Modesto California Bus Schedule: Routes, Times & Stops
Modesto’s main public bus network is The S, operated by the Stanislaus Regional Transit Authority (StanRTA). Its buses serve Modesto, Ceres, Riverbank, Oakdale, Turlock, Patterson, Salida and other Stanislaus County communities, with longer-distance connections to Stockton, ACE rail and BART.
Find the correct route, read actual weekday and Sunday departure times, locate Modesto Transit Center, check the $2 all-day fare, track your bus and understand regional connections. This guide also covers free youth travel, MJC student eligibility and accessible transportation.
Where Can I Find the Modesto Bus Schedule?
Start with the official StanRTA Routes & Schedules directory. Select the bus number, choose the correct weekday, Saturday or Sunday timetable, and find the departure shown for your stop. For real-time predictions, use Track The S.
Routes connect residential neighborhoods, schools, medical centers, shopping areas and local transit hubs.
Express routes connect Modesto to regional destinations. Service days and fares are not identical for every commuter route.
Check the route, direction and stop using the agency’s GPS-based bus tracking system.
For help understanding timetable columns, directional labels, stop IDs and the difference between planned and predicted departures, our public transit schedule reading guide explains the process with practical examples. The Modesto operating agency remains the final authority for actual bus service.
Modesto Bus Schedule Guide
Modesto California Bus Routes and Major Destinations
StanRTA’s routes are organized by number. The correct route depends on where you are boarding and whether you are traveling locally or making a longer regional journey.
Route 21 — West Modesto
Serves the Modesto Transit Center and West Modesto via Paradise, Sutter, Robertson and Carpenter Road.
Useful stops: Modesto High School, Burbank Elementary and Robertson Road Elementary.
View Route 21 times and mapRoute 25 — Amtrak / Vintage Faire
Travels from Modesto Transit Center through the Amtrak station area and Orangeburg corridor to Vintage Faire Mall.
Useful stops: Amtrak, Doctors Medical Center, Walmart and Sisk/Plaza.
View Route 25 timetableRoute 22 — Vintage Faire Mall
Connects the downtown transit center and Vintage Faire Mall via McHenry and Standiford.
Useful destinations: McHenry Village and Target-area shopping.
Find Route 22 in the directoryRoute 23 — McHenry / Kiernan
Serves the McHenry corridor between Modesto Transit Center and the Kiernan Road area.
Useful destinations: McHenry Village, retail locations and north Modesto neighborhoods.
Find the Route 23 scheduleRoute 29 — Modesto to Ceres
Operates between Modesto Transit Center and the Ceres Walmart Transit Hub, including 9th Street and residential areas.
Important: Route 29T extends certain trips toward Keyes and Turlock. Do not assume every Route 29 bus continues to Turlock.
Check Routes 29 and 29TRoute 33 — Modesto Junior College
Connects Modesto Transit Center, MJC West Campus and MJC East Campus through Carpenter, Blue Gum, Coldwell and Tully.
Student tip: Current MJC mobile student IDs qualify for free rides on StanRTA services.
Find Route 33 timesRoute 38 — Airport Neighborhood
Serves the Modesto Airport Neighborhood via streets including D Street, Yosemite, Empire, Monterey and Santa Cruz.
Important: An Airport Neighborhood bus is not automatically a commercial airline airport shuttle.
Find Route 38 stopsRoute 48 — Modesto to Salida
Travels from Modesto Transit Center toward Salida via Dale and Kiernan.
Useful destinations: Vintage Faire Mall, Kaiser Permanente Medical Center, Gregori High School and Salida Regional Library.
Find Route 48 timetableOther Modesto and Stanislaus County Routes
What Time Do Modesto Buses Start and Stop Running?
Modesto local buses have different first and last departures depending on route and service day. StanRTA publishes separate weekday, Saturday and Sunday tables for many routes.
