Monterey Transit Bus Schedule: Routes, Times & Stops

Monterey County, California · MST Bus Guide 2026

Monterey Transit Bus Schedule: Routes, Times & Stops

Monterey’s public buses are operated by Monterey-Salinas Transit (MST). The network connects downtown Monterey with Pacific Grove, Cannery Row, the Monterey Bay Aquarium area, Carmel, Marina, Seaside, Salinas, Watsonville, Gilroy and southern Monterey County.

The regular MST bus fare is $2 for two hours of travel, or $1 for qualifying discount passengers. Important local routes include Lines 1, 2, 5, 7, 8 and 20, along with JAZZ A and JAZZ B for aquarium-area trips.

This guide explains which line to take, real departure examples, bus stop locations, transfer points, current 2026 service changes, fares, live arrivals, accessible transportation and how to check the correct schedule on MST’s website.

Bus operator Monterey-Salinas Transit
Adult fare $2.00
Discount fare $1.00
Live arrivals MST RealTime
Research date November 3, 2026
Quick answer

Where Can I Find the Monterey MST Bus Schedule?

The official Monterey Transit bus schedule is available at MST’s Routes & Schedules page. Select your route number, choose the direction and travel day, then view the timetable or download the route’s official PDF.

1 Find Route Choose your destination and matching MST line.
2 Select Direction Toward Monterey, Salinas, Carmel or another terminal.
3 Choose Day Check weekday, Saturday, Sunday or holiday service.
4 Locate Stop Find your exact boarding stop or transit-center gate.
5 Check Live Use MST RealTime and confirm any service alert.
First practical rule: MST does not have one universal first bus, last bus or weekend timetable. Every line has its own operating hours, stop sequence and service calendar. Check the actual line rather than using a generic Monterey departure time.

MST recommends arriving at the designated bus stop at least five minutes before the estimated departure. Have your fare ready and signal the operator as the bus approaches.

Important Fall 2026 changes

Monterey Bus Service Changes Effective August 29, 2026

MST implemented a service update on August 29, 2026. The published changes affect selected routes, campus connections and seasonal transportation.

Line 5 — Carmel Rancho Minor timetable changes at the Carmel Rancho timepoint.
Line 17 — Sand City to Marina Additional stops on Imjin Road and 8th Street.
Line 24 — Carmel Valley Adjusted timing to improve connections with Line 5 at Carmel Rancho.
Line 29 — Watsonville via Prunedale A minor weekday afternoon peak-trip adjustment.
Line 25 — Salinas / CSUMB Weekday university service resumed August 24, with additional Imjin-area stops.
Line 59 — Salinas / Gilroy Minor southbound changes involving the Salinas transit centers.
Monterey Trolley is not operating in November 2026. MST announced that the seasonal Monterey Trolley ended after Labor Day, with service discontinued September 8, 2026. The published plan is for the trolley to return Memorial Day weekend 2027. Do not plan a November aquarium trip around the summer trolley timetable.

For regular public transport around Cannery Row and the aquarium area outside trolley season, check JAZZ A and JAZZ B instead.

Review MST’s current service-change summary and route list.

Monterey Transit Rider Guide

Current MST route directory

Monterey Transit Bus Routes: Which Line Goes Where?

MST operates local, regional, intercity and specialty routes. The following lines are particularly useful for people starting in Monterey or planning connections through Salinas.

Line 1 — Monterey to Pacific Grove via Asilomar

Pacific Grove / Asilomar

Connects Monterey with Pacific Grove using the Asilomar corridor.

Best for: Pacific Grove, Asilomar-area visits and local trips on the Monterey Peninsula.

Boarding tip: check whether the bus is heading toward Pacific Grove or returning to Monterey.

Find Line 1 Official Timetable

Line 2 — Monterey to Pacific Grove via David Avenue

Pacific Grove / David Avenue

A different Monterey–Pacific Grove route from Line 1, using David Avenue.

Best for: stops along David Avenue and Pacific Grove neighborhoods.

Boarding tip: Line 1 and Line 2 are not interchangeable for every stop.

Official Line 2 Schedule

Line 5 — Monterey to Carmel Rancho

Carmel Rancho

Connects Monterey with Carmel Rancho, a useful transfer area for continuing toward Carmel Valley.

Best for: Carmel Rancho destinations and connecting Line 24 service.

2026 note: the August update adjusted the Carmel Rancho timepoint.

