How to get from Santa Maria, CA to San Diego

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

Looking for a trip? Check and compare all the available Buses and Flights to San Diego from Santa Maria, CA. Look at different modes of transportation, search 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
£37
£37
1
Flight
1h 13m
£92
£302
12

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

You can reach San Diego with just £37 by taking a Bus from FlixBus, but there are many more cheap offers: we have selected the best ones for you for the next few days here.

Sunday
Monday
from £97
Tuesday
from £92
Wednesday
Thursday
from £112
Friday
from £419
Saturday
from £37

    Cheapest Flights Monday

  • Skyscanner
    1h 14m
    0
    14:18
    San Luis Obispo County Airport
    San Luis Obispo County Airport
    15:32
    San Diego Airport
    San Diego Airport
    0
    Skyscanner
    Economy
    from £97
  • Skyscanner
    1h 13m
    0
    06:00
    San Luis Obispo County Airport
    San Luis Obispo County Airport
    07:13
    San Diego Airport
    San Diego Airport
    0
    Skyscanner
    Economy
    from £124
  • United Airlines
    5h 53m
    0
    18:25
    San Luis Obispo County Airport
    San Luis Obispo County Airport
    00:18
    San Diego Airport
    San Diego Airport
    0
    United Airlines
    Economy
    from £157
  • United Airlines
    5h 57m
    0
    14:43
    San Luis Obispo County Airport
    San Luis Obispo County Airport
    20:40
    San Diego Airport
    San Diego Airport
    0
    United Airlines
    Economy
    from £270
  • Alaska Airlines
    12h 5m
    0
    06:00
    San Luis Obispo County Airport
    San Luis Obispo County Airport
    18:05
    Tijuana Airport
    Tijuana Airport
    0
    Alaska Airlines
    Economy
    from £334
  • Alaska Airlines
    33h 5m
    0
    06:00
    San Luis Obispo County Airport
    San Luis Obispo County Airport
    15:05
    Tijuana Airport
    Tijuana Airport
    0
    Alaska Airlines
    Economy
    from £336

    Cheapest Flights Tuesday

  • Skyscanner
    1h 13m
    0
    06:00
    San Luis Obispo County Airport
    San Luis Obispo County Airport
    07:13
    San Diego Airport
    San Diego Airport
    0
    Skyscanner
    Economy
    from £92
  • Skyscanner
    1h 14m
    0
    14:18
    San Luis Obispo County Airport
    San Luis Obispo County Airport
    15:32
    San Diego Airport
    San Diego Airport
    0
    Skyscanner
    Economy
    from £92
  • Alaska Airlines
    9h 5m
    0
    06:00
    San Luis Obispo County Airport
    San Luis Obispo County Airport
    15:05
    Tijuana Airport
    Tijuana Airport
    0
    Alaska Airlines
    Economy
    from £303
  • Alaska Airlines
    28h 47m
    0
    14:18
    San Luis Obispo County Airport
    San Luis Obispo County Airport
    19:05
    Tijuana Airport
    Tijuana Airport
    0
    Alaska Airlines
    Economy
    from £307
  • Alaska Airlines
    24h 47m
    0
    14:18
    San Luis Obispo County Airport
    San Luis Obispo County Airport
    15:05
    Tijuana Airport
    Tijuana Airport
    0
    Alaska Airlines
    Economy
    from £317
  • Aeroméxico
    18h 55m
    0
    15:22
    San Luis Obispo County Airport
    San Luis Obispo County Airport
    10:17
    Tijuana Airport
    Tijuana Airport
    0
    Aeroméxico
    Economy
    from £537