Route 25: Official Weekday Morning Departures
Route 25 is particularly useful because it connects downtown Modesto with the Amtrak station and Vintage Faire Mall.
| Stop / Timepoint | Trip 1 | Trip 2 | Trip 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Modesto Transit Center | 5:15 AM | 6:00 AM | 6:30 AM |
| Miller & El Vista | 5:30 AM | 6:15 AM | 6:45 AM |
| Creekwood & Claus | 5:41 AM | 6:26 AM | 6:56 AM |
| Modesto Amtrak Station | 5:48 AM | 6:33 AM | 7:03 AM |
| Orangeburg & Oakdale | 6:00 AM | 6:45 AM | 7:15 AM |
| Sisk & Plaza | 6:19 AM | 7:04 AM | 7:34 AM |
| Vintage Faire Mall | 6:27 AM | 7:12 AM | 7:42 AM |
Source: StanRTA Route 25 weekday outbound schedule. Times are published scheduled timepoints, not real-time vehicle predictions.
How Long Does Route 25 Take?
These durations describe the specific published trip shown above. They should not be presented as guaranteed journey times during other periods.
Route 25 Stop Sequence
Open the complete Route 25 timetable, then select Weekday Outbound, Weekday Inbound, Saturday Outbound, Saturday Inbound, Sunday Outbound or Sunday Inbound as needed.
Modesto Weekend Bus Schedule: What Changes?
Weekend buses may begin later and run less frequently than weekday services. This matters when traveling to shopping centers, work shifts, medical appointments or connecting trains.
Route 21: Downtown Modesto to West Modesto
Route 21 is a useful example because StanRTA publishes clearly different weekday, Saturday and Sunday departure patterns.
| Service day | First listed departure | Selected later departures | Pattern shown |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weekday morning | 5:45 AM | 6:00, 6:15, 6:30 AM | 15-minute scheduled departures in the morning portion. |
| Saturday | 7:45 AM | 8:15, 8:45, 9:15 AM | 30-minute early daytime intervals. |
| Sunday | 8:00 AM | 9:00, 10:00, 11:00 AM | Hourly departures in the published Sunday table. |
Sunday Route 21: Example Complete Trip
The 8:00–8:30 AM Route 21 journey is an official Sunday loop example. Unlabeled middle stages are schematic, not additional timed stops.
See Route 21’s weekday, Saturday and Sunday tables.
Route 25 Sunday Departures
Route 25’s published Sunday outbound timetable starts at Modesto Transit Center at 8:00 AM, followed by hourly departures during much of the day. The first listed Sunday trip reaches the Amtrak station at 8:29 AM and Vintage Faire Mall at 9:08 AM.
Confirm your actual return time using the separate Sunday Inbound table, not the outbound column.
Modesto Transit Center: Address, Stops and Transfers
Modesto Transit Center is the main hub for many The S routes. It is where riders can make local transfers, connect to certain regional commuter services and obtain fare information.
Modesto, CA 95354
209-527-4900
Route, fare, accessibility and commuter information.What to Check Before Changing Buses
- Whether the second bus uses the same bay as the first route.
- Whether it is inbound or outbound.
- Whether the second route operates on your selected day.
- How long the transfer wait will be.
- Whether your pass covers the connecting route.
- Whether a commuter express uses a separate boarding location.
Check the live departures listed for Modesto Transit Center Bay A.
When you open that page, verify the route number, inbound/outbound direction, departure time and last-updated timestamp. A displayed vehicle estimate is not a guarantee that your bus will be waiting when you arrive.
Modesto Bus Fare: The S Day Passes, Discounts and Transfers
StanRTA’s published fixed-route fare is different from the single-ride model used by many other cities. For a regular adult, the $2 cash fare provides an all-day pass with unlimited eligible trips.
