- Must visit
California Academy of Sciences
Renowned science museum with rainforest dome, aquarium, and planetarium. Interactive exhibits make it a standout for all ages.
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Travel Information
Compare bus and train for Santa Maria, CA to San Francisco, CA
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Santa Maria, CA to San Francisco, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $61. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 5h 0m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $61, and a train costs an average of $111.
Distance: 224 miles (361 km)
Compare bus with
Most popular Bus | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$83 Average price Cheapest | $111 Average price | $53 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 30m Average total duration Fastest 5h 0m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 9h 50m Average total duration 9h 20m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 9m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Santa Maria, CA to San Francisco, CA is a bus with an average price of $83 (€68).
This is compared to other travel options from Santa Maria, CA to San Francisco, CA:
A bus is $29 (€23) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Santa Maria, CA to San Francisco, CA costing on average $111 (€91).
The fastest way to travel from Santa Maria, CA to San Francisco, CA is by bus with an average journey time of 5h 0m.
Other travel options to San Francisco, CA take longer:
Train takes on average 9h 20m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Santa Maria, CA and San Francisco, CA including taking a bus and train.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Santa Maria, CA to San Francisco, CA among Omio's users.
Take the bus. On this route, it's both cheaper and quicker than driving.
You'll arrive about {timeSavings} sooner ({durationInMinutes} by bus vs {drivingDurationInMinutes} by car) and save roughly {savingsAmount} compared to fuel and tolls ({cheapestPrice} vs {drivingPriceInCents}). You also skip the drive itself — no traffic stress, no parking, and you can use the time to work, nap, or catch up on a series with the onboard Wi-Fi.
Direct coaches are operated by {directProviders}.
Driving is still worth considering if you're travelling with bulky luggage, need flexibility on departure times, or plan to stop along the way.
Santa Maria, CA to San Francisco, CA Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 05:05PM | Arrival Time 02:10AM | Duration 9h05 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $104 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:20PM | Arrival Time 03:20AM | Duration 5h00 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $61 |
Compare prices and tickets Santa Maria, CA to San Francisco, 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.
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Why should you book Santa Maria, CA to San Francisco, CA buses with Omio?
FlixBus operates all buses services from Santa Maria, CA to San Francisco, CA.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Santa Maria, CA to San Francisco, CA.
Why book with Omio vs FlixBus?
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare FlixBus with all available travel options, which are bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Santa Maria, CA to San Francisco, CA.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trainline?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Santa Maria, CA to San Francisco, CA.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Santa Maria, CA to San Francisco, CA
USAUSA
Buses from Santa Maria, CA to San Francisco, CA run on average 5 times per day, taking around 5h 0m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $61 (€50) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 06:31, the last at 15:15. The fastest bus covers the 224 miles (361 km) distance in 5h 0m.
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 224 miles (361 km) |
Average bus duration 5h 0m |
Cheapest ticket price $61 (€50) |
Buses per day 5 |
Fastest bus 5h 0m |
First bus 6:31 AM |
Last bus 3:15 PM |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Oct - Dec |
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
Bus providers: FlixBus from Santa Maria, CA to San Francisco, CAYou can travel by bus between Santa Maria, CA to San Francisco, CA with FlixBus for as low as $61 (€50). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
FlixBus
About
FlixBus is one of Europe’s leading low-cost bus companies, founded in Germany and now offering long-distance services across Europe and the United States. In addition to its extensive daytime network, FlixBus also operates overnight buses on select European routes. Standard amenities include free Wi-Fi, power outlets to charge devices, extra legroom, luggage space, and onboard toilets, with snacks and drinks available for purchase. FlixBus offers a single Standard ticket type for all routes, which includes one carry-on bag and one checked bag per passenger. Additional fees apply for extra luggage and for reserving specific seats, such as Extra Seats, Table Seats, or Panorama Seats. This combination of affordability, comfort, and wide coverage makes FlixBus a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
5h 0m
Cheapest Price
$61 (€50)
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority boarding; Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed for a fee; must be booked.
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed; guide dogs travel for free.
Complete guide to San Francisco
Things to do in San Francisco
Discover the best of San Francisco — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect San Francisco trip today.
- Must visit
de Young Museum
Major fine arts museum in Golden Gate Park with American art, textiles, and a panoramic tower. A classic cultural highlight.
- Must visit
San Francisco Museum of Modern Art
Leading modern and contemporary art museum with landmark architecture and strong global collections. Essential for art-focused visitors.
- Must visit
Golden Gate Park
Large urban park with gardens, lakes, museums, and trails. It is a must for relaxing, walking, and seeing several major attractions.
- Must visit
Lombard Street
Steeply curving block lined with flowers and grand homes. This famous street offers classic photos and a quintessential San Francisco scene.
- Must visit
The Embarcadero
Popular waterfront promenade with bay views, piers, and ferries. Great for walking, people-watching, and connecting to nearby sights.
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
San Francisco Sourdough
A crusty loaf with a tangy flavor shaped by the city’s historic wild yeast culture. It is one of San Francisco’s most iconic foods.
- Gluten-free
Dungeness Crab
Fresh local Dungeness crab, often cracked and served simply or in cioppino. It is a Bay Area seasonal specialty tied to the fishing waterfront.