    Cheapest Flights Thursday

  • United Airlines
    4h 5m
    0
    18:25
    San Luis Obispo County Airport
    San Luis Obispo County Airport
    22:30
    San Diego Airport
    San Diego Airport
    0
    United Airlines
    Economy
    from £112
  • Skyscanner
    3h 30m
    0
    14:21
    San Luis Obispo County Airport
    San Luis Obispo County Airport
    17:51
    San Diego Airport
    San Diego Airport
    0
    Skyscanner
    Economy
    from £112
  • Skyscanner
    1h 13m
    0
    06:00
    San Luis Obispo County Airport
    San Luis Obispo County Airport
    07:13
    San Diego Airport
    San Diego Airport
    0
    Skyscanner
    Economy
    from £113
  • United Airlines
    3h 46m
    0
    14:43
    San Luis Obispo County Airport
    San Luis Obispo County Airport
    18:29
    San Diego Airport
    San Diego Airport
    0
    United Airlines
    Economy
    from £274
  • Alaska Airlines
    8h 25m
    0
    13:05
    San Luis Obispo County Airport
    San Luis Obispo County Airport
    21:30
    San Diego Airport
    San Diego Airport
    0
    Alaska Airlines
    Economy
    from £396

    Cheapest Flights Friday

  • Alaska Airlines
    24h 47m
    0
    14:18
    San Luis Obispo County Airport
    San Luis Obispo County Airport
    15:05
    Tijuana Airport
    Tijuana Airport
    0
    Alaska Airlines
    Economy
    from £419
  • Alaska Airlines
    27h 47m
    0
    14:18
    San Luis Obispo County Airport
    San Luis Obispo County Airport
    18:05
    Tijuana Airport
    Tijuana Airport
    0
    Alaska Airlines
    Economy
    from £423
  • Alaska Airlines
    12h 5m
    0
    06:00
    San Luis Obispo County Airport
    San Luis Obispo County Airport
    18:05
    Tijuana Airport
    Tijuana Airport
    0
    Alaska Airlines
    Economy
    from £510
  • Aeroméxico
    19h 0m
    0
    15:22
    San Luis Obispo County Airport
    San Luis Obispo County Airport
    10:22
    Tijuana Airport
    Tijuana Airport
    0
    Aeroméxico
    Economy
    from £578

    Cheapest Buses Saturday

  • FlixBus
    8h 45m
    0
    17:05
    Santa Maria, CA
    Ihop
    01:50
    San Diego
    Seaport Village
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £37

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. But this is just one option, click on any of the offers below to compare it with the other available modes of transportations.

Sunday
Monday
from 1h 13m
Tuesday
from 1h 13m
Wednesday
Thursday
from 1h 13m
Friday
from 12h 5m
Saturday
from 8h 45m

    Fastest Flights Monday

  • Skyscanner
    1h 13m
    0
    06:00
    San Luis Obispo County Airport
    San Luis Obispo County Airport
    07:13
    San Diego Airport
    San Diego Airport
    0
    Skyscanner
    Economy
    from £124
  • Skyscanner
    1h 14m
    0
    14:18
    San Luis Obispo County Airport
    San Luis Obispo County Airport
    15:32
    San Diego Airport
    San Diego Airport
    0
    Skyscanner
    Economy
    from £97
  • United Airlines
    5h 53m
    0
    18:25
    San Luis Obispo County Airport
    San Luis Obispo County Airport
    00:18
    San Diego Airport
    San Diego Airport
    0
    United Airlines
    Economy
    from £157
  • United Airlines
    5h 57m
    0
    14:43
    San Luis Obispo County Airport
    San Luis Obispo County Airport
    20:40
    San Diego Airport
    San Diego Airport
    0
    United Airlines
    Economy
    from £270
  • Alaska Airlines
    8h 25m
    0
    13:05
    San Luis Obispo County Airport
    San Luis Obispo County Airport
    21:30
    San Diego Airport
    San Diego Airport
    0
    Alaska Airlines
    Economy
    from £391
  • Alaska Airlines
    12h 5m
    0
    06:00
    San Luis Obispo County Airport
    San Luis Obispo County Airport
    18:05
    Tijuana Airport
    Tijuana Airport
    0
    Alaska Airlines
    Economy
    from £334

