San Francisco, CA, USA to Santa Maria (Santa Barbara County), CA, USA from $23: 8 ways by bus, train, flight or car

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How to Get from San Francisco to Santa Maria : Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way

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$23 by busBest price

362 kmDistance

4h 20m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from San Francisco to Santa Maria (Santa Barbara County) with 1Map travel planner. Easily compare ticket prices, explore various transport options, and find the best routes for a seamless and cost-effective travel experience.

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San Francisco - Santa Maria (Santa Barbara County) operators

Explore transport companies operating between San Francisco and Santa Maria (Santa Barbara County), with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.

Bus

Contact phone

+1 (855) 626-8585

Website

flixbus.com

Bus from San Francisco to Santa Maria

Average Duration

5h 5m

Estimated price

$23-85

Train

Contact phone

+1 800-660-4287

Website

caltrain.com

Train from San Francisco Caltrain to San Jose Diridon

Average Duration

1h 41m

Estimated price

$234-235

all-pages.other Show other routes

Contact phone

+1 800-872-7245

Website

amtrak.com

Other from San Jose to Santa Maria Amtrak Bus Stop

Average Duration

4h 55m

Estimated price

0-0

Other from UC Santa Barbara Amtrak Bus Stop to Santa Maria Amtrak Bus Stop

Average Duration

1h 10m

Estimated price

0-0

Plane

Website

united.com

Plane from San Francisco (SFO) to San Luis Obispo County Apt (SBP)

Average Duration

1h 16m

Estimated price

$180-430

Plane from San Francisco (SFO) to Santa Barbara (SBA)

Average Duration

1h 21m

Estimated price

$120-230

Plane from San Francisco (SFO) to Bakersfield (BFL)

Average Duration

1h 16m

Estimated price

$180-231

Website

southwest.com

Plane from Oakland (OAK) to Santa Barbara (SBA)

Average Duration

1h 11m

Estimated price

$232-233

San Francisco to Santa Maria : Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips

Traveling between San Francisco and Santa Maria (Santa Barbara County) offers a variety of convenient options to suit your preferences, schedule, and budget. Whether you prioritize affordability, speed, or comfort, you’re sure to find the perfect way to travel without compromising on quality or convenience.

🚗 Embark on a scenic road trip from San Francisco to Santa Maria, covering a distance of 264 miles. Enjoy the journey through diverse landscapes and charming towns along the way. 💸 Prices for the drive from San Francisco to Santa Maria range from $45 to $70, offering budget-friendly options for travelers. Consider fuel costs, tolls, and any potential stops for meals or sightseeing during the trip. 🌴 Arrive in Santa Maria after approximately 4 hours and 29 minutes of driving, ready to explore this picturesque region known for its vineyards, beaches, and relaxed atmosphere. Plan your itinerary to make the most of your visit to this beautiful destination.

Average price

$45 - $70

🚂 Embark on a scenic train journey from San Francisco to Santa Maria, covering a distance of 234 miles in approximately 6 hours and 37 minutes.

🛫 Flying from San Francisco Airport to San Luis Obispo County Apt Airport is a breeze with the quickest direct flight taking just 1 hour and 13 minutes with United Airlines. 🚗 Once you land in San Luis Obispo, it's a short 30-minute drive to reach Santa Maria in Santa Barbara County. The total travel time by plane from San Francisco to Santa Maria is approximately 4 hours and 20 minutes.

Departure Point

San Francisco Airport

Arrival Point

San Luis Obispo County Apt Airport

🌳 Hop on the direct Flixbus USA service departing once daily and taking approximately 5 hours and 5 minutes to reach your destination. 🎟️ Pricing for this convenient bus ride can range from $23 - $85, offering an affordable and comfortable travel option between these two California destinations. 🌞 Enjoy the ease of travel as you sit back and relax on your way to Santa Maria from San Francisco. 🚍 Explore the 234-mile route from the bustling city of San Francisco to the charming Santa Maria in just over 5 hours by bus. 🌸 Discover the beauty of California's coast as you embark on this delightful journey through picturesque landscapes.

Departure Point

San Francisco station

Arrival Point

Santa Maria station

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from San Francisco to Santa Maria (Santa Barbara County).

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The distance between San Francisco and Santa Maria is approximately 362.1 km by road and 424.7 km by car. By plane, the typical travel time is 4 hours and 12 minutes. Taking a flight from San Francisco to Santa Barbara and then a bus to Santa Maria takes about 5 hours and 25 minutes. By car, the journey from San Francisco to Santa Maria takes around 4 hours and 29 minutes. Alternatively, taking a bus from San Francisco to Santa Maria typically takes 6 hours and 20 minutes.

The most cost-effective option for traveling from San Francisco to Santa Maria is by bus. This option takes 6 hours and 20 minutes and ranges in price from $23 to $85. However, if time is a priority, the quickest option is to fly, which takes 4 hours and 12 minutes and costs between $160 and $450.

The prices for a bus ticket from San Francisco to Santa Maria range from $23 to $85.

To get from San Francisco to Santa Maria without using public transportation, you can drive your own car. The driving distance is approximately 424.9 km and it takes around 4 hours and 29 minutes. Rental car prices vary, but you can expect to spend between $45 and $70 for the trip.

If you are traveling from San Francisco to Santa Maria without a car, the best option is to take a bus. The bus journey takes around 6 hours and 20 minutes and costs between $23 and $85.

Yes, there is a direct link between San Francisco and Santa Maria. There is a daily bus service operated by Amtrak that departs from San Francisco and arrives at the Santa Maria Amtrak Bus Stop. The journey takes approximately 6 hours and 20 minutes.

The flight from San Francisco to Santa Maria typically takes around 1 hour and 5 minutes. The cost of the flight can vary, ranging from $160 to $444.

There are many accommodation options near Santa Maria. With over 64 hotels to choose from, travelers can find options to suit their preferences and budget. Prices for hotels in Santa Maria start at $59, providing affordable options for visitors.