San Diego, CA to Santa Maria, CA train with Amtrak

Fri, Mar 20
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Amtrak
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Deutsche Bahn
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Frecciarossa
2,000+ travel companies
Amtrak
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
iryo
Frecciarossa
2,000+ travel companies
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Travel Information

Compare train and bus for San Diego, CA to Santa Maria, CA

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from San Diego, CA to Santa Maria, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $46. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 7h 19m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $46, and a train costs an average of $84.

Distance: 243 miles (392 km)

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Bus

$86

Average price

$46

Average price

Cheapest

7h 49m

Average total duration

Fastest

7h 19m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

7h 53m

Average total duration

7h 23m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

Amtrak

Most popular train company

FlixBus

Most popular bus company

Direct Options

Direct Options

Compare prices and tickets San Diego, CA to Santa Maria, CA by train or bus

Compare train and bus 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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Journey information

Overview: Train from San Diego, CA to Santa Maria, CA

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Trains from San Diego, CA to Santa Maria, CA run on average 5 times per day, taking around 7h 19m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $84 (€68) but you can travel from only $46 (€38) by bus.

The earliest train runs at 04:01, the last at 16:56. The fastest train covers the 243 miles (392 km) distance in 7h 24m.

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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from $46 (€38)
Distance
243 miles (392 km)
Average train duration
7h 19m
Cheapest ticket price
$84 (€68)
Trains per day
5
Fastest train
7h 24m
First train
04:01
Last train
16:56
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from $46 (€38)

Train companies: Amtrak from San Diego, CA to Santa Maria, CA trainsAmtrak trains will get you between San Diego, CA and Santa Maria, CA from $46 (€38). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Amtrak

About
Amtrak is the main passenger train operator in the United States, providing medium- and long-distance intercity services across 46 states and three Canadian provinces. Operating over 300 trains daily and serving more than 500 destinations, Amtrak connects cities and regions nationwide through routes such as the high-speed Acela in the Northeast Corridor, the scenic Coast Starlight along the West Coast, and the Empire Builder linking Chicago to the Midwest and the Pacific Northwest. Other notable services include the Northeast Regional, Keystone Service, and the unique Auto Train, which allows passengers to bring their cars onboard. Amtrak offers a variety of classes to suit different budgets and travel needs, including Coach, Business, First Class, and Sleeper Class with options like Roomettes, Bedrooms, and Bedroom Suites for overnight journeys. Ticket types include Saver, Value, Flexible, Business, and Premium. Onboard amenities vary by service but may include comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, power outlets, dining options, and lounge access on select trains. Popular routes include Washington, D.C.–Boston, San Diego–San Luis Obispo, San Jose–Sacramento, and Chicago–Seattle.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
7h 24m
Cheapest Price
$84 (€68)
Amtrak frequency
5 a day
Luggage included
2 personal items and 2 carry-on bags included free
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, under seats, and designated luggage areas at end of cars
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies depend on ticket type and timing
Refund
Full refund if train is canceled by Amtrak
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Café car with snacks, beverages, and light meals. Long-distance trains have full-service dining cars
Seat reservation
Included in ticket price for Business and First Class. Optional fee for Coach Class
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible restrooms, Red Cap assistance service, accessible platforms and stations
Pets
Small pets under 20 pounds allowed for $26 fee. Must be in carrier. Service animals travel free
Quiet zone

FAQs: Trains from San Diego, CA to Santa Maria, CA

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from San Diego, CA to Santa Maria, CA by train. 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 train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Santa Maria, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Train ticket prices from San Diego, CA to Santa Maria, CA can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $84 (€68), while the average price is around $86 (€70).
The train from San Diego, CA to Santa Maria, CA takes 7h 24m and runs 5 per day.
The first train from San Diego, CA to Santa Maria, CA leaves at 4:01 AM.
The distance by train from San Diego, CA to Santa Maria, CA is 243 miles (392 km).
The last train from San Diego, CA to Santa Maria, CA leaves at 4:56 PM.
There is no high speed train available from San Diego, CA to Santa Maria, CA.
There is no direct train service currently available from San Diego, CA to Santa Maria, CA.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from San Diego, CA to Santa Maria, CA.
The cheapest way to get from San Diego, CA to Santa Maria, CA is by bus, with a cost of around $46 (€38).
The train journey from San Diego, CA to Santa Maria, CA offers scenic views, including coastal landscapes, rolling hills, and picturesque fields, especially as it travels through parts of Southern California's beautiful coastline and agricultural areas.
A day trip from San Diego, CA to Santa Maria, CA is not feasible as the travel duration is 7h 24m. Trains operate 4 times per day over a distance of 243 miles (392 km).
In Santa Maria, CA, a stay of 2 to 3 days is typically enough to explore the local wineries, enjoy the Santa Maria-style barbecue, and visit nearby attractions like the Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes.
Yes, you can take the train from San Diego, CA to Santa Maria, CA.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from San Diego, CA to Santa Maria, CA

San Diego
Santa Maria
The major train station for departures in San Diego is Santa Fe Depot. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Santa Fe Depot for your trip from San Diego to Santa Maria.
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
Luggage CartsLuggage Carts
information
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • 5:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
1 km
platformCount
Number of platforms
6
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free
Parking
Parking
  • Parking is available nearby with various public and private options.
Dining
Dining
  • The Fish Market
  • Karl Strauss Brewing Company
Taxis
Taxis
  • Outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Ramps.
WC
WC
  • $1.25
Hotel
Hotel
  • The Westin San Diego
  • The Guild Hotel, San Diego, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel
  • Embassy Suites by Hilton San Diego Bay Downtown
Lost and Found Office
Lost and Found Office
  • Located in the main hall
Car Rental
Car Rental
  • Enterprise
  • Hertz
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Located in the main hall
Luggage Carts
Luggage Carts
  • Free
Station Plan
  • Hall 1: main entrance, platforms for Amtrak and Coaster trains
  • Hall 2: Trolley connections
Public transit options for Santa Fe Depot
  • San Diego Trolley: Blue Line, Green Line
  • Bus: Several lines available
  • Amtrak: Pacific Surfliner
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
Luggage CartsLuggage Carts
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • 6:00 AM - 9:00 PM Monday - Sunday
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
5 km
platformCount
Number of platforms
2
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free
Parking
Parking
  • Parking is available with several spaces for commuters and visitors.
Dining
Dining
  • Casa Guadalajara
  • Old Town Mexican Cafe
Taxis
Taxis
  • Outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Elevators, ramps.
WC
WC
  • $0.25
Hotel
Hotel
  • Old Town Inn
  • Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott San Diego Old Town
  • Best Western Plus Hacienda Hotel Old Town
Lost and Found Office
Lost and Found Office
  • Located in the main hall
Car Rental
Car Rental
  • Enterprise
  • Hertz
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Located in the main hall
Luggage Carts
Luggage Carts
  • Free
Station Plan
  • Hall 1: main entrance, platforms for Amtrak and Coaster trains
  • Hall 2: Trolley connections
Public transit options for Old Town Station
  • Trolley: Green Line
  • Bus: Several lines available including 8, 9, 10, 28, 30, 35, 44, 88, 105, 150, 923, 928
HomeTrainsTrains in USATrain Times to Santa Maria, CASan Diego, CA to Santa Maria, CA train

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