Cheap bus tickets from Salinas to San Jose
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Salinas to San Jose Bus Schedule
Is it better to travel by bus or train from Salinas to San Jose?
There are usually 1 daily train trips available from Salinas to San Jose.
Bus | Train | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$28.34 | Avg. Price$88.20 |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips1 | Daily Trips1 |
Duration | Duration1h 7m | Duration1h 33m |
Bus from Salinas to San Jose: Journey Information
There are 2 intercity buses per day from Salinas to San Jose. Traveling by bus from Salinas to San Jose usually takes around one hour and 8 minutes, but the fastest FlixBus US bus can make the trip in just one hour,
| Distance | 47 mi (76 km) |
| Shortest duration | 1h 0m |
| Cheapest price | $12.98 |
| Trips per day | 2 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak Thruway |
| Bus lines | 2 |

How much is a bus ticket from Salinas to San Jose?
Bus tickets for a trip from Salinas to San Jose cost $14.98 on average. This is an excellent value for the trip. If you book your trip ahead of time using Wanderu, you can easily find bus tickets at or below this price.
Average bus ticket prices from Salinas to San Jose by month
Prices as travel date approaches
The easiest way to save money on bus tickets is by booking in advance! Many carriers increase prices as the travel date approaches, so it's always a good idea to buy your tickets as early as possible. Book at least 13 days in advance to save $22.02 or more on your ticket, compared to booking at the last minute.
What bus companies travel from Salinas to San Jose?
There are two bus lines that have daily service from Salinas to San Jose that you can compare and book on Wanderu. However, each company only runs one bus per day.
| Bus | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak Thruway | 1 | 1h 13m | $37.00 |
| FlixBus US | 1 | 1h 0m | $18.91 |
Amtrak Thruway, also known as Amtrak Thruway Motorcoach, is a system of intercity passenger buses operated by Amtrak to connect train stations to areas that are not served by the carrier’s railroads. On the bus, passengers can enjoy comfortable reclining seats with leg rests and access to onboard restroom facilities. Amtrak Thruway bus tickets from Salinas to San Jose start at $37. On average, there are 1 Amtrak Thruway bus trips on this route every day.
FlixBus US is the American branch of German bus company FlixBus, known for providing sustainable, affordable, and modern bus travel. The company offers cheap bus tickets to popular urban destinations throughout the United States. FlixBus US buses include many amenities, including comfortable seats, free WiFi, power outlets at every seat, and an online portal for free entertainment. On average, FlixBus US operates 1 trips per day from Salinas to San Jose, and the average ticket for this route costs only .
Frequently asked questions about traveling by bus from Salinas to San Jose
The bus takes an average of one hour and 8 minutes to cover the 47 miles from Salinas to San Jose. However, the fastest bus only takes an hour. You'll have just enough time for a small nap on this relatively short bus trip. Keep in mind that your actual bus may arrive earlier or later than scheduled, depending on whether there is more or less traffic than usual.
Because many passengers travel from Salinas to San Jose at the beginning of the work week, Monday is usually the busiest day for buses. If you are planning to travel on a Monday, you should make sure to book tickets well in advance as they may sell out.
On the other hand, Tuesday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. If you’re looking for a little extra space, a Tuesday ticket is the way to go.
The first bus leaves at 3:00am and the last bus leaves at 1:00pm. To see the times for all buses from Salinas to San Jose, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
There are usually only 2 buses per day from Salinas to San Jose. Both of these are direct buses, meaning that you do not have to worry about transferring buses at any point during your trip.
Need more travel options? Consider taking the train from Salinas to San Jose; ticket prices start at $29.00.
City Information
Salinas

Image credit: Unsplash
Salinas is a city in California popularly known as the Salad Bowl of the World- though the nickname is about more than healthy food. The city has a vibrant agriculture industry, pristine farmland, historic sites, and plenty of greenery. As an agriculture-based city, it's not surprising that there are a lot of outdoor areas to visit, from Natividad Creek Park to the Creekbridge Neighborhood Park. In addition, history lovers in Salinas can visit the National Steinbeck Center and Monterey & Salinas Valley Railroad Museum for their interactive exhibits, while Salinas Valley Art Gallery appeals to art lovers.
For wine lovers in Salinas, there is a wide range of wineries and vineyards in the city, with popular choices being the Chateau Sinnet Winery and Vineyard, and SMD Vineyards. Visitors to the city can check out nightclubs, lounges, and bowling centers. Salinas organizes festivals throughout the year, like the Monthly Art Market & Artisan Fair and the Annual Halloween Beer Crawl.
If you're visiting Salinas by train, over 100 cities offer routes by Amtrak. Fewer bus lines are going to the city, provided by Amtrak Thruway. There are also Monterey-Salinas Transit services for transport inside the city.
San Jose

Image credit: Unsplash

Image credit: Unsplash

Image credit: Unsplash
San Jose is located in the heart of the world-famous Silicon Valley in California’s Bay Area. It is the largest city in Northern California and, as such, it is the area’s cultural, political and financial center.
While you’re in San Jose, make sure to check out the city’s various museums. Since you’re in the world’s foremost technology hub, the Tech Museum of Innovation is a must-visit. And since you’re on the West Coast, you should stop by the San Jose Museum of Art that features the largest permanent collection of works from West Coast artists.
Thanks to its mild California climate, San Jose is one of the best cities in the U.S. for outdoor activities, and due to its largely younger-leaning population, it offers quite the vibrant nightlife. In fact, San Jose is among the biggest party hubs in America.
San Jose is served by various bus carriers and has several Amtrak stops within its vicinity. In addition, the city’s airport is located right near the downtown area, which makes travel to and from San Jose a breeze.
Station Information
Where does the bus leave from in Salinas?
Main departure station: 11 Station Pl
Most buses depart from the main station in Salinas.
All bus stations in Salinas:
11 Station Pl
Where does the bus arrive in San Jose?

Image credit: SPUR
Link to image attributionMain arrival station: Diridon Caltrain Station - 65 Cahill St
Diridon Station opened in 1935 with architecture inspired by the Italian Renaissance, and today is a vital part of Silicon Valley’s transportation system. Diridon Station connects Amtrak train service to local commuter service like the Caltrain and VTA Light Rail. The station is also a major hub for bus transit on Amtrak Thruway and Greyhound buses. With paid parking onsite, bicycle racks, and accessible entrances, travelers can easily reach the station from nearby downtown San Jose. As a bonus, food trucks frequently set up outside the station to provide delicious cheap eats for passengers.
All bus stations in San Jose:
Diridon Caltrain Station - 65 Cahill St
Diridon Station
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