Official Line 5 Timetable

Line 7 — Monterey to Ryan Ranch

Ryan Ranch

Provides local service between the Monterey area and Ryan Ranch.

Best for: employment areas, offices and appointments near Ryan Ranch.

Boarding tip: check the weekday operating pattern and final return service carefully.

Find Line 7 Schedule

Line 8 — Monterey to CHOMP

Hospital Connection

Serves Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula, commonly called CHOMP.

Best for: medical appointments, hospital visits and related Peninsula travel.

Practical tip: confirm the hospital-side stop and allow time to reach the appropriate department or clinic entrance.

Find Line 8 Schedule

Line 20 — Monterey to Salinas

Major Regional Route

Connects Monterey Transit Plaza with Sand City, Marina Transit Exchange and Salinas Transit Center.

Best for: Monterey–Salinas commuting, Marina connections and regional transfers.

Important gates: published examples use Monterey Transit Plaza Gate 4 and Salinas Transit Center Gate 7.

Official Line 20 Schedule

Line 17 — Sand City to Marina

Via General Jim Moore

Connects Sand City and Marina using the General Jim Moore corridor.

Best for: Marina travel, Imjin Road and selected CSUMB-area connections.

2026 update: additional stops were implemented on Imjin Road and 8th Street.

Find Line 17 Route Map

Line 18 — Sand City to Marina

Via Monterey Road

Connects Sand City and Marina using Monterey Road rather than the Line 17 routing.

Best for: stops along the Monterey Road corridor.

Practical tip: compare Lines 17 and 18 if both appear in a trip planner; they serve different streets.

Official Line 18 Schedule

Line 24 — Carmel Valley

Crossroads / Carmel Valley

Connects Crossroads Carmel with Carmel Valley.

Best for: Carmel Valley destinations and transfers involving Line 5.

2026 note: departure times were adjusted to improve connections at Carmel Rancho.

Official Line 24 Timetable

Line 28 — Watsonville via Castroville

North County / Watsonville

Connects the Watsonville corridor through Castroville.

Best for: travel between North Monterey County and Watsonville.

Rider tip: choose Line 28 for the Castroville corridor, not Line 29’s Prunedale route.

Find Line 28 Timetable

Line 29 — Watsonville via Prunedale

Prunedale / Watsonville

Operates toward Watsonville using the Prunedale corridor.

Best for: travelers whose boarding points lie along the Prunedale route.

2026 note: the August service update changed one weekday afternoon trip.

Official Line 29 Schedule

Line 59 — Salinas to Gilroy

Regional Transfer Route

Connects the Salinas area with Gilroy, where riders can plan onward transportation in Santa Clara County.

Best for: connections between Salinas and Gilroy.

Boarding tip: confirm the correct Salinas transit facility because the revised route includes changes involving the Salinas centers.

Official Line 59 Timetable

Additional MST Services

Lines 23 / 23X Salinas to King City, including an express service option.
Lines 31–34 Connections involving Gonzales, Soledad, Greenfield and King City.
Lines 41–49 Multiple Salinas local neighborhood and employment connections.
Line 25 Salinas–CSUMB university-oriented service with semester-related operating dates.
Line 84 King City to Paso Robles; check the long-distance timetable carefully.
JAZZ A / JAZZ B Aquarium and Sand City connections via distinct Hilby and Broadway corridors.
Published timetable examples

Monterey MST Bus Times: Line 20 to Salinas

There is no one start or finish time for every MST bus. However, Line 20 provides a useful example because it connects Monterey Transit Plaza, Sand City, Marina and Salinas.

The following sample trips come from published 2026 Line 20 schedule data. They illustrate early trips toward Salinas and should be checked against MST’s current date-selected timetable before travel.

Line 20 — Monterey to Salinas

Stop Trip 1 Trip 2 Trip 3
Monterey Transit Plaza, Gate 4 4:50 AM 5:45 AM 6:15 AM
Playa / Sand City Station 5:01 AM 5:59 AM 6:29 AM
Marina Transit Exchange, Gate 2 5:12 AM 6:13 AM 6:43 AM
Salinas Transit Center, Gate 7 5:28 AM 6:33 AM 7:03 AM
First listed example 38 min 4:50–5:28 AM, Monterey to Salinas.
Second listed example 48 min 5:45–6:33 AM, Monterey to Salinas.
Monterey to Marina example 22 min 4:50–5:12 AM, first listed trip.

