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Cheap train tickets from Sacramento to Modesto

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4.8 Rating

5k Reviews

4.5 Rating

4.8k Reviews

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Sacramento to Modesto Train Schedule

Is it better to travel by bus or train from Sacramento to Modesto?

There are usually 2 daily bus trips from Sacramento to Modesto.

Bus
Train
Avg. Price
Avg. Price
$26.31
Avg. Price
$39.25
Daily Trips
Daily Trips
2
Daily Trips
6
Duration
Duration
1h 54m
Duration
3h 1m

Trip Summary

There are usually 16 daily train trips available from Sacramento to Modesto. Traveling by train from Sacramento to Modesto usually takes 2 hours and 58 minutes, but the fastest Gold Runner train can make the trip in one hour and 24 minutes.

Distance71 mi (113 km)
Fastest train1h 24m
Lowest price$26.47
Trains per day2
Most frequent serviceAmtrak
Train lines2

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Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for trains from Sacramento to Modesto

(Based on 11 ratings and reviews)

4.9

5.0

Lora

August 3, 2026- Business

Gold Runner

Pros: The train ride was very smooth. And it was a surprise that they had three complimentary drinks and chips snacks. Cons: It would have been nice if they had some kind of ice a hot soda isn't the most desirable. Tips: I was suggest bringing ice for the drinks because they're warm.

5.0

Debra

December 16, 2023- Visiting friends

Gold Runner

Pros: Train and bus connections on time. Also being informed about upcoming stops. Tips: Enjoy the comfort and safety that Amtrak provides.

5.0

Debra

October 14, 2023- Visiting friends

Amtrak

Bus and train on time from Sacramento to Modesto.

5.0

Irene

February 14, 2022- Solo travel

Amtrak

Pros: Value for money, on time, clean and safe. Cons: NA.

5.0

Debra

January 29, 2022- Visiting friends

Amtrak

To relax and enjoy the ride and knowing that I will get to my destination timely.

What is the price of a train ticket from Sacramento to Modesto?

In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Sacramento to Modesto was $26.47. 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 11 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $14.76 more if you wait to book until the last minute.

Average train ticket prices from Sacramento to Modesto by month

$70$56$42$28$14ONDJFMAMJJAS
Ticket prices for the train from Sacramento to Modesto often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in September when the average ticket price is only $32. If you're thinking of traveling from Sacramento to Modesto during November, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $38 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

$70$56$42$28$143020100

By booking your train trip from Sacramento to Modesto on Wanderu at least 11 days ahead of time, you can save about $14.76 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!

Which train should you take from Sacramento to Modesto?

2 train services operate from Sacramento to Modesto. Amtrak usually has more trains scheduled, with 14 trips per day. That said, it's still worth comparing the prices and trip durations:

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak143h 11m$41.42
Gold Runner21h 26m$27.09

  • 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 14 Amtrak trains from Sacramento to Modesto every day, as well as 17 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $26.

  • After becoming a permanent Amtrak rail route in 1974, the Gold Runner has offered train services throughout California and the San Joaquin Valley. The line runs daily from the San Francisco Bay Area to Bakersfield, with many stops in between, including Martinez and Modesto. Although Amtrak Gold Runner is one of the nation's busiest routes, it is renowned for being impeccably clean and safe, with passenger comfort remaining the carrier's highest priority. Most of the trains on this line are equipped with lavatories, onboard WiFi, disabled access, and personal power outlets, ensuring a comfortable journey for every passenger.

Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Sacramento to Modesto

Yes, there are trains that can take you the entire way from Sacramento to Modesto. 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 Sacramento and Modesto is approximately 71 miles, or 113 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 2 hours and 58 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 1 hour 24 minutes. As a relatively short ride, taking the train is an easy way to travel between these two cities.

Trains from Sacramento to Modesto are the most crowded on Sunday. 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 Saturday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.

The earliest train departs Sacramento at 5:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 6:00pm. 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 16 scheduled trains on most days. 2 of these are direct connections to Modesto. 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 Modesto to Sacramento.

City Information

Sacramento

As the long-held capital city of California, Sacramento has a rich and vibrant history that is reflected in its historic buildings and quarters. The Old Sacramento Waterfront quarter is the best place to explore the city’s rich heritage. Boasting ages-old constructions and a quaint vibe that is reminiscent of the Wild West, the area allows visitors to travel back in time and relive the Gold Rush era. Among the most interesting destinations in the area is the California State Museum, located at the northern edge of the quarter. It offers numerous restored locomotives as well as exhibitions on the United States’ westward expansion. If history is not really your thing, then the Midtown quarter, which boasts a vibrant and expanding art scene, will be a great alternative.

Sacramento is famous for its vast tracts of farmland, so it makes sense that the best dishes are the ones made from locally-grown produce. Among the best places to try out homemade dishes are The Firehouse and The Kitchen. For a bit of an Asian taste, visit Mikuni in Midtown Sacramento.

The busiest bus station in Sacramento is located right in the heart of the city and offers bus service to Portland, Reno, Los Angeles, and San Francisco, among many other places. The main Amtrak train station is the nearby Sacramento Valley Station, which also serves the Gold Line of the local transit light rail. The principal regional airport is the Sacramento International Airport, located 10 miles northwest of Downtown.

Modesto

Modesto, CA, US - MOD-0

Image credit: Tom Hilton

Link to image attribution

Modesto is a city in Central Valley, California. The city is known for its large agricultural industry and number of museums. Modesto is home to museums, natural history sites, and planetariums, like the Great Valley Museum and McHenry Museum. It also has different amusement and recreational centers offering playgrounds, rides, go-cart, and more, like Funworks Modesto and Graceada Park. As for nature lovers, Modesto features places for sports, hiking, camping, fishing, and picnics, like Jacob Myers Park and Ceres River Bluff Regional Park. The city is also a fun place for arts with the Graffiti Summer and the Gallo Center for the Arts.

The CA city is ideal for all craft beer and wine lovers, as it has several breweries and wineries to visit. Modesto also has a vibrant nightlife, with different nightclubs, lounges, bars, and restaurants, and is always brimming with pool parties, trance festivals, DJ nights, and more. Downtown Modesto has become a vibrant place for shopping, dining, and parties.

Modesto features several train and bus lines for those in and around the city. The city is easily accessible by Amtrak and Amtrak Gold Runner for trains, while Tufesa Plus offers bus services. The City of Modesto Transit Services powers the city's transportation.

Station Information

Where is the train station in Sacramento?

Valley Station - 401 I St - SACAMT-0

Image credit: rosemarie_mckeon

Link to image attribution
Valley Station - 401 I St - SACAMT-1

Image credit: Lev Lazinskiy

Link to image attribution

Main departure station: Valley Station - 401 I St

Sacramento Valley Station is the second busiest transport hub in California and is used by more than one million people every year. Originally constructed in 1926, it now serves as a major center for Amtrak trains traveling within California, northwards along the West Coast, and eastwards into the American Southwest. The station also falls along four Amtrak Thruway bus routes and operates as the western terminus for the Sacramento Light Rail network. Located between Old Sacramento and Downtown, the station is within walking distance of several Gold-Rush era historical monuments as well as an ultra-modern retail district filled with shops and restaurants.

All train stations in Sacramento:

  • Valley Station - 401 I St

Where is the train station in Modesto?

Main arrival station: 1700 Held Dr

Modesto has one train station.

Train stations in Modesto:

  • 1700 Held Dr

Get around town with Moovit

Find the best way to get to and from any station in Modesto by public transit, courtesy of Moovit. Search now

Need a return trip from Modesto to Sacramento?

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