- Must visit
California State Railroad Museum
Major rail museum in Old Sacramento with restored locomotives, railcars, and exhibits on how rail shaped California and the American West.
Cheapest price
$18
Average price
$21
Fastest journey
1 h 36 m
Average duration
1 h 47 m
Buses per day
17
Distance
113 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Modesto, CA to Sacramento, CA is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Modesto, CA to Sacramento, CA will cost around $21 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $18.
Of the 17 buses that leave Modesto, CA for Sacramento, CA on Mon, Jun 22, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, Jun 22 the direct buses cover the 113 km distance in an average of 1 h 47 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 1 h 36 m .
On Mon, Jun 22 the slowest buses will take 1 h 51 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
719 Gold Runner · 3819 AMTRAK
717 Gold Runner · 3717 AMTRAK
713 Gold Runner · 3713 AMTRAK
715 Gold Runner · 3715 AMTRAK
711 Gold Runner · 3711 AMTRAK
711 Gold Runner · 3711 AMTRAK
717 Gold Runner · 3717 AMTRAK
711 Gold Runner · 3711 AMTRAK
713 Gold Runner · 3713 AMTRAKOmio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Modesto, CA to Sacramento, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $16. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 1h 47m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $16, and a train costs an average of $19.
Distance: 70 miles (113 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$20 Average price Cheapest | $22 Average price | $16 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 17m Average total duration Fastest 1h 47m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 18m Average total duration 1h 48m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 15m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions | 0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Modesto, CA to Sacramento, CA:
A bus is $2 (€2) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Modesto, CA to Sacramento, CA costing on average $22 (€18).
Other travel options to Sacramento, CA take longer:
Train takes on average 1h 48m.
You'll arrive about -1h -32m sooner (1h 47m by bus vs 1h 15m by car) and save roughly $-4.17 (€-3.41) compared to fuel and tolls ($20 (€16) vs $16 (€13)). You also skip the drive itself — no traffic stress, no parking, and you can use the time to work, nap, or catch up on a series with the onboard Wi-Fi.
Direct coaches are operated by Greyhound.
Driving is still worth considering if you're travelling with bulky luggage, need flexibility on departure times, or plan to stop along the way.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 12:20AM | Arrival Time 02:30AM | Duration 2h10 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $27 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 01:25AM | Arrival Time 03:10AM | Duration 1h45 | Departure days Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $17 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 02:25AM | Arrival Time 04:10AM | Duration 1h45 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $16 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 02:46AM | Arrival Time 04:50AM | Duration 2h04 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $18 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 03:46AM | Arrival Time 05:50AM | Duration 2h04 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $16 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 06:50AM | Arrival Time 08:45AM | Duration 1h55 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $26 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 08:44AM | Arrival Time 10:35AM | Duration 1h51 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $18 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 12:44PM | Arrival Time 02:50PM | Duration 2h06 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $18 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 02:10PM | Arrival Time 04:00PM | Duration 1h50 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $23 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 02:44PM | Arrival Time 04:50PM | Duration 2h06 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $18 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 03:05PM | Arrival Time 04:55PM | Duration 1h50 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $22 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 05:00PM | Arrival Time 06:45PM | Duration 1h45 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $23 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 05:50PM | Arrival Time 07:40PM | Duration 1h50 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $18 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 07:46PM | Arrival Time 09:50PM | Duration 2h04 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $18 |
The table below shows live departures for Modesto, CA to Sacramento, CA buses for today, Sunday, June 21. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 3:05 PM Modesto, CA | 1h50 | 4:55 PM Sacramento, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus and train prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Buses from Modesto, CA to Sacramento, CA run on average 11 times per day, taking around 1h 47m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $16 (€13) if you book in advance.
There are 3 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:05, the last at 22:20. The fastest bus covers the 70 miles (113 km) distance in 1h 30m.
Distance 70 miles (113 km) |
Average bus duration 1h 47m |
Cheapest ticket price $16 (€13) |
Buses per day 11 |
Direct buses 3 |
Fastest bus 1h 30m |
First bus 12:05 AM |
Last bus 10:20 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 1 day |
Discover the best of Sacramento — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Sacramento trip today.
Major rail museum in Old Sacramento with restored locomotives, railcars, and exhibits on how rail shaped California and the American West.
The oldest art museum west of the Mississippi, known for California art, European works, ceramics, and a strong rotating exhibition program.
Museum inside the historic State Capitol featuring restored rooms, political history exhibits, and insights into California government.
The city’s most visited historic district, popular for boardwalk-style streets, river views, museums, and Gold Rush atmosphere.
Lively central district known for murals, boutiques, nightlife, and walkable blocks that are especially popular with younger visitors.
Long scenic parkway with trails, river access, and cycling and walking routes that showcase Sacramento’s outdoors side.
Sacramento is known as the Farm-To-Fork Capital, and seasonal plates built around Central Valley produce are a signature local dining experience.
Asparagus from the nearby Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta is a regional specialty, often grilled, roasted, or served simply during spring harvest season.
This tomato-based seafood stew is a Northern California classic commonly found in Sacramento restaurants, reflecting the region’s strong connection to California coastal cooking.
A celebrated fine-dining destination known for an interactive tasting menu, polished service, and one of Sacramento’s most famous special-occasion experiences.
A long-established Farm-To-Fork favorite serving seasonal California cuisine in a warm, upscale setting inside a historic firehouse.
A popular local favorite for casual California fare, sandwiches, salads, and prepared foods with a strong emphasis on fresh ingredients.
Moderate by U.S. standards. Dining and coffee are manageable, but hotels and upscale meals can be pricey.
Tip 18-20% at sit-down restaurants before tax. USD 1-2 per drink at bars, round up taxis, and tip hotel staff USD 2-5. Counter-service tips are optional.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Modesto, CA to Sacramento, CA by bus. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest bus, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Sacramento, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Modesto, CA to Sacramento, CA buses use the Modesto, Downtown Transit Center (Southern Pacififc) to Sacramento, Bus Terminal station pair. Use this guide to compare Modesto, CA and Sacramento, CA bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need