Cheap train tickets from Portland to Salt Lake City

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Trip Summary

There is one daily train from Portland to Salt Lake City. Traveling by train from Portland to Salt Lake City usually takes 35 hours and 33 minutes, but some trains might arrive slightly earlier or later than scheduled.

Distance
635 mi (1022 km)
Fastest train
35h 33m
Lowest price
$257.00
Trains per day
0
Most frequent service
Amtrak
Train lines
1

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Portland to Salt Lake City Train Schedule

No preview is currently available. Please try another date or search the full schedule.

Is it better to travel by train or bus from Portland to Salt Lake City?

There are usually 1 daily bus trips available from Portland to Salt Lake City.

Train
Bus
Avg. Price$312.52Avg. Price$166.97Cheaper
Daily Trips1Daily Trips1
Duration35h 33mDuration15h 55mFaster
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What is the price of a train ticket from Portland to Salt Lake City?

In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Portland to Salt Lake City was $257.00. Considering the distance between Portland and Salt Lake City, tickets on this route are relatively expensive. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 21 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $93.90 more if you wait to book until the last minute.

Average train ticket prices from Portland to Salt Lake City by travel date

$300$200$100AugSep

Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Portland to Salt Lake City will cost between $145 and $295. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.

Average train ticket prices from Portland to Salt Lake City by month

$500$400$300$200$100JFMAMJJASOND

Ticket prices for the train from Portland to Salt Lake City often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in April when the average ticket price is only $218. If you're thinking of traveling from Portland to Salt Lake City during December, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $494 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in December, is to book your trip well in advance.

Prices as travel date approaches

$375$300$225$150$7501020

By booking your train trip from Portland to Salt Lake City on Wanderu at least 21 days ahead of time, you can save about $93.90 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!

What train companies travel from Portland to Salt Lake City?

There are multiple trains that travel from Portland to Salt Lake City, including Amtrak. Here is what you should know about the 1 most popular train lines:

TRAINDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak135h 33m$312.52
  • 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 Portland to Salt Lake City every day, as well as 1 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $240.

    Amtrak train passing through mountains, offering affordable train tickets for scenic rail travel - WanderuModern Amtrak train at a station, providing cheap train travel and convenient Amtrak tickets - WanderuAmtrak train speeding through scenic fall foliage, featuring cheap train tickets for long-distance trips - WanderuInterior view of a table in the dining car of an Amtrak train - WanderuInterior view of the dining car on an Amtrak train. Find affordable train tickets on - WanderuClean and spacious Amtrak bathroom, offering convenience and comfort for passengers during long train journeys with cheap Amtrak tickets - WanderuAmtrak power outlet for charging devices, providing convenience for passengers during affordable travel with cheap train tickets - WanderuComfortable Amtrak seats with ample legroom, ideal for relaxing during long journeys with cheap Amtrak tickets - WanderuSpacious Amtrak seats with reclining options, offering comfort and convenience for passengers on affordable train travel - WanderuAmtrak viewing car seats with large windows, offering panoramic views and comfort for passengers enjoying scenic routes with affordable train tickets - Wanderu

Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Portland to Salt Lake City

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 Salt Lake City to Portland. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Portland to Salt Lake City for $81.

TRIPS PER DAY

1

DIRECT TRIPS

0

The distance between Portland and Salt Lake City is approximately 635 miles, or 1022 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 35 hours and 33 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)

635

DISTANCE (KM)

1022

Most days, there is only one train which leaves Portland at 2:22pm and arrives in Salt Lake City around 35 hours later.

EARLIEST TRAIN

2:22pm

LATEST TRAIN

2:22pm

Trains from Portland to Salt Lake City are the most crowded on Monday. 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 Wednesday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.

