Santa Cruz, CA, USA to Santa Maria (Santa Barbara County), CA, USA from $13: 9 ways by bus, train, flight or car

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

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$13 - Bus, trainBest price

269 kmDistance

3h 21m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Santa Cruz 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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Santa Cruz - Santa Maria (Santa Barbara County) operators

Explore transport companies operating between Santa Cruz 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 (831) 425-8600

Website

http://www.scmtd.com

Bus from Soquel Ave & Front to Diridon Station

Average Duration

Estimated price

$0-0

Bus from Ocean & Water to Diridon Station

Average Duration

Estimated price

$0-0

Contact phone

+1 (855) 626-8585

Website

flixbus.com

Bus from San Jose Downtown to Santa Maria

Average Duration

3h 55m

Estimated price

$19-221

Bus from Salinas Train Station to Santa Maria

Average Duration

2h 45m

Estimated price

$8565-134

Train

Contact phone

+1 800-872-7245

Website

https://www.amtrak.com/home.html

Train from San Jose to San Luis Obispo

Average Duration

4h 58m

Estimated price

$228-226

Train from Salinas Amtrak Station to Santa Maria

Average Duration

3h 40m

Estimated price

$0-0

Train from San Luis Obispo to Santa Maria

Average Duration

40m

Estimated price

$0-0

Train from Salinas to Santa Maria Amtrak Bus Stop

Average Duration

3h 55m

Estimated price

$0-0

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

Average Duration

1h 10m

Estimated price

$0-0

Contact phone

+1 800-660-4287

Website

http://www.caltrain.com

Train from San Jose Diridon Caltrain to Millbrae Caltrain

Average Duration

1h 12m

Estimated price

$0-0

Plane

Website

united.com

Plane from San Francisco Airport to San Luis Obispo County Apt Airport

Average Duration

1h 13m

Estimated price

$222-223

Plane from San Francisco Airport to Santa Barbara

Average Duration

1h 21m

Estimated price

$224-225

Plane from San Francisco Airport to Bakersfield

Average Duration

1h 16m

Estimated price

$222-550

Website

southwest.com

Plane from Oakland to Santa Barbara

Average Duration

1h 11m

Estimated price

$226-227

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

Traveling between Santa Cruz 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 Santa Cruz to Santa Maria covering a distance of 194 miles. Enjoy the beautiful coastal views as you journey southwards. 💸 Prices for the car journey from Santa Cruz to Santa Maria typically range from $35 to $55, offering an affordable travel option. 🌅 In just 3 hours and 21 minutes, you'll arrive in Santa Maria, located in the picturesque Santa Barbara County. Explore the charming town, experience the local cuisine, and take in the warm California sunshine.

Average price

$35 - $55

🛫 Start your trip by catching a direct flight from San Francisco Airport to San Luis Obispo County Apt Airport, a journey that will only take you 1 hour and 13 minutes with United Airlines.

Departure Point

San Francisco Airport

Arrival Point

San Luis Obispo County Apt Airport

🚏 The journey, including transfers, takes approximately 7 hours and 27 minutes, making it a longer but scenic bus ride through the beautiful California landscape. 💰 Ticket prices for the bus between Santa Cruz and Santa Maria range from $22 to $85, offering a budget-friendly option for those looking to explore Santa Barbara County.

Departure Point

Salinas Amtrak Station

Arrival Point

Santa Maria station

Frequently asked questions

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

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The distance between Santa Cruz and Santa Maria is about 268.8 km by road. By car, it typically takes around 3 hours and 21 minutes to travel between the two cities. If you prefer public transportation, the travel time can vary. By bus, it takes approximately 6 hours and 6 minutes, while taking a bus and then a train can take around 8 hours and 32 minutes.

The most cost-effective option for traveling from Santa Cruz to Santa Maria is taking the Amtrak Thruway bus, which ranges from $19 to $75 and takes approximately 7 hours and 42 minutes. This option provides a comfortable and affordable means of transportation. However, if time efficiency is a priority, driving is the quickest option, taking only 3 hours and 21 minutes and costing around $35 to $55.

The prices for a bus between Santa Maria and Santa Cruz range from $22 to $85.

To get from Santa Cruz to Santa Maria without using public transportation, you can drive. The distance between the two cities is approximately 312.2 km, and it takes around 3 hours and 21 minutes to drive there. The cost of driving varies, with prices ranging from $35 to $55 depending on factors such as fuel efficiency and tolls.

To travel from Santa Cruz to Santa Maria without a car, the recommended mode of transportation is by bus. The journey takes approximately 6 hours and 6 minutes and ticket prices range from $22 to $85.

No, there is no direct link between Santa Cruz and Santa Maria. However, there are bus services available with transfers. The journey typically takes approximately 7 hours and 42 minutes, including the transfers. The buses are operated by Amtrak and depart from Salinas Amtrak Station in Santa Cruz and arrive at Santa Maria Amtrak Bus Stop in Santa Maria.

The flight duration between Santa Cruz and Santa Maria typically takes around 1 hour and 5 minutes on a direct flight from San Francisco Airport to San Luis Obispo County Apt Airport.

There are plenty of accommodation options near Santa Maria. With over 64 hotels available, travelers can choose from a range of options to suit their preferences and budgets. Prices start as low as $59 per night, making it accessible for various travelers.