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Bakersfield, CA, USA to Santa Maria (Santa Barbara County), CA, USA from $23: 4 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
Bakersfield, United States of America
to
Santa Maria (Santa Barbara County), United States of America

How to Get from Bakersfield to Santa Maria (Santa Barbara County): Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way

1Map provides directions to cities, towns, landmarks, attractions, and addresses worldwide, offering thousands of multi-modal routes to easily get you from point A to point B.

$23 by carBest price
206 kmDistance
2h 47m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Bakersfield 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.

Company
Various
Train
Bus
Average Duration
5h  39m
Estimated price
$20-173
Recommended
Company
Various
Drive
Average Duration
2h  47m
Estimated price
$23-35
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 206 km
Duration: 2h 47m

See more options

Company
Amtrak Thruway Connecting Service
Bus
Average Duration
5h  50m
Estimated price
$20-180
Company
Amtrak Thruway Connecting Service
Bus
Bus
Average Duration
5h  55m
Estimated price
$20-180

Traveling From Bakersfield to Santa Maria (Santa Barbara County)

The journey from Bakersfield to Santa Maria offers a compelling contrast, with Bakersfield showcasing its vibrant agricultural heart and Santa Maria inviting you to explore its coastal charm and wine country.

Best Neighbourhoods in Santa Maria (Santa Barbara County)

Santa Maria boasts diverse neighborhoods that cater to varying preferences and experiences.

Downtown Santa Maria
• Lively atmosphere with shops and restaurants.
• Frequent events and community gatherings.
Orcutt
• Charming small-town feel with local vineyards.
• Scenic park spaces for outdoor activities.
Santa Maria Valley
• Home to some of California's best wineries.
• Beautiful landscapes ideal for wine tours.

Best Times To Visit Santa Maria (Santa Barbara County)'s Attractions

Maximize your enjoyment in Santa Maria by choosing the right time to explore its attractions.

Santa Maria Valley Wine Country
Visit during weekdays for a quieter tasting experience and personalized service.
Historic Santa Maria Town Center
Afternoons on weekdays feature fewer visitors, perfect for leisurely strolls.
Santa Maria Fairpark
Attend during early evening hours for lively events and cooler temperatures.

Santa Maria (Santa Barbara County) Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Santa Maria enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate, characterized by warm summers and cool, wet winters. Ideal visiting times are spring and fall when temperatures are comfortable, allowing you to fully enjoy outdoor activities and local attractions.

Dining Recommendation in Santa Maria (Santa Barbara County)

At The Hitching Post II, savor the famed Santa Maria-style barbecue, featuring perfectly seasoned tri-tip grilled over open flames, a treat that contrasts with Bakersfield's hearty comfort food. The rustic vineyard setting combined with the complex flavors of locally sourced ingredients creates a distinctive dining experience that highlights the region's unique culinary heritage.

Bakersfield - Santa Maria (Santa Barbara County) operators

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

Train
Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245
Website
https://www.amtrak.com/home.html

Train from Bakersfield to Hanford

Average Duration
1h 24m
Estimated price
$3-75

Train from Hanford to Santa Maria Amtrak Bus Stop

Average Duration
3h 15m
Estimated price
$20-173
Bus Show bus routes
Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245
Website
https://www.amtrak.com/home.html

Bus from Bakersfield to Santa Barbara

Average Duration
3h 25m
Estimated price
$20-180

Bus from Santa Barbara to Santa Maria Amtrak Bus Stop

Average Duration
1h 25m
Estimated price
$20-180

Bus from Santa Barbara to Santa Maria Amtrak Bus Stop

Average Duration
1h 15m
Estimated price
$1734-203
Contact phone
+1 (855) 626-8585
Website
https://www.flixbus.com

Bus from Santa Barbara Bus Stop to Santa Maria

Average Duration
1h 15m
Estimated price
$1734-203

Bakersfield to Santa Maria (Santa Barbara County): Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips

Traveling between Bakersfield 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 Bakersfield to Santa Maria, covering a driving distance of 128 miles. Enjoy approximately 2 hours and 47 minutes of picturesque California landscapes as you cruise towards your destination. 💰 Budget-friendly travel options await, with prices ranging from $23 to $35 for the journey from Bakersfield to Santa Maria by car. Plan ahead to find the best deals and make the most of your trip without breaking the bank.
Average price
$23 - $35
🚌 While there is no direct bus from Bakersfield to Santa Maria, travelers can still reach their destination by transferring through Santa Barbara. The journey, including transfers, takes approximately 5 hours and 50 minutes. 🛤️ Route 1 covers a distance of 182 miles and involves a transfer in Santa Barbara. Passengers will take a bus towards Santa Barbara operated by Alvand Transportation, followed by another bus towards Oakland operated by Amtrak. The entire journey is estimated to take about 7 hours and 30 minutes. 🛣️ Route 2 covers a longer distance of 248 miles and requires a transfer in Union Station. Passengers will take a bus towards San Diego operated by Amtrak, followed by a bus towards San Jose operated by AmericanStar. The total travel time for this route is approximately 9 hours and 11 minutes.
Departure Point
Bakersfield station
Arrival Point
Santa Maria Amtrak Bus Stop station

Frequently asked questions

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

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The cheapest way to get from Bakersfield to Santa Maria is to drive. The estimated cost for a one-way trip ranges from $23 to $35, depending on your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices. The journey by car typically takes around 2 hours and 47 minutes, providing you with the opportunity to enjoy the scenic drive along the way.
The fastest way to travel from Bakersfield to Santa Maria is by driving. The journey takes approximately 2 hours and 47 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. It is a direct route via CA-166 W and CA-33 S. Driving also gives you the flexibility to make any necessary stops along the way and explore the scenic beauty of Central California.
It is approximately 86 miles from Bakersfield to Santa Maria in Santa Barbara County. The road distance between the two cities is about 128.1 miles. Keep in mind that these distances may vary depending on the route you take.
If you don't have a car, the best way to travel from Bakersfield to Santa Maria is to take a combination of train and bus. First, you can take the Amtrak train from Bakersfield Station to San Luis Obispo Station. The train journey takes approximately 2 hours and 10 minutes. From San Luis Obispo Station, you can then take the Santa Barbara Airbus bus, which will take you to Santa Maria in about 2 hours and 29 minutes. The total travel time is approximately 5 hours and 39 minutes. Tickets for this trip range from $20 to $180 depending on the class and availability.
The travel time from Bakersfield to Santa Maria is approximately 5 hours and 39 minutes, including transfers. The exact duration may vary depending on factors such as traffic conditions, the route taken, and any stops along the way. It is advisable to plan for potential delays and allocate sufficient time for the journey to ensure a smooth and stress-free trip.
There are numerous accommodation options available near Santa Maria can choose from over 64 hotels in the area. The prices for these hotels start at $59 per night. Some popular hotels include the Historic Santa Maria Inn, Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Santa Maria, and Radisson Hotel Santa Maria. Make sure to book in advance to secure your preferred hotel and price.
Yes, you can drive from Bakersfield to Santa Maria. The driving distance between the two cities is approximately 128 miles. It takes around 2 hours and 47 minutes to complete the drive, depending on traffic and road conditions. This is a convenient and popular option for travelers looking for flexibility and the ability to explore the surrounding areas at their own pace.
Yes, there is no direct bus between Bakersfield and Santa Maria. However, you can take a bus from Bakersfield to Santa Barbara and then transfer to another bus that goes to Santa Maria. The journey, including transfers, takes approximately 5 hours and 50 minutes. You can check the bus schedules and plan your trip accordingly.
To catch the bus from Bakersfield to Santa Maria you will need to go to the Bakersfield station. The bus services are operated by Amtrak, and this is where their buses depart from. You can easily find the Amtrak station in Bakersfield and wait there for the bus to Santa Maria.
The Bakersfield to Santa Maria bus services, operated by Amtrak, arrive at the Santa Maria Amtrak Bus Stop station. This station is conveniently located in downtown Santa Maria, making it easily accessible for travelers. From there, passengers can easily access local transportation options or walk to nearby attractions and accommodations.
The cost to drive from Bakersfield to Santa Maria ranges from $23 to $35. This estimate takes into account factors such as gas prices and toll fees. It's important to note that these prices may vary depending on the type of vehicle and current market conditions.

Trips from Bakersfield

Trips to Santa Maria (Santa Barbara County)