Mst Bus Schedule: Routes, Times & Stops

by
2026 Monterey-Salinas Transit Rider Guide

MST Bus Schedule: Routes, Times & Stops

Monterey-Salinas Transit (MST) operates public buses across Monterey County, including Monterey, Salinas, Pacific Grove, Carmel, Marina, Seaside, Sand City, Watsonville connections and the Salinas Valley. Each MST line has its own stops, timetable, direction and service days.

Use this guide to find your bus route, compare actual departure examples, understand the $2 regular fare, check the 2026 service changes, locate transit centers, plan transfers and track the next bus using MST RealTime.

For the exact next departure, always use the official route page and your four-digit stop number. A time listed for Monterey Transit Plaza will not be the same as the departure time from Marina Transit Exchange or Salinas Transit Center.

Find Bus Routes Actual Bus Times Fares & Passes Live Arrivals
Agency Monterey-Salinas Transit
Regular fare $2 / 2 hours
Discount fare $1 / 2 hours
Text arrivals 25370
Review date November 3, 2026
Quick answer

Where Can I Find the Current MST Bus Schedule?

Open the official MST route directory, choose your route number, then select your travel direction and service day to find scheduled times. Each route page also provides a printable route PDF and connections to MST RealTime.

1 Find route Choose Line 1, 20, 23, 28 or your required bus.
2 Pick direction Check the bus destination or terminal.
3 Choose date Check weekday, weekend or holiday service.
4 Choose stop Match the map, stop ID and street side.
5 Check live Recheck the prediction before leaving.
Important: There is no universal MST first-bus time. Line 20 between Monterey and Salinas, Line 1 to Pacific Grove and Line 23 toward King City all follow different timetables. Some school routes are seasonal, and some express services do not run the same days as local buses.

For a complete origin-to-destination journey, use the official MST Trip Planner. Enter your starting address and destination, review the suggested routes and confirm the actual boarding stop.

What’s in This MST Bus Guide?

Official MST route finder

MST Bus Routes: Monterey, Salinas, Carmel, Marina and Beyond

MST operates routes throughout the Monterey Peninsula, Salinas and South County. The route numbers below follow the official MST route directory. Use the relevant route page for current schedules because some lines have school-year restrictions or seasonal operating periods.

Line Route name Useful for Important check
1 Monterey – Pacific Grove via Asilomar Pacific Grove and Asilomar-area travel. Pacific Grove direction and terminal.
2 Monterey – Pacific Grove via David Avenue Pacific Grove via a different local corridor. Do not confuse with Line 1.
5 Monterey – Carmel Rancho Carmel Rancho and Carmel Valley Road connections. Connection times with Line 24.
7 Monterey – Ryan Ranch Ryan Ranch and Garden Road area. Removed stops near airport construction.
8 Monterey – CHOMP Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula. Nearest accessible hospital stop.
17 Sand City – Marina via Gen Jim Moore Marina and Imjin Road corridor. New 2026 stops near Imjin Road and 8th Street.
18 Sand City – Marina via Monterey Road Marina via an alternate corridor. Not the same route path as Line 17.
20 Monterey – Salinas Monterey, Sand City, Marina and Salinas. Transit plaza and exchange gates.
23 Salinas – King City Salinas Valley and South County travel. Trip continuation toward Paso Robles.
23X Salinas – King City Express Express trips along the South County corridor. Limited stops and service-day pattern.
24 Crossroads Carmel – Carmel Valley Carmel Valley destinations. Line 5 connection at Carmel Rancho.
25 Salinas – CSUMB California State University Monterey Bay. Academic-calendar operation.
28 Watsonville via Castroville Salinas, Castroville and Watsonville. Watsonville transit connections.
29 Watsonville via Prunedale Salinas, Prunedale and Watsonville. Different route from Line 28.
31–34 Gonzales, Soledad, Greenfield and King City South County local connections. Specific city route and timetable.
41–49 Salinas neighborhood routes Alisal, Northridge, South Main, Natividad and surrounding areas. Exact route and school-related changes.
59 Salinas – Gilroy Gilroy and Santa Clara County connections. Current Salinas and Gilroy timepoints.
84 King City – Paso Robles South County and Paso Robles connections. Through-trip notes and RTA connections.
JAZZ A/B Aquarium / Sand City via alternate corridors Monterey Bay Aquarium and nearby visitor destinations. Jazz A versus Jazz B direction and path.
Route-number warning MST Line 20 is a Monterey–Salinas service. A route numbered 20 in Los Angeles, Chicago or another city is an entirely different bus. Confirm Monterey-Salinas Transit as the operator before using any timetable.

