4.0
Pros: It was pleasant and we left on time. The only reason we were a little late was the heavy backup in Pismo Beach. Cons: Windows could be a little cleaner as well as the sills. Not a priory, though. Tips: No.
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San Jose to Santa Maria Bus Schedule
No preview is currently available. Please try another date or search the full schedule.
Is it better to travel by bus or train from San Jose to Santa Maria?
There are usually 2 daily train trips available from San Jose to Santa Maria.
Bus | Train | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$69.00 | Avg. Price$87.00 |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips1 | Daily Trips2 |
Duration | Duration5h 4m | Duration10h 19m |
Bus from San Jose to Santa Maria: Journey Information
There is one daily bus from San Jose to Santa Maria. Traveling by bus from San Jose to Santa Maria usually takes around 5 hours and 1 minute, but the fastest Amtrak Thruway bus can make the trip in 3 hours and 55 minutes.
| Distance | 184 mi (295 km) |
| Shortest duration | 3h 55m |
| Cheapest price | $69.00 |
| Trips per day | 1 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak Thruway |
| Bus lines | 1 |
Bus Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Average score for buses from San Jose to Santa Maria
(Based on 1 ratings and reviews)
4.0
What bus companies travel from San Jose to Santa Maria?
There is one intercity bus company available to search and book on Wanderu that operates from San Jose to Santa Maria. Amtrak Thruway 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak Thruway | 1 | 5h 1m | $69.00 |
Amtrak Thruway, also known as Amtrak Thruway Motorcoach, is a system of intercity passenger buses operated by Amtrak to connect train stations to areas that are not served by the carrier’s railroads. On the bus, passengers can enjoy comfortable reclining seats with leg rests and access to onboard restroom facilities. Amtrak Thruway bus tickets from San Jose to Santa Maria start at $69. On average, there are 1 Amtrak Thruway bus trips on this route every day.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by bus from San Jose to Santa Maria
The bus takes an average of 5 hours to cover the 184 miles from San Jose to Santa Maria. However, the fastest bus only takes 3 hours and 55 minutes. 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.
Because many passengers travel from San Jose to Santa Maria at the beginning of the work week, Monday is usually the busiest day for buses. If you are planning to travel on a Monday, you should make sure to book tickets well in advance as they may sell out.
On the other hand, Thursday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. If you’re looking for a little extra space, a Thursday ticket is the way to go.
There is usually only one bus per day from San Jose to Santa Maria. It leaves the station in San Jose at 3:00pm 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 Jose 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 Jose to Santa Maria; ticket prices start at $83.00.
City Information
San Jose
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
San Jose is located in the heart of the world-famous Silicon Valley in California’s Bay Area. It is the largest city in Northern California and, as such, it is the area’s cultural, political and financial center.
While you’re in San Jose, make sure to check out the city’s various museums. Since you’re in the world’s foremost technology hub, the Tech Museum of Innovation is a must-visit. And since you’re on the West Coast, you should stop by the San Jose Museum of Art that features the largest permanent collection of works from West Coast artists.
Thanks to its mild California climate, San Jose is one of the best cities in the U.S. for outdoor activities, and due to its largely younger-leaning population, it offers quite the vibrant nightlife. In fact, San Jose is among the biggest party hubs in America.
San Jose is served by various bus carriers and has several Amtrak stops within its vicinity. In addition, the city’s airport is located right near the downtown area, which makes travel to and from San Jose a breeze.
Station Information
Where does the bus leave from in San Jose?
Image credit: SPUR
Link to image attributionMain departure station: Diridon Caltrain Station - 65 Cahill St
Diridon Station opened in 1935 with architecture inspired by the Italian Renaissance, and today is a vital part of Silicon Valley’s transportation system. Diridon Station connects Amtrak train service to local commuter service like the Caltrain and VTA Light Rail. The station is also a major hub for bus transit on Amtrak Thruway and Greyhound buses. With paid parking onsite, bicycle racks, and accessible entrances, travelers can easily reach the station from nearby downtown San Jose. As a bonus, food trucks frequently set up outside the station to provide delicious cheap eats for passengers.
All bus stations in San Jose:
Diridon Caltrain Station - 65 Cahill St
Where does the bus arrive in Santa Maria?
Main arrival station: Santa Maria Bus Stop
All buses from San Jose arrive at one main station in Santa Maria.
All bus stations in Santa Maria:
Santa Maria Bus Stop
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