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Cheap bus tickets from San Francisco to Santa Maria

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San Francisco to Santa Maria Bus Schedule

Is it better to travel by bus or train from San Francisco to Santa Maria?

There are usually 3 daily train trips available from San Francisco to Santa Maria.

Bus
Train
Avg. Price
Avg. Price
$45.98
Avg. Price
$95.50
Daily Trips
Daily Trips
1
Daily Trips
3
Duration
Duration
5h 0m
Duration
9h 28m

Bus from San Francisco to Santa Maria: Journey Information

There is one daily bus from San Francisco to Santa Maria. Traveling by bus from San Francisco to Santa Maria usually takes around 5 hours, but some buses might arrive slightly earlier or later than scheduled depending on traffic conditions.

Distance224 mi (361 km)
Shortest duration5h 0m
Cheapest price$45.98
Trips per day1
Most frequent serviceFlixBus US
Bus lines1

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What bus companies travel from San Francisco to Santa Maria?

There is one intercity bus company available to search and book on Wanderu that operates from San Francisco to Santa Maria. 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.

BusDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
FlixBus US15h 0m$58.45
  • 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 San Francisco to Santa Maria, and the average ticket for this route costs only .

Frequently asked questions about traveling by bus from San Francisco to Santa Maria

The bus takes an average of 5 hours to cover the 224 miles from San Francisco to Santa Maria. 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.

Sunday tends to be the busiest day for buses, as many passengers take the bus to Santa Maria at the end of the week. If you are planning to travel on a Sunday, you should make sure to book tickets well in advance as they may sell out.

On the other hand, Monday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. For a less crowded trip, try to book your bus travel for the beginning of the week.

There is usually only one bus per day from San Francisco to Santa Maria. It leaves the station in San Francisco at 12:00pm 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 San Francisco to Santa Maria. Fortunately, this happens to be a direct bus, meaning that you do not have to get on a different bus at any point during your trip.

Need more travel options? Consider taking the train from San Francisco to Santa Maria; ticket prices start at $94.00.

City Information

San Francisco

San Francisco, CA - SFO-0

Image credit: Unsplash

San Francisco, CA - SFO-1

Image credit: Unsplash

San Francisco, CA - SFO-2

Image credit: Unsplash

Located in the heart of Northern California's Bay Area, San Francisco is a geographically small but culturally huge city known for its historic cable cars, active waterfront, and the eclectic mix of hippies and techies who call it home. While it might be one of the most expensive U.S. cities to live in, San Fran can actually be very cheap to visit, and there is no shortage of unique sights to see.

If the city's omnipresent fog (nicknamed "Karl the Fog" by locals) takes a break, the best views and Instagram photo ops of the world-famous Golden Gate Bridge are found in Golden Gate Park. Stroll through the oldest Chinatown in North America to find the perfect dim sum, or if you and your boo prefer a little Full House moment, try a romantic picnic at Alamo Square Park in front of the Victorian "Painted Ladies." After all, San Francisco is one of the best vacation destinations for couples.

Since the city is condensed onto a small peninsula, exploring by bike is an efficient and scenic way to get around. When you’re ready to travel beyond city limits, San Francisco is a convenient hub for trips throughout Northern California. It's actually the first stop on Wanderu's West Coast Wine Tour, with the next stop, obviously, in Napa Valley. Whether traveling by bus, train, or through either of the two nearby airports, San Francisco is a can't-miss destination.

Station Information

Where does the bus leave from in San Francisco?

Main departure station: Caltrain Station - 5th & Townsend St

Most buses depart from the main station in San Francisco.

All bus stations in San Francisco:

  • Caltrain Station - 5th & Townsend St

Where does the bus arrive in Santa Maria?

Main arrival station: Santa Maria Bus Stop

All buses from San Francisco arrive at one main station in Santa Maria.

All bus stations in Santa Maria:

  • Santa Maria Bus Stop

Get around town with Moovit

Find the best way to get to and from any station in Santa Maria by public transit, courtesy of Moovit. Search now

Need a return trip from Santa Maria to San Francisco?

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