Santa Maria (Santa Barbara County), CA, USA to Goleta, CA, USA from $12: 4 ways by bus, train, flight or car

The distance between Santa Maria and Goleta is 50 miles, with a road distance of 67.7 miles. By car, it typically takes around 1 hour and 10 minutes to travel from Santa Maria to Goleta. Alternatively, if you choose to take the bus, the travel time is longer, at approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes to reach Goleta from Santa Maria. Keep these travel times in mind when planning your trip between these two locations in California.

The most cost-effective and time-efficient transportation option for traveling from Santa Maria to Goleta is by driving. It takes approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes to cover the distance of 50 miles by car, with costs ranging from $12 to $18. Driving offers the advantage of direct travel without the need for transfers or waiting times, making it the optimal choice for both affordability and speed.

To travel from Santa Maria to Goleta without using public transportation, you can drive the 68-mile distance, which typically takes around 1 hour and 10 minutes by car. You can expect to pay between $12 to $18 for the gas and tolls needed for the journey. Driving gives you the flexibility to make stops along the way and enjoy the scenic views of the California coast as you make your way from Santa Maria to Goleta.

To travel from Santa Maria to Goleta without a car, the best option is to use the Amtrak Thruway service, which takes approximately 1 hour and 47 minutes. The service provides a convenient and comfortable way to make the journey between the two cities. Additionally, taking the Amtrak Thruway eliminates the need to navigate traffic and provides a more eco-friendly transportation option.

There is no direct bus link between Santa Maria and Goleta. However, there are bus services operated by Amtrak that depart from the Santa Maria Amtrak Bus Stop and arrive at Hollister & Pine via UCSB North Hall Inbound with a journey time of around 1 hour and 47 minutes, including transfers. This means passengers would need to transfer during the journey. The services provided by Amtrak help facilitate travel between Santa Maria and Goleta, albeit with an intermediate stop along the way.

There are over 185 hotels available in Goleta with prices starting at $65 per night. Some popular hotel options in the area include The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara, Kimpton Goodland, and Courtyard by Marriott Santa Barbara Goleta. Visitors to Goleta have a variety of accommodation choices ranging from budget-friendly motels to luxury resorts, ensuring there is something to suit every traveler's needs and preferences. It is recommended to book in advance, especially during peak travel seasons, to secure the best rates and availability.