For the complete list, including Lines 40, 47, 61, 91, 94, 95, 96 and the Del Rey Oaks Shuttle, open the official MST route list.

Bus times and frequency

MST Bus Schedule: First Bus, Last Bus and Weekends

MST does not publish one start time for the entire network. The first and last bus depend on your line, direction, service day, branch and boarding stop.

Weekday service Many major routes operate during commuter and daytime periods, with frequency based on the route and travel demand.
Saturday and Sunday Some lines use different departure intervals or shorter operating spans. Other routes may not operate every weekend day.
Holidays and school terms Holiday timetables and academic-calendar services can differ from normal weekday or weekend patterns.

How to Read an MST Timetable

On the official route page, choose the direction and day. MST explains that timetable points marked with a dot are designated timepoints, while other stops may show estimated departures.

1 Line Match the number.
2 Direction Read the destination.
3 Day Choose the timetable.
4 Timepoint Find the correct stop.
5 RealTime Check before boarding.
Official arrival guidance MST asks passengers to arrive at the bus stop at least five minutes before the estimated departure time. At an unfamiliar terminal, allow additional time to find the correct gate or bay.

For a detailed explanation of route timepoints, bus headsigns, directions and the difference between a printed timetable and live tracking, our transit bus schedule and stop-reading guide provides useful step-by-step examples.

Verified Route 20 timetable

MST Line 20 Schedule: Monterey to Salinas via Marina

Line 20 is a key regional MST bus. It connects Monterey Transit Plaza, Sand City Station, Marina Transit Exchange and Salinas Transit Center.

The official Line 20 printable timetable is effective May 23, 2026. The examples below come from that document. They are scheduled departures, not live arrivals.

Line 20 — Monterey to Salinas
1 Monterey Transit Plaza
2 Sand City Station
3 Marina Transit Exchange
4 Salinas Transit Center

Selected Line 20 Departure Times

Direction / day Starting point Next major stop Following stop Destination
Weekday to Salinas Monterey 5:45 AM Sand City 6:05 AM Marina 6:18 AM Salinas 6:30 AM
Weekday to Salinas Monterey 6:15 AM Sand City 6:37 AM Marina 6:52 AM Salinas 7:06 AM
Weekday to Monterey Salinas 4:50 AM Marina 5:01 AM Sand City 5:12 AM Monterey 5:28 AM
Saturday/Sunday to Salinas Monterey 7:15 AM Sand City 7:29 AM Marina 7:43 AM Salinas 8:03 AM
Saturday/Sunday to Monterey Salinas 7:15 AM Marina 7:35 AM Sand City 7:50 AM Monterey 8:06 AM

Source: official Line 20 PDF, effective May 23, 2026. These are selected trips only. Not every stop appears in this comparison. Confirm the current timetable and live arrival at your specific stop.

Morning Monterey → Salinas About 45 minutes

5:45 AM to 6:30 AM in the selected weekday example.

Early Salinas → Monterey About 38 minutes

4:50 AM to 5:28 AM in the selected weekday example.

Weekend Monterey → Salinas About 48 minutes

7:15 AM to 8:03 AM in the selected weekend example.

Travel times are not constant. These calculations describe selected scheduled trips, not average speed or guaranteed arrival time. Road congestion, traffic incidents, weather, boarding delays and detours can change the actual journey.

Open MST Line 20 current schedule and route map.

Open the official Line 20 printable timetable PDF.

