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Trip Summary
There are 3 daily trains from Redding to Salinas. Traveling by train from Redding to Salinas usually takes around 11 hours and 12 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Coast Starlight train can make the trip in 9 hours and 35 minutes.
| Distance | 273 mi (439 km) |
| Fastest train | 9h 35m |
| Lowest price | $63.49 |
| Trains per day | 1 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 2 |
Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Overall score for trains from Redding to Salinas
(Based on 1 ratings and reviews)
5.0
Which train should you take from Redding to Salinas?
2 train services operate from Redding to Salinas. Amtrak usually has more trains scheduled, with 2 trips per day. That said, it's still worth comparing the prices and trip durations:
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 2 | 11h 53m | $110.83 |
| Amtrak Coast Starlight | 1 | 9h 35m | $67.18 |
Amtrak is the largest passenger railroad service in America, offering daily intercity trains to hundreds of destinations across the contiguous United States, as well as several cities in Canada. Every Amtrak train comes equipped with comfortable seats with extra legroom, as well as several four-seat areas with tables in the middle. In addition, each car has a freshly cleaned restroom, free WiFi and power outlets at every seat. There are also snack bars where you can purchase drinks or food during your journey. On average, there are 2 Amtrak trains from Redding to Salinas every day, as well as 2 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $69.
The Coast Starlight is an Amtrak train that travels the entire length of the West Coast, connecting Los Angeles to Seattle. The route starts hugging the California coastline, treating passengers to swoon-worthy views of the Pacific, before continuing into the verdant forests of the Cascade Mountains. The Coast Starlight indisputably earns its spot among the most scenic Amtrak train routes. Seating options include Coach or Business Class and roomettes or bedrooms for extra space. A trip from Redding to Salinas takes 9 hours and 35 minutes on average, and Coach tickets start at $55.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, there are trains that can take you the entire way from Redding to Salinas. However, there are also some trips on this route that require you to board another vehicle, such as a bus or a shuttle, during your journey. This is worth paying attention to as you book your trip, since a direct train may be preferable for its speed and convenience.
The distance between Redding and Salinas is approximately 273 miles, or 439 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 11 hours and 12 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 9 hours and 35 minutes.
Looking for ways to pass the time? Most trains are equipped with Wi-Fi, which means you can stream music, browse social media or get some work done during your ride. That said, in case your train has a spotty signal, or is among the few without Wi-Fi, we also recommend downloading TV shows and movies to your mobile device in advance of your trip. That way the ride will fly by whatever the Wi-Fi situation.
On a weekly basis, the greatest number of passengers tend to travel by trains from Redding to Salinas on Sunday. Tickets for Sunday tend to also be the most expensive. For savvy travelers looking for cheaper priced tickets search for travel departing on Wednesday. Wednesday also tend to have less passengers which may make boarding faster and let you snag your perfect seat.
The earliest train departs Redding at 2:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 2:00am. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
There are 3 scheduled trains on most days. There is one direct train, which you can stay on for the entire journey from Redding to Salinas. In contrast, taking a non-direct train would require you to transfer trains during your trip.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Salinas to Redding.
City Information
Redding
Image credit: Unsplash
Redding is a city in Northern California and is often known as this region's cultural and economic capital. It offers a wide range of fun activities and outdoor areas to explore, like the Whiskeytown National Recreation Area, offering picturesque waterfalls and a lake, and the Turtle Bay Exploration Park, which includes botanical gardens, a greenhouse, and a natural history museum. Want some incredible views? Head to the Sundial Bridge, a suspension bridge covering the Sacramento River that works as a sundial.
Redding is a popular location for adventure, as it's sunny almost 90% of the time. It is a popular location for young professionals and students who want to escape the bustling of other major California cities. Beer lovers will be pleased to explore the craft beer scene, and it also features wineries, vineyards, and cellars. The city is constantly holding beer, food, arts, and music festivals, with the Redding Fire Festival being one of the most popular.
If you're visiting Redding, over 100 cities provide train routes going to this city through Amtrak and Amtrak Coast Starlight. You can also access the city by bus provided by Jefferson Lines. The town also has good transport links, with the dominant mode of transportation being the buses provided by the Redding Area Bus Authority.
Salinas
Image credit: Unsplash
Salinas is a city in California popularly known as the Salad Bowl of the World- though the nickname is about more than healthy food. The city has a vibrant agriculture industry, pristine farmland, historic sites, and plenty of greenery. As an agriculture-based city, it's not surprising that there are a lot of outdoor areas to visit, from Natividad Creek Park to the Creekbridge Neighborhood Park. In addition, history lovers in Salinas can visit the National Steinbeck Center and Monterey & Salinas Valley Railroad Museum for their interactive exhibits, while Salinas Valley Art Gallery appeals to art lovers.
For wine lovers in Salinas, there is a wide range of wineries and vineyards in the city, with popular choices being the Chateau Sinnet Winery and Vineyard, and SMD Vineyards. Visitors to the city can check out nightclubs, lounges, and bowling centers. Salinas organizes festivals throughout the year, like the Monthly Art Market & Artisan Fair and the Annual Halloween Beer Crawl.
If you're visiting Salinas by train, over 100 cities offer routes by Amtrak. Fewer bus lines are going to the city, provided by Amtrak Thruway. There are also Monterey-Salinas Transit services for transport inside the city.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Redding?
Main departure station: 1620 Yuba St
There are two stations in Redding where you can board the train to Salinas.
All train stations in Redding:
1620 Yuba St
1530 Yuba St
Where is the train station in Salinas?
Main arrival station: 11 Station Pl
Salinas has one train station.
Train stations in Salinas:
11 Station Pl
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