- Must visit
California State Railroad Museum
One of the leading railroad museums in the United States, with restored locomotives, historic cars, and strong interpretation of California transport history in Old Sacramento.


Cheapest price
$91
Average price
$122
Fastest journey
5h 36m
Average duration
5h 53m
Trains per day
2
Distance
212 km
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Salinas, CA to Sacramento, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $48. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 4h 27m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $48, and a flight costs an average of $247.
Distance: 131 miles (212 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight |
|---|---|---|
$60 Average price | $49 Average price Cheapest | $447 Average price |
5h 40m Average total duration 5h 10m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 57m Average total duration Fastest 4h 27m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 33m Average total duration 5h 33m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Salinas, CA to Sacramento, CA:
A bus is $11 (€9) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Salinas, CA to Sacramento, CA costing on average $60 (€49).
A bus is $398 (€327) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Salinas, CA to Sacramento, CA costing on average $447 (€367).
Other travel options to Sacramento, CA take longer:
Train takes on average 5h 10m.
Flight takes on average 5h 33m.
The table below shows live departures for Salinas, CA to Sacramento, CA trains for today, Thursday, July 9. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
4765 AMTRAK · 14 Coast Starlight | 5:40 PM Salinas Station, Salinas, CA | 6h09 | 11:49 PM Sacramento Valley Station, Sacramento, CA | 1 transfer | |
14 Coast Starlight | 6:13 PM Salinas Station, Salinas, CA | 5h36 | 11:49 PM Sacramento Valley Station, Sacramento, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Friday, July 10 | |||||
6238 AMTRAK · 538 Capitol Corridor | 1:00 PM Salinas Station, Salinas, CA | 4h56 | 5:56 PM Sacramento Valley Station, Sacramento, CA | 1 transfer | |
4761 AMTRAK · 544 Capitol Corridor | 3:15 PM Salinas Station, Salinas, CA | 5h26 | 8:41 PM Sacramento Valley Station, Sacramento, CA | 1 transfer | |
4761 AMTRAK · 550 Capitol Corridor | 3:15 PM Salinas Station, Salinas, CA | 6h50 | 10:05 PM Sacramento Valley Station, Sacramento, CA | 1 transfer | |
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 Salinas, CA to Sacramento, CA run on average 7 times per day, taking around 5h 10m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $38 (€32) 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 26m.
Distance 131 miles (212 km) |
Average train duration 5h 10m |
Cheapest ticket price $38 (€32) |
Trains per day 7 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 5h 26m |
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 Mon |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 77 days |
Discover the best of Sacramento — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Sacramento trip today.
One of the leading railroad museums in the United States, with restored locomotives, historic cars, and strong interpretation of California transport history in Old Sacramento.
The oldest public art museum in the Western United States, known for Californian art, European works, ceramics, and a respected rotating exhibition program.
Museum spaces inside the restored State Capitol covering California political history, historic rooms, and changing displays in a landmark government building.
Historic district with boardwalks, preserved Gold Rush-era facades, river views, and easy access to several of the city's top sights.
Highly walkable area known for street art, Victorian homes, independent shops, and a lively urban atmosphere favored by locals and visitors.
Tree-filled park surrounding the State Capitol, popular for walking, monuments, and a calm downtown break with botanical interest.
Sacramento is known as America’s Farm-To-Fork Capital, and many restaurants highlight seasonal vegetables, local meats, and produce from the Central Valley in ever-changing plates.
Asparagus grown in the nearby Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta is a regional specialty, often grilled, roasted, or served in spring festival dishes for its freshness and local identity.
The Sacramento Valley is a major rice-growing region, and rice bowls with local produce, grilled proteins, or tofu reflect an everyday Northern California staple tied to regional agriculture.
Well-known farm-to-table restaurant in Midtown celebrated for seasonal Sacramento ingredients, refined cooking, and a warm neighborhood atmosphere.
Established casual spot popular for fresh prepared foods, sandwiches, salads, and California comfort fare with dependable local appeal.
Established fine-dining restaurant in Old Sacramento known for elegant American cuisine, polished service, and an extensive wine program in a historic setting.
Moderate by California standards. Hotels and dining cost less than San Francisco, but more than many inland U.S. cities.
Tip 18-20% at sit-down restaurants. Tip USD 1-2 per drink at bars, round up taxis, and tip delivery 10-20%. Little or no tip is expected for counter service.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Salinas, CA to Sacramento, 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 Sacramento, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Salinas, CA to Sacramento, CA trains use the Salinas Station to Sacramento Valley Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Salinas, CA and Sacramento, CA train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
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.
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.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need