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Trip Summary
2 trains operate daily from Salinas to Eugene. The train trip from Salinas to Eugene is usually about 18 hours and 48 minutes long. However, traveling on the fastest Amtrak Coast Starlight train can get you there in as little as 18 hours and 16 minutes.
| Distance | 515 mi (829 km) |
| Fastest train | 18h 16m |
| Lowest price | $118.81 |
| Trains per day | 1 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 2 |
Which train should you take from Salinas to Eugene?
2 train services operate from Salinas to Eugene. However, each train line only offers one daily trip.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 1 | 19h 19m | $187.77 |
| Amtrak Coast Starlight | 1 | 18h 16m | $209.51 |
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 1 Amtrak trains from Salinas to Eugene every day, as well as 1 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $158.
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 Eugene takes 18 hours and 16 minutes on average, and Coach tickets start at $119.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Salinas and Eugene is approximately 515 miles, or 829 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 18 hours and 48 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 18 hours and 16 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.
Tuesday tends to be the busiest day of the week with travelers taking trains from Salinas to Eugene. Ticket price also tend to be more expensive on Tuesday than other days. If you are hoping to have more room on the train and even save some change check out travel options on Thursday instead, as less people travel then and deals are more likely to be found.
The earliest train departs Salinas at 5:00pm 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.
Trains leave the station in Salinas twice a day, so there are a couple of options depending on your preferred travel time. One of these is a direct train, which will typically get you to Eugene faster. While it might still have stops along the way, you will not need to switch trains during your trip.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Eugene 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.
Eugene
As Oregon's second-largest city and one of the state's best vacation destinations, Eugene has so much to offer. Whether you're looking for culture and art, shopping and restaurants, or sports and entertainment, this vibrant city at the south of the Willamette Valley has got you covered.
Start your visit at the University of Oregon, where you can explore the historic track at Hayward Field, the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art, and the Museum of Natural and Cultural History, all within the spectacular grounds of the campus. If you arrive on a sunny day, don't miss the opportunity for a picnic or bike ride at the city's largest park, Alton Baker Park. Take an amble along the Willamette River, or even rent a canoe to relax on the water.
If you're lucky enough to visit on a Saturday between April and November, check out the Saturday market in Downtown Eugene to peruse local handmade crafts, live music, and many of the local foods.
Getting to Eugene is simple. Eugene Airport is only 15 minutes from the city and welcomes direct flights from 13 major cities. Amtrak trains also stop at Eugene's downtown station, and various affordable bus services, including Greyhound and FlixBus, all make regular stops in the city. We even rounded up a complete list of the places you can reach from Eugene for under $50.
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 Eugene?
Image credit: Rick Obst
Link to image attributionMain arrival station: 433 Willamette St
The train depot is in downtown Eugene, just north of 6th Avenue. The depot has indoor and outdoor seating, and there's a mix of local shops and restaurants, like the Morning Glory Cafe and the Black Wolf Supper Club, right across the street. If you have time to kill, you can explore Willamette and find coffee shops, dessert shops, and cafes nearby. Or swing by one of the vending machines in the depot on your way to your Amtrak train.
Train stations in Eugene:
433 Willamette St
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