Cheap train tickets from Sacramento to Madera
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Sacramento to Madera Train Schedule
Is it better to travel by bus or train from Sacramento to Madera?
There are usually 1 daily bus trips available from Sacramento to Madera.
Bus | Train | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price€29.02 | Avg. Price€33.16 |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips1 | Daily Trips11 |
Duration | Duration3h 40m | Duration3h 52m |
Trip Summary
There are usually 13 daily train trips available from Sacramento to Madera. Traveling by train from Sacramento to Madera usually takes 3 hours and 59 minutes, but the fastest Gold Runner train can make the trip in 2 hours and 44 minutes.
| Distance | 137 mi (220 km) |
| Fastest train | 2h 44m |
| Lowest price | €25.29 |
| Trains per day | 2 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 2 |
Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Average score for trains from Sacramento to Madera
(Based on 1 ratings and reviews)
5.0
What is the price of a train ticket from Sacramento to Madera?
The average price for a train ticket from Sacramento to Madera is €26.55, Compared to most train fares, this is an excellent price. By booking your trip at least 11 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 €5.85 more.
Average train ticket prices from Sacramento to Madera by month
Ticket prices for the train from Sacramento to Madera 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 €27. If you're thinking of traveling from Sacramento to Madera during December, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of €32 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in December, is to book your trip well in advance.
Prices as travel date approaches
By booking your train trip from Sacramento to Madera on Wanderu at least 11 days ahead of time, you can save about €5.85 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
Which train should you take from Sacramento to Madera?
2 train services operate from Sacramento to Madera. Amtrak usually has more trains scheduled, with 11 trips per day. That said, it's still worth comparing the prices and trip durations:
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 11 | 4h 13m | €33.24 |
| Gold Runner | 2 | 2h 44m | €25.78 |
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 11 Amtrak trains from Sacramento to Madera every day, as well as 13 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from €28.
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 Madera
Yes, there are trains that can take you the entire way from Sacramento to Madera. 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 Madera is approximately 137 miles, or 220 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 3 hours and 59 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 2 hours and 44 minutes. Although it takes a couple of hours each way, it's still possible to make a round trip in a single day. Since most trains are equipped with Wi-Fi, you should be able to browse the Internet or get some work done during your journey.
Trains departing from Sacramento to Madera tend to have the most passengers on Saturday. With higher demand ticket prices also tend to be higher on Saturday. 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 Thursday as the least number of people tend to travel then.
The earliest train departs Sacramento at 6:00am 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 13 scheduled trains on most days. 2 of these are direct connections to Madera. 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 Madera 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.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Sacramento?
Image credit: rosemarie_mckeon
Link to image attribution
Image credit: Lev Lazinskiy
Link to image attributionMain 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 Madera?
Main arrival station: 18770 Rd 26
Madera has one train station.
All train stations in Madera:
18770 Rd 26
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