1,000+ travel companies
1,000+ travel companies
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
4.942K ratings
Google Play
4.6136K reviews
The cheapest and fastest buses from Santa Maria, CA to San Francisco, CA
Showing times and prices for Feb 26
Cheapest price
$0.00
Average price
$-0.01
Fastest journey
6 h 16 m
Average duration
7 h 44 m
Buses per day
3
Distance
361 km
Cheap tickets
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.
Fast buses
It's difficult to get from Santa Maria, CA to San Francisco, CA without transferring at least once.
01:14PM6h16
Santa Maria, CA07:30PMSan Francisco, CA
Find prices
1 transfer
03:14PM6h26
Santa Maria, CA09:40PMSan Francisco, CA
Find prices
1 transfer
07:15PM10h30
Santa Maria, CA05:45AMSan Francisco, CA
Find prices
1 transfer
01:14PM6h16
Santa Maria, CA07:30PMSan Francisco, CA
Find prices
1 transfer
03:14PM6h26
Santa Maria, CA09:40PMSan Francisco, CA
Find prices
1 transfer
07:15PM10h30
Santa Maria, CA05:45AMSan Francisco, CA
Find prices
1 transfer
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 $40. 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 $40, and a train costs an average of $112.
Distance: 224 miles (361 km)
Compare bus with
Most popular Bus | Train |
|---|---|
$98 Average price Cheapest | $117 Average price |
5h 30m Average total duration Fastest 5h 0m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 9h 52m Average total duration 9h 22m 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 tomorrow, Thursday, February 26. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at 11:53 PM
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1:14 PM Santa Maria, CA | 6h16 | 7:30 PM San Francisco, CA | 1 transfer | ||
| 3:14 PM Santa Maria, CA | 6h26 | 9:40 PM San Francisco, CA | 1 transfer | ||
| 7:15 PM Santa Maria, CA | 10h30 | 5:45 AM San Francisco, CA | 1 transfer | ||
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.
Thu
Feb 26
Feb 26
Fri
Feb 27
Feb 27
Sat
Feb 28
Feb 28
Sun
Mar 01
Mar 01
Mon
Mar 02
Mar 02
Tue
Mar 03
Mar 03
Wed
Mar 04
Mar 04
Why should you book Santa Maria, CA to San Francisco, CA buses with Omio?
FlixBus as well as San Luis Obispo RTA or Santa Maria Area Transit offer 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?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for FlixBus, but also compare tickets for the likes of San Luis Obispo RTA or Santa Maria Area Transit to find the best option for your trip from Santa Maria, CA to San Francisco, CA.
- 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 $40 (€32) 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 4h 50m.
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 $40 (€32) |
Buses per day 5 |
Fastest bus 4h 50m |
First bus 06:31 |
Last bus 15:15 |
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, 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 $40 (€32). 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
4h 50m
Cheapest Price
$40 (€32)
FlixBus frequency
1 a day
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.
San Luis Obispo RTA
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
6h 16m
San Luis Obispo RTA frequency
2 a day
Santa Maria Area Transit
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
6h 55m
Santa Maria Area Transit frequency
1 a day
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 $40 (€32) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Santa Maria, CA to San Francisco, CA is $98 (€78) ; 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 4h 50m 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, San Luis Obispo RTA, Santa Maria Area Transit. 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, San Luis Obispo RTA, Santa Maria Area Transit 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 4h 50m 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 February.
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.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Santa Maria, CA to San Francisco, CA
Santa Maria
San Francisco
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 Francisco.
Santa Maria, Nicholson Avenue / Cypress Street
information
The major bus station for arrivals in San Francisco is San Francisco, Townsend Street / 5th Street. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at San Francisco, Townsend Street / 5th Street for your trip to San Francisco from Santa Maria.
San Francisco, Townsend Street / 5th Street
information
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
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.
