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Trip Summary
You can pick from 2 daily train trips between Truckee and Salinas. The average train journey from Truckee to Salinas takes 9 hours and 12 minutes, but some Amtrak train trips are as short as 8 hours and 15 minutes.
| Distance | 200 mi (322 km) |
| Fastest train | 8h 15m |
| Lowest price | $89.72 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
Price trends for trains from Truckee to Salinas
Monthly average prices
Which train should you take from Truckee to Salinas?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Truckee to Salinas. The schedule is relatively limited as the train only runs twice a day.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 2 | 9h 13m | $109.24 |
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 2 Amtrak trains from Truckee to Salinas every day, as well as 0 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $90.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Truckee and Salinas is approximately 200 miles, or 322 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 9 hours and 12 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 8 hours and 15 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 Truckee to Salinas on Tuesday. Tickets for Tuesday tend to also be the most expensive. For savvy travelers looking for cheaper priced tickets search for travel departing on Saturday. Saturday also tend to have less passengers which may make boarding faster and let you snag your perfect seat.
The earliest train departs Truckee at 8:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 2:00pm. 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 Truckee 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 Salinas to Truckee.
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 Truckee?
Main departure station: 10065 Donner Pass Rd
There is one train station in Truckee.
All train stations in Truckee:
10065 Donner Pass Rd
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 Truckee?
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