- Must visit
National Steinbeck Center
The city’s signature museum explores John Steinbeck’s life, books, and Salinas roots through exhibits, artifacts, and multimedia displays.
Cheapest price on Oct 29
$9
Average ticket price on Oct 29
$16
Fastest journey on Oct 29
55 m
Average journey duration on Oct 29
1 h 14 m
Buses on Oct 29
8
Distance
77 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from San Jose, 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 Jose, CA to Salinas, CA will cost around $16 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $9.
On Thu, Oct 29, we found 8 buses from San Jose, CA to Salinas, CA, including 4 direct services.
On Thu, Oct 29 the direct buses cover the 77 km distance in an average of 1 h 14 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 55 m .
On Thu, Oct 29 the slowest buses will take 2 h 2 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.

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Buses from San Jose, CA to Salinas, CA run on average 1 times per day, taking around 1h 5m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $19 (€16) if you book in advance.
There are 1 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 03:25, the last at 18:20. The fastest bus covers the 47 miles (77 km) distance in 1h 5m.
Distance 47 miles (77 km) |
Average bus duration 1h 5m |
Cheapest ticket price $19 (€16) |
Buses per day 1 |
Direct buses 1 |
Fastest bus 1h 5m |
First bus 3:25 AM |
Last bus 6:20 PM |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from San Jose, CA to Salinas, CA.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 06:20AM | Arrival Time 07:20AM | Duration 1h00 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $23 |
Operator Santa Clara VTA | Departure Time 08:04AM | Arrival Time 10:06AM | Duration 2h02 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $9 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 09:25AM | Arrival Time 10:20AM | Duration 0h55 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $23 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 11:25AM | Arrival Time 12:40PM | Duration 1h15 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $23 |
Operator Santa Clara VTA | Departure Time 12:52PM | Arrival Time 03:09PM | Duration 2h17 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $9 |
Operator Santa Clara VTA | Departure Time 05:26PM | Arrival Time 07:42PM | Duration 2h16 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $9 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 11:45PM | Arrival Time 12:45AM | Duration 1h00 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $23 |
Operator Santa Clara VTA | Departure Time 11:59PM | Arrival Time 07:36AM | Duration 7h37 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $9 |
The table below shows live departures for San Jose, CA to Salinas, CA buses for today, Wednesday, October 28. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 12:52 PM San Jose, CA | 2h17 | 3:09 PM Salinas, CA | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 5:26 PM San Jose, CA | 2h16 | 7:42 PM Salinas, CA | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 11:45 PM San Jose, CA | 1h00 | 12:45 AM Salinas, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 11:59 PM San Jose, CA | 7h37 | 7:36 AM Salinas, CA | 1 transfer | |
| Thursday, October 29 | |||||
![]() | 6:20 AM San Jose, CA | 1h00 | 7:20 AM Salinas, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 8:04 AM San Jose, CA | 2h02 | 10:06 AM Salinas, CA | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 9:25 AM San Jose, CA | 0h55 | 10:20 AM Salinas, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 11:25 AM San Jose, CA | 1h15 | 12:40 PM Salinas, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.
Discover the best of Salinas, CA — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Salinas, CA trip today.
The city’s signature museum explores John Steinbeck’s life, books, and Salinas roots through exhibits, artifacts, and multimedia displays.
Historic adobe museum presenting regional history, early settlement, and changing life in Monterey County through preserved rooms and exhibits.
Small local-history museum and archive with rotating displays on Salinas Valley communities, agriculture, and historic photographs.
Large city park with lakes, walking paths, sports areas, and shade trees. Popular for relaxed walks and everyday local life.
Central downtown street lined with historic buildings, shops, murals, and event venues. Ideal for a walking introduction to Salinas.
Major urban park with playgrounds, open lawns, and recreation facilities. A practical stop for families and a glimpse of neighborhood life.
California-style artichokes, often grilled or steamed with butter or aioli. Salinas Valley grows many artichokes, making them a regional staple.
Fresh strawberry shortcake highlights Salinas Valley berries. It is a classic local dessert at fairs and farm stands, prized for peak-season fruit.
A hearty bowl of clam chowder reflects Monterey Bay seafood traditions near Salinas. Traditional versions use cream and often serve with bread.
Popular Mexican restaurant known for generous plates, house specialties, and a lively casual setting in Salinas.
Casual spot for tacos, burritos, and Mexican comfort food with a strong local following and relaxed atmosphere.
Well-known barbecue restaurant specializing in smoked meats, hearty sides, and a casual family-friendly atmosphere.
Moderate for California: lodging is cheaper than major coastal cities, but dining and car-dependent transport keep typical visitor costs above many inland U.S. towns.
Tip 15-20% at restaurants, 18-20% for great service. Round up or tip 10% for taxis. Cafes often have tip jars or prompts; $1-2 is common.
Get destination-focused answers for the end of your trip, including what to do, when to go, practical entry details, and tips for making the most of your time in Salinas, CA.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from San Jose, 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.

Most San Jose, CA to Salinas, CA buses use the San José, Cahill Street (Diridon Station) to Salinas, Greyhound station pair. Use this guide to compare San Jose, CA and Salinas, CA bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
San José, Cahill Street (Diridon Station) is 1 km from San Jose city centre. Public transport options include:
San José, Cahill Street (Diridon Station) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Various food options available inside the station.
Wi-Fi is available at San José, Cahill Street (Diridon Station). ATMs are aTMs located near the entrance.
Ticket office support is available at San José, Cahill Street (Diridon Station).
Available at San José, Cahill Street (Diridon Station): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at San José, Cahill Street (Diridon Station): Wheelchair accessible with ramps and elevators.
Salinas, Greyhound has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Salinas, Greyhound. ATMs are available at Salinas, Greyhound.
Ticket office support is available at Salinas, Greyhound.
Available at Salinas, Greyhound: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Salinas, Greyhound: Station is accessible to wheelchair users.
Check bus stations information for San Jose, CA and Salinas, CA, including where buses depart and arrive on this route.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need