Rome2Rio

How to get fromPalo Alto to Santa Mariaby bus (Amtrak), train, bus, car, or plane

Find Transport to Santa Maria

See all options

There are 5 ways to get from Palo Alto to Santa Maria by bus (Amtrak), train, bus, car, or plane

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

  1. Bus

    best
    1. Take the bus from San Jose to San Luis Obispobus bus Amtrak Thruway Connecting Service
    2. Take the bus from Government Center to Santa Maria Transit Centerbus bus 10S
    8h 52m
    $68–102

  2. Drive 228.9 mi

    cheapest
    1. Drive from Palo Alto to Santa Mariacar car 228.9 mi
    4h 6m
    $42–61

  3. Train, bus

    1. Take the train from San Jose to Paso Robles Amtrak Stationtrain train
    2. Take the bus from North County Transit Center to Government Centerbus bus 9S
    3. Take the bus from Government Center to Santa Maria Transit Centerbus bus 10S
    9h 25m
    $58–122

  4. Fly to San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport, bus

    1. Fly from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport (SBP)plane plane SFO - SBP
    2. Take the bus from Government Center to Santa Maria Transit Centerbus bus
    6h 12m
    $177–424

  5. Fly to Santa Barbara Municipal Airport, bus

    1. Fly from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA)plane plane SFO - SBA
    2. Take the bus from Santa Barbara Airport to Santa Maria Airport, CAbus bus
    6h 33m
    $245–465

Palo Alto to Santa Maria by train and bus

Calendar7Weekly Services
Duration9h 25mAverage Duration
Ticket$58Cheapest Price
See schedules

Questions & Answers

Map of how to get from Palo Alto to Santa Maria.ExpandLaunch map view
  • Distance: 239.6 mi
  • Duration: 8h 52m

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

You can take a train from California Avenue Caltrain Southbound to Santa Maria Transit Center via San Jose Diridon Caltrain Southbound, San Jose, Amtrak Station, Downtown Transit Center, and Government Center in around 8h 52m.

Airlines
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