Rome2Rio

How to get fromLake Forest to Santa Mariaby train (Amtrak), train, bus, car, or bus (Amtrak)

Find Transport to Santa Maria

See all options

There are 4 ways to get from Lake Forest to Santa Maria by train (Amtrak), train, bus, car, or bus (Amtrak)

Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2Rio's travel planner.

  1. Train (Amtrak)

    best
    1. Take the train from Irvine to Guadalupe Amtrak Stationtrain train Pacific Surfliner
    7h 22m
    $76–159

  2. Train, bus

    cheapest
    1. Take the train from Irvine to L.A. Union Stationtrain train
    2. Take the bus from Los Angeles Union Station to Santa Barbara Bus Stopbus bus
    3. Take the bus from Chapala at Figueroa to Santa Maria Transit Centerbus bus
    8h 12m
    $32–47

  3. Drive 203.2 mi

    1. Drive from Lake Forest to Santa Mariacar car 203.2 mi
    3h 42m
    $38–54

  4. Bus

    1. Take the bus from Irvine to Los Angelesbus bus Amtrak Thruway Connecting Service
    2. Take the bus from Los Angeles Airport, CA to Santa Maria Airport, CAbus bus
    8h 38m
    $109–147

Lake Forest to Santa Maria by train and bus (Amtrak)

Calendar14Weekly Services
Duration7h 22mAverage Duration
Ticket$76Cheapest Price
See schedules

Questions & Answers

Map of how to get from Lake Forest to Santa Maria.ExpandLaunch map view
  • Distance: 249.5 mi
  • Duration: 7h 22m

What companies run services between Lake Forest, Orange County, CA, USA and Santa Maria, Santa Barbara County, CA, USA?

Amtrak operates a train from Irvine to Guadalupe Amtrak Station twice daily. Tickets cost $70–160 and the journey takes 5h 59m. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Irvine to Main at Broadway via Los Angeles, Los Angeles Union Station, Los Angeles Airport, CA, Santa Maria Airport, CA, and Santa Maria Public Airport in around 8h 38m.

Train operators
Bus operators

Want to know more about travelling around United States

Rome2Rio's Travel Guide series provide vital information for the global traveller. Filled with useful and timely travel information, the guides answer all the hard questions - such as 'How do I buy a ticket?', 'Should I book online before I travel? ', 'How much should I expect to pay?', 'Do the trains and buses have Wifi?' - to help you get the most out of your next trip.

Related travel guides

More Questions & Answers