Line 20 Boarding Gates

Monterey Transit Plaza Published Route 20 stop information identifies Gate 4 on Tyler Street.
Marina Transit Exchange The published route listing identifies direction-specific gates. Check the platform sign before boarding.
Salinas Transit Center Published Route 20 stop information identifies Gate 7.
Temporary gate changes are possible. Confirm the physical sign and current route alert at the terminal. The final bus stop location may differ during construction or a special event.
Monterey County bus network

MST Bus System Map: Monterey Peninsula, Salinas and South County

MST’s regional system connects Monterey Peninsula destinations with Salinas, Marina, Watsonville, Gilroy and the Salinas Valley. This schematic illustrates major service areas rather than exact streets or travel distance.

Simplified MST regional bus connections Diagram showing Monterey, Pacific Grove, Carmel, Sand City, Marina, Salinas, Watsonville, Gilroy, King City and Paso Robles as connected regional service areas. Lines are schematic and are not a geographic map. Monterey Pacific Grove Carmel Marina Salinas Watsonville Gilroy King City Paso Robles Sand City Schematic connections only
Monterey Peninsula Monterey, Pacific Grove, Carmel, Sand City and Marina.
Salinas hub Salinas Transit Center connects peninsula, South County and northern regional routes.
Northbound Lines 28 and 29 toward Watsonville; Line 59 toward Gilroy.
Southbound Lines 23, 23X and 84 for King City and Paso Robles corridor connections.
Not a street map or direct-service guarantee. Some journeys require transfers, and the lines in this illustration are not drawn along exact highways. Use the official map for stops, directions and walking routes.

Which Official MST Map Should You Open?

Monterey Peninsula Map Best for Monterey, Pacific Grove, Seaside, Sand City, Carmel and nearby attractions.
Salinas Map Best for neighborhood buses and connections at Salinas Transit Center.
South County Map Best for Gonzales, Soledad, Greenfield, King City and regional travel toward Paso Robles.

Open MST’s official system maps and choose the map covering the area you need. The page also has downtown Monterey, Monterey Transit Plaza, Marina Transit Exchange and Salinas Transit Center diagrams.

How to Find Your Stop on Google Maps

  1. Open Google Maps and search your destination.
  2. Choose Directions, then public transit.
  3. Find the MST line suggested for your journey.
  4. Open the boarding-stop detail.
  5. Check the direction and correct side of the street.
  6. Compare the departure with MST’s official timetable.
  7. Use MST RealTime to confirm the approaching bus.

For help selecting transit mode, checking scheduled versus predicted arrivals and walking to the correct stop, follow our Google Maps bus routes and schedule instructions.

Official fare structure

MST Bus Fares: $2 Regular, $1 Discount and Fare Capping

MST’s standard fixed-route fare is $2 for up to two hours of systemwide travel. Qualified riders can pay the $1 discounted fare for the same two-hour period.

Regular fare $2.00

Two hours of eligible fixed-route travel.

Discount fare $1.00

For qualified riders with required eligibility.

Regular daily cap $6.00

With consistent eligible contactless payment.

Regular 31-day cap $70.00

Rolling fare-capping limit with contactless payment.

MST Bus Fare and Pass Comparison

Fare product Regular Discount How it works
Single / 2-hour $2.00 $1.00 Eligible transfers within two hours.
Daily GoPass / cap $6.00 $3.00 Daily GoPass validity or contactless daily cap.
7-day GoPass / cap $20.00 $10.00 Seven-day pass or rolling contactless fare cap.
31-day GoPass / cap $70.00 $35.00 31-day pass or rolling contactless fare cap.

How Contactless Fare Capping Works

When paying with the same eligible contactless bank card or mobile wallet, MST automatically limits the amount charged over the applicable fare-capping period.

Daily cap $6
7-day cap $20
31-day cap $70

Bars show relative regular-fare cap amounts on a shared $70 scale, not ridership, frequency or trip duration.

Important payment detail If you tap your physical bank card on one trip and your phone wallet on the next, MST can treat them as separate payment methods even when they use the same underlying bank account. Use the same physical card or the same device consistently to receive the correct transfer and fare-cap benefits.

Who Qualifies for the $1 Fare?

