Santa Maria, CA to San Francisco, CA Bus

11/02/2024
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Santa Maria, CA to San Francisco, CA by bus

The journey from Santa Maria, CA to San Francisco, CA by bus is 224.28 mi and takes 7 hr 49 min. There are 4 connections per day, with the first departure at 3:00 AM and the last at 11:25 PM. It is possible to travel from Santa Maria, CA to San Francisco, CA by bus for as little as $33.87 or as much as $57.01. The best price for this journey is $33.87.

Lowest Price $33.87
Journey Duration 7 hr 49 min
Connection per Day 4
Lowest Price $33.87
Highest Price $57.01
First Departure 3:00 AM
Last Departure 11:25 PM
Distance 224.28 mi
Departure Santa Maria, CA
Arrival San Francisco, CA
Carriers Greyhound, Amtrak

Get from Santa Maria, CA to San Francisco, CA with Virail

Planning to travel from Santa Maria, CA to San Francisco, CA? Sometimes it can be hard to know where to start - but that's where Virail comes in. Our powerful search engine will explore all the options available for your trip, combing through more than 2000 transport companies all over the globe. All you have to do is enter your travel dates. In an instant, we'll show you a thorough list of possible routes, with all the information you need to make your decision. Choose from buses, trains, and more, connecting or direct, one-way or round trip - whatever you prefer. When you see your results, select your chosen option and Virail will redirect you to the provider's website, where you can complete your booking. Let us do the legwork for you, and you can just sit back and enjoy your trip.

How can I find the cheapest bus tickets to get from Santa Maria, CA to San Francisco, CA?

Prices will vary when you travel from Santa Maria, CA to San Francisco, CA. On average, though, you'll pay about $47.33 for a bus ticket. You can find bus tickets for prices as low as $33.87, but it may require some flexibility with your travel plans. If you're looking for a low price, you may need to prepare to spend more time in transit. You can also often find cheaper bus tickets at particular times of day, or on certain days of the week. Of course, ticket prices often change during the year, too; expect to pay more in peak season. For the lowest prices, it's usually best to make your reservation in advance. Be careful, though, as many providers do not offer refunds or exchanges on their cheapest bus tickets.
Unfortunately, no price was found for your trip from Santa Maria, CA to San Francisco, CA. Selecting a new departure or arrival city, without dramatically changing your itinerary could help you find price results.
When you're traveling from Santa Maria, CA to San Francisco, CA, you can expect to pay an average of approximately $47.33. Some forms of transport are cheaper than others, and prices will vary according to time of day, day of the week, season, and other factors. For the cheapest bus tickets, make your reservation well in advance. If you can, travel at an off-peak time, as bus ticket prices will often be reduced. You might also be able to save money by booking a connecting journey, rather than a direct route. Be sure to check the conditions of the ticket before booking, as sometimes cheaper bus tickets cannot be changed or refunded. Use Virail to check your options before booking, to ensure that you find the lowest price for your journey.

How long does the journey from Santa Maria, CA to San Francisco, CA take by bus?

With a distance of 224.28 mi between Santa Maria, CA and San Francisco, CA, it will usually take 7 hr 49 min to complete the journey. This average figure may vary from day to day. Delays could be caused by unexpected weather conditions, roadworks or construction, local events, or other unforeseen circumstances. Remember that your journey may take longer than 7 hr 49 min. Make your plans with this in mind to avoid disappointment, particularly if you are traveling on a tight schedule. The journey between Santa Maria, CA and San Francisco, CA by bus usually takes 7 hr 49 min to cover a distance of 224.28 mi. The shortest journey from Santa Maria, CA to San Francisco, CA will take you 4 hr 45 min. Remember, as always, that this time does not include any delays that might occur due to weather conditions, construction, or unexpected diversions and disruptions. If arriving in San Francisco, CA quickly is a priority for you, look for express or non-stop services. You may also find that a connecting route reaches your destination faster than some direct journeys. Virail will allow you to explore all your options and come to a decision that suits your needs.

How many times a day do journeys run from Santa Maria, CA to San Francisco, CA?

The exact number of journeys from Santa Maria, CA to San Francisco, CA can vary from day to day. Some services may only run on particular days of the week, while others might be seasonal. In general, an average of 4 departures leave each day. These are run by a number of different transport providers, including . On particularly busy days, there can be up to departures. You can usually expect there to be more connections on weekdays. Many providers run fewer journeys on weekends or public holidays. As a traveler, you may prefer to take a direct route from Santa Maria, CA to San Francisco, CA. However, you will find more options available to you if you are willing to take a connecting route. These pass through one or more different cities, and you'll have to change along the way. Not all travelers feel comfortable making multiple connections, but if you are, then you will enjoy greater flexibility when making your booking. The exact number of daily departures from Santa Maria, CA to San Francisco, CA varies, but in general, you can expect to find 2 direct connections with no changes leaving each day. Travelers who are happy to take an indirect route will find, on average, 2 journeys with one change or more. Unfortunately, no connection was found for your trip from Santa Maria, CA to San Francisco, CA. Selecting a new departure or arrival city, without dramatically changing your itinerary could help you find connections.

