- Must visit
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Major collection of American art from colonial works to contemporary pieces, located in the nearby Penn Quarter district.
Cheapest price
$118
Average price
$139
Fastest journey
9 h 5 m
Average duration
9 h 6 m
Trains per day
2
Distance
426 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Salinas Station, Salinas, CA to Union Station, Los Angeles, CA is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Salinas Station, Salinas, CA to Union Station, Los Angeles, CA will cost around $139 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $118.
Of the 2 trains that leave Salinas Station, Salinas, CA for Union Station, Los Angeles, CA on Sun, Jun 21, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Jun 21 the direct trains cover the 426 km distance in an average of 9 h 6 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 9 h 5 m .
On Sun, Jun 21 the slowest trains will take 9 h 6 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.
4794 AMTRAK · 794 Pacific Surfliner
11 Coast Starlight
11 Coast Starlight
4794 AMTRAK · 794 Pacific SurflinerOmio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Salinas Station, Salinas, CA to Union Station, Los Angeles, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $63. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 6h 8m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $63, and a flight costs an average of $216.
Distance: 264 miles (426 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$115 Average price | $100 Average price Cheapest | $336 Average price | $2 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
9h 31m Average total duration 9h 1m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 55m Average total duration 7h 25m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 9h 8m Average total duration Fastest 6h 8m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 4h 51m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Salinas Station, Salinas, CA to Union Station, Los Angeles, CA:
A bus is $15 (€13) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Salinas Station, Salinas, CA to Union Station, Los Angeles, CA costing on average $115 (€94).
A bus is $236 (€193) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Salinas Station, Salinas, CA to Union Station, Los Angeles, CA costing on average $336 (€275).
Other travel options to Union Station, Los Angeles, CA take longer:
Bus takes on average 7h 25m.
Train takes on average 9h 1m.
Tickets start at around $115 (€94) compared to roughly $2 (€2) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-113.10 (€-92.53). The journey takes 9h 1m versus 4h 51m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
The table below shows live departures for Salinas Station, Salinas, CA to Union Station, Los Angeles, CA trains for today, Saturday, June 20. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
11 Coast Starlight | 12:06 PM Salinas Station, Salinas, CA | 9h05 | 9:11 PM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
4794 AMTRAK · 794 Pacific Surfliner | 12:40 PM Salinas Station, Salinas, CA | 9h06 | 9:46 PM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
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 Station, Salinas, CA to Union Station, Los Angeles, CA run on average 5 times per day, taking around 9h 1m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $81 (€67) but you can travel from only $63 (€52) by bus.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 19:06, the last at 20:40. The fastest train covers the 264 miles (426 km) distance in 9h 5m.
Distance 264 miles (426 km) |
Average train duration 9h 1m |
Cheapest ticket price $81 (€67) |
Trains per day 5 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 9h 5m |
First train 7:06 PM |
Last train 8:40 PM |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Discover the best of Union Station — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Union Station trip today.
Major collection of American art from colonial works to contemporary pieces, located in the nearby Penn Quarter district.
Celebrated museum of portraits of influential Americans, sharing a historic building with the Smithsonian American Art Museum.
World-class art museum with masterworks from Europe and America, plus sculpture garden and rotating exhibitions.
Historic neighborhood of row houses, political institutions, and leafy streets that is ideal for walking near Union Station.
Washington’s monumental park corridor lined with museums and memorials, essential for first-time visitors and long scenic walks.
Central district known for museums, theaters, and lively streets, popular with visitors exploring downtown on foot.
An All-Beef Hot Dog On A Poppy Seed Bun With Mustard, Relish, Onion, Tomato, Sport Peppers, Pickle, And Celery Salt. It Is A Classic Chicago Specialty.
Thin-Sliced Roast Beef Simmered In Jus And Served On A Roll, Often Dipped And Topped With Giardiniera Or Sweet Peppers. A Defining Chicago Sandwich.
A Thick, Pan-Baked Pizza With Layers Of Cheese, Toppings, And Chunky Tomato Sauce. It Is One Of Chicago's Most Famous Comfort Foods.
A Nationally Acclaimed Fine Dining Restaurant In The West Loop Offering A Refined Tasting Menu Experience.
A Celebrated West Loop Restaurant Known For Bold Small Plates, Creative Cooking, And A Lively Atmosphere.
A Historic Diner Near Union Station Known For Breakfast, Classic American Plates, And Old-School Chicago Hospitality.
Costs are moderate by major U.S. city standards. Fast food is affordable, but sit-down dining and station-area prices are higher.
Restaurants: tip 18-20% before tax for table service. Bars: USD 1-2 per drink. Cafes: optional small tip. Taxis/rideshares: 10-15% or round up. Hotel staff: USD 1-5 depending on service.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Salinas Station, Salinas, CA to Union Station, Los Angeles, 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 Union Station, Los Angeles, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Salinas Station, Salinas, CA to Union Station, Los Angeles, CA trains use the Salinas Station to Union Station station pair, with some services arriving at Van Nuys, Metrolink Station. Use this guide to compare Salinas Station, Salinas, CA and Union Station, Los Angeles, 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.
Union Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Shower, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Traxx Restaurant, Union Station Cafe, Philippe The Original
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Union Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Union Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Union Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Union Station: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Union Station: Elevators, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include DoubleTree by Hilton Los Angeles Downtown, Miyako Hotel Los Angeles, Omni Los Angeles Hotel at California Plaza.
Van Nuys, Metrolink Station is 25 km from Los Angeles city centre. Public transport options include:
Van Nuys, Metrolink Station has practical services for this route, including Lockers, Parking, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Ticket office support is available at Van Nuys, Metrolink Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Van Nuys, Metrolink Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Van Nuys, Metrolink Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Van Nuys, Metrolink Station: Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Van Nuys, Metrolink Station.
Chatsworth Station is 39 km from Los Angeles city centre. Public transport options include:
Chatsworth Station has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food and drink options are available at Chatsworth Station.
Ticket office support is available at Chatsworth Station. Information desks are located near the main entrance.
Available at Chatsworth Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Chatsworth Station: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Chatsworth Station: Ramps, restrooms.