1map logoGo to main page

Santa Maria (Santa Barbara County), CA, USA to San Diego, CA, USA from $18: 8 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

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

How to Get from Santa Maria (Santa Barbara County) to San Diego: 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.

$18 - Bus, trainBest price
394 kmDistance
4h 52m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Santa Maria (Santa Barbara County) to San Diego 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
Bus
Train
Average Duration
7h  30m
Estimated price
$21-146
Recommended
Company
various
Bus
Train
Average Duration
9h  24m
Estimated price
$18-153
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 394 km
Duration: 4h 52m

See more options

Company
FlixBus
Bus
Average Duration
7h  45m
Estimated price
$33-101
Company
Amtrak Thruway Connecting Service
Bus
Bus
Average Duration
7h  50m
Estimated price
$50-80
Company
N/A
Drive
Average Duration
5h  1m
Estimated price
$50-80
Company
various
Bus
Plane
Average Duration
5h  2m
Estimated price
$115-210
Company
various
Drive
Plane
Average Duration
4h  52m
Estimated price
$211-212
Company
various
Bus
Plane
Average Duration
7h  25m
Estimated price
$213-214

Traveling From Santa Maria (Santa Barbara County) to San Diego

The drive from Santa Maria's serene landscapes to San Diego's vibrant coastal scene offers a captivating contrast between picturesque wine country and lively beachfront culture.

Best Neighbourhoods in San Diego

San Diego boasts diverse neighborhoods, each offering distinct attractions and vibes.

Gaslamp Quarter
• Historic architecture and vibrant nightlife.
• Home to trendy shops and gourmet restaurants.
La Jolla
• Stunning beaches and picturesque coastal views.
• Renowned for upscale dining and art galleries.
Balboa Park
• Features numerous museums and gardens.
• Ideal for cultural events and outdoor activities.

Best Times To Visit San Diego's Attractions

Timing your visit can enhance your experience at San Diego's top spots.

San Diego Zoo
Visit early in the morning or on weekdays to avoid crowds.
Balboa Park
Late afternoons on weekdays offer fewer visitors and cooler weather.
USS Midway Museum
Early morning or late afternoon visits provide a more relaxed experience.

San Diego Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

San Diego enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate, with warm summers and mild winters ideal for year-round travel. Visiting during spring or fall can provide pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds, enhancing your overall experience.

Dining Recommendation

Head to Café 21 in San Diego for their vibrant farm-to-table dishes, featuring locally sourced ingredients that refreshingly contrast with Santa Maria's barbecue-centric cuisine. The lively atmosphere, complete with live music and innovative cocktails, enhances your dining experience, bringing an exciting twist to your culinary adventure.

Santa Maria (Santa Barbara County) - San Diego operators

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

Bus Show bus routes
Contact phone
+1 (855) 626-8585
Website
flixbus.com

Bus from Santa Maria to Los Angeles Union Station

Average Duration
3h 30m
Estimated price
$18-1535

Bus from Santa Maria to Santa Barbara Bus Stop

Average Duration
1h 15m
Estimated price
$18-1534
Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245
Website
amtrak.com

Bus from Santa Maria Amtrak Bus Stop to Los Angeles

Average Duration
3h 50m
Estimated price
$0-0

Bus from Santa Maria to Santa Barbara Amtrak Station

Average Duration
2h 10m
Estimated price
$0-0

Bus from Los Angeles to San Diego

Average Duration
3h
Estimated price
$0-0
Train
Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245
Website
amtrak.com

Train from Los Angeles to San Diego

Average Duration
2h 54m
Estimated price
$21-218

Train from Santa Barbara to San Diego

Average Duration
6h 14m
Estimated price
$21-219
Plane Show flights
Website
alaskaair.com

Plane from San Luis Obispo County Apt (SBP) to San Diego (SAN)

