How to get from Santa Maria, CA to San Diego

Compare Buses and Flights with one click and find the best one for you
1
Search accommodation with Booking.com
The Best Deals Save up to 70%
The Most Choices Millions of routes worldwide
Easy and Transparent Compare offers with 1 click

What is the best way to travel from Santa Maria, CA to San Diego?

Looking for a trip? Compare all the available Buses and Flights for the journey to San Diego from Santa Maria, CA. Check between different modes of transportation, look for the cheapest tickets, fastest rides and most popular stations, and see all 1 available companies to find your perfect trip!
Bus is the cheapest, while Flight is the fastest way on this route
Transport type
Travel time
Cheapest price
Average price
Daily departures
Bus
8h 45m
$44
$62
1
Flight
1h 13m
$124
$313
11

What is the cheapest way to reach San Diego from Santa Maria, CA?

You can get to San Diego with just $44 by taking a Bus from FlixBus, but you can find many more cheap offers: we have selected the best ones for next few days here for you.

Monday
from $126
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
from $80
Saturday
from $44
Sunday

    Cheapest Flights Monday

  • Skyscanner
    1h 13m
    0
    6:00 AM
    San Luis Obispo County Airport
    San Luis Obispo County Airport
    7:13 AM
    San Diego Airport
    San Diego Airport
    0
    Skyscanner
    Economy
    from $126
  • Skyscanner
    1h 14m
    0
    2:18 PM
    San Luis Obispo County Airport
    San Luis Obispo County Airport
    3:32 PM
    San Diego Airport
    San Diego Airport
    0
    Skyscanner
    Economy
    from $126
  • Volaris
    16h 48m
    0
    3:22 PM
    San Luis Obispo County Airport
    San Luis Obispo County Airport
    8:10 AM
    Tijuana Airport
    Tijuana Airport
    0
    Volaris
    Economy
    from $272
  • Volaris
    15h 1m
    0
    3:22 PM
    San Luis Obispo County Airport
    San Luis Obispo County Airport
    6:23 AM
    Tijuana Airport
    Tijuana Airport
    0
    Volaris
    Economy
    from $283
  • Alaska Airlines
    13h 5m
    0
    6:00 AM
    San Luis Obispo County Airport
    San Luis Obispo County Airport
    7:05 PM
    Tijuana Airport
    Tijuana Airport
    0
    Alaska Airlines
    Economy
    from $398
  • Alaska Airlines
    9h 5m
    0
    6:00 AM
    San Luis Obispo County Airport
    San Luis Obispo County Airport
    3:05 PM
    Tijuana Airport
    Tijuana Airport
    0
    Alaska Airlines
    Economy
    from $434

    Cheapest Buses Friday

  • FlixBus
    8h 45m
    0
    5:05 PM
    Santa Maria, CA
    Ihop
    1:50 AM
    San Diego
    Seaport Village
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    $80
  • Cheapest Flights Friday

  • Skyscanner
    1h 13m
    0
    6:00 AM
    San Luis Obispo County Airport
    San Luis Obispo County Airport
    7:13 AM
    San Diego Airport
    San Diego Airport
    0
    Skyscanner
    Economy
    from $134
  • Skyscanner
    1h 14m
    0
    2:18 PM
    San Luis Obispo County Airport
    San Luis Obispo County Airport
    3:32 PM
    San Diego Airport
    San Diego Airport
    0
    Skyscanner
    Economy
    from $134
  • Viva Aerobus
    40h 48m
    0
    3:22 PM
    San Luis Obispo County Airport
    San Luis Obispo County Airport
    8:10 AM
    Tijuana Airport
    Tijuana Airport
    0
    Viva Aerobus
    Economy
    from $326
  • United Airlines
    4h 5m
    0
    6:25 PM
    San Luis Obispo County Airport
    San Luis Obispo County Airport
    10:30 PM
    San Diego Airport
    San Diego Airport
    0
    United Airlines
    Economy
    from $344
  • United Airlines
    6h 41m
    0
    6:00 AM
    San Luis Obispo County Airport
    San Luis Obispo County Airport
    12:41 PM
    San Diego Airport
    San Diego Airport
    0
    United Airlines
    Economy
    from $351
  • Volaris
    33h 51m
    0
    3:22 PM
    San Luis Obispo County Airport
    San Luis Obispo County Airport
    1:13 AM
    Tijuana Airport
    Tijuana Airport
    0
    Volaris
    Economy
    from $365

