Travel Information
Compare bus and train for Santa Maria, CA to Oceanside, CA
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Santa Maria, CA to Oceanside, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $55. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 7h 20m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $55, and a bus costs an average of $71.
Distance: 213 miles (343 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$55 Average price Cheapest | $71 Average price | $49 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
7h 50m Average total duration Fastest 7h 20m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 12h 20m Average total duration 11h 50m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 16m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Santa Maria, CA to Oceanside, CA:
A train is $16 (€13) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Santa Maria, CA to Oceanside, CA costing on average $71 (€58).
Other travel options to Oceanside, CA take longer:
Bus takes on average 11h 50m.
Tickets start at around $55 (€45) compared to roughly $49 (€40) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-6.16 (€-5.04). The journey takes 7h 20m versus 4h 16m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
Compare prices and tickets Santa Maria, CA to Oceanside, 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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Journey information
Overview: Train from Santa Maria, CA to Oceanside, CA
Trains from Santa Maria, CA to Oceanside, CA run on average 2 times per day, taking around 7h 20m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $55 (€45) if you book in advance.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:40, the last at 16:57. The fastest train covers the 213 miles (343 km) distance in 7h 20m.
Distance 213 miles (343 km) |
Average train duration 7h 20m |
Cheapest ticket price $55 (€45) |
Trains per day 2 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 7h 20m |
First train 4:40 AM |
Last train 4:57 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
FAQs: Trains from Santa Maria, CA to Oceanside, CA
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Santa Maria, CA to Oceanside, 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 Oceanside, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Santa Maria, CA to Oceanside, CA
Most Santa Maria, CA to Oceanside, CA trains use the Santa Maria, South Nicholson Avenue (IHOP Restaurant) to Oceanside Transportation Center station pair. Use this guide to compare Santa Maria, CA and Oceanside, CA train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Which Oceanside, CA station do trains from Santa Maria, CA arrive at?
Getting to Oceanside Transportation Center from Oceanside city centre
Oceanside Transportation Center train station facilities and services
Oceanside Transportation Center has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food and drink
Food options include: Harbor Fish & Chips, 333 Pacific
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Oceanside Transportation Center. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Oceanside Transportation Center. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Oceanside Transportation Center: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Oceanside Transportation Center: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Oceanside Transportation Center: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include SpringHill Suites by Marriott San Diego Oceanside/Downtown, Wyndham Oceanside Pier Resort, Best Western Plus Oceanside Palms.
Most popular train connections from Santa Maria, CA
More options for your journey from Santa Maria, CA to Oceanside, CA
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