Regular and Half-Fare Pass Prices
| Fare Type | Regular Fare | Half Fare |
|---|---|---|
| 1-Day Pass | $2 | $1 |
| 7-Day Pass | $10 | $5 |
| 31-Day Pass | $40 | $20 |
Fare Comparison Visual
Bar lengths compare the published daily pass prices, not service quality, travel distance or discount availability.
Who Can Ride Free?
- Youth ages 0–18: Free on eligible StanRTA services.
- Veterans and active military: Free with acceptable proof of eligibility.
- Modesto Junior College students: Free with a current mobile MJC Student ID.
Transfers to Other Transit Systems
StanRTA lists a $0.25 transfer charge for connections to Turlock Transit and Escalon Transit under its published fare rules.
How to Buy a Modesto Bus Ticket
Pay Cash on the Bus
- Check the correct passenger fare.
- Prepare exact cash.
- Board through the designated door.
- Pay using the bus fare box.
- Keep the issued pass or ticket as instructed.
Important: StanRTA drivers do not carry change.
Use Token Transit
- Install the Token Transit app.
- Select StanRTA / The S.
- Choose the appropriate ticket or pass.
- Pay using an accepted payment method.
- Activate your ticket before boarding.
- Display the active mobile ticket to the driver.
Where Can You Buy a Pass in Person?
StanRTA sells tickets and passes at the Downtown Modesto Transit Center customer-service office. Regular passes are also available at the Stanislaus State University Student Center during its business hours.
Passes can be purchased by mail, but that is not suitable for an immediate journey because processing and delivery take time.
Modesto to BART Bus Schedule: Route 90
StanRTA Route 90 connects Modesto with Dublin/Pleasanton BART Station through the regional commuter corridor. Unlike many local buses, this is a limited-trip service with a separate BART commuter fare.
Selected Official Route 90 Departures
| Service Day | Modesto Departure | Dublin/Pleasanton Arrival | Scheduled Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weekday | 4:00 AM | 5:50 AM | 110 minutes |
| Weekday | 5:00 AM | 7:05 AM | 125 minutes |
| Saturday | 7:00 AM | 8:25 AM | 85 minutes |
| Sunday | 7:00 AM | 8:25 AM | 85 minutes |
These are selected scheduled Route 90 trips from the agency’s timetable, not live traffic predictions. The entire route has additional departures and a separate return schedule.
Route 90 Ticket Prices
How to Plan Modesto to San Francisco Through BART
- Open the official Route 90 timetable.
- Select Weekday, Saturday or Sunday.
- Find your Modesto Transit Center or park-and-ride departure.
- Check the scheduled arrival at Dublin/Pleasanton BART.
- Open the BART trip planner for your final destination.
- Allow time to leave the bus, reach the station and pass through fare gates.
- Check the last return Route 90 departure before committing to an evening trip.
Open the official StanRTA Route 90 BART schedule.
Commuter Bus vs Reserved Intercity Coach
A StanRTA commuter route is a scheduled public transportation service, while privately operated intercity coaches can require advance tickets, named boarding points and different baggage policies. If you are comparing other longer-distance bus options, our intercity coach bus schedule and ticket guide explains how departure terminals, booking requirements and connection rules differ.
That distinction is especially important when comparing a Route 90 commute with a separately booked trip to the Bay Area.
Modesto Connections to ACE, Amtrak, Stockton and Turlock
Modesto offers several connections beyond its local network. The correct route depends on whether you need a train connection, another city or a regional bus terminal.
Route 70 — ACE Commuter
Operates between Modesto and the Lathrop ACE rail station via Manteca and other designated regional stops.
Monday–Friday
StanRTA includes the ACE commuter bus in its fixed-route fare structure, but the ACE train ticket has separate rules.
Route 80 — Stockton Commuter
Connects Modesto Transit Center and the Vintage Faire Park & Ride area with Manteca Transit Center and Stockton Transit Center.
Monday–Friday
Useful for regional commuting, but not an hourly all-day local bus. Check the limited departure list and return timetable.