The MST fare page includes discount eligibility for riders aged 18 and under, adults aged 65 and older, qualifying riders with disabilities, Medicare cardholders, veterans and other specific groups.

Discounted contactless fares generally require registration of eligible discount status. Riders who qualify can also use accepted discounted cash, GoCard or GoPass fare products with the required proof.

Open official MST fares and pass prices.

How to pay

How to Pay for an MST Bus Ride

Contactless Bank Card

  1. Prepare an accepted contactless Visa, Mastercard, Discover or American Express card.
  2. Board the bus and find the contactless reader.
  3. Tap below the display on the contactless symbol.
  4. Wait for the green confirmation screen.
  5. Use that same card for any eligible transfer.

Apple Pay or Google Wallet

  1. Prepare an accepted bank card in your mobile wallet.
  2. Unlock or activate the wallet as required.
  3. Tap the MST payment reader.
  4. Check the payment confirmation.
  5. Use the same device for the next boarding.

Cash Payment

  1. Prepare the applicable fare.
  2. Insert cash into the onboard farebox.
  3. If you need a transfer, request the two-hour pass when boarding.
  4. Keep your issued fare media.

MST does not require exact cash. If you overpay, the farebox can issue future-trip credit instead of ordinary cash change.

GoPass or GoCard

  1. Buy the appropriate pass from MST or an authorized seller.
  2. Activate the pass as instructed.
  3. Insert or swipe it through the designated farebox reader.
  4. Retain it for the valid travel period.

GoPasses are available in daily, weekly and monthly options.

Do I tap off when leaving an MST bus? No. MST specifically states that riders do not need to tap off. Tap when boarding every bus, including eligible transfers, and let the system calculate the two-hour fare window.

See MST’s complete Tap2Ride contactless payment instructions.

MST RealTime

How to Track an MST Bus in Real Time

MST RealTime offers text, telephone, app and map-based options for checking upcoming arrivals. Each stop has a unique four-digit MST stop number that is more reliable than guessing from a nearby street name.

Text Number

25370

Send a correctly formatted text containing your four-digit stop number.

Telephone

888-678-2871

Call the official MST number and select the RealTime option.

Text Message Format for MST RealTime

All upcoming lines at one stop Next 9103

Send to 25370.

Only a specific line at the stop Next 9103-022

This requests Line 22 at the example stop. Replace the stop and route codes with your actual information.

The examples above illustrate MST’s published text-message format. Stop 9103 is an example code, not a recommendation for your particular boarding location.

Step-by-Step: Find the Next Bus

1 Find stop ID Read the four-digit number on the MST stop sign.
2 Open texts Start a message to 25370.
3 Enter request Type Next and the stop number.
4 Read result Check route and estimated time.
5 Recheck Refresh closer to departure.

Scheduled Time vs Predicted Time

More than 15 minutes away

MST explains that the result may show scheduled time rather than a GPS-based arrival prediction.

Within about 15 minutes

The system can provide an updated GPS-based prediction when vehicle tracking is available.

What does (s) mean? MST uses an “(s)” indicator in text results to identify a scheduled time. It should not be mistaken for confirmation that the bus has reached that location.

Using RealTime by Phone

  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 stop number for current arrivals.
  5. Press 9 when prompted if you do not know the stop number.
  6. Review the arrival information and recheck before leaving.

Open official MST RealTime instructions for text, telephone, Transit app and maps.

Regional transfers

MST Bus Connections to Santa Cruz, Gilroy, Amtrak and Greyhound

Travelers using MST for more than one city should confirm not only the MST route but also the connecting agency and payment rules. Some transfer agreements apply at specific terminals, while other operators require a new fare.

Salinas to Watsonville and Santa Cruz

MST Lines 28 and 29 serve Watsonville through different corridors. Both connect with Santa Cruz METRO at Watsonville Transit Center.

Line 28 — Castroville

Salinas to Watsonville through Castroville.

Useful for passengers boarding near the Castroville corridor.

Open Line 28 schedule
Line 29 — Prunedale

Salinas to Watsonville through Prunedale.

Useful for Prunedale and Las Lomas connections.

