Warning -
Amtrak is having huge problems this summer - especially on its Coast Starlight route. The train is running 4, 8, even 12 hours late - every day. Part of the problem is Amtrak's - but most of it lies with Union Pacific - the private railroad that owns the tracks Amtrak must use. Just like FEMA, Amtrak is letting the private railroads destroy it since those running Amtrak want it eliminated anyway. Taking Amtrak to Salinas is an invitation to a nightmare. Just a warning.