How much is the train ticket from San Diego to Salinas?

The cheapest train tickets from San Diego to Salinas start from $98. The average price for this train route is around $115. Busbud recommends that you book your tickets in advance for a better chance to get the lowest possible price.

How long is the train journey from San Diego to Salinas?

The average train ride duration from San Diego to Salinas is 12h, covering a distance of 371 miles (597 km). The quickest train can get you there in 10h 55m and is operated by Amtrak .

Which train operators service the San Diego to Salinas route?

Several major train operators operate on this route with 2 trains available per day.

What is the earliest and latest departure time for the train from San Diego to Salinas?

The earliest train departs from San Diego to Salinas at 6:01am. And the latest train departs at 6:10am.

Train San Diego to Salinas from $93 | Refundable Tickets

Next departures

Next departures for San Diego to Salinas on December 13
Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
6:01am	Santa Fe Depot	11h 4m	5:05pm	Amtrak	Cheapest
6:10am	Old Town San Diego	10h 55m	5:05pm	Amtrak	Fastest
6:01am	Santa Fe Depot	11h 4m	5:05pm	Amtrak	No tags
6:01am	Santa Fe Depot	12h 9m	6:10pm	Amtrak	No tags
6:01am	Santa Fe Depot	12h 9m	6:10pm	Amtrak	No tags

Next departures for San Diego to Salinas on December 14
Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
6:01am	Santa Fe Depot	11h 4m	5:05pm	Amtrak	Cheapest
6:10am	Old Town San Diego	10h 55m	5:05pm	Amtrak	Fastest
4:01am	Santa Fe Depot	11h 34m	3:35pm	Amtrak	No tags
4:01am	Santa Fe Depot	11h 34m	3:35pm	Amtrak	No tags
6:01am	Santa Fe Depot	11h 4m	5:05pm	Amtrak	No tags

Next departures for San Diego to Salinas on December 15
Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
8:01am	Santa Fe Depot	11h 14m	7:15pm	Amtrak	Cheapest
8:10am	Old Town San Diego	11h 5m	7:15pm	Amtrak	Fastest
8:01am	Santa Fe Depot	11h 14m	7:15pm	Amtrak	No tags
4:01pm	Santa Fe Depot	11h 19m	3:20am	Amtrak	No tags
4:01pm	Santa Fe Depot	11h 19m	3:20am	Amtrak	No tags

Next departures for San Diego to Salinas on December 17
Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
6:01am	Santa Fe Depot	11h 4m	5:05pm	Amtrak	Cheapest
6:10am	Old Town San Diego	10h 55m	5:05pm	Amtrak	Fastest
4:01am	Santa Fe Depot	11h 34m	3:35pm	Amtrak	No tags
4:01am	Santa Fe Depot	11h 34m	3:35pm	Amtrak	No tags
6:01am	Santa Fe Depot	11h 4m	5:05pm	Amtrak	No tags

Last refresh of the prices: Today at 3:35 AM PST.

Compare 2 ways to go from San Diego to Salinas

We recommend taking the bus

Among the sustainable travel choices, the bus stands out as the good way to reach Salinas. The journey takes about 11 hours 15 minutes and with fares starting at just $59, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

1bus per day

11h 15mAverage Duration

374 milesDistance

15kgCO₂ emissions

	Average Price	Average Duration	CO₂ emissions	Actions
Bus	Average Price$59 - $194	Average Duration11h 15m	CO₂ emissions 15kg CO₂e
Train	Average Price$98 - $450	Average Duration12h	CO₂ emissions 54kg CO₂e

Train Companies

Amtrak

4/55,639 reviews

Staff4.7

Timeliness3.8

Cleanliness4.6

Wifi3.6

Based on 5639 reviews, the company was rated 4.1 stars on Busbud. Travelers were especially satisfied with the seats and the ticket access but often complained with the wifi. Amtrak ticket prices on this trip start at $98

Train and bus companies in US:Amtrak, Trenitalia, Renfe, VIA Rail Canada, Amtrak Acela, NS Nederlandse Spoorwegen, Iryo

Frequently asked questions about traveling from San Diego, CA, US to Salinas, US by train

Please note that schedules, routes, or operator details shown here may be updated or vary at the time of your trip.

How much is the train ticket from San Diego to Salinas?
The cheapest train tickets from San Diego to Salinas start from $98. The average price for this train route is around $115. Busbud recommends that you book your tickets in advance for a better chance to get the lowest possible price.
How long is the train journey from San Diego to Salinas?
The average train ride duration from San Diego to Salinas is 12h, covering a distance of 371 miles (597 km). The quickest train can get you there in 10h 55m and is operated by Amtrak.
Which train operators service the San Diego to Salinas route?
Several major train operators operate on this route with 2 trains available per day.
What is the earliest and latest departure time for the train from San Diego to Salinas?
The earliest train departs from San Diego to Salinas at 6:01am. And the latest train departs at 6:10am.

Find cheapest prices for trains

Price is for a one-way ticket for one passenger and based on past searches.

Best price found

12/10

$103

12/11

$103

Today

$103

12/13

$103

12/14

$103

12/15

$103

12/16

No data

12/17

$103

The cheapest trip from San Diego, CA, US to Salinas, US was searched and found on Dec 10, 2025 with a price of $103

To save money and be sure you have the best seat, it's a good idea to buy your train tickets from San Diego, CA, US to Salinas, US, as early as possible.

You can expect to pay from $103 to $812 for a train ticket from San Diego, CA, US to Salinas, US based on the last 2 days. You can expect to find the cheapest price for the trip at $103 which is on 2025-12-13.