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Cheap train tickets from Oakland to Salinas

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Oakland to Salinas Train Schedule

Trip Summary

There are usually 4 daily train trips available from Oakland to Salinas. Traveling by train from Oakland to Salinas usually takes 3 hours and 4 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 2 hours and 45 minutes.

Distance85 mi (137 km)
Fastest train2h 45m
Lowest priceCZK 753.48
Trains per day1
Most frequent serviceAmtrak
Train lines2

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What is the price of a train ticket from Oakland to Salinas?

In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Oakland to Salinas was CZK 1,357.53. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 26 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around CZK 53.79 more if you wait to book until the last minute.

Average train ticket prices from Oakland to Salinas by travel date

CZK 1,570CZK 1,047CZK 523AugAug

Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Oakland to Salinas will cost between CZK 1,340 and CZK 1,423. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.

Average train ticket prices from Oakland to Salinas by month

CZK 1,570CZK 1,256CZK 942CZK 628CZK 314SONDJFMAMJJA
Ticket prices for the train from Oakland to Salinas 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 CZK 984. If you're thinking of traveling from Oakland to Salinas during June, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of CZK 1,319 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in June, is to book your trip well in advance.

Prices as travel date approaches

CZK 1,570CZK 1,256CZK 942CZK 628CZK 3143020100

By booking your train trip from Oakland to Salinas on Wanderu at least 26 days ahead of time, you can save about CZK 53.79 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!

Which train should you take from Oakland to Salinas?

2 train services operate from Oakland to Salinas. Amtrak usually has more trains scheduled, with 3 trips per day. That said, it's still worth comparing the prices and trip durations:

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak33h 6mCZK 1,475.16
Amtrak Coast Starlight12h 57mCZK 933.27
  • 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 3 Amtrak trains from Oakland to Salinas every day, as well as 4 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from CZK 1,465.

  • The Amtrak Coast Starlight is a service provided by Amtrak that connects Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, and Los Angeles on the US Pacific coast. The full journey winds through the Cascade Mountains, perfectly clipped vineyards, and dense coastal forest, allowing passengers to get a glimpse of the US west coast while enjoying air-conditioned cars, power outlets, complimentary onboard WiFi, and snacks.

Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Oakland to Salinas

Yes, there are trains that can take you the entire way from Oakland to Salinas. 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.
The distance between Oakland and Salinas is approximately 85 miles, or 137 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 3 hours and 4 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 2 hours and 45 minutes. Although it takes a couple of hours each way, it's still possible to make a round trip in a single day. Since most trains are equipped with Wi-Fi, you should be able to browse the Internet or get some work done during your journey.

Trains from Oakland to Salinas are the most crowded on Friday. 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 traveling on Monday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.

The earliest train departs Oakland at 7:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 11:00am. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.

There are 4 scheduled trains on most days. There is one direct train, which you can stay on for the entire journey from Oakland to Salinas. In contrast, taking a non-direct train would require you to transfer trains during your trip.

You can also take a train for your return trip from Salinas to Oakland.

City Information

Oakland

Oakland, CA - OAK-0

Image credit: Unsplash

Oakland, CA - OAK-1

Image credit: Unsplash

Oakland, CA - OAK-2

Image credit: Unsplash

Oakland, CA is a port city that is beginning to step out of the shadow of San Francisco, its neighbor to the west. Every visitor should start their Oakland trip in the downtown area and Old Oakland, the city's historic quarter full of quaint old buildings. While here, don't forget to take a short detour to Oakland's famous Chinatown as well. The African American Museum and Library at Oakland tells the history of Black communities in the area and is definitely worth a stop. For those who would prefer to stay close to nature, Dr. Aurelia Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park's abundance of redwood groves will offer amazing views.

Oakland's food scene is vibrant and diverse, with a wide range of offerings for all budgets. Enssaro is a popular local name with mid-range dishes that will whet your appetite. For an excellent haute-cuisine dinner, head towards The Wolf.

It's easy to get around the Bay Area on local public transit (called the BART, for Bay Area Rapid Transit). Getting to Oakland from further afield is also a breeze thanks to many intercity bus routes in the area and Amtrak's Capitol Corridor train, which stops in Oakland. Flights arrive at the Oakland International Airport, but several additional airport options in the larger Bay Area are also available.

Salinas

Salinas, CA, US - SNS-0

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 Oakland?

245 Second St  - OAKAMT-0

Image credit: David Wilson

Link to image attribution
246 Second St  - OAKAMT-1

Image credit: David Wilson

Link to image attribution

Main departure station: 245 Second St

The Jack London Station in Oakland opened in 1995, replacing 16th Street Station, which was extensively damaged in the Loma Prieta earthquake in 1989. The station was named after the famous writer Jack London, as he spent much of his life in the area. It is a contemporary glass and stone structure located on the easternmost corner of Jack London Square. The square, which fronts a natural estuary leading to San Francisco Bay, was formerly the hub of Oakland's port activities, connecting the maritime and agricultural sectors. It is still an active and bustling waterfront today. Amtrak's Capitol Corridor, Coast Starlight, and Gold Runner trains serve the station. It is the 10th busiest of Amtrak's 74 California stops, boarding or de-boarding an average of 1,142 people per day.

All train stations in Oakland:

  • 245 Second St

  • Across San Leandro Blvd from BART station - 700 73rd Ave

Where is the train station in Salinas?

Main arrival station: 11 Station Pl

Salinas has one train station.

All train stations in Salinas:

  • 11 Station Pl

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