Cheap train tickets from San Diego to Salem
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Is it better to travel by bus or train from San Diego to Salem?
There are usually 2 daily bus trips available from San Diego to Salem.
Bus | Train | |
---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$186.79 | Avg. Price$174.29 |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips2 | Daily Trips1 |
Duration | Duration1d 9h 57m | Duration1d 8h 12m |
Trip Summary
There is one daily train from San Diego to Salem. Traveling by train from San Diego to Salem usually takes 31 hours and 56 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 31 hours and 51 minutes.
Distance | 901 mi (1451 km) |
Fastest train | 31h 51m |
Lowest price | $177.00 |
Most frequent service | Amtrak |
Train lines | 1 |

Price trends for trains from San Diego to Salem
Monthly avg. prices
Which train should you take from San Diego to Salem?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects San Diego to Salem. Furthermore, there is only one train per day, so you will have to plan your travel around this limited availability. On the other hand, you won't have to spend a ton of time comparing a bunch of possible options.
Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
---|---|---|---|
Amtrak | 1 | 1d 7h 56m | $174.00 |
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 Diego to Salem every day, as well as 0 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $146.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from San Diego to Salem
The distance between San Diego and Salem is approximately 901 miles, or 1451 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 31 hours and 56 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 31 hours and 51 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.
Tuesday tends to be the busiest day of the week with travelers taking trains from San Diego to Salem. Ticket price also tend to be more expensive on Tuesday than other days. If you are hoping to have more room on the train and even save some change check out travel options on Friday instead, as less people travel then and deals are more likely to be found.
Most days, there is only one train which leaves San Diego at 6:00am and arrives in Salem around 31 hours later.
Typically there is only one scheduled train per day. However, it is not a direct train. 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 transfer 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 Salem to San Diego.
City Information
San Diego



San Diego is known as "America's Finest City" for its sunny weather, white-sand beaches, and dazzling attractions from Belmont Park to SeaWorld. San Diego's 70 miles of pristine beaches include such gems as Mission Beach, Pacific Beach, La Jolla Cove, and Coronado Beach. The city's strong surfing culture may even inspire you to rent a surfboard and catch the epic waves, bro.
Visitors can spend days getting lost in Balboa Park, a 1,200-acre cultural hub which features 16 museums, immaculate gardens, and the world-famous San Diego Zoo. The historic heart of the city, Old Town, showcases San Diego's heritage and ties to Mexican culture, while other sights like the USS Midway pay tribute to the city's military and maritime history. Leave time for some evening exploring, too! San Diego is rated the #1 best city for craft beer in America, so don't miss out on the bars in the Gaslamp Quarter: 16 walkable blocks packed with nightlife and young crowds.
Two airports, as well as many bus and train options, mean it is easy to get to San Diego from afar or from nearby cities like Tijuana, Los Angeles, Phoenix, and Las Vegas.
Salem

Image credit: Unsplash
Salem is the capital of Oregon and one of the state's best vacation destinations. Nestled in the Willamette Valley, the city is rich with outdoor activities, diverse cuisine, and sites reflecting Oregon's history.
The Deepwood Estate, a mansion built in 1893, runs tours that share early Salem history. Explore the surrounding gardens at Deepwood or walk the many paths in Bush's Pasture Park to discover their lush plant life. The Willamette River that runs through Salem is a gorgeous spot to fish, kayak, or board the historic Willamette Queen steamboat for a dinner cruise.
Salem's charming downtown overflows with local coffee shops, cafés, and restaurants serving fresh fare and the best wines from the Willamette Valley. The Saturday Farmers Market near the state capitol serves up fresh produce alongside live music and food trucks.
Many bus services operate in Salem, including Jefferson Lines, FlixBus, Shuttle Oregon, and the Amtrak Thruway. Amtrak's Coast Starlight line also stops in Salem, heading to LA and Seattle, as well as the Cascades, going to Vancouver and Eugene, Oregon.
Station Information
Where is the train station in San Diego?
Main departure station: 4005 Taylor St
There are two stations in San Diego where you can board the train to Salem.
All train stations in San Diego:
4005 Taylor St
Santa Fe Depot - 1050 Kettner Blvd
Where is the train station in Salem?
Main arrival station: 500 13th St SE
Salem has one train station.
All train stations in Salem:
500 13th St SE
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Need a return trip from Salem to San Diego?
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