Route 29T — Keyes and Turlock
Provides selected continuing trips from Route 29 through Ceres and Keyes toward Turlock.
Check whether the chosen Route 29 departure actually continues as Route 29T before boarding.
Route 25 — Modesto Amtrak Station
Route 25 is the relevant local bus connection between Modesto Transit Center, the Amtrak station and the Vintage Faire Mall corridor.
Check the timetable in the correct direction, then verify the train’s departure separately.
How to Connect From Modesto to Amtrak
- Open the Route 25 timetable.
- Select the travel day and direction toward the Amtrak station.
- Identify the train departure time using Amtrak’s official source.
- Choose a bus that arrives early enough for the station check-in and boarding requirements.
- Allow an additional delay buffer if the train journey is important.
- Check the return bus service before leaving Modesto.
Modesto Bus Route Map: Transit Center and Regional Connections
This SVG diagram shows the relationship between major service corridors. It is a simplified network illustration, not a geographically accurate route shape, stop-by-stop map or live vehicle display.
How to Find the Exact Modesto Bus Stop
- Open the StanRTA Routes & Schedules directory.
- Select your route number.
- Choose the map for the correct direction.
- Find your boarding intersection or transit center.
- Compare the stop location with the actual sidewalk and bus-stop sign.
- Open the real-time tracker and match the stop.
- Check rider alerts for any temporary relocation.
If you want to compare multiple transit options and the walking distance between stops, our Google Maps bus routes and stop-finder guide explains how to choose Transit directions, inspect connections and verify the correct side of the road.
For official route shapes and stop locations, use StanRTA’s current route maps.
How to Track a Modesto Bus in Real Time
StanRTA provides an official GPS-based service called Track The S. It combines schedule data with reported bus locations to offer estimated arrivals, route information and rider alerts.
Open the official StanRTA live bus tracker.
Track The S on Your Phone
StanRTA supports Track The S and the myStop app. Published agency guidance identifies trip planning, route monitoring, real-time vehicle location and rider alerts as useful features.
- Open your phone’s app store.
- Search for StanRTA Track The S or the agency-supported myStop app.
- Choose the Stanislaus Regional Transit Authority service area.
- Select your bus route and stop.
- Read the expected arrival and any warning notices.
- Recheck the information before leaving your home, work or campus.
Read StanRTA’s official Track The S mobile-app instructions.
What if the Tracker Is Not Working?
Use the published route timetable, confirm that the selected day is correct and review any current alerts. If the bus is missing from the map, it could indicate a data connection issue, delayed trip, changed vehicle assignment or actual service interruption.
Modesto Accessible Bus Service, ADA Paratransit and Dial-A-Ride
StanRTA provides fixed-route transportation alongside ADA paratransit and Dial-A-Ride services. Riders with mobility needs should review both bus accessibility and the physical boarding location.
Ask the operator about wheelchair boarding, ramps, securement and any assistance needed for your specific vehicle or stop.
Serves eligible individuals whose disability prevents them from using fixed-route service. Certification is required.
Advance-reservation services are available in designated communities and service areas, with separate eligibility and scheduling rules.
ADA Paratransit Service Area
StanRTA states that ADA paratransit complements its fixed-route network and generally extends up to three-quarters of a mile from the applicable fixed-route service area, subject to eligibility and operating rules.
Demand Response Fare
209-527-4900
Contact StanRTA for eligibility and scheduling assistance.How to Arrange an Accessible Journey
- Open StanRTA’s Demand Response information.
- Determine whether you need ADA paratransit or a community Dial-A-Ride service.
- Review the current eligibility rules.
- Contact customer service about certification or the applicable service area.
- Provide your pickup and destination locations.
- Request the required date and time within the booking rules.
- Ask about the pickup window, fare, mobility-device space and return journey.
- Confirm the reservation before relying on the service.
Open the official StanRTA ADA Paratransit and Demand Response guide.
