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San Francisco to Salinas bus

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San Francisco - Salinas Bus Schedule

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Journey Information

There is one daily bus from San Francisco to Salinas. Traveling by bus from San Francisco to Salinas usually takes around 2 hours and 15 minutes, but some buses might arrive slightly earlier or later than scheduled depending on traffic conditions.

Distance87 mi (139 km)
Shortest duration2h 15m
Cheapest price$22.99
Trips per day1
Most frequent serviceFlixBus US
Bus lines1

Bus Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for buses from San Francisco to Salinas

(Based on 1 ratings and reviews)

5.0

5.0

Monique

March 11, 2024- Visiting family

FlixBus US

Pros: I thoroughly enjoyed my experience with the pick-up location. It was situated in a safe and visible area, which added to my sense of security. What stood out to me was the detailed confirmation email, which not only provided directions but also pinpointed the exact location and designated spot. This level of clarity and attention to detail made the whole process seamless and convenient. Cons: I believe that installing a physical sign would further enhance clarity, especially for travelers who may not be familiar with the instructions provided in the confirmation email. During my visit, I was approached by several other travelers who were unsure if they were at the correct spot, indicating a potential need for a visible marker. Tips: N/A.

How much is a bus ticket from San Francisco to Salinas?

Bus tickets for a trip from San Francisco to Salinas cost $22.99 on average. Opting to take a bus is a wallet-friendly way to make this trip. If you book your trip ahead of time using Wanderu, you can easily find bus tickets at or below this price.

Monthly average prices

$50$40$30$20$10MJJASONDJFMA
If you're planning on taking a bus from San Francisco to Salinas, you'll be happy to know that the cost stays pretty stable throughout the year. You can expect to pay around $25 for your ticket regardless of when you plan to travel.

Prices as travel date approaches

$50$40$30$20$103020100

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 18 days in advance to save $8.95 or more on your ticket, compared to booking at the last minute.

What bus companies travel from San Francisco to Salinas?

There is one intercity bus company available to search and book on Wanderu that operates from San Francisco to Salinas. FlixBus US is the only company that has bus schedules available to search and book at the moment. It only makes the trip once a day on most days.

BusDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
FlixBus US12h 15m$36.58
  • 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 San Francisco to Salinas, and the average ticket for this route costs only .

Frequently Asked Questions

The bus takes an average of 2 hours and 15 minutes to cover the 87 miles from San Francisco to Salinas. It's the perfect amount of time to take a nap, get some work done, or watch a movie. 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.

Tuesday is usually the day of the week when buses are busiest. If you are planning to travel on a Tuesday, you should make sure to book tickets well in advance as they may sell out.

On the other hand, Sunday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. If you are looking for less crowded buses to Salinas, book your ticket for the last day of the week.

There is usually only one bus per day from San Francisco to Salinas. It leaves the station in San Francisco at 11:00am each day. The time might vary for specific dates, so be sure to search on Wanderu for the most up-to-date information.

There is usually only one bus per day from San Francisco to Salinas. Fortunately, this happens to be a direct bus, meaning that you do not have to get on a different bus at any point during your trip.

Need more travel options? Consider taking the train from San Francisco to Salinas; ticket prices start at $24.00.

City Information

San Francisco

San Francisco, CA - SFO-0

Image credit: Unsplash

San Francisco, CA - SFO-1

Image credit: Unsplash

San Francisco, CA - SFO-2

Image credit: Unsplash

Located in the heart of Northern California's Bay Area, San Francisco is a geographically small but culturally huge city known for its historic cable cars, active waterfront, and the eclectic mix of hippies and techies who call it home. While it might be one of the most expensive U.S. cities to live in, San Fran can actually be very cheap to visit, and there is no shortage of unique sights to see.

If the city's omnipresent fog (nicknamed "Karl the Fog" by locals) takes a break, the best views and Instagram photo ops of the world-famous Golden Gate Bridge are found in Golden Gate Park. Stroll through the oldest Chinatown in North America to find the perfect dim sum, or if you and your boo prefer a little Full House moment, try a romantic picnic at Alamo Square Park in front of the Victorian "Painted Ladies." After all, San Francisco is one of the best vacation destinations for couples.

Since the city is condensed onto a small peninsula, exploring by bike is an efficient and scenic way to get around. When you’re ready to travel beyond city limits, San Francisco is a convenient hub for trips throughout Northern California. It's actually the first stop on Wanderu's West Coast Wine Tour, with the next stop, obviously, in Napa Valley. Whether traveling by bus, train, or through either of the two nearby airports, San Francisco is a can't-miss destination.

Salinas

Salinas, CA, US - SNS-0

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.

Station Information

Where does the bus leave from in San Francisco?

Main departure station: Caltrain Station - 5th & Townsend St

Most buses depart from the main station in San Francisco.

All bus stations in San Francisco:

  • Caltrain Station - 5th & Townsend St

Where does the bus arrive in Salinas?

Main arrival station: 11 Station Pl

All buses from San Francisco arrive at one main station in Salinas.

All bus stations in Salinas:

  • 11 Station Pl

Get around town with Moovit

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