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Cheap train tickets from Sacramento to Bakersfield

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4.8 Rating

5k Reviews

4.5 Rating

4.8k Reviews

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Sacramento to Bakersfield Train Schedule

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

There are usually 4 daily bus trips available from Sacramento to Bakersfield.

Bus
Train
Avg. Price
Avg. Price
CZK 1,093.82
Avg. Price
CZK 1,317.80
Daily Trips
Daily Trips
4
Daily Trips
12
Duration
Duration
6h 22m
Duration
7h 5m

Trip Summary

There are usually 17 daily train trips available from Sacramento to Bakersfield. Traveling by train from Sacramento to Bakersfield usually takes 7 hours and 3 minutes, but the fastest Gold Runner train can make the trip in 5 hours and 31 minutes.

Distance260 mi (419 km)
Fastest train5h 31m
Lowest priceCZK 1,072.58
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 Bakersfield

(Based on 7 ratings and reviews)

5.0

5.0

Adrianna

August 1, 2026- Visiting family

Amtrak San Joaquins

Pros: Relaxing with bathrooms readily available. Cons: If seat was able to recline I couldn’t figure out how. I was unable to sleep as intended. I wish there was an option to go by train all the way to my final destination.

5.0

Adrianna

August 1, 2026- Visiting family

Gold Runner

Pros: Relaxing with bathrooms readily available. Cons: If seat was able to recline I couldn’t figure out how. I was unable to sleep as intended. I wish there was an option to go by train all the way to my final destination.

5.0

James

October 16, 2023- Business

Amtrak San Joaquins

Pros: Less cost than fuel for a car. I could stretch out/ get coffee and a snack. Cons: Minor: at the Bakersfield final stop it was a little confusing where to pick up my luggage.

5.0

James

October 16, 2023- Business

Gold Runner

Pros: Less cost than fuel for a car. I could stretch out/ get coffee and a snack. Cons: Minor: at the Bakersfield final stop it was a little confusing where to pick up my luggage.

5.0

Renee

December 26, 2022- Vacation

Amtrak San Joaquins

Easier than renting a car. Our southwest flight was canceled.

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

In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Sacramento to Bakersfield was CZK 1,083.09. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 16 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around CZK 233.44 more if you wait to book until the last minute.

Average train ticket prices from Sacramento to Bakersfield by month

CZK 1,577CZK 1,262CZK 946CZK 631CZK 315SONDJFMAMJJA
Ticket prices for the train from Sacramento to Bakersfield 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 CZK 1,136. If you're thinking of traveling from Sacramento to Bakersfield during November, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of CZK 1,325 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

CZK 1,577CZK 1,262CZK 946CZK 631CZK 3153020100

By booking your train trip from Sacramento to Bakersfield on Wanderu at least 16 days ahead of time, you can save about CZK 233.44 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!

Which train should you take from Sacramento to Bakersfield?

2 train services operate from Sacramento to Bakersfield. Amtrak usually has more trains scheduled, with 15 trips per day. That said, it's still worth comparing the prices and trip durations:

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak157h 16mCZK 1,314.22
Gold Runner25h 32mCZK 1,075.52

  • 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 15 Amtrak trains from Sacramento to Bakersfield every day, as well as 17 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from CZK 1,073.

  • 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 Bakersfield

Yes, there are trains that can take you the entire way from Sacramento to Bakersfield. 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 Bakersfield is approximately 260 miles, or 419 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 7 hours and 3 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 5 hours and 31 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 from Sacramento to Bakersfield are the most crowded on Wednesday. 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 Friday 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 17 scheduled trains on most days. 2 of these are direct connections to Bakersfield. 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 Bakersfield 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.

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.

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 Bakersfield?

Main arrival station: 601 Truxtun Ave - Transit Station

Bakersfield has one train station.

All train stations in Bakersfield:

  • 601 Truxtun Ave - Transit Station

Get around town with Moovit

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