- Must visit
Peabody Essex Museum
Major art and culture museum with Asian export art, maritime collections, and a notable historic house campus.
Cheapest price on Oct 25
$12
Average ticket price on Oct 25
$13
Fastest journey on Oct 25
1 h 10 m
Average journey duration on Oct 25
1 h 11 m
Trains on Oct 25
3
Distance
70 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Portland, OR to Salem, OR is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Portland, OR to Salem, OR will cost around $13 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $12.
On Sun, Oct 25, we found 3 trains from Portland, OR to Salem, OR, including 3 direct services.
On Sun, Oct 25 the direct trains cover the 70 km distance in an average of 1 h 11 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 10 m .
On Sun, Oct 25 the slowest trains will take 1 h 12 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.






Trains from Portland, OR to Salem, OR run on average 3 times per day, taking around 1h 13m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $12 but you can travel from only $11 by bus.
There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 06:35, the last at 20:39. The fastest train covers the 43 miles (70 km) distance in 1h 10m.
Distance 43 miles (70 km) |
Average train duration 1h 13m |
Cheapest ticket price $12 |
Trains per day 3 |
Direct trains 3 |
Fastest train 1h 10m |
First train 6:35 AM |
Last train 8:39 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 1 day |
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Portland, OR to Salem, OR.
The table below shows live departures for Portland, OR to Salem, OR trains for today, Friday, October 23. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
503 Amtrak Cascades [New Train] | 11:08 AM Portland Union Station, Portland, OR | 1h12 | 12:20 PM Salem Railroad Station, Salem, OR | 0 transfersDirect | |
11 Coast Starlight | 2:22 PM Portland Union Station, Portland, OR | 1h14 | 3:36 PM Salem Railroad Station, Salem, OR | 0 transfersDirect | |
507 Amtrak Cascades | 6:09 PM Portland Union Station, Portland, OR | 1h10 | 7:19 PM Salem Railroad Station, Salem, OR | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Saturday, October 24 | |||||
![]() | 1:09 AM Portland, OR | 1h10 | 2:19 AM Salem, OR | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 2:24 AM Portland, OR | 1h10 | 3:34 AM Salem, OR | 0 transfersDirect | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.
Discover the best of Salem, OR — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Salem, OR trip today.
Major art and culture museum with Asian export art, maritime collections, and a notable historic house campus.
Museum focused on Salem’s 1692 witch trials through documents, stage presentations, and historic interpretation.
Small museum on Essex Street presenting Salem’s maritime, architectural, and social history with rotating exhibits.
Pedestrian-friendly historic street lined with shops, museums, and architecture at the heart of Salem’s visitor district.
Large waterfront park with walking paths, sports fields, seasonal events, and broad views of Salem Harbor.
Historic district of elegant Federal-era homes and quiet streets, ideal for architecture walks beyond the busiest areas.
Chowder made with local clams, cream, potatoes, and salt pork. A classic New England coastal dish long associated with Massachusetts seafood cooking.
Fresh lobster served in a buttered split-top roll, usually warm with butter or chilled with mayo. A beloved Massachusetts seaside staple.
Cod or haddock fillet battered and fried, often served with fries. It reflects Salem's historic ties to Atlantic fishing and waterfront fare.
Casual local favorite for hearty breakfasts and brunch, especially pancakes and egg dishes, with a lively neighborhood atmosphere.
Upscale modern restaurant focused on seasonal New England ingredients, creative plates, and polished service in downtown Salem.
Busy waterfront seafood restaurant known for lobster, chowder, and fried local catch in a casual setting on Salem Harbor.
Moderate for U.S. travel. Hotels can rise in October; dining is mid-priced and parking adds costs, but many Salem sights are walkable.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, $1-2 per drink at bars, round up or add 10-15% for taxis, and tip cafes optionally for counter service.
Get destination-focused answers for the end of your trip, including what to do, when to go, practical entry details, and tips for making the most of your time in Salem, OR.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Portland, OR to Salem, OR by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Salem, OR, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Portland, OR to Salem, OR trains use the Portland Union Station to Salem Railroad Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Portland, OR and Salem, OR train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Portland Union Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Wilf's Restaurant & Bar, Al-Amir Lebanese Restaurant
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Portland Union Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Portland Union Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Portland Union Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Portland Union Station: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Portland Union Station: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Embassy Suites by Hilton Portland Downtown, The Benson, a Coast Hotel, Courtyard by Marriott Portland City Center.
Salem Railroad Station is 1 km from Salem city centre. Public transport options include:
Salem Railroad Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Gamberetti's Italian Restaurant, Word of Mouth Neighborhood Bistro
Free.
Ticket office support is available at Salem Railroad Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Salem Railroad Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Salem Railroad Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Salem Railroad Station: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Salem Railroad Station: Ramps.
Nearby hotels include The Grand Hotel in Salem, Phoenix Inn Suites Salem, Howard Johnson by Wyndham Salem.
Check train stations information for Portland, OR and Salem, OR, including where trains depart and arrive on this route.
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