- Must visit
The Getty Center
Hilltop art museum with European paintings, sculpture, gardens, and striking architecture plus sweeping city views.
Cheapest price
$283
Average price
$519
Fastest journey
1 d 3 h 36 m
Average duration
1 d 7 h 25 m
Trains per day
2
Distance
1278 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Salem, OR to Los Angeles, CA is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Salem, OR to Los Angeles, CA will cost around $519 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $283.
Of the 2 trains that leave Salem, OR for Los Angeles, CA on Thu, Aug 06, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, Aug 06 the direct trains cover the 1278 km distance in an average of 1 d 7 h 25 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 d 3 h 36 m .
On Thu, Aug 06 the slowest trains will take 1 d 11 h 14 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.




Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Salem, OR to Los Angeles, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $131. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 30m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.4 - 1.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $131, and a bus costs an average of $134.
Distance: 794 miles (1278 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$235 Average price Cheapest | $253 Average price | $238 Average price | $187 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
28h 56m Average total duration 28h 26m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 22h 49m Average total duration 22h 19m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 30m Average total duration Fastest 2h 30m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 13h 34m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.4 - 1.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 1.3 - 3.2kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Salem, OR to Los Angeles, CA:
A train is $3 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Salem, OR to Los Angeles, CA costing on average $238.
A train is $19 less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Salem, OR to Los Angeles, CA costing on average $253.
Other travel options to Los Angeles, CA take longer:
Bus takes on average 22h 19m.
Train takes on average 28h 26m.
Tickets start at around $235 compared to roughly $187 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-48.00. The journey takes 28h 26m versus 13h 34m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
The table below shows live departures for Salem, OR to Los Angeles, CA trains for today, Wednesday, August 5. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
8704 AMTRAK · 11 Coast Starlight · 3810 AMTRAK · 710 Gold Runner | 9:57 AM Salem Railroad Station, Salem, OR | 31h18 | 5:15 PM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 4 transfers | |
8704 AMTRAK · 11 Coast Starlight · 3810 AMTRAK · 710 Gold Runner | 9:57 AM Salem Railroad Station, Salem, OR | 31h18 | 5:15 PM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 4 transfers | |
8704 AMTRAK · 11 Coast Starlight · 3710 AMTRAK · 710 Gold Runner | 9:57 AM Salem Railroad Station, Salem, OR | 31h18 | 5:15 PM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 4 transfers | |
11 Coast Starlight · 3710 AMTRAK · 710 Gold Runner · 5810 AMTRAK | 3:39 PM Salem Railroad Station, Salem, OR | 25h36 | 5:15 PM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 3 transfers | |
11 Coast Starlight | 3:39 PM Salem Railroad Station, Salem, OR | 29h32 | 9:11 PM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
11 Coast Starlight · 3710 AMTRAK · 710 Gold Runner · 5710 AMTRAK | 3:39 PM Salem Railroad Station, Salem, OR | 25h36 | 5:15 PM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 3 transfers | |
11 Coast Starlight · 4794 AMTRAK · 794 Pacific Surfliner | 3:39 PM Salem Railroad Station, Salem, OR | 30h07 | 9:46 PM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 2 transfers | |
11 Coast Starlight · 6241 AMTRAK | 3:39 PM Salem Railroad Station, Salem, OR | 32h41 | 12:20 AM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 1 transfer | |
11 Coast Starlight · 3712 AMTRAK · 712 Gold Runner · 5812 AMTRAK | 3:39 PM Salem Railroad Station, Salem, OR | 27h36 | 7:15 PM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 3 transfers | |
11 Coast Starlight · 712 Gold Runner · 5812 AMTRAK | 3:39 PM Salem Railroad Station, Salem, OR | 27h36 | 7:15 PM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 2 transfers | |
11 Coast Starlight · 3812 AMTRAK · 712 Gold Runner · 5812 AMTRAK | 3:39 PM Salem Railroad Station, Salem, OR | 27h36 | 7:15 PM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 3 transfers | |
11 Coast Starlight · 3810 AMTRAK · 710 Gold Runner · 5810 AMTRAK | 3:39 PM Salem Railroad Station, Salem, OR | 25h36 | 5:15 PM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 3 transfers | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train, bus, and flight prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Trains from Salem, OR to Los Angeles, CA run on average 13 times per day, taking around 28h 26m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $131 but you can travel from only $97 by flight.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 07:13, the last at 15:39. The fastest train covers the 794 miles (1278 km) distance in 27h 36m.
Distance 794 miles (1278 km) |
Average train duration 28h 26m |
Cheapest ticket price $131 |
Trains per day 13 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 27h 36m |
First train 7:13 AM |
Last train 3:39 PM |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Best time to book 21 days |
Discover the best of Los Angeles, CA — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Los Angeles, CA trip today.
Hilltop art museum with European paintings, sculpture, gardens, and striking architecture plus sweeping city views.
Major contemporary art museum in Downtown LA, known for broad collections, special shows, and bold architecture.
World-class encyclopedic museum on Wilshire Boulevard, famous for diverse collections and the Urban Light installation.
Legendary boulevard known for the Walk of Fame, theaters, neon, and classic Hollywood atmosphere mixed with tourist energy.
Lively beachside promenade with street performers, Muscle Beach, and easy access to the Venice Boardwalk scene.
Major urban park with trails, the observatory, picnic areas, and some of the best public views in Los Angeles.
A bacon-wrapped hot dog grilled on a street cart and topped with peppers, onions, mustard, ketchup, and mayo. A late-night Los Angeles street food classic.
A French dip sandwich of thin-sliced roast beef on a roll, often dipped in meat jus. Los Angeles claims the original and locals still debate the best version.
Double corn tortillas filled with stewed beef, birria broth, onions, and cilantro. A beloved Los Angeles Mexican staple, especially popular from trucks and taquerias.
Acclaimed fine-dining restaurant serving a seasonal California tasting menu. Refined, intimate, and one of Los Angeles's most respected special-occasion venues.
Legendary taqueria known for charcoal-grilled carne asada tacos. Casual, fast-paced, and widely considered one of Los Angeles's essential taco stops.
Historic downtown deli linked to the French dip. Old-school counter service and classic sandwiches in a landmark Los Angeles setting.
Los Angeles is pricier than many U.S. cities for hotels, dining, parking, and rides. Budget options exist, but tourist areas and transport costs raise daily spend.
Tip 18-20% in restaurants, 15-20% for taxis or rideshares, and $1-2 at cafes for counter service or coffee.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Salem, OR to Los Angeles, 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 Los Angeles, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Salem, OR to Los Angeles, CA trains use the Salem Railroad Station to Union Station station pair, with some services arriving at Van Nuys, Metrolink Station. Use this guide to compare Salem, OR and Los Angeles, CA train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
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.
Union Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Shower, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Traxx Restaurant, Union Station Cafe, Philippe The Original
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Union Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Union Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Union Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Union Station: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Union Station: Elevators, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include DoubleTree by Hilton Los Angeles Downtown, Miyako Hotel Los Angeles, Omni Los Angeles Hotel at California Plaza.
Van Nuys, Metrolink Station is 25 km from Los Angeles city centre. Public transport options include:
Van Nuys, Metrolink Station has practical services for this route, including Lockers, Parking, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Ticket office support is available at Van Nuys, Metrolink Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Van Nuys, Metrolink Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Van Nuys, Metrolink Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Van Nuys, Metrolink Station: Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Van Nuys, Metrolink Station.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need