5.0
Enjoyed the leg room and how easy it was to book my trip will do it again soon
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Trip Summary
You can pick from 6 daily train trips between Vancouver and Salem. The average train journey from Vancouver to Salem takes 2 hours and 25 minutes, but some Amtrak Cascades train trips are as short as 2 hours.
| Distance | 51 mi (83 km) |
| Fastest train | 2h 0m |
| Lowest price | $14.00 |
| Trains per day | 3 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 3 |
Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Average score for trains from Vancouver to Salem
(Based on 2 ratings and reviews)
5.0
Train service from Vancouver to Salem
- Amtrak tickets: $21 one-way
- Amtrak Cascades tickets: $14 one-way
- Amtrak Coast Starlight tickets: $14 one-way
What is the price of a train ticket from Vancouver to Salem?
In the last 30 days, the average cost of a train ticket from Vancouver to Salem was $18.07. This is a fantastic deal for train travel. You have the best chances of scoring the cheapest ticket to Salem if you book your train tickets at least 23 days in advance. Waiting to purchase until the day of your trip could end up costing you an extra $5.93.
Average prices by travel date
If you're planning a train trip from Vancouver to Salem in the upcoming month, you'll be happy to know that ticket prices are expected to remain stable. You can book your trip for any day within the next four weeks and expect to pay around $18.
Monthly avg. prices
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 February when the average ticket price is only $17. If you're thinking of traveling from Vancouver to Salem during October, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $25 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in October, is to book your trip well in advance.
Prices as travel date approaches
If you're looking to save on your train trip from Vancouver to Salem, book online with Wanderu at least 23 days in advance. That way, you’ll save $5.93 compared to booking your ticket last minute.
Which train should you take from Vancouver to Salem?
There are 3 train lines with service from Vancouver to Salem. Amtrak is the most popular choice with travelers, offering scheduled service on 3 trains each day.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 3 | 2h 37m | $21.48 |
| Amtrak Cascades | 2 | 2h 6m | $15.80 |
| Amtrak Coast Starlight | 1 | 2h 26m | $18.43 |
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 3 Amtrak trains from Vancouver to Salem every day, as well as 3 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $21.
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 Vancouver to Salem, and the average train ticket costs .
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
Yes, there are trains that can take you the entire way from Vancouver to Salem. 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.
The distance between Vancouver and Salem is approximately 51 miles, or 83 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 2 hours and 25 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 2 hours, Although it takes a couple of hours each way, it's still possible to make a round trip in a single day. Since most trains are equipped with Wi-Fi, you should be able to browse the Internet or get some work done during your journey.
Wednesday tends to be the busiest day of the week with travelers taking trains from Vancouver to Salem. Ticket price also tend to be more expensive on Wednesday than other days. If you are hoping to have more room on the train and even save some change check out travel options on Tuesday instead, as less people travel then and deals are more likely to be found.
The earliest train departs Vancouver at 8:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 8:00pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
There are 6 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.
City Information
Vancouver
Image credit: Unsplash
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
Image credit: Unsplash
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 is the train station in Vancouver?
Main departure station: 1301 W 11th St
There is one train station in Vancouver.
All train stations in Vancouver:
1301 W 11th St
Where is the train station in Salem?
Main arrival station: 500 13th St SE
Salem has one train station.
All train stations in Salem:
500 13th St SE
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