The cheapest and fastest trains from Salinas, CA to San Diego, CA
Cheapest price
$116
Average price
$116
Fastest journey
12 h 22 m
Average duration
12 h 25 m
Trains per day
2
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 $116 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $116.
Of the 2 trains that leave Salinas, CA for San Diego, CA on Sun, Mar 22, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Mar 22 the direct trains cover the 603 km distance in an average of 12 h 25 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 12 h 22 m .
On Sun, Mar 22 the slowest trains will take 12 h 27 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.




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 $73. 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 $73, and a flight costs an average of $87.
Distance: 374 miles (603 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus |
|---|---|---|
$120 Average price | $251 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 today, Saturday, March 21. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 2:40 PM Salinas, CA | 12h27 | 3:07 AM San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Sunday, March 22 | |||||
![]() | 8:45 AM Salinas, CA | 12h22 | 9:07 PM San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
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.
Mar 22
Mar 23
Mar 24
Mar 25
Mar 26
Mar 27
Mar 28
Journey information
Overview: Train from Salinas, CA to San Diego, CA
Trains from Salinas, CA to San Diego, CA run on average 5 times per day, taking around 12h 6m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $113 (€92) but you can travel from only $73 (€59) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 00:45, the last at 16:10. The fastest train covers the 374 miles (603 km) distance in 12h 22m.
Distance 374 miles (603 km) |
Average train duration 12h 6m |
Cheapest ticket price $113 (€92) |
Trains per day 5 |
Fastest train 12h 22m |
First train 00:45 |
Last train 16:10 |
Cheapest month Dec |
Cheapest day Tue |
High season Jul - Sep |
Low season Apr - Jun |
Busiest day Fri |
Least busy day Fri |
Best day to book ahead 91 days |
Train companies: Amtrak from Salinas, CA to San Diego, CA trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Salinas, CA and San Diego, CA from $73 (€59). 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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