5.0
I was able to enjoy the scenery, a lot of green vegetation. Awesome sight. I wouldn’t mind doing similar trip again.
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Trip Summary
There are 2 daily trains from San Jose to Salinas. Traveling by train from San Jose to Salinas usually takes around one hour and 30 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in one hour and 20 minutes.
| Distance | 47 mi (76 km) |
| Fastest train | 1h 20m |
| Lowest price | €14.93 |
| Trains per day | 2 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 2 |
Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Overall score for trains from San Jose to Salinas
(Based on 1 ratings and reviews)
5.0
What is the price of a train ticket from San Jose to Salinas?
In the last 30 days, the average cost of a train ticket from San Jose to Salinas was €24.26. This is a fantastic deal for train travel. You have the best chances of scoring the cheapest ticket to Salinas if you book your train tickets at least 11 days in advance. Waiting to purchase until the day of your trip could end up costing you an extra €0.93.
Monthly average prices
Mark your calendar for May if you want to score the cheapest train tickets from San Jose to Salinas. You’ll find the best deals during this time of year, when tickets cost an average of €15. If you're planning a trip from San Jose to Salinas during August, bear in mind that ticket prices are usually higher during this month. Expect to pay about €32 for your train ticket, unless you book well in advance and find an even better deal.
Prices as travel date approaches
If you want to score the best deal, you should plan to book your train trip online on Wanderu at least 11 days ahead of time. If you do that, your train ticket to Salinas from San Jose will be about €0.93 cheaper compared to what you would pay if you book at the last minute.
Which train should you take from San Jose to Salinas?
2 train services operate from San Jose to Salinas. However, each train line only offers one daily trip.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 1 | 1h 20m | €33.60 |
| Amtrak Coast Starlight | 1 | 1h 40m | €18.85 |
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 San Jose to Salinas every day, as well as 1 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from €34.
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 San Jose to Salinas takes 1 hours and 40 minutes on average, and Coach tickets start at €15.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, there are some trains that travel the entire distance from San Jose to Salinas. However, in some cases you will have to take a bus for part of your journey in addition to taking the train.
The distance between San Jose and Salinas is approximately 47 miles, or 76 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 1 hour 30 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 1 hour 20 minutes. As a relatively short ride, taking the train is an easy way to travel between these two cities.
On a weekly basis, the greatest number of passengers tend to travel by trains from San Jose 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 Thursday. Thursday also tend to have less passengers which may make boarding faster and let you snag your perfect seat.
The earliest train departs San Jose at 10:00 while the last train of the day leaves at 14:00. 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 San Jose twice a day, so there are a couple of options depending on your preferred travel time. Luckily, both trains will get you to Salinas with direct service. While there might still be stops along the way, you will not need to get off or switch trains.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Salinas to San Jose.
City Information
San Jose
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
San Jose is located in the heart of the world-famous Silicon Valley in California’s Bay Area. It is the largest city in Northern California and, as such, it is the area’s cultural, political and financial center.
While you’re in San Jose, make sure to check out the city’s various museums. Since you’re in the world’s foremost technology hub, the Tech Museum of Innovation is a must-visit. And since you’re on the West Coast, you should stop by the San Jose Museum of Art that features the largest permanent collection of works from West Coast artists.
Thanks to its mild California climate, San Jose is one of the best cities in the U.S. for outdoor activities, and due to its largely younger-leaning population, it offers quite the vibrant nightlife. In fact, San Jose is among the biggest party hubs in America.
San Jose is served by various bus carriers and has several Amtrak stops within its vicinity. In addition, the city’s airport is located right near the downtown area, which makes travel to and from San Jose a breeze.
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 the nightclubs, lounges, and bowling centers. Salinas organizes festivals throughout the year, like the Monthly Art Market & Artisan Fair and the 7th 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 San Jose?
Image credit: SPUR
Link to image attributionMain departure station: Diridon Caltrain Station - 65 Cahill St
Diridon Station opened in 1935 with architecture inspired by the Italian Renaissance, and today is a vital part of Silicon Valley’s transportation system. Diridon Station connects Amtrak train service to local commuter service like the Caltrain and VTA Light Rail. The station is also a major hub for bus transit on Amtrak Thruway and Greyhound buses. With paid parking onsite, bicycle racks, and accessible entrances, travelers can easily reach the station from nearby downtown San Jose. As a bonus, food trucks frequently set up outside the station to provide delicious cheap eats for passengers.
All train stations in San Jose:
Diridon Caltrain Station - 65 Cahill St
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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