Cheap train tickets from San Diego to Salem
Find and compare the best ground travel options in one place.
Trip Summary
There are usually 2 daily train trips available from San Diego to Salem. Travelling by train from San Diego to Salem usually takes 1 day, 7 hours and 30 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 1 day, 5 hours and 51 minutes.
- Distance
- 901 mi (1451 km)
- Fastest train
- 29h 51m
- Lowest price
- CHF 150.33
- Trains per day
- 2
- Most frequent service
- Amtrak
- Train lines
- 1
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San Diego to Salem Train Schedule
Is it better to travel by bus or train from San Diego to Salem?
There are usually 4 daily bus trips available from San Diego to Salem.
Train | Bus | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. PriceCHF 217.80 | Avg. PriceCHF 184.82Cheaper |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips2 | Daily Trips4 |
Duration | Duration31h 30mFaster | Duration38h 31m |

There are several train options that can take you from San Diego to Salem:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from San Diego to Salem?
In the last month, train tickets from San Diego to Salem cost about CHF 151 when booked at the cheapest time. This is somewhat expensive compared to other train fares, but it makes sense given the route’s long distance. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 20 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around CHF 102.31 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from San Diego to Salem by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from San Diego to Salem will cost between CHF 147 and CHF 266. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from San Diego to Salem by month
Ticket prices for the train from San Diego to Salem often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in October when the average ticket price is only CHF 155. If you're thinking of travelling from San Diego to Salem during May, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of CHF 219 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in May, is to book your trip well in advance.
Prices as travel date approaches
By booking your train trip from San Diego to Salem on Wanderu at least 20 days ahead of time, you can save about CHF 102.31 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
Which train should you take from San Diego to Salem?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects San Diego to Salem. The schedule is relatively limited as the train only runs twice a day.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 2 | 31h 30m | CHF 217.80 |
Amtrak is the largest passenger railway 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 washroom, 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 San Diego to Salem every day, as well as 4 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from CHF 150.33.










Frequently asked questions about travelling by train from San Diego to Salem
Yes, there are trains that can take you the entire way from San Diego to Salem. 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.
Trains leave the station in San Diego twice a day, so there are a couple of options depending on your preferred travel time. However, there are no direct trains. This means that you will need to disembark from your original train and board a connecting train at some point during your journey. You will need to remember to bring your carry-on luggage with you when you change trains. Depending on the carrier's policy, you may also be responsible for transferring your own checked baggage. You can also take a train for your return trip from Salem to San Diego. If you're not set on travelling by train, you could always take the bus from San Diego to Salem for CHF 119.
Trains per day
2
Direct trains
0
The distance between San Diego and Salem is approximately 1,451 kilometres. The average train journey between these two cities takes 1 day, 7 hours and 30 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 1 day, 5 hours and 51 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.
Distance (mi)
901
Distance (km)
1451
The earliest train departs San Diego at 6:01 a.m. while the last train of the day leaves at 8:10 a.m. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
First train
6:01am
Last train
8:10am
Trains from San Diego to Salem are the most crowded on Saturday. Tickets also tend to be more expensive then. If you are looking for a great deal on your train tickets or just want extra room to stretch out, consider travelling on Tuesday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
Busiest
Saturday
Least crowded
Tuesday
City Information
San Diego



San Diego is known as “America's Finest City” for its sunny weather, white-sand beaches, and dazzling attractions from Belmont Park to SeaWorld. San Diego's 70 miles of pristine beaches include such gems as Mission Beach, Pacific Beach, La Jolla Cove, and Coronado Beach. The city's strong surfing culture may even inspire you to rent a surfboard and catch the epic waves, bro.
Visitors can spend days getting lost in Balboa Park, a 1,200-acre cultural hub which features 16 museums, immaculate gardens, and the world-famous San Diego Zoo. The historic heart of the city, Old Town, showcases San Diego's heritage and ties to Mexican culture, while other sights like the USS Midway pay tribute to the city's military and maritime history. Leave time for some evening exploring, too! San Diego is rated the #1 best city for craft beer in America, so don't miss out on the bars in the Gaslamp Quarter: 16 walkable blocks packed with nightlife and young crowds.
Two airports, as well as many bus and train options, mean it is easy to get to San Diego from afar or from nearby cities like Tijuana, Los Angeles, Phoenix, and Las Vegas.
Salem

Salem is the capital of Oregon and one of the state's best vacation destinations. Nestled in the Willamette Valley, the city is rich with outdoor activities, diverse cuisine, and sites reflecting Oregon's history.
The Deepwood Estate, a mansion built in 1893, runs tours that share early Salem history. Explore the surrounding gardens at Deepwood or walk the many paths in Bush's Pasture Park to discover their lush plant life. The Willamette River that runs through Salem is a gorgeous spot to fish, kayak, or board the historic Willamette Queen steamboat for a dinner cruise.
Salem's charming downtown overflows with local coffee shops, cafés, and restaurants serving fresh fare and the best wines from the Willamette Valley. The Saturday Farmers Market near the state capitol serves up fresh produce alongside live music and food trucks.
Many bus services operate in Salem, including Jefferson Lines, FlixBus, Shuttle Oregon, and the Amtrak Thruway. Amtrak's Coast Starlight line also stops in Salem, heading to LA and Seattle, as well as the Cascades, going to Vancouver and Eugene, Oregon.
Station Information
Where is the train station in San Diego?
Main departure station: Santa Fe Depot

The Santa Fe Depot is the main train station in San Diego and one of the end points of the Pacific Surfliner, the only Amtrak train line that serves the city. The station is also used by the Green Line of the San Diego Trolley light rail transit service and the COASTER commuter rail service that connects the city with the central and northern coastal regions of San Diego County. Opened in 1915, the Santa Fe Depot is famous for its Spanish Colonial Revival Style architecture and grand interior space that features natural redwood beam ceilings and ceramic details. The train station is located in the heart of Downtown San Diego, making it easy to reach from all parts of the city.
All train stations in San Diego:
- Santa Fe Depot - 1050 Kettner Blvd
- 4005 Taylor St
Where is the train station in Salem?
Main arrival station: 500 13th St SE
Salem has one train station.
All train stations in Salem:
- 500 13th St SE
Need a return trip from Salem to San Diego?
Search Train TicketsPlan your next adventure
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Continue by train from Salem
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