background-img-buses-trains
chiku-desktop

Seattle to Sacramento train

chiku-mobile
Available on iOS & Android
Lowest Prices

We partner with the top bus & train carriers to bring you the best deals.

Best Travel Options

We help you find & compare the best buses & trains in one place.

Quick & Easy Booking

Book trips quickly with a simple, hassle-free checkout – online & on our app.

Fast Customer Support

We don’t monkey around. We respond within minutes to help you out.

Seattle - Sacramento Train Schedule

Find cheap rental carsFind great deals on cheap cars in the area.
RentalCars logotypeRentalCars logotype
from$40.59

Trip Summary

2 trains operate daily from Seattle to Sacramento. The train trip from Seattle to Sacramento is usually about 22 hours and 47 minutes long. However, traveling on the fastest Amtrak Coast Starlight train can get you there in as little as 20 hours and 38 minutes.

Distance625 mi (1006 km)
Fastest train20h 38m
Lowest price$105.53
Trains per day1
Most frequent serviceAmtrak
Train lines2

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

The average price for a train ticket from Seattle to Sacramento is $153.22, Tickets are generally pricier for this train route, which is to be expected given the long distance. By booking your trip at least 18 days in advance, you increase your chances of scoring even cheaper tickets. But if you wait until the day of your trip to book tickets, expect to pay $123.70 more.

Monthly average prices

$271$216$162$108$54AMJJASONDJFM
You can find the lowest prices on this route during October. This time of year offers the best deals on train tickets from Seattle to Sacramento, with the average price at just $162. Train tickets on this route are most expensive in July, when the average price goes up to $256. You can still score cheap deals below this average price, though, especially if you plan ahead and book your ticket in advance.

Prices as travel date approaches

$338$271$203$135$683020100

If you're looking to save on your train trip from Seattle to Sacramento, book online with Wanderu at least 18 days in advance. That way, you’ll save $123.70 compared to booking your ticket last minute.

Which train should you take from Seattle to Sacramento?

2 train services operate from Seattle to Sacramento. However, each train line only offers one daily trip.

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak123h 59m$225.40
Amtrak Coast Starlight120h 38m$210.32
  • 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 1 Amtrak trains from Seattle to Sacramento every day, as well as 2 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $110.

  • The Coast Starlight is an Amtrak train that travels the entire length of the West Coast, connecting Los Angeles to Seattle. The route starts hugging the California coastline, treating passengers to swoon-worthy views of the Pacific, before continuing into the verdant forests of the Cascade Mountains. The Coast Starlight indisputably earns its spot among the most scenic Amtrak train routes. Seating options include Coach or Business Class and roomettes or bedrooms for extra space. A trip from Seattle to Sacramento takes 20 hours and 38 minutes on average, and Coach tickets start at $92.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, there are trains that can take you the entire way from Seattle to Sacramento. 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 Seattle and Sacramento is approximately 625 miles, or 1006 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 22 hours and 47 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 20 hours and 38 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.

Trains departing from Seattle to Sacramento tend to have the most passengers on Tuesday. With higher demand ticket prices also tend to be higher on Tuesday. If you are trying to snag a cheap train tickets or just want an emptier train you'll have better luck by booking travel departing on Saturday as the least number of people tend to travel then.

The earliest train departs Seattle at 5:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 9:00am. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.

Trains leave the station in Seattle twice a day, so there are a couple of options depending on your preferred travel time. One of these is a direct train, which will typically get you to Sacramento faster. While it might still have stops along the way, you will not need to switch trains during your trip.

You can also take a train for your return trip from Sacramento to Seattle.

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.

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.

Station Information

Where is the train station in Seattle?

Seattle, WA - King Street Station - SEAAMT-0

Image credit: SounderBruce

Link to image attribution

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

  • 10251 St Edwards Dr

  • Pacific Central Station

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 arrival 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.

Train stations in Sacramento:

  • Valley Station - 401 I St

Get around town with Moovit

Download Moovit to see all of your local transit options in Sacramento. Download here

Need a return trip from Sacramento to Seattle?

Search Train Tickets

Wanderu is the simplest way to book bus and train travel.

With just a quick search on Wanderu, you can compare bus and train schedules and prices from hundreds of travel companies in one convenient place to find the trip that works best for you. Wanderu’s simple checkout process makes it easy to book cheap bus and train tickets hassle-free and with no additional fees. Most importantly, as Wanderu is an official partner of all leading bus and train companies, we always have the best bus and train deals out there.

Book buses and trains on the go with the Wanderu app.

Download our app and snag the best travel deals across North America & Europe.Learn more

iPhone
Android
Available on iOS & Android