The cheapest and fastest buses from San Francisco, CA to Salinas, CA
Cheapest price on Sep 14
$29
Average ticket price on Sep 14
$29
Fastest journey on Sep 14
2 h
Average journey duration on Sep 14
2 h
Buses on Sep 14
1
Distance
139 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from San Francisco, CA to Salinas, CA is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from San Francisco, CA to Salinas, CA will cost around $29 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $29.
On Mon, Sep 14, we found 1 buses from San Francisco, CA to Salinas, CA, including 1 direct services.
On Mon, Sep 14 the direct buses cover the 139 km distance in an average of 2 h but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 2 h .
On Mon, Sep 14 the slowest buses will take 2 h 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.
6:15 PM2h00San Francisco, CA8:15 PMSalinas, CA$291One-way0 transfers
6:15 PM2h00San Francisco, CA8:15 PMSalinas, CA$291One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare bus and train for San Francisco, CA to Salinas, CA
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from San Francisco, CA to Salinas, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $37 For those with little time, consider booking a bus, which has an average total journey time of 2h 38m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $37, while a train costs an average of $60.
Distance: 86 miles (139 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$37 Average price Cheapest | $60 Average price | $23 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 38m Average total duration Fastest 2h 8m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 57m Average total duration 3h 27m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 43m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from San Francisco, CA to Salinas, CA:
A bus is $23 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from San Francisco, CA to Salinas, CA costing on average $60.
Other travel options to Salinas, CA take longer:
Train takes on average 3h 27m.
Tickets start at around $37 compared to roughly $23 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-14.37. The journey takes 2h 8m versus 1h 43m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can use the time productively rather than spending it behind the wheel. No parking to sort, no fuel stops, and most coaches have Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Driving is worth considering if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), or want the flexibility to stop along the way.
San Francisco, CA to Salinas, CA Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Flixbus USA | Departure Time 08:20AM | Arrival Time 10:20AM | Duration 2h00 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $32 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:15PM | Arrival Time 08:15PM | Duration 2h00 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $28 |
Compare prices and tickets San Francisco, CA to Salinas, CA by bus or train
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.
Sep 14
Sep 15
Sep 16
Sep 17
Sep 18
Sep 19
Sep 20
Why should you book San Francisco, CA to Salinas, CA buses with Omio?
Why book with Omio vs FlixBus?
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare FlixBus with all available travel options, which are bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from San Francisco, CA to Salinas, CA.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trainline?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from San Francisco, CA to Salinas, CA.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from San Francisco, CA to Salinas, CA
Buses from San Francisco, CA to Salinas, CA run on average 1 times per day, taking around 2h 8m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $25 if you book in advance.
There are 1 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 06:49, the last at 18:20. The fastest bus covers the 86 miles (139 km) distance in 2h 0m.
Distance 86 miles (139 km) |
Average bus duration 2h 8m |
Cheapest ticket price $25 |
Buses per day 1 |
Direct buses 1 |
Fastest bus 2h 0m |
First bus 6:49 AM |
Last bus 6:20 PM |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Bus providers: FlixBus from San Francisco, CA to Salinas, CAYou can travel by bus between San Francisco, CA to Salinas, CA with FlixBus for as low as $25. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
FlixBus
FAQs: Bus from San Francisco, CA to Salinas, CA
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from San Francisco, CA to Salinas, 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 Salinas, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
- FlixBus
- You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
- FlixBus
- One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
- FlixBus
- Small pets in carriers allowed
- guide dogs travel for free.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from San Francisco, CA to Salinas, CA
Most San Francisco, CA to Salinas, CA buses use the San Francisco, Townsend Street / 5th Street to Salinas, Greyhound station pair. Use this guide to compare San Francisco, CA and Salinas, CA bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Getting to San Francisco, Townsend Street / 5th Street from San Francisco city centre
Which Salinas, CA station do buses from San Francisco, CA arrive at?
Getting to Salinas, Greyhound from Salinas city centre
Salinas, Greyhound bus station facilities and services
Salinas, Greyhound has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Salinas, Greyhound. ATMs are available at Salinas, Greyhound.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Salinas, Greyhound.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Salinas, Greyhound: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Salinas, Greyhound: Station is accessible to wheelchair users.
Most popular bus connections from San Francisco, CA
More options for your journey from San Francisco, CA to Salinas, CA
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

