San Diego → San Luis Obispo · about ~55m in the air · ~€30–100
Bus to Santa Maria
San Luis Obispo → Santa Maria · about 50m · ~€2–6
Where the time goes
About the trip from Tijuana to Santa Maria
Tijuana (Mexico) and Santa Maria (United States) are 418 km (260 mi) apart in a straight line. The way we suggest is by bus and flight, via San Diego: ~7h 10m door to door with 1 change, for ~€34–112 per person. Without flying, it takes about 8h 20m by bus and train, via San Diego, Los Angeles and Santa Barbara. The trip crosses one border, so check what papers you need.
Step by step
Bus from Tijuana to San Diego: about 1h 30m, 28 km, ~€2–6
Flight from San Diego to San Luis Obispo: ~55m in the air, 430 km, ~€30–100
Bus from San Luis Obispo to Santa Maria: about 50m, 42 km, ~€2–6
Every route we know
Bus + Flight, via San Diego: ~7h 10m, 1 change, ~€34–112
Bus + Train + Bus, via San Diego, Los Angeles and Santa Barbara: about 8h 20m, 3 changes, ~€15–49
Bus + Flight, via San Diego and Phoenix: ~7h 45m, 2 changes, ~€72–246
Bus + Train + Bus, via San Diego and Santa Barbara: about 9h 5m, 2 changes, ~€20–54
Bus + Train + Flight, via San Diego, Los Angeles and Ontario: about 9h 5m, 3 changes, ~€34–111
Questions
How long does it take to get from Tijuana to Santa Maria?
~7h 10m door to door by bus and flight, via San Diego, including time for changes and airports.
How much does it cost to travel from Tijuana to Santa Maria?
~€34–112 per person for the route we suggest. These are estimates from travel-guide prices and published tariffs, not quotes: check the operator for today's fare.
Can you get from Tijuana to Santa Maria without flying?
Yes: by bus and train, via San Diego, Los Angeles and Santa Barbara, in about 8h 20m, for ~€15–49.
Times are rough door-to-door times, with time to change and to get through airports included. A "~" marks a rough time worked out from the distance. We don't have timetables, and fares are rough estimates, not quotes: check Google Maps or the operator before you travel.