These are selected scheduled examples from 2026 route-feed information, not live predictions. Even trips on the same route can have different scheduled durations. Verify the current service day, direction, stop and timetable revision on mst.org.

How Often Does Line 20 Operate?

Published Line 20 data shows many daytime departures spaced roughly 30 minutes apart, with shorter intervals at certain afternoon periods and wider gaps in the evening. This is not a promise of a bus every 30 minutes at every stop or on every service day.

Schedule interpretation tip The first Line 20 example reaches Marina Transit Exchange at 5:12 AM, but a rider boarding in Marina should not use the 4:50 AM Monterey terminal time. Look up the actual Marina stop or gate.

Open MST’s current Line 20 timetable and downloadable route PDF.

What Time Is the Last Monterey Bus?

The answer depends on the line. A local Pacific Grove trip can end at a different time from a regional Salinas trip, and weekend schedules may differ from weekdays.

To find the last bus, select your route and direction, then read the last listed departure from your actual boarding stop. Do not use the final terminal departure time as though it were the same for every intermediate stop.

Popular Monterey destinations

Which Monterey Bus Goes to the Aquarium, Cannery Row or Carmel?

Visitors frequently search for a trolley or a single sightseeing bus without realizing MST operates different routes for different parts of the Peninsula.

Monterey Bay Aquarium & Cannery Row

Look for JAZZ A or JAZZ B. Both are identified by MST as aquarium/Sand City routes, but they take different paths.

JAZZ A uses the Hilby corridor, while JAZZ B uses Broadway. Check the Aquarium Foam & Irving stop and your intended direction.

Important: the summer Monterey Trolley is not operating in November 2026.

Find the current JAZZ A/B schedules

Pacific Grove & Asilomar

Compare Line 1 via Asilomar with Line 2 via David Avenue.

Both connect Monterey and Pacific Grove but do not share exactly the same route through local neighborhoods.

Important: confirm the stop nearest your destination before deciding which line is preferable.

Check the Pacific Grove Line 2 timetable

Carmel & Carmel Rancho

Line 5 serves the Monterey–Carmel Rancho corridor. From the Carmel Rancho area, Line 24 provides an option for travel toward Carmel Valley.

2026 tip: MST updated times on both routes to improve the connection. Check the actual transfer rather than assuming buses meet automatically.

Check Monterey–Carmel Rancho Line 5

Marina & CSUMB

Line 20 serves Marina Transit Exchange, while Lines 17 and 18 connect Sand City and Marina through different corridors.

For CSUMB-related trips, review Line 25 and current university-service dates.

Practical tip: check whether the nearest stop is on Imjin Road, Monterey Road or another campus-area street.

Find Marina and CSUMB connections

Is the Monterey Trolley Free?

The seasonal Monterey Trolley has operated as a special sightseeing service, but its fare and availability should be checked against the current seasonal announcement. It should not be confused with the standard $2 MST fixed-route fare.

For trips in late Fall 2026, use the regular MST route network because the trolley is out of season.

Route map and transit centers

Monterey Transit Bus Map: Major Hubs and Directions

MST operates through two major regional hubs: Monterey Transit Plaza in downtown Monterey and Salinas Transit Center in downtown Salinas. Other important connections include Sand City Station and Marina Transit Exchange.

Line 20 — Monterey toward Salinas
1 Monterey Transit Plaza
2 Del Monte Avenue
3 Sand City Station
4 Marina Transit Exchange
5 Blanco / Alisal Corridor
6 Salinas Transit Center

Schematic stop sequence only. It is not a geographically accurate map or a complete list of all local stops.

Important MST Transit Centers

Monterey Transit Plaza Downtown Monterey hub. Published Line 20 examples use Gate 4 on Tyler Street.
Salinas Transit Center Regional connection point at 110 Salinas Street. Published Line 20 examples use Gate 7.
Marina Transit Exchange 280 Reservation Road. Line 20 uses different gates depending on direction.
Sand City Station Useful for Marina, Monterey and JAZZ corridor connections.
Watsonville Transit Center Regional interchange with transportation serving Santa Cruz County.
Gilroy Transit Center Connection point between MST Line 59 and Santa Clara County transportation.

Line 20: Why the Gate Number Matters

The published Monterey-to-Salinas direction uses Marina Transit Exchange Gate 2, while the reverse Salinas-to-Monterey direction uses Gate 3.

