Santa Maria, CA to San Jose, CA bus with San Luis Obispo RTA

Thu, Feb 26
+ Add return
San Luis Obispo RTA
Santa Maria Area Transit
FlixBus
Costa Verde
Alsa
1,000+ travel companies
San Luis Obispo RTA
Santa Maria Area Transit
FlixBus
Costa Verde
Alsa
1,000+ travel companies
QR-Code
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
rate4.9
42K ratings
Google Play
rate4.6
136K reviews

The cheapest and fastest buses from Santa Maria, CA to San Jose, CA

Showing times and prices for Feb 27

Cheapest price

$83

Average price

$84

Fastest journey

5 h 52 m

Average duration

6 h 15 m

Buses per day

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 $84 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $83.

Fast buses

Of the 3 buses that leave Santa Maria, CA for San Jose, CA on Fri, Feb 27, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Fri, Feb 27 the direct buses cover the 296 km distance in an average of 6 h 15 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 5 h 52 m .

On Fri, Feb 27 the slowest buses will take 6 h 45 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.

Amtrak
07:25PM6h07
Santa Maria, CA
01:32AMSan Jose, CA
$831One-way
0 transfers
Amtrak
09:25PM6h45
Santa Maria, CA
04:10AMSan Jose, CA
$841One-way
0 transfers
Amtrak
05:05PM5h52
Santa Maria, CA
10:57PMSan Jose, CA
$851One-way
0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare bus and train 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. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $83. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 6h 54m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $83, and a train costs an average of $124.

Distance: 183 miles (296 km)

Compare bus with

Most popular
Bus
Train

$84

Average price

Cheapest

$127

Average price

7h 24m

Average total duration

Fastest

6h 54m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

12h 34m

Average total duration

12h 4m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

Direct Options

Direct Options

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 today, Thursday, February 26. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.

Last updated at 1:14 AM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
amtrak5:05 PM Santa Maria, CA
5h55
11:00 PM San Jose, CA0 transfersDirect
amtrak7:25 PM Santa Maria, CA
6h07
1:32 AM San Jose, CA0 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 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.

Fri
Feb 27
Sat
Feb 28
Sun
Mar 01
Mon
Mar 02
Tue
Mar 03
Wed
Mar 04
Thu
Mar 05

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Santa Maria, CA to San Jose, CA

USAUSA
USAUSA
Icon of bus

Buses from Santa Maria, CA to San Jose, CA run on average 4 times per day, taking around 6h 54m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $83 (€66) if you book in advance.

There are 1 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 05:35, the last at 23:35. The fastest bus covers the 183 miles (296 km) distance in 5h 52m.

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)
Average bus duration
6h 54m
Cheapest ticket price
$83 (€66)
Buses per day
4
Direct buses
1
Fastest bus
5h 52m
First bus
05:35
Last bus
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

Bus providers: San Luis Obispo RTA, Santa Maria Area Transit from Santa Maria, CA to San Jose, CAYou can travel by bus between Santa Maria, CA to San Jose, CA with San Luis Obispo RTA, Santa Maria Area Transit for as low as $83 (€66). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey

San Luis Obispo RTA

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
4h 11m
Cheapest Price
$77 (€61)
San Luis Obispo RTA frequency
3 a day

Santa Maria Area Transit

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
4h 40m
Cheapest Price
$75 (€60)
Santa Maria Area Transit frequency
1 a day

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.

FAQs
Cheap bus tickets from Santa Maria, CA to San Jose, CA can start from as little as $83 (€66) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Santa Maria, CA to San Jose, CA is $84 (€67) ; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by bus from Santa Maria, CA to San Jose, CA is 5h 52m to travel the 183 miles (296 km) long journey. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest bus from Santa Maria, CA to San Jose, CA leaves at 5:35 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Santa Maria, CA to San Jose, CA leaves at 11:35 PM.
Yes, there are 1 direct buses a day from Santa Maria, CA to San Jose, CA with . Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct buses.
When taking a bus from Santa Maria, CA to San Jose, CA, you can count on San Luis Obispo RTA, Santa Maria Area Transit for the best way to get you to San Jose, CA. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Santa Maria, CA and San Jose, CA and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A trip to San Jose, CA from Santa Maria, CA is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 5h 52m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Santa Maria, CA to San Jose, CA is August.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Santa Maria, CA and San Jose, CA including taking a bus and train.
No, the bus from Santa Maria, CA to San Jose, CA has no accessibility options.
No, there are no bathrooms on board the bus from Santa Maria, CA to San Jose, CA.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in San Jose, CA are:
  • Winchester Mystery House, an architectural curiosity with a maze-like design and historical significance
  • The Tech Interactive, an engaging science and technology center with hands-on exhibits
  • San Jose Museum of Art, a contemporary art museum featuring works from the 20th and 21st centuries
  • Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum, a museum dedicated to ancient Egyptian artifacts and culture
  • Municipal Rose Garden, a beautiful and serene garden featuring over 3,500 rose bushes.
The best things to do in San Jose, CA include:
  • Explore the Japanese Friendship Garden, a tranquil space inspired by Japanese landscape design
  • Visit the Children's Discovery Museum, offering interactive exhibits for families and children
  • Enjoy a performance at the San Jose Center for the Performing Arts, hosting a variety of shows and events
  • Discover the history of Silicon Valley at the Computer History Museum
  • Take a scenic hike in Alum Rock Park, offering trails and natural beauty.
No, bikes are not allowed on board the bus from Santa Maria, CA to San Jose, CA.
Tickets are often cheaper when booked early. Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money. Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options. Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
No, there is no food available to purchase on board the bus from Santa Maria, CA to San Jose, CA.
No, luggage for the bus from Santa Maria, CA to San Jose, CA needs to be booked in addition.
No, there are no additional luggage options for the bus from Santa Maria, CA to San Jose, CA.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the bus from Santa Maria, CA to San Jose, CA.
No, there are no USB plugs on board the bus from Santa Maria, CA to San Jose, CA.
No, there is no WiFi on board the bus from Santa Maria, CA to San Jose, CA.

popular bus stations

Popular bus stations from Santa Maria, CA to San Jose, CA

Santa Maria
San Jose
The major bus station for departures in Santa Maria is Santa Maria, Nicholson Avenue / Cypress Street. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Santa Maria, Nicholson Avenue / Cypress Street for your trip from Santa Maria to San Jose.
Santa Maria, Nicholson Avenue / Cypress Street
information

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

HomeBusesBuses in USABus tickets to San Jose, CASanta Maria, CA to San Jose, CA bus

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.

ios-badge
android-badge
Hand With Phone