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Trip Summary
On most days, there is one scheduled train that travels from Santa Maria to Salinas. The train trip from Santa Maria to Salinas is usually about 3 hours and 55 minutes long. However, be prepared just in case your train arrives slightly earlier or later than scheduled.
| Distance | 137 mi (221 km) |
| Fastest train | 3h 55m |
| Lowest price | $71.38 |
| Trains per day | 1 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
Price trends for trains from Santa Maria to Salinas
Monthly average prices
Which train should you take from Santa Maria to Salinas?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Santa Maria to Salinas. Furthermore, there is only one train per day, so you will have to plan your travel around this limited availability. On the other hand, you won't have to spend a ton of time comparing a bunch of possible options.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 1 | 3h 55m | $71.38 |
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 Santa Maria to Salinas every day, as well as 1 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $71.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Santa Maria and Salinas is approximately 137 miles, or 221 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 3 hours and 55 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 Santa Maria 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 Sunday. Sunday also tend to have less passengers which may make boarding faster and let you snag your perfect seat.
Most days, there is only one train which leaves Santa Maria at 9:00am and arrives in Salinas around 3 hours later.
Typically there is only one scheduled train per day. Luckily, this train will get you to Salinas with direct service. While there might still be stops along the way, you will not need to switch trains.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Salinas to Santa Maria.
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.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Santa Maria?
Main departure station: Santa Maria Bus Stop
There is one train station in Santa Maria.
All train stations in Santa Maria:
Santa Maria Bus Stop
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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Need a return trip from Salinas to Santa Maria?
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