).
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at San José, Cahill Street (Diridon Station): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at San José, Cahill Street (Diridon Station): Wheelchair accessible with ramps and elevators.
Most popular bus connections from Santa Maria, CA
More options for your journey from Santa Maria, CA to San Jose, CA
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from San Jose, CA and Santa Maria, CA
Most popular bus connections to San Jose, CA
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