    Cheapest Buses Saturday

  • FlixBus
    8h 45m
    0
    5:05 PM
    Santa Maria, CA
    Nicholson Ave
    1:50 AM
    San Diego
    Seaport Village
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    $44
  • Cheapest Flights Saturday

  • Skyscanner
    1h 13m
    0
    6:00 AM
    San Luis Obispo County Airport
    San Luis Obispo County Airport
    7:13 AM
    San Diego Airport
    San Diego Airport
    0
    Skyscanner
    Economy
    from $124
  • Skyscanner
    1h 14m
    0
    2:18 PM
    San Luis Obispo County Airport
    San Luis Obispo County Airport
    3:32 PM
    San Diego Airport
    San Diego Airport
    0
    Skyscanner
    Economy
    from $124
  • Viva Aerobus
    51h 53m
    0
    3:22 PM
    San Luis Obispo County Airport
    San Luis Obispo County Airport
    7:15 PM
    Tijuana Airport
    Tijuana Airport
    0
    Viva Aerobus
    Economy
    from $333
  • Volaris
    33h 51m
    0
    3:22 PM
    San Luis Obispo County Airport
    San Luis Obispo County Airport
    1:13 AM
    Tijuana Airport
    Tijuana Airport
    0
    Volaris
    Economy
    from $356
  • Volaris
    30h 6m
    0
    3:22 PM
    San Luis Obispo County Airport
    San Luis Obispo County Airport
    9:28 PM
    Tijuana Airport
    Tijuana Airport
    0
    Volaris
    Economy
    from $373
  • Viva Aerobus
    32h 43m
    0
    3:22 PM
    San Luis Obispo County Airport
    San Luis Obispo County Airport
    12:05 AM
    Tijuana Airport
    Tijuana Airport
    0
    Viva Aerobus
    Economy
    from $378

What are the fastest trips from Santa Maria, CA to San Diego?

You can get to San Diego from Santa Maria, CA in just 1h 13m with a Flight from Skyscanner. This is not the only option, and you can click on any of the offers below to compare it with the other modes of transportations.

Monday
from 1h 13m
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
from 1h 13m
Saturday
from 1h 13m
Sunday

    Fastest Flights Monday

  • Skyscanner
    1h 13m
    0
    6:00 AM
    San Luis Obispo County Airport
    San Luis Obispo County Airport
    7:13 AM
    San Diego Airport
    San Diego Airport
    0
    Skyscanner
    Economy
    from $126
  • Skyscanner
    1h 14m
    0
    2:18 PM
    San Luis Obispo County Airport
    San Luis Obispo County Airport
    3:32 PM
    San Diego Airport
    San Diego Airport
    0
    Skyscanner
    Economy
    from $126
  • Alaska Airlines
    9h 5m
    0
    6:00 AM
    San Luis Obispo County Airport
    San Luis Obispo County Airport
    3:05 PM
    Tijuana Airport
    Tijuana Airport
    0
    Alaska Airlines
    Economy
    from $434
  • Alaska Airlines
    12h 45m
    0
    6:00 AM
    San Luis Obispo County Airport
    San Luis Obispo County Airport
    6:45 PM
    Tijuana Airport
    Tijuana Airport
    0
    Alaska Airlines
    Economy
    from $441
  • Alaska Airlines
    13h 5m
    0
    6:00 AM
    San Luis Obispo County Airport
    San Luis Obispo County Airport
    7:05 PM
    Tijuana Airport
    Tijuana Airport
    0
    Alaska Airlines
    Economy
    from $398
  • Volaris
    15h 1m
    0
    3:22 PM
    San Luis Obispo County Airport
    San Luis Obispo County Airport
    6:23 AM
    Tijuana Airport
    Tijuana Airport
    0
    Volaris
    Economy
    from $283

