- 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
$48
Average price
$49
Fastest journey
8 h 42 m
Average duration
8 h 42 m
Buses per day
2
Distance
212 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Salinas, 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 Salinas, CA to Sacramento, CA will cost around $49 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $48.
Of the 2 buses that leave Salinas, CA for Sacramento, CA on Sat, Jun 20, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Jun 20 the direct buses cover the 212 km distance in an average of 8 h 42 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 8 h 42 m .
On Sat, Jun 20 the slowest buses will take 8 h 42 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.




Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Salinas, CA to Sacramento, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $48. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 4h 27m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $48, and a flight costs an average of $247.
Distance: 131 miles (212 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight |
|---|---|---|
$49 Average price Cheapest | $60 Average price | $448 Average price |
4h 57m Average total duration Fastest 4h 27m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 40m Average total duration 5h 10m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 33m Average total duration 5h 33m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Salinas, CA to Sacramento, CA:
A bus is $11 (€9) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Salinas, CA to Sacramento, CA costing on average $60 (€49).
A bus is $399 (€327) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Salinas, CA to Sacramento, CA costing on average $448 (€367).
Other travel options to Sacramento, CA take longer:
Train takes on average 5h 10m.
Flight takes on average 5h 33m.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 03:25AM | Arrival Time 08:30AM | Duration 5h05 | Departure days Wed, Fri | Cheapest price $50 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 10:25AM | Arrival Time 04:40PM | Duration 6h15 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $49 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 11:25AM | Arrival Time 05:40PM | Duration 6h15 | Departure days Tue, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $48 |
The table below shows live departures for Salinas, CA to Sacramento, CA buses for tomorrow, Saturday, June 20. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 10:25 AM Salinas, CA | 8h42 | 7:07 PM Sacramento, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 11:25 AM Salinas, CA | 8h42 | 8:07 PM Sacramento, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train, bus, and flight 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 Salinas, CA to Sacramento, CA run on average 6 times per day, taking around 4h 27m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $48 (€39) but you can travel from only $39 (€32) by train.
The earliest bus runs at 03:25, the last at 21:03. The fastest bus covers the 131 miles (212 km) distance in 6h 15m.
Distance 131 miles (212 km) |
Average bus duration 4h 27m |
Cheapest ticket price $48 (€39) |
Buses per day 6 |
Fastest bus 6h 15m |
First bus 3:25 AM |
Last bus 9:03 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 77 days |
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 Salinas, 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.

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