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Trip Summary
You can pick from 7 daily train trips between Salinas and San Juan Capistrano. The average train journey from Salinas to San Juan Capistrano takes 11 hours and 46 minutes, but some Amtrak train trips are as short as 10 hours and 39 minutes.
| Distance | 315 mi (507 km) |
| Fastest train | 10h 39m |
| Lowest price | $86.03 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
What is the price of a train ticket from Salinas to San Juan Capistrano?
Over the past month, a train ticket between Salinas and San Juan Capistrano cost $120.18, on average. Booking your trip at least 8 days in advance can help you secure tickets at the best price. For same-day bookings, you’ll likely have to pay around $17.99 more.
Monthly average prices
Ticket prices for the train from Salinas to San Juan Capistrano often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in May when the average ticket price is only $90,
If you're thinking of traveling from Salinas to San Juan Capistrano during November, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $128 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in November, is to book your trip well in advance.
Which train should you take from Salinas to San Juan Capistrano?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Salinas to San Juan Capistrano. However, there are 7 trains per day to choose from.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 7 | 11h 46m | $128.93 |
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 7 Amtrak trains from Salinas to San Juan Capistrano every day, as well as 7 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $86.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Salinas and San Juan Capistrano is approximately 315 miles, or 507 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 11 hours and 46 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 10 hours and 39 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.
Thursday tends to be the busiest day of the week with travelers taking trains from Salinas to San Juan Capistrano. Ticket price also tend to be more expensive on Thursday than other days. If you are hoping to have more room on the train and even save some change check out travel options on Monday instead, as less people travel then and deals are more likely to be found.
The earliest train departs Salinas at 12:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 4:00pm. 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 7 scheduled trains on most days. Unfortunately, none of them are direct connections, so you will need to disembark from your original train and board a connecting train during your journey. Don't forget to bring your carry-on luggage when you switch trains. In some instances, you may also be responsible for transferring your own checked baggage.
You can also take a train for your return trip from San Juan Capistrano 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.
San Juan Capistrano
Image credit: Unsplash
Located in Orange County, California, San Juan Capistrano is a small city founded by the Spanish in 1776. Although largely destroyed by an earthquake in 1812, this city is a growing destination south of Los Angeles and is often used as a backdrop in major Hollywood movies.
San Juan Capistrano has many historical religious sites to explore, and Mission San Juan Capistrano is one of its most renowned. The "Jewel of California Missions" includes a chapel with regular Mass, stunning gardens, and a museum to learn about the many Native American, Mexican, and Spanish influences in the region. Visit in mid-March to experience the annual Return of the Swallows celebration. Local cliff swallows return from winters in Argentina, and the Mission plans parades, fairs, and other events to welcome them home.
The area around the Mission is a historic downtown with local restaurants, green spaces, and retail services. In the center of this historic core, San Juan Capistrano's Amtrak station welcomes Pacific Surfliner trains that run from Los Angeles to San Diego.
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 San Juan Capistrano?
Main arrival station: 26701 Verdugo St
San Juan Capistrano has one train station.
Train stations in San Juan Capistrano:
26701 Verdugo St
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