Open Line 29 schedule

Transfer Rules at Watsonville Transit Center

MST’s published agreement explains that eligible MST transfers can be accepted by Santa Cruz METRO for travel through its network as far as Santa Cruz METRO Center. Eligible METRO transfers can also be accepted when boarding MST Lines 28 or 29 at Watsonville Transit Center.

However, MST GoPasses are not automatically honored by Santa Cruz METRO, and MST does not honor METRO monthly passes as direct payment.

Practical transfer tip If you intend to use an eligible paper transfer, request it from the driver when paying the first fare. Do not wait until you have already left the first bus. Confirm the transfer is still valid and that your destination is covered.

Salinas to Gilroy and San Jose

MST Line 59 connects Salinas and Gilroy. Passengers traveling farther toward Morgan Hill, San Jose or other Santa Clara County destinations may connect to Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) services.

For the local bus system beyond Gilroy, our VTA bus schedule and Gilroy–San Jose connections guide explains how VTA Route 68 and other services operate. Use that guide only after confirming your actual MST Line 59 arrival and the VTA boarding location.

MST is not part of the standard Clipper fare system. MST says VTA passes and Clipper cards are not accepted as MST fare payment. Some eligible MST GoPass products may provide VTA local fare credit under the published transfer agreement, but the conditions differ by pass and service type.

Open MST Line 59 Salinas–Gilroy schedule.

Amtrak Connections at Salinas

Salinas Transit Center is located at 110 Salinas Street. MST describes the Salinas Amtrak station as a short walk away, with service including the Coast Starlight and Amtrak Thruway connections.

Plan the bus and rail portions separately. Allow time to walk between the transit center and train station, collect any luggage and reach the correct platform before the train departs.

Greyhound and Longer-Distance Travel

MST identifies intercity connections with Greyhound for riders traveling through Salinas, King City and nearby communities. Greyhound ticket prices, departure times and station instructions are separate from MST’s $2 local bus fare.

Our Greyhound bus schedules, station stops and ticket-planning guide explains how to find the operating coach, verify the boarding location, manage a ticket and check travel-day changes before making an intercity connection.

Review MST’s official Santa Cruz, VTA, Greyhound and Amtrak connection policies.

College and university riders

Free MST Bus Travel for CSUMB, MPC and Hartnell Students

MST publishes special student travel arrangements for three local colleges and universities during fall and spring semesters.

CSU Monterey Bay

Eligible CSUMB students ride MST free with a valid photo student ID during fall and spring semesters.

Monterey Peninsula College

Eligible MPC students ride free with a valid photo student ID during the published semester periods.

Hartnell College

Hartnell students can use eligible free MST travel during fall and spring semesters with required identification or the applicable registered fare benefit.

Line 25 — Salinas to CSUMB

MST’s August 29, 2026 service-change notice states that Line 25 resumed service on August 24, 2026, with weekday-only operation planned until mid-December.

The notice also identifies new bus stops along Imjin Road and Imjin Parkway. Students should confirm the correct campus stop rather than using an old map.

Student tip Free semester travel does not necessarily mean every special or seasonal route runs during summer break, winter break or holidays. Verify the academic calendar and line-specific timetable before planning a class commute.

Read the official 2026 MST student and route-service notices.

Important 2026 service updates

MST Schedule Changes Effective August 29, 2026

MST published several route and timepoint revisions effective August 29, 2026. These changes matter if you are comparing a printed schedule from earlier in the year with a route page now.

Line Published change Why riders should check
5 Minor schedule changes at Carmel Rancho. Could affect Line 24 transfers.
17 New stops on Imjin Road and 8th Street. Marina-area boarding locations may differ from older maps.
24 Minor timetable changes improving Line 5 connection. Check the complete Carmel Valley journey.
29 One afternoon weekday peak-trip timing adjustment. Older afternoon departure times may no longer match.
31 Minor route change. Check current stop locations.
33 One afternoon trip adjusted for Line 23/23X connection. Important for South County transfers.
41/42 Timepoint moved from Garner/Pacific to Garner/Sanborn; no timetable change. The displayed timepoint name is different.
59 Minor changes to southbound trips from Salinas Transit Center toward Salinas Intermodal Transit Center. Check the correct Salinas arrival location and time.
25/40/47 School-related service resumed in August 2026. Academic schedules may differ during breaks.

