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Journey Information
There is one daily bus from Santa Maria to San Jose. Traveling by bus from Santa Maria to San Jose usually takes around 4 hours and 33 minutes, but the fastest FlixBus US bus can make the trip in 3 hours and 55 minutes.
| Distance | 184 mi (295 km) |
| Shortest duration | 3h 55m |
| Cheapest price | €23.19 |
| Trips per day | 1 |
| Most frequent service | FlixBus US |
| Bus lines | 2 |
How much is a bus ticket from Santa Maria to San Jose?
Bus tickets for a trip from Santa Maria to San Jose cost €37.42 on average. Tickets cheaper than €37.42 are an excellent bargain. If you book your trip ahead of time using Wanderu, you can easily find bus tickets at or below this price.
Monthly avg. prices
Prices as travel date approaches
Most bus companies charge higher ticket prices closer to the date of travel, so it’s a good idea to buy your bus tickets as early as possible. To find the cheapest bus tickets, book your trip at least 18 days in advance. This way, you can save up to €9.48 on your bus ticket compared to booking last-minute.
What bus companies travel from Santa Maria to San Jose?
There are two bus lines that have daily service from Santa Maria to San Jose that you can compare and book on Wanderu. However, each company only runs one bus per day.
| Bus | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak Thruway | 1 | 5h 10m | €48.84 |
| FlixBus US | 1 | 4h 15m | €44.69 |
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 Santa Maria to San Jose start at €23. On average, there are 1 Amtrak Thruway bus trips on this route every day.
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 San Jose, and the average ticket for this route costs only .
Frequently Asked Questions
The bus takes an average of 4 hours and 33 minutes to cover the 184 miles from Santa Maria to San Jose. However, the fastest bus only takes 3 hours and 55 minutes. In other words, you'll have plenty of time to rest and relax on the road. 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.
Saturday is usually the day when buses are busiest, as many travelers take the bus to enjoy the weekend in San Jose. If you are planning to travel on a Saturday, 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 Santa Maria to San Jose. It leaves the station in Santa Maria at 9:00am 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 San Jose. 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 Santa Maria to San Jose; ticket prices start at €23.19.
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 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 San Jose?
Main arrival station: Downtown San Jose - 129 W San Carlos St
Buses arrive in San Jose at 3 stations, depending on which bus line you are traveling with.
All bus stations in San Jose:
Downtown San Jose - 129 W San Carlos St
Diridon Caltrain Station - 65 Cahill St
Diridon Station
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Need a return trip from San Jose to Santa Maria?
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