Direction-specific boarding tip If you are standing at Marina Transit Exchange, do not assume all Line 20 buses use the same gate. Check the destination sign and gate listed on your current direction’s official timetable.

Find a Bus Stop on a Street Map

For walking directions from your hotel, home or workplace to the nearest MST stop, our Google Maps bus-route and stop-finding guide explains how to select transit directions, inspect the actual stop location and compare walking or transfer options. Confirm the final stop and timetable with MST.

  1. Open your map app and enter the destination.
  2. Select transit directions.
  3. Confirm Monterey-Salinas Transit as the bus operator.
  4. Check the correct line and destination.
  5. Zoom into the boarding stop or transit-center gate.
  6. Compare the position with the official MST map and physical signs.
  7. Check MST RealTime shortly before leaving.
Monterey bus fare prices

How Much Does a Monterey MST Bus Cost?

Most regular MST fixed-route trips cost $2.00 for an adult. Qualifying discount passengers pay $1.00. The published fare includes eligible travel within a two-hour window under MST’s transfer rules.

Regular adult $2.00 Two-hour fixed-route fare.
Discount passenger $1.00 Eligible reduced fare.
Regular day pass $6.00 MST GoPass / daily fare cap.
Regular monthly pass $70.00 Published 31-day fare cap or pass.

MST Pass Prices and Contactless Fare Caps

Fare product Regular fare Discount fare
Single ride / two hours $2.00 $1.00
Daily pass / daily cap $6.00 $3.00
Weekly pass / cap $20.00 $10.00
Monthly pass / cap $70.00 $35.00
How fare capping works MST’s contactless payment system limits eligible adult charges to $6 per day, $20 per week and $70 per month when you consistently use the same eligible card or mobile-wallet payment method. Discount caps apply to eligible reduced-fare passengers.

Who Qualifies for the $1 Discount Fare?

MST lists several qualifying categories, including:

  • Passengers 18 and younger.
  • Passengers 65 and older.
  • Individuals with qualifying disabilities.
  • Medicare card holders.
  • Eligible veterans and certain veteran caregivers or spouses.
  • Other passengers qualifying under MST’s published discount categories.

Carry the appropriate proof of eligibility. MST may request identification or an accepted Courtesy Card when a rider uses a discount fare.

Check the official MST fare table and discount requirements.

Practical fare payment steps

How to Pay for an MST Bus in Monterey

Contactless Bank Card

  1. Prepare a supported contactless Visa, Mastercard, Discover or American Express card.
  2. Tap the MST fare reader when boarding.
  3. Use the same card for eligible transfers.
  4. Tap off at the front reader before exiting, following MST’s published instructions.
  5. Use the same payment method to preserve eligible fare caps.

Apple Pay or Other Mobile Wallet

  1. Prepare a supported wallet such as Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay or Fitbit Pay.
  2. Choose the card you want to use.
  3. Tap on when boarding.
  4. Tap off as instructed.
  5. Use the same device and payment token when transferring.

Cash

  1. Check your fare category.
  2. Insert the fare into the farebox when boarding.
  3. If transferring, ask for a two-hour pass.
  4. Keep the issued pass until the transfer window ends.

Important: MST says exact cash is not required. If you overpay, the farebox issues credit for future MST trips rather than ordinary cash change.

GoPass or GoCard

  1. Buy the appropriate product at an MST sales location or approved channel.
  2. Activate a new GoPass by inserting it into the farebox as directed.
  3. Swipe the activated pass on subsequent rides.
  4. For a GoCard, tap the card on the farebox reader.

MST advertises a 10% stored-value bonus when a GoCard is reloaded under the published GoCard program rules.

Transfer mistake to avoid If you pay cash and need another bus, request the two-hour pass from the driver when you first board. Contactless riders should tap the same payment method on each bus rather than paying a fresh separate fare with another card.
MST RealTime arrival service

How to Track a Monterey Bus in Real Time

MST provides several live-arrival tools: text message, telephone, mobile app and map-based trip planning. You do not need to rely on a printed timetable alone.

1 Find Stop ID Look for the four-digit number on the MST sign.
2 Open Tracker Use MST RealTime or the Transit app.
3 Choose Route Select the correct bus line and direction.
4 Review ETA Check whether the displayed arrival is scheduled or predicted.
5 Recheck Check again as the bus gets closer.

Open MST’s official RealTime instructions.

Text Your MST Bus Stop Number

MST offers a text-message service that returns upcoming stop arrivals.

