- Must visit
National Steinbeck Center
The city’s signature museum explores John Steinbeck’s life, books, and Salinas roots through exhibits, artifacts, and multimedia displays.
Cheapest price on Oct 09
$75
Average ticket price on Oct 09
$101
Fastest journey on Oct 09
4 h 47 m
Average journey duration on Oct 09
4 h 58 m
Trains on Oct 09
4
Distance
212 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Sacramento, CA to Salinas, CA is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Sacramento, CA to Salinas, CA will cost around $101 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $75.
On Fri, Oct 09, we found 4 trains from Sacramento, CA to Salinas, CA, including 1 direct services.
On Fri, Oct 09 the direct trains cover the 212 km distance in an average of 4 h 58 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 47 m .
On Fri, Oct 09 the slowest trains will take 5 h 18 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.
11 Coast Starlight
523 Capitol Corridor · 4790 Connecting Bus
539 Capitol Corridor · 6241 Connecting Bus
529 Capitol Corridor · 4794 Connecting Bus
523 Capitol Corridor · 4790 Connecting Bus
539 Capitol Corridor · 6241 Connecting Bus
529 Capitol Corridor · 4794 Connecting Bus
11 Coast StarlightTrains from Sacramento, CA to Salinas, CA run on average 1 times per day, taking around 5h 18m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $38 if you book in advance.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 03:25, the last at 21:03. The fastest train covers the 131 miles (212 km) distance in 5h 18m.
Distance 131 miles (212 km) |
Average train duration 5h 18m |
Cheapest ticket price $38 |
Trains per day 1 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 5h 18m |
First train 3:25 AM |
Last train 9:03 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 77 days |
The table below shows live departures for Sacramento, CA to Salinas, CA trains for today, Thursday, October 8. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 1:48 PM Sacramento, CA | 5h18 | 7:06 PM Salinas, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 2:48 PM Sacramento, CA | 5h18 | 8:06 PM Salinas, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Discover the best of Salinas, CA — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Salinas, CA trip today.
The city’s signature museum explores John Steinbeck’s life, books, and Salinas roots through exhibits, artifacts, and multimedia displays.
Historic adobe museum presenting regional history, early settlement, and changing life in Monterey County through preserved rooms and exhibits.
Small local-history museum and archive with rotating displays on Salinas Valley communities, agriculture, and historic photographs.
Large city park with lakes, walking paths, sports areas, and shade trees. Popular for relaxed walks and everyday local life.
Central downtown street lined with historic buildings, shops, murals, and event venues. Ideal for a walking introduction to Salinas.
Major urban park with playgrounds, open lawns, and recreation facilities. A practical stop for families and a glimpse of neighborhood life.
California-style artichokes, often grilled or steamed with butter or aioli. Salinas Valley grows many artichokes, making them a regional staple.
Fresh strawberry shortcake highlights Salinas Valley berries. It is a classic local dessert at fairs and farm stands, prized for peak-season fruit.
A hearty bowl of clam chowder reflects Monterey Bay seafood traditions near Salinas. Traditional versions use cream and often serve with bread.
Popular Mexican restaurant known for generous plates, house specialties, and a lively casual setting in Salinas.
Casual spot for tacos, burritos, and Mexican comfort food with a strong local following and relaxed atmosphere.
Well-known barbecue restaurant specializing in smoked meats, hearty sides, and a casual family-friendly atmosphere.
Moderate for California: lodging is cheaper than major coastal cities, but dining and car-dependent transport keep typical visitor costs above many inland U.S. towns.
Tip 15-20% at restaurants, 18-20% for great service. Round up or tip 10% for taxis. Cafes often have tip jars or prompts; $1-2 is common.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Sacramento, CA to Salinas, CA 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 Salinas, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Sacramento, CA to Salinas, CA trains use the Sacramento Valley Station to Salinas Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Sacramento, CA and Salinas, CA train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Sacramento Valley 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: The Firehouse Restaurant, Ten22
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Sacramento Valley Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Sacramento Valley Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Sacramento Valley Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Sacramento Valley Station: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Sacramento Valley Station: Ramps.
Nearby hotels include Embassy Suites by Hilton Sacramento Riverfront Promenade, Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown - Arena, Kimpton Sawyer Hotel.
Salinas Station has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food and drink options are available at Salinas Station.
Ticket office support is available at Salinas Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Salinas Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Salinas Station: Ramps, restrooms.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need