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 $116. 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 January 27
Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
6:10am	Old Town San Diego	12h	6:10pm	Amtrak	Cheapest
4:10am	Old Town San Diego	11h	3:10pm	Amtrak	Fastest
4:01am	Santa Fe Depot	11h 9m	3:10pm	Amtrak	No tags
4:01am	Santa Fe Depot	11h 9m	3:10pm	Amtrak	No tags
6:01am	Santa Fe Depot	11h 34m	5:35pm	Amtrak	No tags

Next departures for San Diego to Salinas on January 28
Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
6:10am	Old Town San Diego	12h	6:10pm	Amtrak	Cheapest
4:10am	Old Town San Diego	11h	3:10pm	Amtrak	Fastest
4:01am	Santa Fe Depot	11h 9m	3:10pm	Amtrak	No tags
4:01am	Santa Fe Depot	11h 9m	3:10pm	Amtrak	No tags
6:01am	Santa Fe Depot	11h 34m	5:35pm	Amtrak	No tags

Last refresh of the prices: Today at 3:52 AM PST.

Compare 2 ways to go from San Diego to Salinas

We recommend taking the train

Among the sustainable travel choices, the Train stands out as a good way to reach Salinas. The journey takes about 12 hours and with fares starting at just $98, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

2train per day

12hAverage Duration

371 milesDistance

54kgCO₂ emissions

	Average Price	Average Duration	CO₂ emissions	Actions
Bus	Average Price$94 - $246	Average Duration14h 50m	CO₂ emissions 15kg CO₂e
Train	Average Price$98 - $747	Average Duration12h	CO₂ emissions 54kg CO₂e

Train Companies

Amtrak

4/55,750 reviews

Staff4.7

Timeliness3.8

Cleanliness4.6

Wifi3.6

Based on 5750 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

US train companies: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 $116. 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

01/24

$93

01/25

$93

Today

$102

01/27

$93

01/28

$102

01/29

$102

01/30

$93

01/31

$93

The cheapest trip from San Diego, CA, US to Salinas, US was searched and found on Jan 24, 2026 with a price of $93

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 $93 to $488 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 $93 which is on 2026-01-27.