MOST CROWDED

Monday

LEAST CROWDED

Wednesday

City Information

Portland

Portland, OR - PDX-0Portland, OR - PDX-1Portland, OR - PDX-2

Portland is the largest city in Oregon and accordingly one of the state's best vacation destinations. Also known as the City of Roses, this city along the Willamette River wows visitors with its diverse street food, quirky counterculture, and sprawling bookstores such as the world-famous Powell's Books.

Portland is the 5th best city in the United States for outdoor activities, thanks in part to open-air grounds like the expansive Forest Park. Gardens are also excellent outdoor date locales for couples on a romantic getaway: stop and smell the roses at either the International Rose Test Garden or the Portland Japanese Garden.

Once you've gotten hungry from a long day wandering outside, nearly every block downtown has a plethora of food trucks waiting to tickle your taste buds. Or, kick back at one of the many breweries in the #3 best city for craft beer in the United States. Unique locations like McMenamin's brewpubs in renovated cinemas or historic hotels do their part to "keep Portland weird."

As the biggest city in Oregon, Portland is a hub for travel throughout the Pacific Northwest. Amtrak train service and various bus services operate primarily out of Union Station, conveniently-located downtown, and nearby Portland International Airport makes it easy to travel to Portland from near and far.

Salt Lake City

SLC-0SLC-1SLC-2

A city shrouded in a mystical veil to most visitors, Salt Lake City stands among one of the most culturally unique destinations in the U.S. Salt Lake City offers tourists a unique chance to learn more about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, and Temple Square is the best place to do so. Housing the Salt Lake Temple along with other significant historic buildings, the square will take you back to the earliest days of the city, immersing you in a unique cultural experience. While here, don’t miss out on the chance to visit the Great Salt Lake itself and to dive into its cool and refreshing water.

Salt Lake City features a diverse food scene, with Mexican food receiving a lot of attention. Those who wish to enjoy the best Mexican dishes in town could try Red Iguana. For travelers who are simply looking for the best burgers, Crown Burgers’ char-broiled patties will certainly be a great choice.

The Salt Lake City Intermodal Hub is the central transportation hub in the city. It is currently served by several rail services such as Amtrak, TRAX, and FrontRunner. Travelers can also catch Greyhound buses at the station. The Salt Lake City International Airport is the main airport for the city. Located about 4 miles west of Downtown, the airport is a major gateway to the Mountain West and the West Coast region.

Station Information

Where does the train leave from in Portland?

Main departure station: Union Station

Union Station - 800 NW 6th Ave - PDXAMT-0

Located in Portland’s Old Town Chinatown area at 800 Northwest Sixth Avenue, Union Station features a glowing neon sign encouraging you to “Go By Train.” Union Station serves several iconic Amtrak routes including the Cascades through the Pacific Northwest, the scenic Coast Starlight from Los Angeles to Seattle, and the long-distance Empire Builder which travels all the way to Chicago. Along with train service, Union Station serves intercity bus service via Greyhound, and connects to the Portland Streetcar, MAX Light Rail, and several local TriMet buses. There is a restaurant and bar onsite, as well as a Metropolitan Lounge reserved for Amtrak’s first- and business-class passengers.

All train stations in Portland:

  • Union Station

Where does the train arrive in Salt Lake City?

Main arrival station: 340 S 600 W

340 S 600 W  - SLCAMT-0340 S 600 W  - SLCAMT-1

The Amtrak Station is a part of Salt Lake Central Station, the principal transportation hub in Salt Lake City. The station is within walking distance from the Bus Terminal, allowing you to easily transfer to bus service on Amtrak Thruway or Jefferson Lines. Along with UTA commuter rail, the station serves Amtrak’s California Zephyr on its journey from Emeryville to Chicago. A park-and-ride lot is available across the street, and travelers can rent bikes from the on-site bicycle sharing service, Greenbike. However you get around town, you’ll appreciate the convenience of the Amtrak station, located less than a mile from the heart of downtown Salt Lake City.

All train stations in Salt Lake City:

  • 340 S 600 W

Need a return trip from Salt Lake City to Portland?

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