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






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.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 5:05 PM Santa Maria, CA | 5h55 | 11:00 PM San Jose, CA | 0 transfersDirect | ||
![]() | 7:25 PM Santa Maria, CA | 6h07 | 1:32 AM 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 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.
Feb 27
Feb 28
Mar 01
Mar 02
Mar 03
Mar 04
Mar 05
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Santa Maria, CA to San Jose, CA
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.
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 |
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
Santa Maria Area Transit
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.

- 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.
- 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.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Santa Maria, CA to San Jose, CA
Most popular bus connections from Santa Maria, CA
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