Salinas, CA to San Diego, CA train with Amtrak

Thu, Nov 06
+ Add return
Amtrak
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
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1,000+ travel companies
Amtrak
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
Italo
iryo
1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Salinas, CA to San Diego, CA

Showing times and prices for Nov 06

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

Cheap tickets

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.

Fast trains

It's difficult to get from Salinas, CA to San Diego, CA without transferring at least once.

Amtrak4770 AMTRAK · 770 Pacific Surfliner
12:45AM12h22
Salinas Station, Salinas, CA
01:07PMSanta Fe Depot, San Diego, CA
$1171One-way
1 transfer
Amtrak4790 AMTRAK · 790 Pacific Surfliner
10:20AM12h44
Salinas Station, Salinas, CA
11:04PMSanta Fe Depot, San Diego, CA
$1171One-way
1 transfer
Amtrak4784 AMTRAK · 784 Pacific Surfliner
07:25AM12h39
Salinas Station, Salinas, CA
08:04PMSanta Fe Depot, San Diego, CA
$1171One-way
1 transfer
Amtrak4794 AMTRAK · 794 Pacific Surfliner
12:50PM12h14
Salinas Station, Salinas, CA
01:04AMSanta Fe Depot, San Diego, CA
$1261One-way
1 transfer
Amtrak11 Coast Starlight · 5818 AMTRAK
12:06PM17h19
Salinas Station, Salinas, CA
05:25AMSanta Fe Depot, San Diego, CA
$1431One-way
1 transfer

Travel 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.

Last updated at 7:14 PM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
amtrak4770 AMTRAK · 770 Pacific Surfliner8:45 AM Salinas Station, Salinas, CA
12h22
9:07 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA1 transfer
amtrak4784 AMTRAK · 784 Pacific Surfliner3:25 PM Salinas Station, Salinas, CA
12h39
4:04 AM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA1 transfer
amtrak4790 AMTRAK · 790 Pacific Surfliner6:20 PM Salinas Station, Salinas, CA
12h44
7:04 AM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA1 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.

Thu
Nov 06
Fri
Nov 07
Sat
Nov 08
Sun
Nov 09
Mon
Nov 10
Tue
Nov 11
Wed
Nov 12

Journey information

Overview: Train from Salinas, CA to San Diego, CA

USAUSA
USAUSA
Icon of train
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 $91 (€75)
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.
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 $91 (€75)

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

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
12h 14m
Cheapest Price
$102 (€83)
Amtrak frequency
1 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 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.

FAQs
Three to four days are ideal to explore San Diego's main attractions, including its beaches, Balboa Park, San Diego Zoo, and vibrant neighborhoods.
Train ticket prices from Salinas, CA to San Diego, CA can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $114 (€93), while the average price is around $115 (€94).
In San Diego, CA, you can explore the vibrant art scene at the Museum of Contemporary Art, enjoy a harbor cruise for stunning skyline and naval ship views, and hike the scenic trails at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve. Visit the Birch Aquarium to learn about marine life, or experience a whale watching tour off the coast. Don't miss Balboa Park, with its museums and the San Diego Zoo, the historic USS Midway Museum, picturesque La Jolla Cove, the lively Gaslamp Quarter, and the beautiful Coronado Beach.
The cheapest way to get from Salinas, CA to San Diego, CA is by flight, with a cost of around $91 (€75).
The train journey from Salinas, CA to San Diego, CA offers scenic views, particularly as it travels along the California coastline, providing passengers with picturesque sights of the Pacific Ocean and coastal landscapes.
The distance by train from Salinas, CA to San Diego, CA is 374 miles (603 km).
The first train from Salinas, CA to San Diego, CA leaves at 12:45 AM.
The train station in Salinas, CA that goes to San Diego, CA is Salinas Station, Salinas, CA, which connects to Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA.
Yes, you can take the train from Salinas, CA to San Diego, CA.
The train from Salinas, CA to San Diego, CA takes 12h 14m and runs 5 per day.
There is no high speed train available from Salinas, CA to San Diego, CA.
The last train from Salinas, CA to San Diego, CA leaves at 4:10 PM.
There is no direct train service currently available from Salinas, CA to San Diego, CA.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Salinas, CA to San Diego, CA.
A day trip from Salinas, CA to San Diego, CA is not feasible as the journey takes 12h 14m. The distance is 374 miles (603 km). There are 5 trains per day.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Salinas, CA to San Diego, CA

Salinas
San Diego
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 San Diego.
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

More options for your journey from Salinas, CA to San Diego, CA

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

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