The cheapest and fastest buses from Santa Maria, CA to San Francisco, CA
Cheapest price
$67
Average price
$67
Fastest journey
4 h 50 m
Average duration
4 h 50 m
Buses per day
1
Distance
361 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Santa Maria, CA to San Francisco, 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 Francisco, CA will cost around $67 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $67.
Of the 1 buses that leave Santa Maria, CA for San Francisco, CA on Fri, Nov 28, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Nov 28 the direct buses cover the 361 km distance in an average of 4 h 50 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 4 h 50 m .
On Fri, Nov 28 the slowest buses will take 4 h 50 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 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 €22. 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 €22, and a train costs an average of €77.
Distance: 224 miles (361 km)
Compare bus with
Most popular Bus | Train |
|---|---|
€43 Average price Cheapest | €80 Average price |
5h 30m Average total duration Fastest 5h 0m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 10h 22m Average total duration 9h 52m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Live departures
Santa Maria, CA to San Francisco, CA bus times
The table below shows live departures for Santa Maria, CA to San Francisco, CA buses for today, Thursday, November 27. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 10:15 PM Santa Maria, CA | 4h50 | 3:05 AM San Francisco, 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 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.
Nov 28
Nov 29
Nov 30
Dec 01
Dec 02
Dec 03
Dec 04
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Santa Maria, CA to San Francisco, CA
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 $27 (€22) if you book in advance.
There are 1 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 06:30, the last at 15:15. The fastest bus covers the 224 miles (361 km) distance in 4h 50m.
Distance 224 miles (361 km) |
Average bus duration 5h 0m |
Cheapest ticket price $27 (€22) |
Buses per day 5 |
Direct buses 1 |
Fastest bus 4h 50m |
First bus 06:30 |
Last bus 15:15 |
Bus providers: FlixBus, San Luis Obispo RTA, Santa Maria Area Transit from Santa Maria, CA to San Francisco, CAYou can travel by bus between Santa Maria, CA to San Francisco, CA with FlixBus, San Luis Obispo RTA, Santa Maria Area Transit for as low as $27 (€22). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
FlixBus
San Luis Obispo RTA
Santa Maria Area Transit
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.

- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
To find the cheapest bus tickets for your trip from Santa Maria, CA to San Francisco, CA, follow these tips:
Start your search now and compare ticket prices to find the best deal!
- FlixBus
- One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
- FlixBus
- Small pets in carriers allowed
- Guide dogs travel for free.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Santa Maria, CA to San Francisco, CA
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