Cheap train tickets from Salem to San Jose
Find and compare the best ground travel options in one place.
Trip Summary
There are usually 2 daily train trips available from Salem to San Jose. Traveling by train from Salem to San Jose usually takes 19 hours and 8 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Coast Starlight train can make the trip in 18 hours and 35 minutes.
- Distance
- 529 mi (851 km)
- Fastest train
- 18h 35m
- Lowest price
- NOK 1,076.56
- Trains per day
- 2
- Most frequent service
- Amtrak
- Train lines
- 2
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Salem to San Jose Train Schedule

There are several train options that can take you from Salem to San Jose:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from Salem to San Jose?
In the last month, train tickets from Salem to San Jose cost about NOK 1,077 when booked at the cheapest time. This is somewhat expensive compared to other train fares, but it makes sense given the route’s long distance. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 3 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around NOK 675.21 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from Salem to San Jose by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Salem to San Jose will cost between NOK 1,162 and NOK 2,078. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from Salem to San Jose by month
Ticket prices for the train from Salem to San Jose often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in October when the average ticket price is only NOK 1,190. If you're thinking of traveling from Salem to San Jose during July, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of NOK 2,049 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in July, is to book your trip well in advance.
Prices as travel date approaches
By booking your train trip from Salem to San Jose on Wanderu at least 3 days ahead of time, you can save about NOK 675.21 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
Which train should you take from Salem to San Jose?
2 train services operate from Salem to San Jose. However, each train line only offers one daily trip.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 1 | 19h 37m | NOK 1,365.53 |
| Amtrak Coast Starlight | 1 | 18h 35m | NOK 1,402.88 |
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 is 1 Amtrak train from Salem to San Jose every day, as well as 1 trip on the weekends, with prices starting from NOK 1,076.56.










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 about traveling by train from Salem to San Jose
Yes, there are trains that can take you the entire way from Salem to San Jose. 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.
Trains leave the station in Salem twice a day, so there are a couple of options depending on your preferred travel time. One of these is a direct train, which will typically get you to San Jose faster. While it might still have stops along the way, you will not need to switch trains during your trip. You can also take a train for your return trip from San Jose to Salem.
Trains per day
2
Direct trains
1
The distance between Salem and San Jose is approximately 529 miles. The average train journey between these two cities takes 19 hours and 8 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 18 hours and 35 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)
529
Distance (km)
851
The earliest train departs Salem at 3:39 PM while the last train of the day leaves at 3:39 PM. 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
3:39pm
Last train
3:39pm
Trains from Salem to San Jose are the most crowded on Tuesday. 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 Sunday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
Busiest
Tuesday
Least crowded
Sunday
City Information
Salem

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.
San Jose



San Jose is located in the heart of the world-famous Silicon Valley in California’s Bay Area. It is the largest city in Northern California and, as such, it is the area’s cultural, political and financial center.
While you’re in San Jose, make sure to check out the city’s various museums. Since you’re in the world’s foremost technology hub, the Tech Museum of Innovation is a must-visit. And since you’re on the West Coast, you should stop by the San Jose Museum of Art that features the largest permanent collection of works from West Coast artists.
Thanks to its mild California climate, San Jose is one of the best cities in the U.S. for outdoor activities, and due to its largely younger-leaning population, it offers quite the vibrant nightlife. In fact, San Jose is among the biggest party hubs in America.
San Jose is served by various bus carriers and has several Amtrak stops within its vicinity. In addition, the city’s airport is located right near the downtown area, which makes travel to and from San Jose a breeze.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Salem?
Main departure station: 500 13th St SE
There is one train station in Salem.
All train stations in Salem:
- 500 13th St SE
Where is the train station in San Jose?
Main arrival station: Diridon Caltrain Station - 65 Cahill St

Diridon Station opened in 1935 with architecture inspired by the Italian Renaissance, and today is a vital part of Silicon Valley’s transportation system. Diridon Station connects Amtrak train service to local commuter service like the Caltrain and VTA Light Rail. The station is also a major hub for bus transit on Amtrak Thruway and Greyhound buses. With paid parking onsite, bicycle racks, and accessible entrances, travelers can easily reach the station from nearby downtown San Jose. As a bonus, food trucks frequently set up outside the station to provide delicious cheap eats for passengers.
All train stations in San Jose:
- Diridon Caltrain Station - 65 Cahill St
Need a return trip from San Jose to Salem?
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