4.0
Pros: The view of the Pacific coast. Cons: I would have appreciated a map of the train, for example, where the snack bar and the observation deck was. Tips: Direct trains reduce the chances of missing connections.
Oxnard to Salinas train
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Trip Summary
You can pick from 5 daily train trips between Oxnard and Salinas. The average train journey from Oxnard to Salinas takes 6 hours and 28 minutes, but some Amtrak train trips are as short as 6 hours and 11 minutes.
| Distance | 221 mi (356 km) |
| Fastest train | 6h 11m |
| Lowest price | $45.00 |
| Trains per day | 1 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 2 |
Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Average score for trains from Oxnard to Salinas
(Based on 1 ratings and reviews)
4.0
What is the price of a train ticket from Oxnard to Salinas?
In the last 30 days, the average cost of a train ticket from Oxnard to Salinas was $73.50. You have the best chances of scoring the cheapest ticket to Salinas if you book your train tickets at least 14 days in advance. Waiting to purchase until the day of your trip could end up costing you an extra $6.07.
Monthly average prices
You can find the lowest prices on this route during November. This time of year offers the best deals on train tickets from Oxnard to Salinas, with the average price at just $51. Train tickets on this route are most expensive in March, when the average price goes up to $81. You can still score cheap deals below this average price, though, especially if you plan ahead and book your ticket in advance.
Prices as travel date approaches
Planning ahead pays off when it comes to booking your train trip from Oxnard to Salinas. By reserving your ticket on Wanderu at least 14 days before departure, you can save around $6.07. Don't miss out on these savings — book in advance!
Which train should you take from Oxnard to Salinas?
2 train services operate from Oxnard to Salinas. Amtrak usually has more trains scheduled, with 4 trips per day. That said, it's still worth comparing the prices and trip durations:
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 4 | 6h 24m | $80.21 |
| Amtrak Coast Starlight | 1 | 6h 48m | $68.32 |
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 4 Amtrak trains from Oxnard to Salinas every day, as well as 5 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $66.
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
Yes, there are trains that can take you the entire way from Oxnard 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 Oxnard and Salinas is approximately 221 miles, or 356 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 6 hours and 28 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 6 hours and 11 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.
Trains departing from Oxnard to Salinas tend to have the most passengers on Sunday. With higher demand ticket prices also tend to be higher on Sunday. If you are trying to snag a cheap train tickets or just want an emptier train you'll have better luck by booking travel departing on Thursday as the least number of people tend to travel then.
The earliest train departs Oxnard at 6:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 8:00pm. 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 5 scheduled trains on most days. There is one direct train, which you can stay on for the entire journey from Oxnard 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 Oxnard.
City Information
Oxnard
Just west of Los Angeles, Oxnard is a coastal city popular for its art, beaches, and nature. Oxnard's location makes it a great base for exploring the warm waters of the Pacific and the beautiful nearby Channel Islands. You'll also find a wealth of interesting museums and historical attractions, such as the Carnegie Art Museum and Heritage Square. The Collection at Riverpark is the city's most popular shopping and dining outlet, and don't miss the many vineyards in the area to taste some classic Californian wine.
The Channel Islands are a destination for wildlife encounters, thanks to boat tours to see whales, dolphins, and seals. Or, spend the day hiking around one of the islands — they do comprise one of the most instagrammable National Parks, after all! Visitors also enjoy relaxing on both Mandalay and Oxnard State beaches which are good for surfing and sunbathing on the mainland.
The city of Oxnard is a major transportation hub, and bus companies like Greyhound or FlixBus traverse the Ventura Freeway 101 or Pacific Coast Highway to destinations along the West Coast. Metrolink provides services into LA, while Amtrak's Pacific Surfliner and Coast Starlight both stop in Oxnard daily.
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 Oxnard?
Main departure station: Transportation Center
There is one train station in Oxnard.
All train stations in Oxnard:
Transportation Center
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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