    Fastest Flights Friday

  • Skyscanner
    1h 13m
    0
    6:00 AM
    San Luis Obispo County Airport
    San Luis Obispo County Airport
    7:13 AM
    San Diego Airport
    San Diego Airport
    0
    Skyscanner
    Economy
    from $134
  • Skyscanner
    1h 14m
    0
    2:18 PM
    San Luis Obispo County Airport
    San Luis Obispo County Airport
    3:32 PM
    San Diego Airport
    San Diego Airport
    0
    Skyscanner
    Economy
    from $134
  • United Airlines
    4h 5m
    0
    6:25 PM
    San Luis Obispo County Airport
    San Luis Obispo County Airport
    10:30 PM
    San Diego Airport
    San Diego Airport
    0
    United Airlines
    Economy
    from $344
  • United Airlines
    6h 41m
    0
    6:00 AM
    San Luis Obispo County Airport
    San Luis Obispo County Airport
    12:41 PM
    San Diego Airport
    San Diego Airport
    0
    United Airlines
    Economy
    from $351
  • Alaska Airlines
    8h 25m
    0
    1:05 PM
    San Luis Obispo County Airport
    San Luis Obispo County Airport
    9:30 PM
    San Diego Airport
    San Diego Airport
    0
    Alaska Airlines
    Economy
    from $513
  • Alaska Airlines
    15h 51m
    0
    6:00 AM
    San Luis Obispo County Airport
    San Luis Obispo County Airport
    9:51 PM
    Tijuana Airport
    Tijuana Airport
    0
    Alaska Airlines
    Economy
    from $394
  • Fastest Buses Friday

  • FlixBus
    8h 45m
    0
    5:05 PM
    Santa Maria, CA
    Ihop
    1:50 AM
    San Diego
    Seaport Village
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    $80

    Fastest Flights Saturday

  • Skyscanner
    1h 13m
    0
    6:00 AM
    San Luis Obispo County Airport
    San Luis Obispo County Airport
    7:13 AM
    San Diego Airport
    San Diego Airport
    0
    Skyscanner
    Economy
    from $124
  • Skyscanner
    1h 14m
    0
    2:18 PM
    San Luis Obispo County Airport
    San Luis Obispo County Airport
    3:32 PM
    San Diego Airport
    San Diego Airport
    0
    Skyscanner
    Economy
    from $124
  • Alaska Airlines
    12h 5m
    0
    6:00 AM
    San Luis Obispo County Airport
    San Luis Obispo County Airport
    6:05 PM
    Tijuana Airport
    Tijuana Airport
    0
    Alaska Airlines
    Economy
    from $380
  • Volaris
    30h 6m
    0
    3:22 PM
    San Luis Obispo County Airport
    San Luis Obispo County Airport
    9:28 PM
    Tijuana Airport
    Tijuana Airport
    0
    Volaris
    Economy
    from $373
  • Viva Aerobus
    32h 43m
    0
    3:22 PM
    San Luis Obispo County Airport
    San Luis Obispo County Airport
    12:05 AM
    Tijuana Airport
    Tijuana Airport
    0
    Viva Aerobus
    Economy
    from $378
  • Volaris
    33h 51m
    0
    3:22 PM
    San Luis Obispo County Airport
    San Luis Obispo County Airport
    1:13 AM
    Tijuana Airport
    Tijuana Airport
    0
    Volaris
    Economy
    from $356
  • Fastest Buses Saturday

  • FlixBus
    8h 45m
    0
    5:05 PM
    Santa Maria, CA
    Nicholson Ave
    1:50 AM
    San Diego
    Seaport Village
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    $44
Here you will find all operators and timetables for a Bus from Santa Maria, CA to San Diego

What are the most popular stations in Santa Maria, CA and San Diego?

In Santa Maria, CA, you will usually depart from Ihop, Transit Center or Bus Stop, while in San Diego you will be arriving at Santa Fe Depot, San Ysidro Transit Center or Old Town Transit Center, but there are many more stops to explore in both locations.

