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You can pick from 14 daily train trips between Sacramento and Modesto. The average train journey from Sacramento to Modesto takes 2 hours and 38 minutes, but some Amtrak San Joaquins train trips are as short as one hour and 28 minutes.
| Distance | 71 mi (113 km) |
| Fastest train | 1h 28m |
| Lowest price | $12.00 |
| Trains per day | 1 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 2 |
Average score for trains from Sacramento to Modesto
(Based on 9 ratings and reviews)
5.0
Pros: Train and bus connections on time. Also being informed about upcoming stops. Tips: Enjoy the comfort and safety that Amtrak provides.
5.0
Pros: Value for money, on time, clean and safe. Cons: NA.
5.0
To relax and enjoy the ride and knowing that I will get to my destination timely.
5.0
Pros: The bar. Cons: Lower prices on the drinks. Tips: No.
The average price for a train ticket from Sacramento to Modesto is $12.00, This is one of the best deals we’ve seen for train fares recently. By booking your trip at least 14 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 $10.90 more.
Since ticket prices on this route stay pretty consistent, you don’t need to book way in advance. However, we recommend buying your train ticket to Modesto at least 48 hours before your scheduled departure to prevent any unpleasant surprises, like last-minute surges in price or sold-out tickets.
2 train services operate from Sacramento to Modesto. Amtrak usually has more trains scheduled, with 13 trips per day. That said, it's still worth comparing the prices and trip durations:
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 13 | 2h 43m | $22.34 |
| Amtrak San Joaquins | 1 | 1h 28m | $14.10 |
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 13 Amtrak trains from Sacramento to Modesto every day, as well as 16 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $12.
After becoming a permanent Amtrak rail route in 1974, the San Joaquins 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 San Joaquins 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.
On a weekly basis, the greatest number of passengers tend to travel by trains from Sacramento to Modesto on Monday. Tickets for Monday tend to also be the most expensive. For savvy travelers looking for cheaper priced tickets search for travel departing on Saturday. Saturday also tend to have less passengers which may make boarding faster and let you snag your perfect seat.
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 14 scheduled trains on most days. There is one direct train, which you can stay on for the entire journey from Sacramento to Modesto. In contrast, taking a non-direct train would require you to transfer trains during your trip.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Modesto to 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.
Image credit: Tom Hilton
Link to image attributionModesto is a city in Central Valley, California. The city is known for its large agricultural industry and number of museums. Modesto is home to museums, natural history sites, and planetariums, like the Great Valley Museum and McHenry Museum. It also has different amusement and recreational centers offering playgrounds, rides, go-cart, and more, like Funworks Modesto and Graceada Park. As for nature lovers, Modesto features places for sports, hiking, camping, fishing, and picnics, like Jacob Myers Park and Ceres River Bluff Regional Park. The city is also a fun place for arts with the Graffiti Summer and the Gallo Center for the Arts.
The CA city is ideal for all craft beer and wine lovers, as it has several breweries and wineries to visit. Modesto also has a vibrant nightlife, with different nightclubs, lounges, bars, and restaurants, and is always brimming with pool parties, trance festivals, DJ nights, and more. Downtown Modesto has become a vibrant place for shopping, dining, and parties.
Modesto features several train and bus lines for those in and around the city. The city is easily accessible by Amtrak and Amtrak San Joaquins for trains, while Tufesa Plus offers bus services. The City of Modesto Transit Services powers the city's transportation.
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
Modesto has one train station.
1700 Held Dr
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