Cheap train tickets from Seattle to Salem
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Trip Summary
There are usually 8 daily train trips available from Seattle to Salem. Traveling by train from Seattle to Salem usually takes 9 hours and 8 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Cascades train can make the trip in 4 hours and 59 minutes.
| Distance | 187 mi (301 km) |
| Fastest train | 4h 59m |
| Lowest price | $40.00 |
| Trains per day | 3 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 3 |
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Seattle to Salem Train Schedule
Is it better to travel by train or bus from Seattle to Salem?
There are usually 3 daily bus trips available from Seattle to Salem.
Train | Bus | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$80.09 | Avg. Price$51.05Cheaper |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips8 | Daily Trips3 |
Duration | Duration9h 8m | Duration5h 23mFaster |
Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Average score for trains from Seattle to Salem (Based on 7 ratings and reviews)
5.0
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4.0
There are several train options that can take you from Seattle to Salem:
- Amtrak: 4 daily trains from $40
- Amtrak Cascades: 3 daily trains from $40
- Amtrak Coast Starlight: 1 daily train from $62
What is the price of a train ticket from Seattle to Salem?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Seattle to Salem was $63.50. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 27 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $40.93 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from Seattle to Salem by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Seattle to Salem will cost between $52 and $147. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from Seattle to Salem by month
Ticket prices for the train from Seattle to Salem often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in January when the average ticket price is only $58. If you're thinking of traveling from Seattle to Salem during July, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $81 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 Seattle to Salem on Wanderu at least 27 days ahead of time, you can save about $40.93 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
What train companies travel from Seattle to Salem?
There are multiple trains that travel from Seattle to Salem, 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 | 12h 23m | $68.33 |
| Amtrak Cascades | 3 | 5h 44m | $79.01 |
| Amtrak Coast Starlight | 1 | 5h 41m | $127.07 |
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 Seattle to Salem every day, as well as 4 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $40.
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 3 trips on the Amtrak Cascades from Seattle to Salem, and the average train ticket costs $79.01.
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 Seattle to Salem
There are 8 scheduled trains on most days. 3 of these are direct connections to Salem. 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 Salem to Seattle. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Seattle to Salem for $36.
TRIPS PER DAY
8
DIRECT TRIPS
3
The distance between Seattle and Salem is approximately 187 miles, or 301 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 9 hours and 8 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 4 hours and 59 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)
187
DISTANCE (KM)
301
The earliest train departs Seattle at 6:10am while the last train of the day leaves at 5:40pm. 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
6:10am
LATEST TRAIN
5:40pm
Trains from Seattle to Salem 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.
MOST CROWDED
Tuesday
LEAST CROWDED
Sunday
City Information
Seattle
Seattle is a must-see destination on the West Coast of the United States, offering many unique activities for any type of traveler. However, we're confident every visitor will enjoy the view of Mount Rainier from the top of Seattle's iconic Space Needle. Outdoor enthusiasts can bike, hike, boat, and ski in one of the top cities for outdoor activities in the U.S., while soaking in the Pacific Northwest's natural beauty (and yes, some rain as well). Urban explorers will love walking through Pike Place Market and experiencing Seattle's museums and public art, like the scenic Olympic Sculpture Park. These offerings and more make Seattle one of the best vacation destination in Washington.
Known for its coffee culture and as the birthplace of Starbucks, Seattle is also one of the top 5 craft beer cities in the U.S., which is ideal for those who prefer to experience the taste of a city served up in a latte mug or a pint glass.
Seattle is home to the largest airport in the Pacific Northwest, Seattle-Tacoma Airport, but there are plenty of other ways to continue your travels from the Emerald City. A short ferry ride to Bainbridge Island includes the chance to see orca whales in the Puget Sound, or you can catch the Amtrak Cascades train or one of several affordable bus options from the historic King Street Station to other exciting Northwest cities in British Columbia, Oregon and beyond.
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.
Station Information
Where does the train leave from in Seattle?
Main departure station: King St Station - 303 S Jackson St
King Street Station is the main station for Amtrak train service and Greyhound bus service in Seattle, with connections to local public transit like the Link Light Rail and King County Metro at the International District/Chinatown station one block away. Located near downtown Seattle in the trendy Pioneer Square neighborhood, King Street Station opened in 1906 and continues to impress travelers with its restored Italian architecture and Venetian-style clocktower. King Street Station has on-site Amtrak staff, restrooms, and vending machines, and while there are no restaurants in the station, several nearby coffee shops and eateries make it easy to fuel up before your trip.
All train stations in Seattle:
- King St Station - 303 S Jackson St
Where does the train arrive in Salem?
Main arrival station: 500 13th St SE
Salem has one train station.
All train stations in Salem:
- 500 13th St SE
Need a return trip from Salem to Seattle?
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