How do I decide? Some tips and tricks from our experience

Are you having trouble deciding on how to get to San Diego from Santa Maria, CA? With 8 connections between 1 Bus and Flight operators, it can be difficult to find the one ride that will make you happy. But we have some tips that can help you make the best informed decision. First of all, the best trip is always the one that meets all your needs, so make a list of all the things that you want from this journey and look for something that will satisfy all of them. Here we will go through some of the factors mostly commonly taken into consideration.

Look for the lowest price

Ticket price is usually the main concern: even if you can afford to pay more, why do it if there are cheaper options? Saving on the trip means that you can spend more on the vacation itself! Between Santa Maria, CA and San Diego, you can pay as low as $44 with a Bus from FlixBus.

Travel duration

Time is also an important factor. An earlier departure may allow you to see a beautiful sunset or relax before an important event. And remember, time is money, so paying more for a shorter trip may be well worth it. For longer distances, flights are without doubt the best options, but be mindful of airport times and possible delays: a high-speed train may end up cheaper and faster! Here the quicker option is definitely the Flight from Skyscanner: you will get to San Diego in just 1h 13m.

Comfort makes all the difference

You should always take into account what your personal travelling preferences are. Is one hand luggage enough, or are you trasporting more? Would you like to have a snack during the journey? Can you relax in a busy compartment, or do you need space for yourself? Even among the same mode of transportation, different companies will offer you varying levels of comfort and amenities. The main operators connecting Santa Maria, CA and San Diego are Volaris, Alaska Airlines and Skyscanner, but be sure to check what they have to offer!

Save money with deals, and always compare

One last tip? Even if you live in Santa Maria, CA and San Diego is your only destination, it may be wise to check the offers from and to nearby cities or, if you are flyng, nearby airports. Check the trips from Santa Maria Airport or to San Diego Airport, and look at flights from San Luis Obispo County Airport, and landing at Tijuana Airport. Comparing different routes may allow you to find deals or promotions you were not aware of. Consider also signing up to CheckMyBus to see even more exclusive promotions!

Which companies offer a trip from Santa Maria, CA to San Diego?

The most popular companies between Santa Maria, CA and San Diego, are Volaris, Alaska Airlines and Skyscanner. Be sure to check their seat class offers and the amenities that they provide.

Bus companies: FlixBus

Airlines: Volaris, Alaska Airlines, Skyscanner and 2 more.

All you need to know when you travel from Santa Maria, CA to San Diego

Check all information on comfort and services on all modes of transports from Santa Maria, CA to San Diego. See which seat classes are available, and what amenities are other advantages offered by the operators on your journey.

FAQs about the trip from Santa Maria, CA to San Diego

How can I reach San Diego from Santa Maria, CA?

Every day, there are on average 8 connections between Bus and Flight, with which you can get to San Diego from Santa Maria, CA.

How far is San Diego from Santa Maria, CA?

The distance between Santa Maria, CA and San Diego is 243.5 miles.

What is the most ecofriendly mode of transport between Santa Maria, CA and San Diego?

Trains and buses are by far the greenest options, with trains surpassing buses on longer routes. Planes will always be the worst polluters, especially in shorter flights, were the emissions from the takeoff and landing are less offset by the distance. On this particular route, a bus will emit, per person, a total of 11 kgs of CO2, a train 14 kgs, a car 67 kgs, and a flight 96 kgs.

What is the cheapest mode of transport from Santa Maria, CA to San Diego?

You can get to San Diego with just $44 by taking a Bus from FlixBus.

What is the fastest way to get from Santa Maria, CA to San Diego?

While a plane is travelling fastest boarding and transfer to airport consumes a lot of time. Usually, high speed trains are better than flights if pure train travel time is below 4 hours. For this particular route, you can get to San Diego in just 1h 13m with a Flight from Skyscanner.

More routes to Santa Maria, CA and to San Diego

Looking for more options? Here you can see the most popular routes to Santa Maria, CA and to San Diego. Simply click on a connection, and you’ll find all the details about the route!

The CheckMyBus App

Free Download

App Store
CheckMyBus App
Close
GPDR CheckMyBus shield

We value your privacy!

To show you the best bus offers, we and our partners use technical, analytical, and marketing cookies to personalize the ads. We remember your anonymized details to provide a personalized experience.