Travel Information
Compare bus and train for Santa Maria, CA to San Diego, CA
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Santa Maria, CA to San Diego, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $64. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 6h 50m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $64, and a bus costs an average of $81.
Distance: 243 miles (392 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus |
|---|---|
$81 Average price Cheapest | $81 Average price |
8h 32m Average total duration 8h 2m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 20m Average total duration Fastest 6h 50m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Compare prices and tickets Santa Maria, CA to San Diego, 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 San Diego, CA
Trains from Santa Maria, CA to San Diego, CA run on average 6 times per day, taking around 8h 2m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $64 (€52) if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 04:01, the last at 16:48. The fastest train covers the 243 miles (392 km) distance in 8h 20m.
Distance 243 miles (392 km) |
Average train duration 8h 2m |
Cheapest ticket price $64 (€52) |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 8h 20m |
First train 04:01 |
Last train 16:48 |
Train companies: Amtrak from Santa Maria, CA to San Diego, CA trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Santa Maria, CA and San Diego, CA from $64 (€52). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Amtrak
FAQs: Trains from Santa Maria, CA to San Diego, CA
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Santa Maria, CA to San Diego, 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 San Diego, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Santa Maria, CA to San Diego, CA
- 5:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- Parking is available nearby with various public and private options.
- The Fish Market
- Karl Strauss Brewing Company
- Outside the main entrance.
- Ramps.
- $1.25
- The Westin San Diego
- The Guild Hotel, San Diego, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel
- Embassy Suites by Hilton San Diego Bay Downtown
- Located in the main hall
- Enterprise
- Hertz
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platforms for Amtrak and Coaster trains
- Hall 2: Trolley connections
- San Diego Trolley: Blue Line, Green Line
- Bus: Several lines available
- Amtrak: Pacific Surfliner
- 6:00 AM - 9:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- Parking is available with several spaces for commuters and visitors.
- Casa Guadalajara
- Old Town Mexican Cafe
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps.
- $0.25
- Old Town Inn
- Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott San Diego Old Town
- Best Western Plus Hacienda Hotel Old Town
- Located in the main hall
- Enterprise
- Hertz
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platforms for Amtrak and Coaster trains
- Hall 2: Trolley connections
- Trolley: Green Line
- Bus: Several lines available including 8, 9, 10, 28, 30, 35, 44, 88, 105, 150, 923, 928
Most popular train connections from Santa Maria, CA
More options for your journey from Santa Maria, CA to San Diego, CA
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