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

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

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 Salinas to San Luis Obispotrain train Coast Starlight
    8h 7m
    $50–111

  2. Bus via King City

    cheapest
    1. Take the bus from Salinas Transit Center / Gate 9 to Canal / Bassett Streetbus bus 23 / ...
    2. Take the bus from Canal / Bassett Street to North County Transportation Ctr / Paso Roblesbus bus 84
    3. Take the bus from North County Transit Center to Government Centerbus bus 9S
    4. Take the bus from Government Center to Santa Maria Transit Centerbus bus 10S
    9h 48m
    $11–19

  3. Bus

    1. Take the bus from Salinas to San Luis Obispobus bus Amtrak Thruway Connecting Service
    2. Take the bus from Government Center to Santa Maria Transit Centerbus bus 10S
    8h 20m
    $45–74

  4. Drive 169.6 mi

    1. Drive from Monterey to Santa Mariacar car 169.6 mi
    3h 8m
    $31–45

Monterey to Santa Maria by bus and train (Amtrak)

Calendar7Weekly Services
Duration8h 7mAverage Duration
Ticket$50Cheapest Price
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Questions & Answers

Map of how to get from Monterey to Santa Maria.ExpandLaunch map view
  • Distance: 185.7 mi
  • Duration: 8h 7m

What companies run services between Monterey, CA, USA and Santa Maria, Santa Barbara County, CA, USA?

Amtrak operates a train from Salinas to San Luis Obispo once daily. Tickets cost $40–90 and the journey takes 3h 18m. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Tyler / Franklin to Santa Maria Transit Center via Salinas Transit Center / Gate 7, Salinas, Amtrak Station, Downtown Transit Center, and Government Center in around 8h 20m.

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Bus operators

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