Send to 25370 MST RealTime text number.
Message format Next 9103 Example using stop number 9103.
  1. Locate the four-digit stop number on your MST bus-stop sign.
  2. Open your phone’s text-message app.
  3. Address the message to 25370.
  4. Type Next, followed by a space and the stop number.
  5. Send the message.
  6. Read the returned upcoming scheduled or estimated arrivals.

The number 9103 is MST’s example, not a universal Monterey Transit Plaza stop ID. Use the number physically displayed at your own boarding stop. Text-message rates may apply.

Important Difference: Scheduled vs GPS-Predicted Arrival

More than 15 minutes away MST explains that the system may show the scheduled arrival rather than a GPS-based prediction.
Within approximately 15 minutes The system can use the bus’s GPS position to estimate the arrival more closely.
One detail most transit guides miss In MST’s text system, an (s) marker identifies a scheduled arrival. If the bus is more than about 15 minutes away, check again later rather than treating the time as a confirmed real-time prediction.

Track an MST Bus by Telephone

  1. Call 1-888-678-2871.
  2. Press 1 for English or 2 for Spanish.
  3. Select RealTime by pressing 1 again.
  4. Enter the four-digit bus-stop number for current arrivals.
  5. Use the system’s other prompts for later schedule times.
  6. If you do not know the stop number, follow the option provided for stop-number assistance.

For phone-based arrivals, MST also distinguishes current predicted times from scheduled arrivals outside the near-arrival window.

Use the Transit App

MST also supports the Transit app for nearby services, trip planning and available live-arrival information. Choose your actual route and direction, then confirm the stop rather than relying only on the closest vehicle icon.

Open the Transit app website.

College transportation

Free MST Bus Rides for MPC, CSUMB and Hartnell Students

Monterey-Salinas Transit lists fare-free programs for qualifying college students during Fall and Spring semesters.

Monterey Peninsula College Eligible MPC students ride free on MST routes with a valid photo student ID during Fall and Spring semesters.
Cal State Monterey Bay Eligible CSUMB students ride free with a valid photo student ID during Fall and Spring semesters.
Hartnell College Eligible students may use a valid photo student ID or follow the current Tap2Ride enrollment instructions.

How to Use the Student Fare Program

  1. Check your college’s current MST participation and eligibility.
  2. Confirm that the fare-free period applies to your travel date.
  3. Carry a valid student ID with the required photo.
  4. For Hartnell, follow the current Tap2Ride registration instructions if using that program.
  5. Board the correct MST bus and present or use your qualifying credential as required.
  6. Keep the credential available during the trip.
Money-saving commuter tip A student traveling between Salinas, Marina or Monterey should check college fare eligibility before buying a weekly pass. However, a Fall/Spring benefit should not be assumed to cover summer or an inactive enrollment period.

Review current MST college fare rules.

Regional transfers and onward travel

Monterey Bus Connections to Salinas, Watsonville, Gilroy and San Jose

MST connects communities across a wide geographic area. Some journeys require more than one bus, especially trips toward Santa Cruz County, Silicon Valley or long-distance intercity services.

Monterey to Salinas

Use Line 20, checking the direction toward Salinas Transit Center. The published route passes Sand City and Marina. Check both the Monterey boarding gate and Salinas arrival gate before planning a connection.

Salinas to Gilroy and San Jose

MST Line 59 connects Salinas and Gilroy. Gilroy Transit Center is an important interchange for onward Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority services, including VTA Route 68 toward San Jose.

For the next part of the journey, our VTA bus schedule guide for Gilroy, Morgan Hill and San Jose explains Route 68, regional travel, Clipper fares and transfers. MST and VTA are separate agencies; confirm each route’s ticket and timing independently.

Monterey to Watsonville

Use the relevant MST route toward Watsonville, checking whether Line 28 via Castroville or Line 29 via Prunedale better matches your boarding and destination stops.

At Watsonville Transit Center, check the onward operator and timetable if continuing into Santa Cruz County. Do not assume an MST two-hour fare covers a different agency’s bus.

Connecting to Intercity Coaches

Salinas and other regional transportation hubs may have separate intercity coach services. When planning a long-distance journey, check the actual operator, departure city, boarding address and travel date rather than assuming an MST local bus ticket is valid on another carrier.

Our Greyhound bus departure and ticket-planning guide explains how to search available intercity journeys, verify station addresses, handle baggage and check confirmed departure status. It does not imply that every MST transit center is a Greyhound boarding stop.

