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On most days, there is one scheduled train that travels from South Lake Tahoe to Sacramento. The train trip from South Lake Tahoe to Sacramento is usually about 3 hours and 10 minutes long. However, traveling on the fastest Amtrak train can get you there in as little as 3 hours.
| Distance | 85 mi (137 km) |
| Fastest train | 3h 0m |
| Lowest price | €32.04 |
| Trains per day | 2 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
Overall score for trains from South Lake Tahoe to Sacramento
(Based on 11 ratings and reviews)
5.0
Pros: It's affordable and convenient. Thank you. Cons: N/A.
5.0
Pros: I like the safety that the bus made me feel.It really depends on a good driver, a good vehicle, a good service. Cons: So far I feel everything is OK. Tips: Take more clothes, food and dizziness medicine.
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects South Lake Tahoe to Sacramento. Furthermore, there is only one train per day, so you will have to plan your travel around this limited availability. On the other hand, you won't have to spend a ton of time comparing a bunch of possible options.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 1 | 3h 11m | €32.04 |
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 South Lake Tahoe to Sacramento every day, as well as 2 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from €32.
The distance between South Lake Tahoe and Sacramento is approximately 85 miles, or 137 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 3 hours and 10 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 3 hours,
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 South Lake Tahoe to Sacramento tend to have the most passengers on Wednesday. With higher demand ticket prices also tend to be higher on Wednesday. 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 Friday as the least number of people tend to travel then.
Most days, there is only one train which leaves South Lake Tahoe at 13:00 and arrives in Sacramento around 3 hours later.
Typically there is only one scheduled train per day. Luckily, this train will get you to Sacramento with direct service. While there might still be stops along the way, you will not need to switch trains.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Sacramento to South Lake Tahoe.
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.
There are two stations in South Lake Tahoe where you can board the train to Sacramento.
Transp Ctr
South Y Transit Ctr - 1000 Emerald Bay Rd
Image credit: rosemarie_mckeon
Link to image attribution
Image credit: Lev Lazinskiy
Link to image attributionSacramento 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.
Valley Station - 401 I St
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