Monterey Trolley: Is It Running in November 2026?

No. MST’s 2026 service notice says the seasonal Monterey Trolley stopped operating after Labor Day, with service ending Tuesday, September 8, 2026. The agency expects the trolley to return Memorial Day weekend in 2027.

Visitor warning Do not assume the free or seasonal Monterey Trolley is running during November or December 2026 because an older summer tourism page still lists trolley stops. Use the current MST local routes and route finder for off-season travel.

Check MST’s current service-change summary.

Destination-based route help

Which MST Bus Goes to the Aquarium, Hospital, Carmel or Watsonville?

Many visitors and residents know their destination but not the bus number. These route clues help narrow the choice before opening the timetable.

Destination Route to investigate What to verify
Monterey Bay Aquarium JAZZ A or JAZZ B Correct Jazz line and walking distance to the aquarium.
Pacific Grove / Asilomar 1 Pacific Grove direction and stop near the destination.
Pacific Grove via David Avenue 2 Different street route from Line 1.
Carmel Rancho 5 Carmel Rancho timepoint and transfer to Line 24.
Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula 8 Nearest accessible stop and hospital entrance.
CSU Monterey Bay 25 and other relevant campus-area services School term and route operating day.
Watsonville Transit Center 28 / 29 Castroville or Prunedale route.
King City 23 / 23X Local versus express stops.
Gilroy 59 Gilroy arrival and connecting VTA service.
Paso Robles 23 and 84 corridor trips Through-service note and destination.
Hospital and campus travel tip A bus serving a hospital or university corridor may not stop directly outside your appointment room or classroom. Check the walking distance, street crossings and accessible entrance before choosing the trip.
Accessibility and disability services

MST Accessible Buses and RIDES ADA Paratransit

MST states that its regular fixed-route buses are accessible and equipped with wheelchair lifts. It also offers MST RIDES ADA Paratransit for eligible passengers whose disabilities prevent them from using regular fixed-route service.

Accessible fixed-route buses Check wheelchair lift availability, securement, boarding area and any route-specific stop limitations.
MST RIDES Shared-ride paratransit for eligible passengers with qualifying disabilities.
Additional mobility services MST also provides information about taxi vouchers, travel training, senior shuttles and other specialized programs.

MST RIDES Eligibility and Service Area

The ADA paratransit program generally serves eligible origins and destinations within three-quarters of a mile of a regular MST fixed-route corridor, during the hours when comparable fixed-route service operates.

The published service area includes Monterey Peninsula communities, Salinas, Carmel Valley and multiple South County destinations, together with service to Watsonville Transit Center under the program’s rules.

MST RIDES Fare and Reservations

One-way RIDES fare $2.00

Published fare for an eligible one-way RIDES trip.

Reservation window

Book up to seven days in advance. Requests for next-day service may be made until 5 PM the preceding day.

Personal care attendants An eligible passenger’s designated personal care attendant may ride without a separate fare when the program’s conditions are met. Additional companions have different rules and may need to pay the full RIDES fare.

How to Apply or Arrange RIDES Transportation

  1. Open the official MST RIDES information page.
  2. Review eligibility and service-area requirements.
  3. Download the appropriate application.
  4. Contact MST Mobility Services for application guidance.
  5. Complete the eligibility process before requesting ordinary ADA paratransit trips.
  6. Once eligible, reserve the trip according to the published reservation window.
  7. Confirm pickup time, location, fare and any mobility requirements.

Open official MST RIDES eligibility, fares, reservations and applications.

Language and Accessible Communication

MST provides free language assistance and offers rider information in multiple languages, including Spanish and Tagalog resources. Ask Customer Service about a suitable format if printed schedules are difficult to read.

