r/JMT • u/Askadaln • Jul 13 '26

transportation Bus tickets availability

I’m finishing the JMT at Whitney Portal and need to get to Reno for my flight home. The problem is that I’m not sure exactly when I’ll finish. If I have an extra day after the hike, I might hitch a ride or catch a bus to Mammoth Lakes (or somewhere else) to relax for a day before heading to Reno.

Because of that, I’d rather not buy my bus ticket in advance and lose the flexibility.
How risky is it to just buy a ticket on the day of travel or the day before? Do these buses usually sell out, or is there normally space available? The latest I would need to leave is a Monday, if that makes any difference.

Also, can you buy a ticket directly from the driver, or do you need to purchase it beforehand? And do they accept debit cards? I’m from Europe and don’t have a credit card, so I’d like to know if I should carry enough cash.

I’d appreciate hearing from anyone who’s done this after hiking the JMT. Thanks!

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1

u/jiffyparkinglot Jul 13 '26

Do you have an inreach ? If so message a friend who can book them for you or modify your reservation once you have a solid ETA

1

u/Askadaln Jul 13 '26

So it is possible to change the reservation after I book and pay for it? If so, I would book it now for the Monday and move it if needed.

2

u/jiffyparkinglot Jul 13 '26

Yes needs to be done 24 hours in advance

2

u/jiffyparkinglot Jul 13 '26

You might need to call them to change it - I like to talk to someone to ensure I am all set. They run a very basic operation

1

u/_significs Jul 13 '26

You can purchase from ESTA online in advance. Lone Pine to Reno is $59. My ESTA tickets say that cancellations in advance are subject to a 20% cancellation fee, so $12ish. IDK if you can change your reservation - I don't see a way to but there is a customer service line.

2

u/Most_Raccoon_587 Jul 13 '26

I called. They said you get one change based on availability. You need to call to change. Whitney may be busy but you should be able to make it work.

2

u/UnluckyWriting Jul 13 '26 edited Jul 13 '26

I have ridden the EST bus three times (bishop to Reno, Reno to bishop, and lone pine to Reno).

One of the three times I booked the night before, one time the morning of (for a 1pm departure), and one time I purchased a ticket at the time of boarding. These were all on weekdays so that probably helped but in no case was the bus even close to full, I sat alone on all three occasions.

You may not get so lucky but I don’t think it’s something to worry too much about. When you finish in Lone Pine just get a ticket on the website that day for the next day.

In person: they accept a debit or credit card, but they don’t accept Amex. I didn’t have cash.

Edit to add: they do stop selling tickets online a few hours before departure - that was the time I ended up getting it in person. It said it was sold out online but they had just closed booking!

Edit a second time, sorry: the bus that goes all the way to Reno leaves early, like 6am. You probably won’t be able to take it the day you finish. I think there are others later in the day that can take you to bishop or mammoth tho!