Cheap train tickets from Sacramento to Fresno
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Trip Summary
There are usually 17 daily train trips available from Sacramento to Fresno. Traveling by train from Sacramento to Fresno usually takes 4 hours and 50 minutes, but the fastest Gold Runner train can make the trip in 3 hours and 16 minutes.
| Distance | 158 mi (254 km) |
| Fastest train | 3h 16m |
| Lowest price | $34.00 |
| Trains per day | 2 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 2 |
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Sacramento to Fresno Train Schedule
Is it better to travel by bus or train from Sacramento to Fresno?
There are usually 5 daily bus trips available from Sacramento to Fresno.
Train | Bus | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$44.95 | Avg. Price$40.09Cheaper |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips17 | Daily Trips5 |
Duration | Duration4h 50m | Duration3h 41mFaster |
Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Average score for trains from Sacramento to Fresno (Based on 23 ratings and reviews)
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There are several train options that can take you from Sacramento to Fresno:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from Sacramento to Fresno?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Sacramento to Fresno was $35.50. Compared to most train fares, this is an excellent price. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 24 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $15.02 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from Sacramento to Fresno by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Sacramento to Fresno will cost between $41 and $45. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from Sacramento to Fresno by month
Taking the train from Sacramento to Fresno usually costs about the same throughout the year. In general, train ticket prices for this route are fairly consistent, so expect to pay around $43 whenever you decide to travel.
Prices as travel date approaches
The price of train trips from Sacramento to Fresno doesn't fluctuate much throughout the year, so you don’t need to book your tickets super far in advance. However, to avoid last-minute price surges or sold-out tickets, we recommend purchasing your train tickets at least 48 hours before departure.
Which train should you take from Sacramento to Fresno?
2 train services operate from Sacramento to Fresno. Amtrak usually has more trains scheduled, with 15 trips per day. That said, it's still worth comparing the prices and trip durations:
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 15 | 5h 2m | $46.35 |
| Gold Runner | 2 | 3h 16m | $34.58 |
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 Fresno every day, as well as 17 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $37.
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 Fresno
There are 17 scheduled trains on most days. 2 of these are direct connections to Fresno. 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 Fresno to Sacramento. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Sacramento to Fresno for $26.
Trains per day
17
Direct trains
2
The distance between Sacramento and Fresno is approximately 158 miles, or 254 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 4 hours and 50 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 3 hours and 16 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)
158
Distance (km)
254
The earliest train departs Sacramento at 5:23am while the last train of the day leaves at 6:05pm. 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
5:23am
Last train
6:05pm
Trains from Sacramento to Fresno 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 Wednesday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
Busiest
Sunday
Least crowded
Wednesday
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.
Fresno
Situated close to the center of California, Fresno’s location makes it the perfect hub for travelers who wish to explore the state, but it also has enough attractions on its own to keep visitors interested. One of the city’s most unique destinations is the Forestiere Underground Gardens. Built by a Sicilian immigrant, the gardens stay below the ground level so that citrus trees could grow, making it a unique sight that will capture the heart of nature lovers. Fresno has recently gone through a lot of changes in the field of agriculture, and the city’s love for homegrown produce is now one of its attractions. As you explore the city, don’t hesitate to make a slight detour to Riverdance Farm, a local organic farm where you can pick ripened blueberries and cherries to your heart’s content. For fans of cultural activities, the Fresno Art Museum offers unique artworks created mostly by local artists.
Fresno restaurants are famous for their fresh homegrown produce, and Sam’s Italian Deli & Market is where you can try local staples. If you want to cook yourself, Fresno Farmers’ Market will be a great choice.
Fresno’s main bus and train station is the Santa Fe Passenger Depot located at 2650 Tulare St. From there, you can take buses from various carriers or hop on a train on Amtrak’s Gold Runner line. The Fresno Yosemite International Airport is the city’s main airport and it is located not too far from the city center.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Sacramento?
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 Fresno?
Main arrival station: Santa Fe Station - 2650 Tulare St
The Santa Fe Station is a historic train station and transportation hub in Fresno. The station opened in 1899 and was originally owned by the Santa Fe Railway, hence the misleading “Santa Fe” name for a station in Fresno. Passengers can board the Amtrak Gold Runner train to Oakland, Sacramento, or Bakersfield from this station, and bus service from Amtrak Thruway and Jefferson Lines also stops at this location. The Santa Fe station is just steps away from Fresno’s City Hall, the Meux Home Museum, and the Fresno Convention Center, making this station a convenient entry point to Fresno.
All train stations in Fresno:
- Santa Fe Station - 2650 Tulare St
Need a return trip from Fresno to Sacramento?
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