The cheapest and fastest trains from Salinas, CA to San Diego, CA
Cheapest price
$117
Average price
$130
Fastest journey
12 h 14 m
Average duration
12 h 35 m
Trains per day
6
Distance
603 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Salinas, CA to San Diego, CA is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Salinas, CA to San Diego, CA will cost around $130 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $117.
It's difficult to get from Salinas, CA to San Diego, CA without transferring at least once.
4770 AMTRAK · 770 Pacific Surfliner
4790 AMTRAK · 790 Pacific Surfliner
4784 AMTRAK · 784 Pacific Surfliner
4794 AMTRAK · 794 Pacific Surfliner
11 Coast Starlight · 5818 AMTRAK
4794 AMTRAK · 794 Pacific Surfliner
4770 AMTRAK · 770 Pacific Surfliner
4784 AMTRAK · 784 Pacific Surfliner
4790 AMTRAK · 790 Pacific Surfliner
11 Coast Starlight · 794 Pacific SurflinerTravel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Salinas, CA to San Diego, CA
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Salinas, CA to San Diego, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €93. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 24m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €93, and a flight costs an average of €75.
Distance: 374 miles (603 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus |
|---|---|---|
€94 Average price | €162 Average price | €94 Average price Cheapest |
12h 36m Average total duration 12h 6m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 24m Average total duration Fastest 1h 24m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 11h 10m Average total duration 10h 40m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Live departures
Salinas, CA to San Diego, CA train times
The table below shows live departures for Salinas, CA to San Diego, CA trains for tomorrow, Thursday, November 6. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
4770 AMTRAK · 770 Pacific Surfliner | 8:45 AM Salinas Station, Salinas, CA | 12h22 | 9:07 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 1 transfer | |
4784 AMTRAK · 784 Pacific Surfliner | 3:25 PM Salinas Station, Salinas, CA | 12h39 | 4:04 AM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 1 transfer | |
4790 AMTRAK · 790 Pacific Surfliner | 6:20 PM Salinas Station, Salinas, CA | 12h44 | 7:04 AM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Salinas, CA to San Diego, CA by train, bus, or flight
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.
Nov 06
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Nov 12
Journey information
Overview: Train from Salinas, CA to San Diego, CA
Distance 374 miles (603 km) |
Average train duration 12h 6m |
Cheapest ticket price $114 (€93) |
Trains per day 5 |
Fastest train 12h 14m |
First train 00:45 |
Last train 16:10 |
Key Takeaways
Train Ticket Prices
- Budget Options: Train tickets from Salinas, CA to San Diego, CA start from as low as $114 (€93) if booked well in advance.
- Standard Fares: Typically, trains cost $115 (€94) depending on the train type and class.
Train companies: Amtrak from Salinas, CA to San Diego, CA trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Salinas, CA and San Diego, CA from $91 (€75). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Amtrak
FAQs: Trains from Salinas, CA to San Diego, CA
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Salinas, CA to San Diego, 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 San Diego, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Salinas, CA to San Diego, CA
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Parking is available at the station.
- Outside the main entrance.
- Ramps, restrooms.
- Located in the main hall
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- The station is an intermodal transit center with facilities for buses and trains.
- Bus: Monterey-Salinas Transit (MST) services available
- 5:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- Parking is available nearby with various public and private options.
- The Fish Market
- Karl Strauss Brewing Company
- Outside the main entrance.
- Ramps.
- $1.25
- The Westin San Diego
- The Guild Hotel, San Diego, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel
- Embassy Suites by Hilton San Diego Bay Downtown
- Located in the main hall
- Enterprise
- Hertz
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platforms for Amtrak and Coaster trains
- Hall 2: Trolley connections
- San Diego Trolley: Blue Line, Green Line
- Bus: Several lines available
- Amtrak: Pacific Surfliner
- 6:00 AM - 9:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- Parking is available with several spaces for commuters and visitors.
- Casa Guadalajara
- Old Town Mexican Cafe
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps.
- $0.25
- Old Town Inn
- Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott San Diego Old Town
- Best Western Plus Hacienda Hotel Old Town
- Located in the main hall
- Enterprise
- Hertz
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platforms for Amtrak and Coaster trains
- Hall 2: Trolley connections
- Trolley: Green Line
- Bus: Several lines available including 8, 9, 10, 28, 30, 35, 44, 88, 105, 150, 923, 928
Most popular train connections from Salinas, CA
More options for your journey from Salinas, CA to San Diego, CA
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