Cheap train tickets from Salem to Tacoma
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Trip Summary
There are usually 6 daily train trips available from Salem to Tacoma. Traveling by train from Salem to Tacoma usually takes 5 hours and 12 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Cascades train can make the trip in 4 hours and 17 minutes.
| Distance | 162 mi (261 km) |
| Fastest train | 4h 17m |
| Lowest price | $32.00 |
| Trains per day | 2 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 3 |
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Salem to Tacoma Train Schedule
Is it better to travel by train or bus from Salem to Tacoma?
There are usually 1 daily bus trips available from Salem to Tacoma.
Train | Bus | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$67.85 | Avg. Price$48.93Cheaper |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips6 | Daily Trips1 |
Duration | Duration5h 12m | Duration4h 10mFaster |
There are several train options that can take you from Salem to Tacoma:
- Amtrak: 4 daily trains from $32
- Amtrak Cascades: 2 daily trains from $32
- Amtrak Coast Starlight: 1 daily train from $57
What is the price of a train ticket from Salem to Tacoma?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Salem to Tacoma was $37.00. Compared to most train fares, this is an excellent price. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 13 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $157.00 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from Salem to Tacoma by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Salem to Tacoma will cost between $43 and $66. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from Salem to Tacoma by month
Ticket prices for the train from Salem to Tacoma 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 $47. If you're thinking of traveling from Salem to Tacoma during July, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $72 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 Tacoma on Wanderu at least 13 days ahead of time, you can save about $157.00 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
What train companies travel from Salem to Tacoma?
There are multiple trains that travel from Salem to Tacoma, including Amtrak, Amtrak Cascades, Amtrak Coast Starlight. Here is what you should know about the 3 most popular train lines:
| TRAIN | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 4 | 5h 36m | $59.29 |
| Amtrak Cascades | 2 | 4h 17m | $62.63 |
| Amtrak Coast Starlight | 1 | 4h 34m | $117.17 |
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 4 Amtrak trains from Salem to Tacoma every day, as well as 4 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $32.
The Cascades is a passenger train service operated by Amtrak that runs between Vancouver, BC and Eugene, OR. Not only is the Cascades one of Amtrak's most scenic train routes, the trains also offer free WiFi, power outlets, reclining seats, and refreshments available for purchase. There are an average of 2 trips on the Amtrak Cascades from Salem to Tacoma, and the average train ticket costs $62.63.
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 Tacoma
There are 6 scheduled trains on most days. 2 of these are direct connections to Tacoma. While direct trains may still make stops along the way, you will not need to switch trains at any point. If you're looking to get to your destination faster, a direct train is the convenient and time-efficient choice. You can also take a train for your return trip from Tacoma to Salem. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Salem to Tacoma for $33.
TRIPS PER DAY
6
DIRECT TRIPS
2
The distance between Salem and Tacoma is approximately 162 miles, or 261 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 5 hours and 12 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 4 hours and 17 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)
162
DISTANCE (KM)
261
The earliest train departs Salem at 6:35am while the last train of the day leaves at 5:41pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
EARLIEST TRAIN
6:35am
LATEST TRAIN
5:41pm
Trains from Salem to Tacoma 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 Thursday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
MOST CROWDED
Monday
LEAST CROWDED
Thursday
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.
Tacoma
Tacoma has seen some hard times in recent years, but the city is receiving many new revival attempts, turning it into a charming town with its own unique attractions. For those interested in the history of the city, as well as the creativity of its residents, head towards the Museum District, which houses numerous interesting museums such as the Tacoma Art Museum and the Washington State History Museum. While in the area, don’t miss out on the chance to marvel at the architectural ingenuity of the Bridge of Glass. If you wish to enjoy a bit of outdoor air, diving into the cold water of American Lake in Lakewood in the morning is bound to make you happy.
Seafood has always been among Tacoma’s finest offerings, and the best place to enjoy these dishes is Duke’s Chowder House, which features a bay view. For a more exquisite taste, head over to Indochine, a pan-Asian restaurant featuring mouth watering dishes.
The main bus station and the Amtrak train station in Tacoma are both near downtown, just a few blocks from each other. Tacoma is served by Amtrak’s Cascades and Coast Starlight lines. The city’s main airport is Seattle–Tacoma International and it sits 22 miles north of the city.
Station Information
Where does the train leave from 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 does the train arrive in Tacoma?
Main arrival station: 422 E. 25th St.
The Amtrak station in Tacoma is located at 422 E 25th St, near I-5 and close to the Tacoma Dome. The Tacoma Dome Station is served by Amtrak Cascades, which travels between Vancouver, BC, Seattle, Portland, and Eugene, and Amtrak’s Coast Starlight from Seattle to Los Angeles. Local Sound Transit's commuter rail station is next door. The bus terminal on Puyallup Ave is across the street from the train station complex for easy transfers to local or intercity buses. The station complex includes two parking garages and a customer service center with restrooms and vending machines. Nearby attractions in Tacoma include Freighthouse Square, a shopping mall inside an old depot, and several museums like the Washington State History Museum and the Museum of Glass.
All train stations in Tacoma:
- 422 E. 25th St.
Need a return trip from Tacoma to Salem?
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