Average Duration
1h 11m
Estimated price
$219-1460
Website
united.com

Plane from Los Angeles to San Diego

Average Duration
1h
Estimated price
$180-1466
Website
delta.com

Plane from Los Angeles to San Diego

Average Duration
54m
Estimated price
$1464-1465
Website
southwest.com

Plane from Fresno to San Diego

Average Duration
3h 16m
Estimated price
$1463-217

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

Traveling between Santa Maria (Santa Barbara County) and San Diego 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 the laid-back coastal town of Santa Maria to the vibrant city of San Diego, spanning a distance of 295 miles. Enjoy the diverse landscapes of Southern California as you make your way down the coast. 💸 Explore flexible pricing options ranging from $50 to $80 for the journey from Santa Maria to San Diego by car. Plan ahead to secure the best deals and ensure a budget-friendly travel experience without compromising on comfort or convenience. 🏖️ Arrive in San Diego after approximately 5 hours of driving, ready to soak up the sun on its golden beaches, savor delicious cuisine, and explore exciting attractions. Your road trip adventure promises a perfect blend of relaxation and exploration in this iconic West Coast destination.
Average price
$50 - $80
🛫 Start your journey from Santa Maria in Santa Barbara County with a quick and convenient direct flight to San Diego, which takes just 1 hour and 11 minutes. Alaska Airlines, Inc. offers flights from San Luis Obispo County Airport to San Diego Airport, ensuring a smooth travel experience.
Departure Point
San Luis Obispo County Apt Airport
Arrival Point
San Diego Airport
Useful tips for plane travellers
• Consider booking your flight with Alaska Airlines, as they offer direct flights from Santa Maria to San Diego which typically take around 1 hour and 11 minutes, giving you a quick and hassle-free travel option.
• Upon arriving at San Diego International Airport (SAN), you will find it easy to navigate due to its compact layout; follow the signs towards the baggage claim and ground transportation area, where you'll find the rideshare pickup points clearly marked.
• Expect to pay around $15 to $25 for a taxi ride from San Diego Airport to the city center, and for convenient public transport options, check out the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System for schedules on the public bus line 992 that connects the airport to downtown.
While there is no direct route, you can catch a service from Santa Maria to Los Angeles Union Station, with the journey taking approximately 7 hours and 45 minutes. 🌴 With ticket prices varying from $33-$101, there are multiple routes with different transfer points along the way. Depending on the route chosen, the distance between the two destinations ranges from 260 to 303 miles, with travel times of around 9 to 13 hours.
Departure Point
Santa Maria station
Arrival Point
San Diego station

Frequently asked questions

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

Or choose the category:
The distance between Santa Maria and San Diego is approximately 245 miles or 295 miles by road. There are several modes of transportation available for this journey. By taking a bus and then a train via Los Angeles, the travel time from Santa Maria to San Diego is around 7 hours and 30 minutes. If you prefer to drive, it would take approximately 5 hours and 1 minute to travel from San Diego to Santa Maria by car. Lastly, taking a bus from Santa Maria to San Diego would take about 7 hours and 45 minutes.
The most cost-effective option for traveling from Santa Maria to San Diego is by taking a bus and train, which can cost between $18 and $160 and take approximately 8 hours and 39 minutes. This option may be more time-consuming but is more budget-friendly. On the other hand, the quickest way to travel between the two cities is by driving, which takes around 5 hours and 1 minute and costs between $50 and $80. This option allows for more flexibility and independence but comes with gas and parking expenses.
When traveling from Santa Maria to San Diego the prices for a bus ticket range from $31 to $101. The cost may vary depending on the bus company, time of travel, and type of ticket purchased. It is recommended to check with different bus operators to find the best price and schedule that suits your needs.
To get from Santa Maria to San Diego without using public transportation, you can drive the distance of approximately 295 miles. The journey typically takes around 5 hours and 1 minute by car. Depending on factors such as fuel costs and tolls, the prices for the trip can range from $50 to $80.
To travel from Santa Maria to San Diego without a car, the most convenient way is to take a bus and train combination via Los Angeles. This option takes approximately 7 hours and 30 minutes and costs between $21 to $150. You can catch a bus from Santa Maria to Los Angeles, and then transfer to a train that will take you to San Diego. This route provides a comfortable and cost-effective option for those without a car.
There is no direct bus from Santa Maria to San Diego. However, you can take a bus from Santa Maria to Los Angeles Union Station, and then transfer to another bus that goes to San Diego. This journey, including transfers, takes approximately 7h 45m. Another option is to drive from Santa Maria to San Diego, which takes about 5 hours and 1 minute.
The flight between Santa Maria and San Diego typically takes around 1 hour and 18 minutes on a direct flight. The cost of the flight can vary depending on factors such as the airline, time of booking, and availability. It is recommended to check with different airlines and online travel agencies to get the best deals and prices for this route.
There are numerous accommodation options available near San Diego. With over 1163 hotels to choose from, travelers can find a range of choices that suit their preferences and budget. Prices for hotels in San Diego start at $53 per night. Whether you are looking for luxury resorts, budget-friendly options, or boutique hotels, there are plenty of options to choose from for a comfortable stay near San Diego.

Trips from Santa Maria (Santa Barbara County)

Trips to San Diego