Cioppino
A tomato-based seafood stew created by Italian American fishermen in North Beach. It is a classic San Francisco dish built from the day’s catch.
Benu
Celebrated fine dining destination known for inventive tasting menus and polished service in an elegant, intimate setting.
Sotto Mare
Historic North Beach seafood house famous for cioppino, crab, and old-school San Francisco waterfront charm.
La Taqueria
Legendary Mission taqueria known for large Mission-style burritos and a lively, no-frills local atmosphere.
US Dollar ($)
Very high hotel, dining, and transport costs make San Francisco pricier than most US cities and many major tourist destinations.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- $12-20 for fast food or casual takeout.
- Mid-range
- $25-45 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- $90+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- $4-7 for coffee or cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, 15-20% for taxis, and round up or tip $1 at cafes for good service.
FAQs: Bus from Santa Maria, CA to San Francisco, CA
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Santa Maria, CA to San Francisco, 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 Francisco, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap bus tickets from Santa Maria, CA to San Francisco, CA can start from as little as $61 (€50) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Santa Maria, CA to San Francisco, CA is $83 (€68) ; 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 Francisco, CA is 5h 0m to travel the 224 miles (361 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 Francisco, CA leaves at 6:31 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Santa Maria, CA to San Francisco, CA leaves at 3:15 PM.
There are 5 buses a day from Santa Maria, CA to San Francisco, CA which require at least one change with FlixBus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer buses.
When taking a bus from Santa Maria, CA to San Francisco, CA, you can count on FlixBus for the best way to get you to San Francisco, CA. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Santa Maria, CA and San Francisco, CA and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A trip to San Francisco, CA from Santa Maria, CA is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 5h 0m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Santa Maria, CA to San Francisco, CA is November.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Santa Maria, CA and San Francisco, CA including taking a bus and train.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Santa Maria, CA to San Francisco, CA:
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Santa Maria, CA to San Francisco, CA for bus company FlixBus.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in San Francisco, CA are:
- Golden Gate Bridge, an iconic suspension bridge offering panoramic views of the San Francisco Bay
- Alcatraz Island, a historic site featuring the infamous former prison and informative audio tours
- Fisherman's Wharf, a bustling waterfront area known for seafood, shops, and sea lions
- Golden Gate Park, a large urban park with gardens, museums, and recreational activities
- Chinatown, the oldest and one of the largest Chinatowns in North America, offering vibrant culture and cuisine.
The best things to do in San Francisco, CA include:
- Ride a cable car through the steep streets of San Francisco for a classic city experience
- Explore the vibrant murals and street art in the Mission District
- Visit the Exploratorium, an interactive science museum perfect for all ages
- Take a scenic walk along the Embarcadero, offering views of the Bay Bridge and access to the Ferry Building Marketplace
- Enjoy a wine tasting tour in nearby Napa Valley, a short drive from the city.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Santa Maria, CA to San Francisco, CA depends on the bus companies:
- FlixBus
- You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus company FlixBus.
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.
Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the bus from Santa Maria, CA to San Francisco, CA.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Santa Maria, CA to San Francisco, CA:
- FlixBus
- One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a bus ticket from Santa Maria, CA to San Francisco, CA:
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the bus from Santa Maria, CA to San Francisco, CA. The following conditions apply:
- FlixBus
- Small pets in carriers allowed
- guide dogs travel for free.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Santa Maria, CA to San Francisco, CA with the following bus company: FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Santa Maria, CA to San Francisco, CA with the following bus company: FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Santa Maria, CA to San Francisco, CA with the following bus company: FlixBus.
Since neither Santa Maria, CA nor San Francisco, CA are in the Schengen Area, passport requirements depend on the specific immigration rules of United States and United States. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Santa Maria, CA to San Francisco, CA among Omio's users.
The currency used in the United States is the US Dollar (USD). For travelers, using cards is generally more convenient and widely accepted, especially credit and debit cards, while cash is useful for small purchases or places that do not accept cards.
In San Francisco, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing and petty theft, especially in crowded areas like Fisherman's Wharf and Union Square. Common scams include distraction techniques used by groups to steal wallets and fake charity solicitations. It's advisable to avoid poorly lit or isolated areas at night and be wary of unofficial taxi services to ensure safety.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Santa Maria, CA to San Francisco, CA
Most Santa Maria, CA to San Francisco, CA buses use the Santa Maria, Nicholson Avenue / Cypress Street to San Francisco, Townsend Street / 5th Street station pair. Use this guide to compare Santa Maria, CA and San Francisco, 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 Francisco
Santa Maria, Nicholson Avenue / Cypress Street
City-centre transport
Getting to Santa Maria, Nicholson Avenue / Cypress Street from Santa Maria city centre
Bus3 · 9m · $1 · every ~2 min
San Francisco, Townsend Street / 5th StreetSan Francisco Bus Station,401 Townsend St,94107
City-centre transport
Getting to San Francisco, Townsend Street / 5th Street from San Francisco city centre
BusEast, West · 20m · every ~4 min
Nbus, Nowl · 24m · $2 · every ~2 min
TramN · 23m · $2 · every ~11 min
Most popular bus connections from Santa Maria, CA
More options for your journey from Santa Maria, CA to San Francisco, CA
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from San Francisco, CA and Santa Maria, CA
Most popular bus connections to San Francisco, CA
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