Flying From San Jose Airport?

Travelers using MST to reach Gilroy and then taking onward VTA services may need another connection to reach San José Mineta International Airport. VTA Route 60 serves Airport Terminal A and Terminal B, but it does not start in Monterey or provide a direct MST connection.

Before arranging flights, read our San Jose VTA Route 60 airport terminal and bus schedule guide for terminal-specific stops and transfer details. Check the latest VTA Terminal A relocation notice and leave substantial time for multiple connections.

Long-distance transfer warning Monterey to San Jose Airport using several buses can require considerable travel time and may not be practical for an early flight. Compare the entire itinerary using current MST and VTA schedules, not just one bus’s published journey time.
Accessibility and disability services

MST Wheelchair Accessibility and RIDES Paratransit

MST states that its regular fixed-route buses are accessible, with wheelchair lifts. Passengers whose disabilities prevent them from using the ordinary fixed-route system may qualify for MST RIDES ADA Paratransit.

Regular Accessible Buses Wheelchair lifts and accessible onboard arrangements are provided, although stop conditions must also be checked.
MST RIDES A shared-ride ADA paratransit program for approved passengers who cannot use regular buses because of a qualifying disability.
Accessibility Assistance MST offers travel training, reasonable modification information and mobility-related support services.

Who Is Eligible for MST RIDES?

Eligibility depends on whether a disability prevents an individual from using MST’s regular fixed-route bus service, under the ADA paratransit rules. It is not automatically determined solely by age or possession of a general discount fare card.

MST RIDES Service Area

The standard ADA paratransit corridor extends up to three-quarters of a mile from eligible MST fixed-route service. The program serves qualifying areas of the Monterey Peninsula, Carmel, Carmel Valley, Salinas and southern Monterey County, as well as Watsonville Transit Center, subject to program boundaries.

MST RIDES Booking Rules

One-way fare $2.00 Exact fare required.
Next-day request deadline 5:00 PM On the day before travel.
Advance booking window 7 days Trips may be requested up to seven days ahead.

How to Apply for MST RIDES

  1. Open the official MST RIDES information page.
  2. Read the service-area and disability-eligibility requirements.
  3. Select the appropriate application language.
  4. Complete the requested personal and disability-related eligibility information.
  5. Submit the application using MST’s instructions.
  6. Wait for a formal eligibility decision.
  7. After approval, schedule trips using the designated reservation process.
  8. Confirm the pickup location and window before travel.

MST publishes application material in English, Spanish, Tagalog, Korean and Vietnamese.

Personal care attendants MST RIDES permits an eligible personal care attendant to ride free under the program’s rules. Other companions are subject to separate space and fare conditions. Inform reservations when arranging a trip with additional passengers.

Accessible Stops and Temporary Conditions

An accessible bus does not guarantee that the sidewalk, curb, crossing or temporary bus stop is usable in every circumstance. Contact MST if construction, a blocked ramp or another condition makes the ordinary boarding location difficult or unsafe.

Read official MST RIDES eligibility and reservation information.

Service alerts and holiday travel

Monterey Transit Holiday Schedule and Bus Alerts

MST schedules may differ on holidays, weekends, university breaks or during special events. Some routes continue operating while others reduce trips or do not operate.

What to Check Before Thanksgiving and Winter Holidays

Thanksgiving Check the November 26, 2026 holiday schedule for your particular line.
Christmas Confirm the December 25, 2026 route schedule and any holiday-specific stop or service changes.
New Year’s Day Check the January 1, 2027 holiday schedule before assuming weekday service.

MST’s holiday timetable can include different operating patterns by route. Use the official holiday schedule and select the relevant date before traveling.

Current Service Alerts

MST maintains a Service Alerts page for detours and disruptions. A page showing no alerts when you open it does not guarantee that future service will remain normal.

Roadworks and events may move stops. Do not automatically walk to an old stop location if there is a posted detour. Confirm the line number, destination and temporary boarding location with the agency.