Travel-day service information

MST Bus Delays, Detours, Closed Stops and Holiday Schedules

Bus schedules can be disrupted by construction, Monterey-area events, coastal weather, traffic incidents, school calendars and detours. A route page may still display the normal timetable even when a temporary stop closure affects boarding.

Construction Road work can move an MST stop to a different block.
Special events Events on the Monterey Peninsula may affect streets and travel times.
Holiday service Some holidays use a special schedule rather than normal weekday service.
School schedules Academic routes may stop operating or change hours during breaks.

How to Check an MST Service Alert

  1. Open MST’s official Service Alerts page.
  2. Look for your bus line number and destination.
  3. Read the alert’s start date, end date and affected direction.
  4. Check whether your bus stop is temporarily closed.
  5. Follow the agency’s listed replacement stop instructions.
  6. Recheck MST RealTime before leaving for the new location.
Same-day verification This article cannot guarantee that every MST route is operating normally when you travel. Always consult current alerts and live predictions, especially for medical appointments, classes and long-distance connections.
Customer service and transit centers

MST Customer Service Phone, Office Hours and Locations

MST Customer Service

888-678-2871

Monday–Friday, 8 AM–5 PM.

Call MST

MST Bus Stop Shop

201 Pearl Street

Monterey, CA 93940

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

Salinas Transit Center

110 Salinas Street

Salinas, CA 93901

Monday–Friday: 7 AM–5:45 PM.

Marina Transit Exchange

280 Reservation Road, Marina, CA 93933.

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

Accessible telephone support

TDD: 831-393-8111.

Free language assistance is available through MST.

Office hours are not bus service hours. A customer-service counter may be closed while buses are still operating. Do not use office hours to determine the first or last bus on a route.

For lost property, route questions, fare support or complaints, visit MST’s official Contact Us page.

Common problems and fixes

MST Bus Schedule Problems: What to Do Next

Problem What to do
I cannot find my route number. Open the official route list. Confirm whether the bus uses a number, a lettered Jazz line or a shuttle name.
The route page says schedule data is unavailable. Use the official route PDF, MST RealTime or the Trip Planner. Do not invent a time from another route.
My bus is not showing in live tracking. The bus may be outside the GPS prediction window or temporarily not transmitting. Check the printed schedule and alerts.
My text reply has (s) beside the time. The time is scheduled, not necessarily a live prediction. Check again when the bus is closer.
I paid with my phone but the transfer charged again. Make sure you used the same payment device and card. Switching between a physical card and mobile wallet may start a separate fare.
My usual Monterey Trolley is missing. The 2026 trolley season ended in September. Check the current seasonal status or use another MST line.
Line 25 is missing during a college break. Check semester-related operating dates. Academic services can have summer and winter restrictions.
I need to connect to VTA in Gilroy. Check Line 59’s actual arrival and the next VTA departure. Fare media may not be interchangeable.
I missed the last South County bus. Check the final return trip on Lines 23, 23X or 84 before leaving. Do not assume hourly late-night service.
I need an accessible alternative. Confirm stop accessibility, contact MST Mobility Services and investigate RIDES eligibility when appropriate.
Before leaving home

MST Bus Boarding Checklist

  • Confirm the transit agency is Monterey-Salinas Transit.
  • Select the correct bus line number or Jazz service.
  • Check the direction and final destination sign.
  • Choose the correct weekday, weekend or holiday timetable.
  • Read the current schedule-effective date.
  • Find your precise bus stop or terminal gate.
  • Save the four-digit MST stop number.
  • Review the regular or discounted fare.
  • Use the same contactless payment method consistently.
  • Check whether you need a two-hour paper transfer.
  • Recheck MST RealTime and service alerts.
  • Arrive at least five minutes before departure.
  • Confirm accessibility where needed.
  • Plan the last return bus before starting a long trip.
Best final check Use the official route page for the timetable, the system map for the boarding location and MST RealTime for the approaching bus. This combination is more reliable than relying on a search-result snippet or an old PDF alone.
Official research sources

MST Official Bus Schedules, Fares, Maps and Rider Resources

These links lead to Monterey-Salinas Transit resources used to verify the information in this article. Each serves a specific planning need.

