Salinas, CA to Chicago, IL train with Amtrak

Thu, Mar 19
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Amtrak
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Deutsche Bahn
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Frecciarossa
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Amtrak
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
iryo
Frecciarossa
1,000+ travel companies
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Travel Information

Compare bus, train, and flight for Salinas, CA to Chicago, IL

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Salinas, CA to Chicago, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the flight with prices starting from $364. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 8h 43m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a flight costs an average of $364, and a bus costs an average of $905.

Distance: 1841 miles (2963 km)

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Bus
Flight

$488

Average price

$905

Average price

$481

Average price

Cheapest

55h 7m

Average total duration

54h 37m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

54h 39m

Average total duration

54h 9m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

11h 43m

Average total duration

Fastest

8h 43m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Compare prices and tickets Salinas, CA to Chicago, IL by bus, train, or flight

Compare bus, train, 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.

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Journey information

Overview: Train from Salinas, CA to Chicago, IL

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Icon of train

Trains from Salinas, CA to Chicago, IL run on average 3 times per day, taking around 54h 37m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $380 (€312) but you can travel from only $364 (€298) by flight.

The earliest train runs at 03:25, the last at 18:13. The fastest train covers the 1841 miles (2963 km) distance in 54h 2m.

Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from $364 (€298)
Distance
1841 miles (2963 km)
Average train duration
54h 37m
Cheapest ticket price
$380 (€312)
Trains per day
3
Fastest train
54h 2m
First train
03:25
Last train
18:13
Cheapest month
Oct
Cheapest day
Mon
High season
Jan - Mar
Low season
Apr - Jun
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from $364 (€298)

Train companies: Amtrak from Salinas, CA to Chicago, IL trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Salinas, CA and Chicago, IL from $364 (€298). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Amtrak

About
Amtrak is the main passenger train operator in the United States, providing medium- and long-distance intercity services across 46 states and three Canadian provinces. Operating over 300 trains daily and serving more than 500 destinations, Amtrak connects cities and regions nationwide through routes such as the high-speed Acela in the Northeast Corridor, the scenic Coast Starlight along the West Coast, and the Empire Builder linking Chicago to the Midwest and the Pacific Northwest. Other notable services include the Northeast Regional, Keystone Service, and the unique Auto Train, which allows passengers to bring their cars onboard. Amtrak offers a variety of classes to suit different budgets and travel needs, including Coach, Business, First Class, and Sleeper Class with options like Roomettes, Bedrooms, and Bedroom Suites for overnight journeys. Ticket types include Saver, Value, Flexible, Business, and Premium. Onboard amenities vary by service but may include comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, power outlets, dining options, and lounge access on select trains. Popular routes include Washington, D.C.–Boston, San Diego–San Luis Obispo, San Jose–Sacramento, and Chicago–Seattle.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
54h 2m
Cheapest Price
$380 (€312)
Amtrak frequency
3 a day
Luggage included
2 personal items and 2 carry-on bags included free
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, under seats, and designated luggage areas at end of cars
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies depend on ticket type and timing
Refund
Full refund if train is canceled by Amtrak
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Café car with snacks, beverages, and light meals. Long-distance trains have full-service dining cars
Seat reservation
Included in ticket price for Business and First Class. Optional fee for Coach Class
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible restrooms, Red Cap assistance service, accessible platforms and stations
Pets
Small pets under 20 pounds allowed for $26 fee. Must be in carrier. Service animals travel free
Quiet zone

FAQs: Trains from Salinas, CA to Chicago, IL

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Salinas, CA to Chicago, IL 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 Chicago, IL, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Train ticket prices from Salinas, CA to Chicago, IL can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $380 (€312), while the average price is around $488 (€399).
The train from Salinas, CA to Chicago, IL takes 54h 2m and runs 3 per day.
The distance by train from Salinas, CA to Chicago, IL is 1841 miles (2963 km).
The first train from Salinas, CA to Chicago, IL leaves at 3:25 AM.
The last train from Salinas, CA to Chicago, IL leaves at 6:13 PM.
There is no high speed train available from Salinas, CA to Chicago, IL.
There is no direct train service currently available from Salinas, CA to Chicago, IL.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Salinas, CA to Chicago, IL.
The train station in Salinas, CA that goes to Chicago, IL is Salinas Station, Salinas, CA, which connects to Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL.
The cheapest way to get from Salinas, CA to Chicago, IL is by flight, with a cost of around $364 (€298).
The train journey from Salinas, CA to Chicago, IL offers scenic views of diverse landscapes, including coastal areas, the Sierra Nevada, expansive plains, and picturesque small towns, providing a varied and visually engaging travel experience.
A day trip from Salinas, CA to Chicago, IL is not feasible as the journey takes 54h 2m and covers 1841 miles (2963 km). Trains run 3 times per day.
In Chicago, IL, you can explore the Museum of Science and Industry and its interactive exhibits, enjoy the vibrant neighborhoods like Wicker Park and Lincoln Park, take a river cruise to view iconic architecture, and attend a live performance at the historic Chicago Theatre. Visit Lincoln Park Zoo for a free and enjoyable day. For sights, don't miss Millennium Park with its modern art, the renowned Art Institute of Chicago, the entertainment hub of Navy Pier, panoramic views from Willis Tower Skydeck, and the fascinating exhibits at the Field Museum.
To fully experience Chicago, IL, plan for at least 3-4 days to visit key attractions such as Millennium Park, The Art Institute of Chicago, Navy Pier, and explore diverse neighborhoods.
Yes, you can take the train from Salinas, CA to Chicago, IL.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Salinas, CA to Chicago, IL

Salinas
Chicago
The major train station for departures in Salinas is Salinas Station. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Salinas Station for your trip from Salinas to Chicago.
Salinas StationParkingDiningTaxisAccessibilityWCLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeInformation DeskLuggage Carts
Amenities at train station
ParkingParking
DiningDining
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Information DeskInformation Desk
Luggage CartsLuggage Carts
information
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
platformCount
Number of platforms
1
Parking
Parking
  • Parking is available at the station.
Taxis
Taxis
  • Outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Ramps, restrooms.
Lost and Found Office
Lost and Found Office
  • Located in the main hall
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Located in the main hall
Luggage Carts
Luggage Carts
  • Free
Station Plan
  • The station is an intermodal transit center with facilities for buses and trains.
Public transit options for Salinas Station
  • Bus: Monterey-Salinas Transit (MST) services available

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