Practical Alert-Checking Steps

  1. Open the official Service Alerts page.
  2. Look for the route number or corridor affected.
  3. Read the alert’s start and end dates.
  4. Check whether your direction is affected.
  5. Identify the replacement stop or modified route.
  6. Recheck MST RealTime before leaving.
Official schedule finder

How to Check Your Monterey Transit Schedule Step by Step

  1. Open MST Routes. Visit the official MST Routes & Schedules directory.
  2. Select the route number. Use the destination or service corridor to choose the correct line.
  3. Read the route heading. Verify that it connects the intended cities or neighborhoods.
  4. Select direction. For example, Monterey to Salinas instead of Salinas to Monterey.
  5. Choose your service day. Check weekday, Saturday, Sunday or special holiday service.
  6. Review the timetable. Find your boarding stop and read the matching departure time.
  7. Check timepoints. Intermediate stops may display estimated departure times rather than the main published timepoints.
  8. Open the map. Confirm the physical stop, gate or exchange location.
  9. Check MST RealTime. Use the stop ID, live tracker or Transit app for newer arrival information.
  10. Prepare for boarding. Arrive at least five minutes early, have payment ready and signal the approaching operator.

Open the official Monterey-Salinas Transit route schedule directory.

Practical rider instructions

How to Avoid Missing the Monterey Bus

Confirm the destination sign A bus displaying the right number may be going the wrong direction. Read the destination above the windshield before boarding.
Signal the operator MST asks passengers to be visible at the designated stop and signal that they want to board as the bus approaches.
Check a real stop sign Some roads have opposite-direction stops near each other. Match the stop ID and direction instead of relying only on a map pin.
Ask for a transfer pass Cash-paying passengers should request the two-hour transfer pass on their first boarding when a connection is needed.
Plan the return first If visiting Carmel Valley, Pacific Grove or another lower-frequency destination, confirm the last return trip before leaving Monterey.
Use the correct gate At Monterey Transit Plaza, Marina Transit Exchange and Salinas Transit Center, route and direction can affect the boarding gate.

How to Get Off at the Right Stop

  1. Watch for your destination or request guidance from the operator.
  2. Pull the stop-request cord before reaching the stop.
  3. Wait for the bus to stop fully.
  4. If using contactless payment, follow the tap-off instructions at the front reader.
  5. Exit through the appropriate door when safe.
  6. Use sidewalks and marked crossings rather than stepping into traffic.
Transit troubleshooting

Monterey Bus Not Arriving? Common Problems and Fixes

MST RealTime shows only a scheduled time.

If the arrival is more than about 15 minutes away, the system may not yet show a GPS-based prediction. Check again later.

The trolley is not operating.

Monterey Trolley service is seasonal and ended after Labor Day 2026. Check JAZZ routes for aquarium-area transportation outside the trolley season.

You arrived at the wrong transit-center gate.

Check the current direction-specific route map and gate. Line 20 uses different Marina Transit Exchange gates depending on direction.

The route PDF and live page disagree.

Check the PDF’s effective date. An updated route timetable or service-change notice may supersede a document you downloaded earlier.

Your contactless transfer costs extra.

Check whether you used a different card, wallet or payment token, or whether the two-hour transfer window expired.

You cannot reach the stop safely.

Check for detours or temporary closures. Contact MST for assistance if a disability, roadwork or another barrier affects accessible boarding.

Customer service

Monterey-Salinas Transit Phone Number, Office and Lost & Found

MST Customer Service

1-888-678-2871

Also listed as 1-888-MST-BUS1.

Phone hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM.

Monterey Bus Stop Shop

201 Pearl Street

Monterey, CA 93940.

Monday–Friday: 8:00 AM–12:30 PM and 1:30–4:45 PM.

Salinas Transit Center

110 Salinas Street

Salinas, CA 93901.

Published service counter hours: Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–5:45 PM.

Additional Contact Information

TDD: 831-393-8111.

Marina Transit Exchange: 280 Reservation Road, Marina, CA 93933.

MST offers free language assistance for passengers who need help communicating with the agency.

Lost an Item on an MST Bus?

  1. Open the official MST Contact page.
  2. Select the Lost & Found reporting option.
  3. Provide the bus line number and direction.
  4. Give the date, approximate time and boarding stop.
  5. Describe the item and any identifying features.
  6. Submit the report and keep any confirmation.
  7. Ask MST about the collection location and hours before visiting.
Before leaving your hotel or home

Monterey Transit Boarding Checklist

  • Choose the correct route number.
  • Confirm the destination and direction.
  • Check the current weekday or weekend schedule.
  • Read the PDF or schedule effective date.
  • Find the correct stop or transit-center gate.
  • Check MST RealTime for arrival information.
  • Arrive at least five minutes early.
  • Prepare the correct fare or student credential.
  • Review service alerts and seasonal changes.
  • Confirm the last return bus before traveling.
Official research and rider resources

Monterey MST Official Bus Schedules, Fares, Maps and Alerts

The following first-party sources are the recommended references for travel dates, bus routes, payment rules and accessibility. The agency’s current operational information takes priority over historical timetables.