Current Route List

Find every MST line, its destination, map and individual timetable.

Open MST route list
2026 Service Changes

August 29 timetable revisions, student-route operation and the seasonal trolley notice.

Open service-change summary
Official Trip Planner

Enter your origin and destination to identify bus routes, connections and departure options.

Open MST Trip Planner
Route 20

Monterey–Salinas route page with official stops, schedules, fare and downloadable PDF.

Open Line 20 schedule
Official System Maps

Regional, peninsula, Salinas, transit plaza, Marina and South County maps.

Open system maps
Fares and Passes

Regular/discount fares, GoPasses, GoCards and current eligibility rules.

Open MST fares
Contactless Payment

Tap2Ride, accepted cards, mobile wallets, transfer rules and fare-capping limits.

Read contactless payment FAQ
MST RealTime

Text 25370, telephone instructions, stop codes, Transit app and map options.

Open MST RealTime
Transit Connections

Santa Cruz METRO, VTA, Greyhound and Amtrak transfer information.

Open transfer policies
ADA Paratransit RIDES

Eligibility, service area, reservations, companion rules and paratransit fares.

Open MST RIDES
Service Alerts

Current detours, stop closures and route disruption notices.

Open alerts
Customer Service

Contact numbers, office hours, locations, lost property and assistance.

Open MST contacts
Information reviewed November 3, 2026. MST’s August 29, 2026 service notice and the May 23, 2026 Line 20 PDF were reviewed alongside current official fare, RealTime, route and mobility pages. Schedules and daily service conditions may change, so select your actual travel date before boarding.

Independent-site disclosure: BusSchedule.us is not Monterey-Salinas Transit. This guide does not operate MST buses, control arrivals, issue passes, determine ADA eligibility or guarantee timetable accuracy.

Frequently asked questions

MST Bus Schedule FAQs

1. What does MST stand for in Monterey?

MST stands for Monterey-Salinas Transit. It is the public transit agency serving Monterey County, including Monterey, Salinas, Pacific Grove, Carmel, Marina and regional communities.

2. Where can I find the current MST bus schedule?

Visit mst.org/route-list/, select your line number, choose the direction and day, then review the official timetable or route PDF. Use MST RealTime for updated stop arrivals.

3. What time does the MST bus start?

Start times vary by route, direction and service day. For example, the official Line 20 timetable effective May 23, 2026 shows a 5:45 AM weekday departure from Monterey toward Salinas and a 4:50 AM departure from Salinas toward Monterey.

4. How much does an MST bus ride cost?

The regular fixed-route fare is $2 for up to two hours of travel. Qualified discount-fare passengers pay $1. MST also offers daily, 7-day and 31-day passes and contactless fare caps.

5. Can I use Apple Pay, Google Pay or a bank card on MST?

Yes. MST accepts supported contactless bank cards and mobile wallets through its Tap2Ride system. Use the same payment method for eligible transfers and fare caps, and tap whenever you board.

6. How do I find MST real-time bus arrivals?

Text Next followed by your four-digit MST stop number to 25370, for example Next 9103. You can also call 888-678-2871 and select MST RealTime or use the official app and map tools.

7. Which MST bus goes from Monterey to Salinas?

MST Line 20 connects Monterey Transit Plaza, Sand City Station, Marina Transit Exchange and Salinas Transit Center. Check the official route page for the correct day, stop and direction.

8. Does MST operate on Saturdays and Sundays?

Many MST routes operate on weekends, but service days and times vary. Line 20, for example, has separate Saturday/Sunday and holiday schedules. Some school-focused routes operate only during specified academic periods.

9. Is MST free for college students?

Eligible Hartnell College, Monterey Peninsula College and CSU Monterey Bay students can ride free with valid photo student identification during the published fall and spring semester periods. Check current school eligibility rules.

10. Does MST have accessible buses and ADA Paratransit?

Yes. MST says its fixed-route buses are accessible and equipped with wheelchair lifts. MST RIDES ADA Paratransit serves eligible passengers who cannot use regular fixed-route service because of a qualifying disability. The published RIDES fare is $2 one way.

Leave a Comment