- Recommended
McHenry Museum
Local history museum in a restored library building with exhibits on Modesto, agriculture, and community life.
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Santa Ana, CA to Modesto, CA is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Santa Ana, CA to Modesto, CA will cost around $119 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $119.
On Tue, Nov 03, we found 1 buses from Santa Ana, CA to Modesto, CA, including 1 direct services.
On Tue, Nov 03 the direct buses cover the 517 km distance in an average of 9 h 30 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 9 h 30 m .
On Tue, Nov 03 the slowest buses will take 9 h 30 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 Santa Ana, CA to Modesto, CA run on average 3 times per day, taking around 8h 50m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $55 if you book in advance.
There are 1 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:10, the last at 23:30. The fastest bus covers the 321 miles (517 km) distance in 7h 45m.
Plan this route
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Santa Ana, CA to Modesto, CA.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 07:15AM | Arrival Time 03:42PM | Duration 8h27 | Departure days Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $65 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 07:40AM | Arrival Time 04:50PM | Duration 9h10 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $117 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 08:15AM | Arrival Time 04:42PM | Duration 8h27 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $67 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 11:35AM | Arrival Time 12:10AM | Duration 12h35 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $135 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 03:45PM | Arrival Time 01:15AM | Duration 9h30 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $119 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:25PM | Arrival Time 06:40AM | Duration 9h15 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $136 |
The table below shows live departures for Santa Ana, CA to Modesto, CA buses for today, Monday, November 2. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 7:40 AM Santa Ana, E Santa Ana Blvd (Train Station) | 9h10 | 4:50 PM Modesto, Downtown Transit Center (Southern Pacififc) | 0 transfersDirect | |
· | 11:35 AM Santa Ana, E Santa Ana Blvd (Train Station) | 12h35 | 12:10 AM Modesto, Downtown Transit Center (Southern Pacififc) | 1 transfer | |
· | 9:25 PM Santa Ana, E Santa Ana Blvd (Train Station) | 9h15 | 6:40 AM Modesto, Downtown Transit Center (Southern Pacififc) | 1 transfer | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Buses from Santa Ana, CA to Modesto, CA with Greyhound. Overnight buses available on this route with Greyhound. Use the details below to compare onboard facilities.
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 Modesto, CA — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Modesto, CA trip today.
Local history museum in a restored library building with exhibits on Modesto, agriculture, and community life.
Children's museum with hands-on science and play exhibits designed for families seeking an interactive indoor visit.
College museum featuring natural history displays, fossils, live animals, and planetarium programming for curious visitors.
Lively downtown district known for historic buildings, events, shopping, and walkable blocks that reflect Modesto's civic core.
Central park with mature trees, sports areas, and the Gallo Center nearby, making it a pleasant stop in downtown Modesto.
Popular regional park with a lake, trails, picnic areas, and water activities, ideal for a longer outdoor visit.
Tri-tip barbecue is a Central California staple: beef sirloin grilled over red oak and sliced smoky and juicy, reflecting the region’s ranching and casual cookout culture.
Al pastor tacos are widely loved locally, with spit-roasted pork, chile, and pineapple in a style rooted in California’s Mexican food culture and common across Modesto taquerias.
Wet burritos are a hearty Central Valley favorite: a large stuffed burrito covered in enchilada sauce and cheese, popular in family-run Mexican restaurants.
Warm, polished spot serving classic Italian dishes, pasta, and steaks with an old-school neighborhood restaurant feel.
Long-running local burger stand famous for charbroiled burgers, fries, and a classic Modesto fast-casual atmosphere.
Casual local favorite for tacos, burritos, and other Mexican comfort foods in a lively, family-friendly setting.
Moderate for California inland cities. Hotels often cost less than coastal hubs, while dining and car-based transport are average for U.S. travelers.
Tip 15-20% at restaurants, about 10-15% for taxis, and $1-2 per drink or coffee in cafes if service is provided.
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 Modesto, CA.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Santa Ana, CA to Modesto, 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 Modesto, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Santa Ana, CA to Modesto, CA buses use the Santa Ana, E Santa Ana Blvd (Train Station) to Modesto, Downtown Transit Center (Southern Pacififc) station pair. Use this guide to compare Santa Ana, CA and Modesto, CA bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Santa Ana, E Santa Ana Blvd (Train Station) is 1 km from Santa Ana city centre. Public transport options include:
Santa Ana, E Santa Ana Blvd (Train Station) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Santa Ana, E Santa Ana Blvd (Train Station). ATMs are available at Santa Ana, E Santa Ana Blvd (Train Station).
Ticket office support is available at Santa Ana, E Santa Ana Blvd (Train Station).
Available at Santa Ana, E Santa Ana Blvd (Train Station): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Santa Ana, E Santa Ana Blvd (Train Station): Bus access is available.
Modesto, Downtown Transit Center (Southern Pacififc) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Free Wi-Fi available in the waiting area. ATMs are aTM available near the ticket office.
Ticket office support is available at Modesto, Downtown Transit Center (Southern Pacififc).
Available at Modesto, Downtown Transit Center (Southern Pacififc): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Modesto, Downtown Transit Center (Southern Pacififc): Wheelchair accessible entrance and facilities.
Check bus stations information for Santa Ana, CA and Modesto, CA, including where buses depart and arrive on this route.