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Trip Summary
You can pick from 6 daily train trips between Salinas and Martinez. The average train journey from Salinas to Martinez takes 4 hours and 48 minutes, but some Amtrak train trips are as short as 3 hours and 47 minutes.
| Distance | 96 mi (155 km) |
| Fastest train | 3h 47m |
| Lowest price | US$18.00 |
| Trains per day | 1 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 2 |
Price trends for trains from Salinas to Martinez
Monthly average prices
Prices as travel date approaches
Which train should you take from Salinas to Martinez?
2 train services operate from Salinas to Martinez. Amtrak usually has more trains scheduled, with 5 trips per day. That said, it's still worth comparing the prices and trip durations:
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 5 | 4h 58m | US$49.03 |
| Amtrak Coast Starlight | 1 | 4h 1m | US$69.63 |
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 5 Amtrak trains from Salinas to Martinez every day, as well as 6 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from US$18.
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 Salinas to Martinez takes 4 hours and 1 minutes on average, and Coach tickets start at US$29.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Salinas and Martinez is approximately 96 miles, or 155 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 4 hours and 48 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 3 hours and 47 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.
Trains departing from Salinas to Martinez tend to have the most passengers on Monday. With higher demand ticket prices also tend to be higher on Monday. If you are trying to snag a cheap train tickets or just want an emptier train you'll have better luck by booking travel departing on Saturday as the least number of people tend to travel then.
The earliest train departs Salinas at 3:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 6:00pm. 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 6 scheduled trains on most days. There is one direct train, which you can stay on for the entire journey from Salinas to Martinez. 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 Martinez to Salinas.
City Information
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.
Martinez
Martinez is a community in the East Bay of the San Francisco Bay Area located on the southern bank of the Carquinez Strait. It's known for its antique shops and wonderfully preserved historic structures. Martinez, founded in 1849, is one of California's oldest towns, with almost 40,000 residents and a thriving downtown area packed with things to see and do. Martinez is a busy waterfront neighborhood with a diverse range of retail, service, entertainment, and food options.
If you are a museum lover, the Martinez Museum is dedicated to preserving Martinez's history and legacy. If you're not into the museum vibe, you can check out the amazing George Miller Trail, which connects Martinez and Port Costa. The trail is open to walkers, bikers, and equestrians.
Martinez's Amtrak has several train lines that stop in downtown Martinez, making it an ideal mode of transportation to get to Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, and more. Buses from Laytonville, Rohnert Park, Garberville, Eureka, and Ukiah go to Martinez. The closest airport is the Oakland International Airport, which is about 40 miles away.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Salinas?
Main departure station: 11 Station Pl
There is one train station in Salinas.
All train stations in Salinas:
11 Station Pl
Where is the train station in Martinez?
Main arrival station: 601 Marina Vista Ave
Martinez has one train station.
Train stations in Martinez:
601 Marina Vista Ave
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Need a return trip from Martinez to Salinas?
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