    Fastest Flights Tuesday

  • Skyscanner
    1h 13m
    0
    06:00
    San Luis Obispo County Airport
    San Luis Obispo County Airport
    07:13
    San Diego Airport
    San Diego Airport
    0
    Skyscanner
    Economy
    from £92
  • Skyscanner
    1h 14m
    0
    14:18
    San Luis Obispo County Airport
    San Luis Obispo County Airport
    15:32
    San Diego Airport
    San Diego Airport
    0
    Skyscanner
    Economy
    from £92
  • Alaska Airlines
    9h 5m
    0
    06:00
    San Luis Obispo County Airport
    San Luis Obispo County Airport
    15:05
    Tijuana Airport
    Tijuana Airport
    0
    Alaska Airlines
    Economy
    from £303
  • Aeroméxico
    18h 55m
    0
    15:22
    San Luis Obispo County Airport
    San Luis Obispo County Airport
    10:17
    Tijuana Airport
    Tijuana Airport
    0
    Aeroméxico
    Economy
    from £537
  • Alaska Airlines
    24h 47m
    0
    14:18
    San Luis Obispo County Airport
    San Luis Obispo County Airport
    15:05
    Tijuana Airport
    Tijuana Airport
    0
    Alaska Airlines
    Economy
    from £317
  • Alaska Airlines
    28h 47m
    0
    14:18
    San Luis Obispo County Airport
    San Luis Obispo County Airport
    19:05
    Tijuana Airport
    Tijuana Airport
    0
    Alaska Airlines
    Economy
    from £307

    Fastest Flights Thursday

  • Skyscanner
    1h 13m
    0
    06:00
    San Luis Obispo County Airport
    San Luis Obispo County Airport
    07:13
    San Diego Airport
    San Diego Airport
    0
    Skyscanner
    Economy
    from £113
  • Skyscanner
    3h 30m
    0
    14:21
    San Luis Obispo County Airport
    San Luis Obispo County Airport
    17:51
    San Diego Airport
    San Diego Airport
    0
    Skyscanner
    Economy
    from £112
  • United Airlines
    3h 46m
    0
    14:43
    San Luis Obispo County Airport
    San Luis Obispo County Airport
    18:29
    San Diego Airport
    San Diego Airport
    0
    United Airlines
    Economy
    from £274
  • United Airlines
    4h 5m
    0
    18:25
    San Luis Obispo County Airport
    San Luis Obispo County Airport
    22:30
    San Diego Airport
    San Diego Airport
    0
    United Airlines
    Economy
    from £112
  • Alaska Airlines
    8h 25m
    0
    13:05
    San Luis Obispo County Airport
    San Luis Obispo County Airport
    21:30
    San Diego Airport
    San Diego Airport
    0
    Alaska Airlines
    Economy
    from £396

    Fastest Flights Friday

  • Alaska Airlines
    12h 5m
    0
    06:00
    San Luis Obispo County Airport
    San Luis Obispo County Airport
    18:05
    Tijuana Airport
    Tijuana Airport
    0
    Alaska Airlines
    Economy
    from £510
  • Aeroméxico
    19h 0m
    0
    15:22
    San Luis Obispo County Airport
    San Luis Obispo County Airport
    10:22
    Tijuana Airport
    Tijuana Airport
    0
    Aeroméxico
    Economy
    from £578
  • Alaska Airlines
    24h 47m
    0
    14:18
    San Luis Obispo County Airport
    San Luis Obispo County Airport
    15:05
    Tijuana Airport
    Tijuana Airport
    0
    Alaska Airlines
    Economy
    from £419
  • Alaska Airlines
    27h 47m
    0
    14:18
    San Luis Obispo County Airport
    San Luis Obispo County Airport
    18:05
    Tijuana Airport
    Tijuana Airport
    0
    Alaska Airlines
    Economy
    from £423

    Fastest Buses Saturday

  • FlixBus
    8h 45m
    0
    17:05
    Santa Maria, CA
    Ihop
    01:50
    San Diego
    Seaport Village
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £37
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 5 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 £37 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 Alaska Airlines, Skyscanner and United Airlines, 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 Alaska Airlines, Skyscanner and United Airlines. Be sure to check their seat class offers and the amenities that they provide.

Bus companies: FlixBus

Airlines: Alaska Airlines, Skyscanner, United Airlines and 1 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 5 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 391.8 km.

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 £37 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!

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