Community Dial-A-Ride Booking
For services including Oakdale, Patterson and Riverbank Dial-A-Ride, StanRTA publishes reservations by telephone at 209-527-4900. Some rides may be requested from three hours up to seven days in advance, subject to time and space availability.
Other Accessibility Support
StanRTA states that transit information can be requested in Spanish, large format and audio formats. Contact the agency if printed route diagrams or mobile information are difficult to use.
Modesto Bus Delays, Route Changes and Holiday Service
Local and regional bus service can be affected by road construction, special events, severe weather, school calendars, holidays and schedule revisions.
Road work can move a stop even if the bus continues to operate along nearby streets. Check the affected route and direction.
Service may be reduced or suspended on certain holidays. Do not use an ordinary weekday timetable without checking the current holiday notice.
Some services carry many school or college passengers. The selected trip may change during seasonal or academic timetable adjustments.
Route 70, Route 80 and Route 90 rely on regional road corridors and connections. Delays can affect rail transfers and park-and-ride pickups.
November 2026 Time Change Reminder
StanRTA published a reminder on October 30, 2026, advising riders that daylight saving time ended on Sunday, November 1, 2026. California clocks moved back one hour.
For trips planned near a daylight-saving transition, use the correct local time and recheck the departure through the current app rather than relying on a clock setting or screenshot saved earlier.
How to Check Today’s Service Status
- Open the official Track The S app or website.
- Select your route number.
- Check active rider alerts and any route changes.
- Read whether the alert affects inbound, outbound or both directions.
- Confirm any replacement boarding stop.
- Recheck shortly before leaving.
How to Find and Ride a Modesto Bus Step by Step
Complete Website Instructions
- Open StanRTA’s official route directory.
- Find your route number or major destination.
- Open the selected route’s dedicated page.
- Identify the route map and the correct service-day timetable.
- Choose the direction matching your intended destination.
- Find your boarding stop or nearest scheduled timepoint.
- Read the departure time for the correct trip.
- Check the return direction and last bus before leaving.
- Open Track The S for any available arrival prediction.
- Review rider alerts and arrive about 5–10 minutes ahead of the planned bus time.
What to Do at the Bus Stop
- Stand where you are visible to the driver without stepping into traffic.
- Check the bus number and destination display.
- Confirm whether the bus is inbound, outbound or continuing on another route branch.
- Have exact cash, an activated mobile pass or valid free-ride identification ready.
- Ask for boarding assistance if needed.
- Signal before your exit stop and leave the bus safely.
Traveling Beyond Modesto: Fresno and Regional Transit
Modesto’s StanRTA service is separate from the municipal bus system serving Fresno. If you travel south into the Fresno area, you must use that city’s operator, route map and fare rules rather than continuing to follow a Modesto timetable.
Our Fresno Area Express bus schedule and destination guide explains FAX routes serving downtown Fresno, Fresno Yosemite International Airport, major shopping areas and local transfer centers. This is useful for a trip that continues elsewhere in the Central Valley.
Modesto Bus Schedule Problems: How to Fix Them
Check whether you selected the Sunday table. Some routes operate less frequently or may not have the same weekend coverage.
Check the route, direction, stop ID and last-updated timestamp. Use the official timetable and alerts if live information is unavailable.
Check the correct travel direction and stop location. The return route may not use the same side of the street.
Not every Route 29 trip is a Route 29T continuation. Confirm the specific service pattern before boarding.
Check Route 25 and allow extra time for rail boarding. Verify the specific train schedule independently.
Use the Route 90 Sunday table, not the weekday commuter timetable. Confirm the correct return bus and train connection.
Check that the correct ticket was purchased, activated and available in Token Transit before boarding.
Check whether the fixed-route service meets your needs or whether ADA paratransit eligibility and an advance reservation are necessary.
Modesto Bus Boarding Checklist
- Confirm the correct StanRTA route number.
- Check the direction and destination sign.