MST Routes & Service Changes

Current route directory, August 2026 service changes, route maps and schedules.

Open official route directory
MST Full Route List

Find routes by number, including local, regional, JAZZ and specialty services.

Open complete route list
Line 20 — Monterey to Salinas

Current route map, direction selector, stop schedules and downloadable PDF.

View Line 20
Line 5 — Carmel Rancho

Monterey–Carmel Rancho stops and the revised 2026 timetable.

View Line 5
Line 24 — Carmel Valley

Carmel Valley schedule and Line 5 transfer-planning details.

View Line 24
Line 59 — Salinas to Gilroy

Regional service, stop list, direction selector and current timetable.

View Line 59
MST Fare Information

Adult and discount prices, transfers, GoPass, GoCard and contactless fare caps.

Open MST fares
MST RealTime

Text, phone, app and arrival-tracking instructions.

Open live-arrival guidance
How to Ride MST

Bus-stop signs, boarding, cash payment, contactless tap-off and requesting stops.

Read boarding instructions
Current Service Alerts

Detours, changed stops and other published disruptions.

Check MST alerts
MST RIDES ADA Paratransit

Eligibility, accessible rides, application languages and reservation policies.

Open MST RIDES
MST Contact and Lost & Found

Customer-service telephone, ticket offices, accessible communication and reports.

Contact MST
Research reviewed November 3, 2026. This guide incorporates MST’s August 29, 2026 route changes and selected timetable examples. Schedules, stop locations, holiday rules and live predictions can change. Recheck the official line timetable for your specific travel date.

Independent-site disclosure: BusSchedule.us is not Monterey-Salinas Transit. This article does not operate MST buses, control real-time information, issue passes, manage RIDES eligibility or guarantee departures.

Frequently asked questions

Monterey Transit Bus Schedule FAQs

1. Where can I check the Monterey Transit bus schedule?

Open MST’s official Routes page at mst.org/routes, select your route, choose the direction and travel day, then review the timetable or route PDF. Use MST RealTime for stop-specific arrival information.

2. How much is an MST bus ticket in Monterey?

The regular MST fixed-route fare is $2 for two hours of travel. Eligible discount passengers pay $1. MST also offers daily, weekly and monthly passes and contactless fare caps.

3. Which Monterey bus goes to Salinas?

MST Line 20 connects Monterey Transit Plaza with Sand City, Marina Transit Exchange and Salinas Transit Center. Check the direction-specific timetable and boarding gate before traveling.

4. Which bus goes to Monterey Bay Aquarium?

Look for MST JAZZ A or JAZZ B services toward the aquarium and Cannery Row area. JAZZ A travels via Hilby and JAZZ B via Broadway. The seasonal Monterey Trolley is not operating in November 2026.

5. Does Monterey have a free trolley in November 2026?

No regular seasonal Monterey Trolley operation is scheduled for November 2026. MST announced the trolley ended after Labor Day and is planned to return Memorial Day weekend 2027. Use regular MST routes in the meantime.

6. How can I track an MST bus in real time?

Use MST RealTime online, by phone or through the Transit app. You can also text Next followed by your four-digit stop number to 25370. MST may show scheduled rather than GPS-predicted times when a bus is more than about 15 minutes away.

7. Does MST accept credit cards and Apple Pay?

Yes. MST accepts supported contactless bank cards and mobile wallets including Apple Pay and Google Pay. Tap on when boarding, follow the tap-off instructions and use the same eligible payment method for transfers and fare caps.

8. Can MPC and CSUMB students ride MST for free?

Eligible Monterey Peninsula College and Cal State Monterey Bay students can ride MST routes for free with valid photo student IDs during Fall and Spring semesters. Hartnell College also has a qualifying student fare program.

9. Are Monterey MST buses wheelchair accessible?

MST states that its regular fixed-route buses are accessible and equipped with wheelchair lifts. Eligible riders whose disabilities prevent them from using regular service may apply for MST RIDES ADA Paratransit.

10. How early should I arrive at an MST bus stop?

MST recommends arriving at least five minutes before the estimated departure time. Be visible at the designated stop, signal the approaching operator and have the correct fare or pass ready.

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