Cheap train tickets from Santa Cruz to Salinas
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Trip Summary
There is usually just one train option from Santa Cruz to Salinas per day. The average train journey from Santa Cruz to Salinas takes 3 hours and 25 minutes, but some Amtrak train trips are as short as 3 hours and 15 minutes.
| Distance | 29 mi (47 km) |
| Fastest train | 3h 15m |
| Lowest price | $45.00 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
What is the price of a train ticket from Santa Cruz to Salinas?
The average price for a train ticket from Santa Cruz to Salinas is $45.00, Compared to most train fares, this is an excellent price. By booking your trip at least 5 days in advance, you increase your chances of scoring even cheaper tickets. But if you wait until the day of your trip to book tickets, expect to pay $2.00 more.
Average train ticket prices from Santa Cruz to Salinas by month
Which train should you take from Santa Cruz to Salinas?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Santa Cruz to Salinas. 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 | 3h 26m | $45.50 |
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 Santa Cruz to Salinas every day, as well as 2 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $45.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Santa Cruz to Salinas
The distance between Santa Cruz and Salinas is approximately 29 miles, or 47 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 3 hours and 25 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 3 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.
Trains departing from Santa Cruz 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 Tuesday as the least number of people tend to travel then.
Most days, there is only one train which leaves Santa Cruz at 8:00am and arrives in Salinas around 3 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 Salinas to Santa Cruz.
City Information
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 Santa Cruz?
Main departure station: Santa Cruz, California
There is one train station in Santa Cruz.
All train stations in Santa Cruz:
Santa Cruz, California
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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Need a return trip from Salinas to Santa Cruz?
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