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Cheap bus tickets from Santa Maria, CA to San Francisco, CA
Looking for the best deal on a train ticket for your trip? Here are 4 ways to get cheap train tickets from Santa Maria, CA to San Francisco, CA.

Book in advance and save

If you're looking for the best deal for your trip from Santa Maria, CA to San Francisco, CA, booking train tickets in advance is a great way to save money, but keep in mind that advance tickets are usually not available until 3 months before your travel date.

Stay flexible with your travel time and explore off-peak journeys

Planning your trips around off-peak travel times not only means that you'll be able to avoid the crowds, but can also end up saving you money. Being flexible with your schedule and considering alternative routes or times will significantly impact the amount of money you spend on getting from Santa Maria, CA to San Francisco, CA.

Always check special offers

Checking on the latest deals can help save a lot of money, making it worth taking the time to browse and compare prices. So make sure you get the best deal on your ticket and take advantage of special fares for children, youth and seniors as well as discounts for groups.

Unlock the potential of slower trains or connecting trains

If you're planning a trip with some flexible time, why not opt for the scenic route? Taking slower trains or connecting trains that make more stops may save you money on your ticket – definitely worth considering if it fits in your schedule.

Best time to book cheap bus tickets from Santa Maria, CA to San Francisco, CA

The cheapest Santa Maria, CA - San Francisco, CA bus tickets can be found for as low as $90.22 if you’re lucky, or $101.74 on average. The most expensive ticket can cost as much as $132.52.

Find the best day to travel to San Francisco, CA by bus

When travelling to San Francisco, CA by bus, if you want to avoid crowds you can check how frequently our customers are travelling in the next 30-days using the graph below. On average, the peak hours to travel are between 6:30am and 9am in the morning, or between 4pm and 7pm in the evening. Please keep this in mind when travelling to your point of departure as you may need some extra time to arrive, particularly in big cities!

Carriers on this route

Find out more about the carriers on this route.

Amtrak, formally known as the National Railroad Passenger Corporation, is a U.S. government-owned entity that delivers intercity passenger train services across the country. Operating over 300 trains daily, Amtrak connects more than 500 destinations in 46 states, the District of Columbia, and three Canadian provinces. Its services include a variety of routes, from short-distance commuter lines to extended journeys featuring sleeper car accommodations.

Greyhound is a bus company that provides intercity transportation services across North America. Founded in 1914, it is the largest provider of intercity bus transportation in the United States and Canada, serving over 3,800 destinations. Greyhound operates on popular routes such as New York to Boston, Los Angeles to Las Vegas, and Boston to New York.

Ticket types and facilities from Santa Maria, CA to San Francisco, CA

Compare the different ticket types and the facilities provided by Amtrak when traveling from Santa Maria, CA to San Francisco, CA.

Coach

Coach Class passengers enjoy reclining seats with plenty of legroom and fold-down tray tables, along with outlets for electronic devices. They also have access to the Cafe car for food and beverages, along with carry-on baggage service and, on some routes, checked baggage service.
wifi WiFi
power_sockets Power sockets
luggage Luggage
accessibility Accessibility
food_and_drink Food and drink
air_con Air conditioning
bicycle Bicycle

First Class

On Acela trains, First Class passengers enjoy all the benefits of Business Class with further enhancements. The seats are adjustable leather with extra space for comfort. There is also a complimentary meal service delivered directly to the passengers' seats. First Class travelers have access to ClubAcela lounges at select stations.
wifi WiFi
quiet_zone Quiet zone
power_sockets Power sockets
luggage Luggage
accessibility Accessibility
food_and_drink Food and drink
air_con Air conditioning
bicycle Bicycle

Business

Stepping up to Business Class, passengers receive all the amenities of Coach Class plus additional legroom and complimentary non-alcoholic drinks. They also gain access to lounges at select stations for a more relaxed wait before boarding.
wifi WiFi
quiet_zone Quiet zone
power_sockets Power sockets
luggage Luggage
accessibility Accessibility
food_and_drink Food and drink
air_con Air conditioning
bicycle Bicycle

Facility Description

Find out more about the different facilities available onboard with each carrier on this route.

