Cheap train tickets from Riverside to Salinas

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Trip Summary

There are usually 2 daily train trips available from Riverside to Salinas. Traveling by train from Riverside to Salinas usually takes 11 hours and 4 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 10 hours and 15 minutes.

Distance
305 mi (491 km)
Fastest train
10h 15m
Lowest price
$98.00
Trains per day
0
Most frequent service
Amtrak
Train lines
1

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Riverside to Salinas Train Schedule

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

In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Riverside to Salinas was $98.00. The further in advance you book your travels, the more likely it is you can find tickets at this price or lower.

Average train ticket prices from Riverside to Salinas by travel date

$105$70$35OctNov

The cost of a one-way train trip from Riverside to Salinas is expected to stay pretty stable over the next four weeks. No matter which day you travel, you can expect to pay about $98 for your ticket.

Average train ticket prices from Riverside to Salinas by month

$100$80$60$40$20JFMAMJJASOND

Taking the train from Riverside to Salinas usually costs about the same throughout the year. In general, train ticket prices for this route are fairly consistent, so expect to pay around $98 whenever you decide to travel.

Prices as travel date approaches

$125$100$75$50$250

The price of train trips from Riverside to Salinas doesn't fluctuate much throughout the year, so you don’t need to book your tickets super far in advance. However, to avoid last-minute price surges or sold-out tickets, we recommend purchasing your train tickets at least 48 hours before departure.

Which train should you take from Riverside to Salinas?

Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Riverside to Salinas. The schedule is relatively limited as the train only runs twice a day.

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak211h 4m$98.38
  • 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 2 Amtrak trains from Riverside to Salinas every day, as well as 2 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $98.

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Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Riverside to Salinas

The distance between Riverside and Salinas is approximately 305 miles, or 491 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 11 hours and 4 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 10 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.

Distance (mi)

305

Distance (km)

491

The earliest train departs Riverside at 9:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 3:35pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.

First train

9:00am

Last train

3:35pm

Trains from Riverside 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 Thursday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.

Busiest

Friday

Least crowded

Thursday

City Information

Riverside

Riverside, CA - RIV-0Riverside, CA - RIV-1Riverside, CA - RIV-2

Riverside is the most populous city in the Inland Empire and the birthplace of the local citrus industry. One of the most popular buildings in the city is the Mission Inn, a historic landmark that is also the largest Mission Revival Style building in the country. The building is now a popular local hotel and spa, offering top-notch hospitality services. While nearby, don't forget to check out the Mission Inn Museum as well. If you are looking to enjoy a great panoramic view of the entire city, take a short hike to the top of Mount Rubidoux, and you will not be disappointed!

Riverside boasts a generally vibrant food scene with plenty of establishments to choose from. The Mission Inn itself offers incredible traditional Spanish dishes and a fabulous open-air patio dining spot. For seasonal produce and local dishes, check out Salted Pig!

Riverside is served by Amtrak trains and several bus companies that operate routes throughout Southern California and beyond. In addition, there are three major airports in Riverside's general area: Ontario International Airport, Los Angeles International Airport, and John Wayne Orange County Airport.

Salinas

Salinas, CA, US - SNS-0

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 Riverside?

Main departure station: Downtown Metrolink Station - 4066 Vine St

Downtown Metrolink Station - 4066 Vine St  - RIVMEG-0

On June 14, 1993, the Riverside station on Vine Street opened as a transportation facility. It comprises a platform with modest shelters to shield visitors from the sun and adverse weather. On April 29, 2002, the station was added as a stop on the Southwest Chief route, putting an end to Amtrak trains just passing through Riverside without making a scheduled stop. In addition to Amtrak, the station now primarily operates as a Metrolink commuter rail and transit bus terminal.

All train stations in Riverside:

  • Downtown Metrolink Station - 4066 Vine St

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

Need a return trip from Salinas to Riverside?

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