How much is the bus ticket from Santa Maria to San Diego?

The cheapest bus tickets from Santa Maria to San Diego start from $81. The average price for this route is around $81. Busbud recommends that you book your tickets in advance for a better chance to get the lowest possible price.

How long is the bus ride from Santa Maria to San Diego?

The average bus trip duration from Santa Maria to San Diego is 9h 5m, covering a distance of 242 miles (390 km). The quickest bus can get you there in 8h 12m and is operated by Amtrak .

Which bus companies service the Santa Maria to San Diego route?

Several major bus companies operate on this route with 1 buses available per day, including services from Amtrak , FlixBus .

What is the earliest and latest departure time for the bus from Santa Maria to San Diego?

The earliest bus departs from Santa Maria to San Diego at 8:05pm. And the latest bus departs at 8:30pm.

What are the CO₂ emissions for the bus trip from Santa Maria to San Diego?

A bus trip from Santa Maria to San Diego generates an estimated 10 kg of CO₂, making it a highly eco-friendly travel option and recommended mode of travel by Busbud.

What is the best bus company from Santa Maria to San Diego?

According to Busbud customers, the highest-rated bus company on this route is Amtrak , with an average rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars based on 5752 reviews.

Which bus company has the best Wi-Fi from Santa Maria to San Diego?

Based on reviews on Busbud, the bus company Amtrak has the best Wi-Fi rating with a score of 3.6.

Which bus company has the most timely service from Santa Maria to San Diego?

According to Busbud traveler reviews, the most timely bus company on this route is FlixBus , with a punctuality rating of 3.9 out of 5 stars.

Which bus company has the cleanest buses from Santa Maria to San Diego?

According to Busbud traveler reviews, the bus company with the cleanest buses on this route is Amtrak , with a cleanliness rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Bus Santa Maria to San Diego from $77 | Refundable Tickets

Next departures

Next departures for Santa Maria to San Diego on February 1
Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
4:40am	Nicholson Ave	8h 27m	1:07pm	Santa Fe Depot	Cheapest
4:40am	Nicholson Ave	8h 12m	12:52pm	Old Town San Diego	Fastest
4:40am	Nicholson Ave	8h 27m	1:07pm	Santa Fe Depot	No tags
10:35am	Nicholson Ave	8h 32m	7:07pm	Santa Fe Depot	No tags
10:35am	Nicholson Ave	8h 32m	7:07pm	Santa Fe Depot	No tags

Last refresh of the prices: Today at 6:52 AM PST.

Get from Santa Maria to San Diego

This route is served by bus only

The journey takes about 9 hours 5 minutes and with fares starting at just $81, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

1bus per day

9h 5mAverage Duration

242 milesDistance

10kgCO₂ emissions

Compare bus companies

Amtrak

4/55,752 reviews

Staff4.7

Timeliness3.8

Cleanliness4.6

Wifi3.6

FlixBus

3.5/512,164 reviews

Staff4.1

Timeliness3.9

Cleanliness4.1

Wifi2.7

Flixbus is a European bus operator that offers intercity and bus travel in over 38 countries. Known for their easy-to-spot lime green buses and for offering affordable transportation between cities in Europe and the Americas, Flixbus is a good option for those looking for an affordable, reliable bus company. In their buses, you'll find free WiFi, bathrooms, and power outlets. You can also pay extra to choose your seat and get extra legroom, or even buy a snack or drink onboard directly from the driver. You can reschedule your ticket for a small fee, which varies from $1 to $5, depending on how close you are to the departure date.

US bus companies:FlixBus, BlaBlaCar Bus, Greyhound, ALSA, Intercape, Trenitalia, Big Sky

Frequently asked questions about traveling from Santa Maria, US to San Diego, CA, US by bus

Please note that schedules, routes, or operator details shown here may be updated or vary at the time of your trip.

How much is the bus ticket from Santa Maria to San Diego?
The cheapest bus tickets from Santa Maria to San Diego start from $81. The average price for this route is around $81. Busbud recommends that you book your tickets in advance for a better chance to get the lowest possible price.
How long is the bus ride from Santa Maria to San Diego?
The average bus trip duration from Santa Maria to San Diego is 9h 5m, covering a distance of 242 miles (390 km). The quickest bus can get you there in 8h 12m and is operated by Amtrak.
Which bus companies service the Santa Maria to San Diego route?
Several major bus companies operate on this route with 1 buses available per day, including services from Amtrak, FlixBus.
What is the earliest and latest departure time for the bus from Santa Maria to San Diego?
The earliest bus departs from Santa Maria to San Diego at 8:05pm. And the latest bus departs at 8:30pm.
What are the CO₂ emissions for the bus trip from Santa Maria to San Diego?
A bus trip from Santa Maria to San Diego generates an estimated 10 kg of CO₂, making it a highly eco-friendly travel option and recommended mode of travel by Busbud.
What is the best bus company from Santa Maria to San Diego?
According to Busbud customers, the highest-rated bus company on this route is Amtrak, with an average rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars based on 5752 reviews.
Which bus company has the best Wi-Fi from Santa Maria to San Diego?
Based on reviews on Busbud, the bus company Amtrak has the best Wi-Fi rating with a score of 3.6.
Which bus company has the most timely service from Santa Maria to San Diego?
According to Busbud traveler reviews, the most timely bus company on this route is FlixBus, with a punctuality rating of 3.9 out of 5 stars.
Which bus company has the cleanest buses from Santa Maria to San Diego?
According to Busbud traveler reviews, the bus company with the cleanest buses on this route is Amtrak, with a cleanliness rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Find cheapest prices for buses

Price is for a one-way ticket for one passenger and based on past searches.

Best price found

01/28

$77

01/29

$77

Today

No data

01/31

$77

02/01

$77

02/02

$77

02/03

$77

02/04

$77

The cheapest trip from Santa Maria, US to San Diego, CA, US was searched and found on Jan 28, 2026 with a price of $77

To save money and be sure you have the best seat, it's a good idea to buy your bus tickets from Santa Maria, US to San Diego, CA, US, as early as possible.

You can expect to pay from $77 to $98 for a bus ticket from Santa Maria, US to San Diego, CA, US based on the last 2 days. You can expect to find the cheapest price for the trip at $77 which is on 2026-01-31.