wifi WiFi open icon close icon
Free basic WiFi available in select trains and stations. Some include Acela, Adirondack (not available in Canada), Amtrak Cascades (not available in Canada), Amtrak Hartford Line, Auto Train, Blue Water, Capitol Corridor, Cardinal, Carolinian, Crescent, Downeaster, Empire Service, Ethan, Allen Express, Hiawatha Service, Illini/Saluki, and Illinois Zephyr/Carl Sandburg
quiet_zone Quiet zone open icon close icon
Quiet Cars, designed for limited conversation and subdued tones, are available on various trains like Acela, Northeast Regional, and more. The atmosphere is calm with low lighting. Seating follows first-come, first-served and one seat per person policies. First Class Rooms: For those seeking privacy and space, First Class private rooms are an available option.
power_sockets Power sockets open icon close icon
Electric outlets are distributed on trains. For example, Superliner and Viewliner sleepers provide outlets in Roomettes and Bedrooms.
air_con Air conditioning open icon close icon
All trains are air-conditioned. In coaches, temperature is staff-controlled. Sleeper cars offer air temperature adjustments, with vent positioning recommended for comfort.
luggage Luggage open icon close icon
On Amtrak, regardless of your ticket type, you can typically bring two carry-on bags and two personal items. Just make sure your carry-ons are within 28 x 22 x 14 inches and under 50 lbs. Some locations even allow up to four checked bags: two come free, and two for $20 each, but they should stay under 75 linear inches and 50 lbs. You can also check in overweight luggage, up to 70 lbs and 100 linear inches, for an additional $20 fee.
accessibility Accessibility open icon close icon
All trains accommodate passengers with disabilities. Features include accessible seats with extra room and areas where passengers can remain in their wheelchairs.
food_and_drink Food and drink open icon close icon
Trains offer various dining options, from meals to café services. Meal service is available for passengers with disabilities. Guidelines are present for personal food, beverages, and medication. Nutritional and allergen information provided for menu items.
bicycle Bicycle open icon close icon
Amtrak accommodates various types of special equipment with certain conditions. Bicycles are allowed on many routes, often requiring a reservation and small fee. Wheelchairs, scooters, and other mobility devices are accepted on all trains, with specific accessible seating and bedrooms available. Small musical instruments can be carried on if they fit under the seat or overhead rack, while larger ones must meet carry-on restrictions or be checked. Some sports equipment, like skis or golf clubs, can be carried on or checked depending on size.
Services on board Greyhound, Amtrak and FlixBus from Santa Maria, CA to San Francisco, CA
Compare services on board when travelling from Santa Maria, CA to San Francisco, CA by bus.
Facilities Greyhound Amtrak FlixBus
wifi WiFi check check check
power_sockets Power sockets check check check
luggage Luggage check check check
air_con Air conditioning check check check
accessibility Accessibility check check check
quiet_zone Quiet zone cross check cross
food_and_drink Food and drink cross check check
bicycle Bicycle cross check check
sleeper_couchette Sleeper cross check cross

Santa Maria, CA to San Francisco, CA CO2 Emissions by Bus

Ecology
Train
25.27kg
Bus
27.07kg
Flight
72.19kg
Car
57.75kg

Anything we can improve?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is a bus ticket from Santa Maria, CA to San Francisco, CA?
A bus ticket from Santa Maria, CA to San Francisco, CA is $47.33. However the price varies depending on how early you buy, and if it's peak time to travel. Occasionally you can find them for as cheap as $33.87.
What's the cheapest bus ticket from Santa Maria, CA to San Francisco, CA?
The cheapest ticket you can get from Santa Maria, CA to San Francisco, CA is $33.87. We recommend booking as early as possible and off-peak hours to get the cheapest ticket possible. Off-peak times are usually from 09:30 to 16:00, and after 19:00.
What's the distance between Santa Maria, CA and San Francisco, CA by bus?
Santa Maria, CA to San Francisco, CA is 224.28 mi.
How long does the bus between Santa Maria, CA and San Francisco, CA take?
Santa Maria, CA to San Francisco, CA is on average 7 hr 49 min. However the fastest option will get you there in 4 hr 45 min.
Which companies operate from Santa Maria, CA to San Francisco, CA?
The bus journey from Santa Maria, CA to San Francisco, CA is covered by 2 operator(s). On Virail you can find these carriers that provide services on this route: Greyhound, Amtrak and FlixBus.
How many bus connections per day go from Santa Maria, CA to San Francisco, CA?
Santa Maria, CA to San Francisco, CA has 4 connection(s) per day on average.
What time does the first bus from Santa Maria, CA to San Francisco, CA leave?
The earliest bus from Santa Maria, CA to San Francisco, CA departs at 3:00 AM. However be sure to check with us the schedule on the day you want to leave as the time may differ.
What time does the last bus from Santa Maria, CA to San Francisco, CA depart?
The latest bus from Santa Maria, CA to San Francisco, CA departs at 11:25 PM. However be sure to check with us the schedule on the day you want to leave as the time may differ.
Should I book my ticket from Santa Maria, CA to San Francisco, CA in advance?
If you can, we recommend booking your ticket as early as possible to ensure you get better savings. The cheapest bus ticket we have found is $33.87 but this may be subject to change depending on the day of travel, hour you wish to depart and how far in advance you book.
How many direct connections depart from Santa Maria, CA to San Francisco, CA?
There are on average 2 direct connection(s) from Santa Maria, CA to go to San Francisco, CA.
What's the fastest journey time between Santa Maria, CA to San Francisco, CA by bus?
The fastest journey time by bus between Santa Maria, CA and San Francisco, CA is 4 hr 45 min.
Is there a direct bus from Santa Maria, CA to San Francisco, CA?
Yes, there is a direct bus between Santa Maria, CA and San Francisco, CA.
What are the CO2 emissions for Santa Maria, CA to San Francisco, CA by bus?
The bus journey from Santa Maria, CA to San Francisco, CA creates 27.07kg of CO2 emissions.

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