Cheap train tickets from Bakersfield to Sacramento

Find and compare the best ground travel options in one place.

Trip Summary

There are usually 16 daily train trips available from Bakersfield to Sacramento. Traveling by train from Bakersfield to Sacramento usually takes 6 hours and 38 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 5 hours and 22 minutes.

Distance
260 mi (419 km)
Fastest train
5h 22m
Lowest price
$49.00
Trains per day
2
Most frequent service
Amtrak
Train lines
2

Millions of travelers trust Wanderu every year to get:

Lowest Prices

We find the cheapest bus & train tickets, so you can wander for less.

Best Travel Options

We partner with 500+ carriers to bring you the most bus & train options.

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.

See what travelers are saying about Wanderu:

Download our free app!

4.8 Rating

5k Reviews

4.5 Rating

4.8k Reviews

Chiku

Bakersfield to Sacramento Train Schedule

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

There are usually 5 daily bus trips available from Bakersfield to Sacramento.

Train
Bus
Avg. Price$56.76Avg. Price$48.91Cheaper
Daily Trips16Daily Trips5
Duration6h 38mDuration6h 36mFaster
Wanderu mascot

Wander into savings:
Get deals in your inbox!

Sign up to get the latest deals on bus & train tickets sent directly to you.

Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for trains from Bakersfield to Sacramento (Based on 10 ratings and reviews)

4.8

4.0

RUTHANN

September 4, 2026 - Visiting family

Amtrak San Joaquins
Pros: Comfortable, not too crowded, got assistance with luggage and arrival was on time! Cons: Last time I took the train there was a cafe car. This time there were “snack”bins. It would’ve been good to know (in advance) that this was the option. I planned on eating a hot breakfast sandwich on my early 5 1/2 hour trip. Tips: Not at this time.

4.0

RUTHANN

September 4, 2026 - Visiting family

Gold Runner
Pros: Comfortable, not too crowded, got assistance with luggage and arrival was on time! Cons: Last time I took the train there was a cafe car. This time there were “snack”bins. It would’ve been good to know (in advance) that this was the option. I planned on eating a hot breakfast sandwich on my early 5 1/2 hour trip. Tips: Not at this time.

5.0

Susan

February 26, 2023 - Visiting family

Amtrak
Pros: Speed of the trip and informative bus driver and accommodating me with my luggage. I’d ride again and again! Cons: So far it was as great as going through Italys Train system. I was impressed ! Tips: Better way to travel without having a vehicle and no traffic to contend with!

5.0

Luis

November 12, 2021 - Business

Amtrak San Joaquins
Pros: Nice Cons: Nothing Tips: No

5.0

Luis

November 12, 2021 - Business

Gold Runner
Pros: Nice Cons: Nothing Tips: No
See more details

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

In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Bakersfield to Sacramento was $56.00. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 29 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $2.16 more if you wait to book until the last minute.

Average train ticket prices from Bakersfield to Sacramento by travel date

$60$40$20SepOct

Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Bakersfield to Sacramento will cost between $54 and $57. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.

Average train ticket prices from Bakersfield to Sacramento by month

$75$60$45$30$15JFMAMJJASOND

Ticket prices for the train from Bakersfield to Sacramento often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in June when the average ticket price is only $55. If you're thinking of traveling from Bakersfield to Sacramento during November, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $61 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

$75$60$45$30$1501020

By booking your train trip from Bakersfield to Sacramento on Wanderu at least 29 days ahead of time, you can save about $2.16 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!

Which train should you take from Bakersfield to Sacramento?

2 train services operate from Bakersfield to Sacramento. 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
Amtrak146h 45m$57.32
Gold Runner25h 34m$51.54
  • 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 Bakersfield to Sacramento every day, as well as 18 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $49.

    Amtrak train passing through mountains, offering affordable train tickets for scenic rail travel - WanderuModern Amtrak train at a station, providing cheap train travel and convenient Amtrak tickets - WanderuAmtrak train speeding through scenic fall foliage, featuring cheap train tickets for long-distance trips - WanderuInterior view of a table in the dining car of an Amtrak train - WanderuInterior view of the dining car on an Amtrak train. Find affordable train tickets on - WanderuClean and spacious Amtrak bathroom, offering convenience and comfort for passengers during long train journeys with cheap Amtrak tickets - WanderuAmtrak power outlet for charging devices, providing convenience for passengers during affordable travel with cheap train tickets - WanderuComfortable Amtrak seats with ample legroom, ideal for relaxing during long journeys with cheap Amtrak tickets - WanderuSpacious Amtrak seats with reclining options, offering comfort and convenience for passengers on affordable train travel - WanderuAmtrak viewing car seats with large windows, offering panoramic views and comfort for passengers enjoying scenic routes with affordable train tickets - Wanderu
  • 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 Bakersfield to Sacramento

There are 16 scheduled trains on most days. 2 of these are direct connections to Sacramento. 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 Sacramento to Bakersfield. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Bakersfield to Sacramento for $35.

Trains per day

16

Direct trains

2

The distance between Bakersfield and Sacramento is approximately 260 miles, or 419 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 6 hours and 38 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 5 hours and 22 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.

Distance (mi)

260

Distance (km)

419

The earliest train departs Bakersfield at 4:58am while the last train of the day leaves at 6:02pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.

First train

4:58am

Last train

6:02pm

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

Busiest

Friday

Least crowded

Sunday

City Information

Bakersfield

Bakersfield, California, is just north of LA on the Kern River. The Buena Vista Museum of Natural History, one of the city’s biggest attractions, displays fossils, dinosaur models, Native American artifacts, and a changing array of temporary exhibitions. Meanwhile, the Bakersfield Museum of Art features multiple rotating galleries of modern and historical art.

As the sun sets in Bakersfield, locals and visitors alike flock to Buck Owens Crystal Palace for food, drinks, and the biggest live music venue in the area. The Belvedere Cocktail lounge offers a more intimate live music experience– plus some amazing drinks and arcade games. For a truly unique experience, check out the family-friendly Gaslight Melodrama Theatre, where audiences are encouraged to cheer, boo, and get in on the fun of the live performances.

On the quieter side, Bakersfield has a number of beautiful parks across the city. The Park at RiverWalk is a fan favorite, with 32 sprawling acres along the Kern River dotted with picnic areas, public grills, and fishing spots. The Buena Vista Aquatic Recreational Area provides more outdoor activities with swimming, boating, sailing, cycling, and more.

To get to Bakersfield, fly into the Meadows Field Airport just north of the town. Several bus lines also service the area, connecting the city to Phoenix, Sacramento, Los Angeles, and Ontario. For train service, Amtrak offers routes to San Diego, San Francisco, and even New York City.

Sacramento

SAC-0SAC-1SAC-2

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 Bakersfield?

Main departure station: 601 Truxtun Ave - Transit Station

There is one train station in Bakersfield.

All train stations in Bakersfield:

  • 601 Truxtun Ave - Transit Station

Where is the train station in Sacramento?

Main arrival station: Valley Station - 401 I St

Valley Station - 401 I St  - SACAMT-0Valley Station - 401 I St  - SACAMT-1

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
  • 1389 10th Street 10th and N Streets

Need a return trip from Sacramento to Bakersfield?

Search Train Tickets

Plan your next adventure

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. 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.