Cheap train tickets from Vancouver to Salem
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Trip Summary
There are usually 10 daily train trips available from Vancouver to Salem. Traveling by train from Vancouver to Salem usually takes 5 hours and 40 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in one hour and 21 minutes.
| Distance | 51 mi (83 km) |
| Fastest train | 1h 21m |
| Lowest price | $15.00 |
| Trains per day | 3 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 3 |
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Vancouver to Salem Train Schedule
Is it better to travel by train or bus from Vancouver to Salem?
There are usually 1 daily bus trips available from Vancouver to Salem.
Train | Bus | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$26.91 | Avg. Price$18.00Cheaper |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips10 | Daily Trips1 |
Duration | Duration5h 40m | Duration2h 10mFaster |
Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Average score for trains from Vancouver to Salem (Based on 2 ratings and reviews)
5.0
There are several train options that can take you from Vancouver to Salem:
- Amtrak: 6 daily trains from $15
- Amtrak Cascades: 3 daily trains from $15
- Amtrak Coast Starlight: 1 daily train from $25
What is the price of a train ticket from Vancouver to Salem?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Vancouver to Salem was $22.78. This is basically as cheap as train fares can get. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 24 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $10.22 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from Vancouver to Salem by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Vancouver to Salem will cost between $20 and $30. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from Vancouver to Salem by month
Ticket prices for the train from Vancouver to Salem 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 $21. If you're thinking of traveling from Vancouver to Salem during November, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $31 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in November, is to book your trip well in advance.
Prices as travel date approaches
By booking your train trip from Vancouver to Salem on Wanderu at least 24 days ahead of time, you can save about $10.22 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
What train companies travel from Vancouver to Salem?
There are multiple trains that travel from Vancouver 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 | 6 | 7h 52m | $25.26 |
| Amtrak Cascades | 3 | 2h 47m | $28.14 |
| Amtrak Coast Starlight | 1 | 2h 21m | $32.15 |
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 6 Amtrak trains from Vancouver to Salem every day, as well as 6 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $15.
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 Vancouver to Salem, and the average train ticket costs $28.14.
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 Vancouver to Salem
There are 10 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 Vancouver. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Vancouver to Salem for $18.
TRIPS PER DAY
10
DIRECT TRIPS
3
The distance between Vancouver and Salem is approximately 51 miles, or 83 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 5 hours and 40 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 1 hour 21 minutes. As a relatively short ride, taking the train is an easy way to travel between these two cities.
DISTANCE (MI)
51
DISTANCE (KM)
83
The earliest train departs Vancouver at 9:59am while the last train of the day leaves at 8:39pm. 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
9:59am
LATEST TRAIN
8:39pm
Trains from Vancouver to Salem are the most crowded on Friday. 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
Friday
LEAST CROWDED
Thursday
City Information
Vancouver
Vancouver sits on the northern banks of the Columbia River in Washington and is the state's fourth most populated city. The surrounding Cascade Mountains offer incredible Pacific Northwest adventures. Mount Saint Helens and Mount Hood, two snow-topped volcanoes, are within short drives of Vancouver for easy access to hikes and ski runs. Beacon Rock State Park includes a trail to the summit of a monolithic rock formation. Plus, the Columbia River Gorge is easily one of the best destinations in Washington for breathtaking scenery.
Vancouver is located just across the Columbia from Portland, and Interstates 5 and 205 have north to south bridges connecting Portland to Vancouver. Within the city, you will find Vancouver's mass transit system, C-Tran, to get around with ease.
Several Amtrak services operate from Vancouver, including the Coast Starlight, Empire Builder, and Cascades routes. If you're arriving by air, the nearest airport is Portland International Airport, just a few minutes' drive from downtown Vancouver.
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 Vancouver?
Main departure station: 1301 W 11th St
There are two stations in Vancouver where you can board the train to Salem.
All train stations in Vancouver:
- 1301 W 11th St
- Portland International Airport
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 Vancouver?
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