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Journey Information
There is one daily bus from Santa Maria to Bakersfield. Traveling by bus from Santa Maria to Bakersfield usually takes around 9 hours and 35 minutes, but some buses might arrive slightly earlier or later than scheduled depending on traffic conditions.
| Distance | 85 mi (137 km) |
| Shortest duration | 9h 35m |
| Cheapest price | $54.80 |
| Most frequent service | FlixBus US |
| Bus lines | 1 |
What bus companies travel from Santa Maria to Bakersfield?
There is one intercity bus company available to search and book on Wanderu that operates from Santa Maria to Bakersfield. FlixBus US is the only company that has bus schedules available to search and book at the moment. It only makes the trip once a day on most days.
| Bus | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus US | 1 | 9h 35m | $54.80 |
FlixBus US is the American branch of German bus company FlixBus, known for providing sustainable, affordable, and modern bus travel. The company offers cheap bus tickets to popular urban destinations throughout the United States. FlixBus US buses include many amenities, including comfortable seats, free WiFi, power outlets at every seat, and an online portal for free entertainment. On average, FlixBus US operates 1 trips per day from Santa Maria to Bakersfield, and the average ticket for this route costs only .
Frequently Asked Questions
The bus takes an average of 9 hours and 35 minutes to cover the 137 kilometers from Santa Maria to Bakersfield. It’s definitely on the longer side, so plan to get comfortable for a long road trip. Keep in mind that your actual bus may arrive earlier or later than scheduled, depending on whether there is more or less traffic than usual.
There is usually only one bus per day from Santa Maria to Bakersfield. It leaves the station in Santa Maria at 5:00pm each day. The time might vary for specific dates, so be sure to search on Wanderu for the most up-to-date information.
There is usually only one bus per day from Santa Maria to Bakersfield. However, it is not a direct bus, so you will have to get off your original vehicle to change buses during the trip.
Need more travel options? Consider taking the train from Santa Maria to Bakersfield; ticket prices start at $82.20.
City Information
Bakersfield
Bakersfield, California, is just north of LA on the Kern River. The Buena Vista Museum of Natural History, one of the city’s biggest attractions, displays fossils, dinosaur models, Native American artifacts, and a changing array of temporary exhibitions. Meanwhile, the Bakersfield Museum of Art features multiple rotating galleries of modern and historical art.
As the sun sets in Bakersfield, locals and visitors alike flock to Buck Owens Crystal Palace for food, drinks, and the biggest live music venue in the area. The Belvedere Cocktail lounge offers a more intimate live music experience– plus some amazing drinks and arcade games. For a truly unique experience, check out the family-friendly Gaslight Melodrama Theatre, where audiences are encouraged to cheer, boo, and get in on the fun of the live performances.
On the quieter side, Bakersfield has a number of beautiful parks across the city. The Park at RiverWalk is a fan favorite, with 32 sprawling acres along the Kern River dotted with picnic areas, public grills, and fishing spots. The Buena Vista Aquatic Recreational Area provides more outdoor activities with swimming, boating, sailing, cycling, and more.
To get to Bakersfield, fly into the Meadows Field Airport just north of the town. Several bus lines also service the area, connecting the city to Phoenix, Sacramento, Los Angeles, and Ontario. For train service, Amtrak offers routes to San Diego, San Francisco, and even New York City.
Station Information
Where does the bus leave from in Santa Maria?
Main departure station: Santa Maria Bus Stop
Most buses depart from the main station in Santa Maria.
All bus stations in Santa Maria:
Santa Maria Bus Stop
Where does the bus arrive in Bakersfield?
Main arrival station: McKee Park & Ride Bus Stop
All buses from Santa Maria arrive at one main station in Bakersfield.
Bus stations in Bakersfield:
McKee Park & Ride Bus Stop
Get around town with Moovit
Need a return trip from Bakersfield to Santa Maria?
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