- Select the correct weekday or weekend schedule.
- Find the exact stop or transit center bay.
- Check the first departure and last return trip.
- Prepare cash, Token Transit or fare eligibility proof.
- Check whether a special commuter fare applies.
- Review current rider alerts and detours.
- Recheck Track The S before leaving.
- Allow extra time for transfers and accessibility needs.
Official StanRTA Bus Schedules, Fares, Maps and Contact Information
Modesto and Stanislaus County route directory, maps, schedules and regional connections.
Open the official route directoryRegular passes, half fares, youth rides, student eligibility and commuter fares.
Open the official fare tableWeekday morning, afternoon, Saturday and Sunday tables.
Open Route 21 timetableStop map and scheduled times in both directions on weekdays and weekends.
Open Route 25 timetableModesto to Dublin/Pleasanton BART weekday, Saturday and Sunday schedule.
Open Route 90 commuter scheduleVehicle positions, estimated arrivals and route-level rider alerts.
Open Track The SAccessible service, certification, reservations and Dial-A-Ride information.
Read accessible service informationMobile passes for regular and commuter StanRTA service.
View StanRTA mobile ticket optionsStanRTA Contact Information
Modesto, CA 95354
209-527-4900
Route planning, fares, accessible services and transit questions.Independent-site disclosure: BusSchedule.us is not StanRTA or The S. This page does not operate buses, manage dispatch, sell official tickets, certify ADA eligibility or guarantee real-time arrivals. For operational decisions, use the transit authority’s current information.
Modesto California Bus Schedule FAQs
1. Where can I find the Modesto California bus schedule?
Visit StanRTA’s official Routes & Schedules directory at stanrta.org. Select the correct route number, direction, travel day and boarding stop. Use Track The S for supported real-time arrival predictions.
2. What is the Modesto bus system called?
The public bus system is branded The S and operated by the Stanislaus Regional Transit Authority, or StanRTA. It serves Modesto and other Stanislaus County communities with local and commuter routes.
3. What time do Modesto buses start running?
First departures vary by route and day. For example, the published Route 25 outbound schedule begins at Modesto Transit Center at 5:15 AM on weekdays, 7:30 AM on Saturday and 8:00 AM on Sunday.
4. How much does a Modesto city bus cost?
StanRTA’s published regular fixed-route cash fare is $2 and provides an all-day pass with unlimited eligible trips. Qualifying half-fare riders pay $1. Seven-day and 31-day pass options are also available.
5. Do children and students ride Modesto buses free?
StanRTA provides free rides to youth ages 0–18. Modesto Junior College students also qualify for free rides on StanRTA services by showing their current mobile MJC Student ID.
6. Which Modesto bus goes to the Amtrak station?
StanRTA Route 25 serves Modesto Amtrak Station while connecting Modesto Transit Center with the Vintage Faire Mall corridor. Choose the correct travel direction and service-day timetable.
7. Is there a bus from Modesto to BART?
Yes. StanRTA Route 90 connects Modesto Transit Center with Dublin/Pleasanton BART Station. The agency publishes weekday, Saturday and Sunday schedules. The listed BART commuter day pass costs $15, with BART rail fare separate.
8. How can I track a Modesto bus live?
Use StanRTA’s Track The S website or supported mobile app. Select the route number, direction and stop to view available bus locations, estimated arrival times and rider alerts.
9. Does Modesto have wheelchair-accessible bus and paratransit service?
StanRTA offers accessible fixed-route transportation and ADA paratransit for eligible individuals who cannot use regular fixed-route buses. ADA paratransit requires certification and advance reservations. Contact 209-527-4900 for details.
10. Do Modesto buses operate on Saturday and Sunday?
Many StanRTA routes have Saturday and Sunday service, but their departure times and frequency can differ from weekday schedules. Some commuter services operate only Monday through Friday, while Route 90 has published weekend trips. Check the specific route before traveling.