Cheap train tickets from Sacramento to San Francisco
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Trip Summary
There are usually 16 daily train trips available from Sacramento to San Francisco. Traveling by train from Sacramento to San Francisco usually takes 2 hours and 40 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 2 hours and 12 minutes.
| Distance | 75 mi (121 km) |
| Fastest train | 2h 12m |
| Lowest price | $33.00 |
| Trains per day | 0 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
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Sacramento to San Francisco Train Schedule
Is it better to travel by bus or train from Sacramento to San Francisco?
There are usually 3 daily bus trips available from Sacramento to San Francisco.
Train | Bus | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$38.98 | Avg. Price$27.65Cheaper |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips16 | Daily Trips3 |
Duration | Duration2h 40m | Duration2h 30mFaster |
Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Average score for trains from Sacramento to San Francisco (Based on 8 ratings and reviews)
5.0
5.0
5.0
There are several train options that can take you from Sacramento to San Francisco:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from Sacramento to San Francisco?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Sacramento to San Francisco was $36.80. 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 25 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $3.34 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from Sacramento to San Francisco by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Sacramento to San Francisco will cost between $35 and $42. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from Sacramento to San Francisco by month
Taking the train from Sacramento to San Francisco usually costs about the same throughout the year. In general, train ticket prices for this route are fairly consistent, so expect to pay around $36 whenever you decide to travel.
Prices as travel date approaches
The price of train trips from Sacramento to San Francisco 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 San Francisco?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Sacramento to San Francisco. However, there are 16 trains per day to choose from.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 16 | 2h 40m | $38.98 |
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 16 Amtrak trains from Sacramento to San Francisco every day, as well as 14 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $29.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Sacramento to San Francisco
There are 16 scheduled trains on most days. Unfortunately, none of them are direct connections, so you will need to disembark from your original train and board a connecting train during your journey. Don't forget to bring your carry-on luggage when you switch trains. In some instances, you may also be responsible for transferring your own checked baggage. You can also take a train for your return trip from San Francisco to Sacramento. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Sacramento to San Francisco for $21.
Trains per day
16
Direct trains
0
The distance between Sacramento and San Francisco is approximately 75 miles, or 121 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 2 hours and 40 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 2 hours and 12 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.
Distance (mi)
75
Distance (km)
121
The earliest train departs Sacramento at 4:20am while the last train of the day leaves at 9:03pm. 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
4:20am
Last train
9:03pm
Trains from Sacramento to San Francisco are the most crowded on Monday. 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 Saturday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
Busiest
Monday
Least crowded
Saturday
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.
San Francisco
Located in the heart of Northern California's Bay Area, San Francisco is a geographically small but culturally huge city known for its historic cable cars, active waterfront, and the eclectic mix of hippies and techies who call it home. While it might be one of the most expensive U.S. cities to live in, San Fran can actually be very cheap to visit, and there is no shortage of unique sights to see.
If the city's omnipresent fog (nicknamed "Karl the Fog" by locals) takes a break, the best views and Instagram photo ops of the world-famous Golden Gate Bridge are found in Golden Gate Park. Stroll through the oldest Chinatown in North America to find the perfect dim sum, or if you and your boo prefer a little Full House moment, try a romantic picnic at Alamo Square Park in front of the Victorian "Painted Ladies." After all, San Francisco is one of the best vacation destinations for couples.
Since the city is condensed onto a small peninsula, exploring by bike is an efficient and scenic way to get around. When you’re ready to travel beyond city limits, San Francisco is a convenient hub for trips throughout Northern California. It's actually the first stop on Wanderu's West Coast Wine Tour, with the next stop, obviously, in Napa Valley. Whether traveling by bus, train, or through either of the two nearby airports, San Francisco is a can't-miss destination.
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 San Francisco?
Main arrival station: San Francisco, California
Behind a modern curved façade lies San Francisco’s commuter hub, the Salesforce Transit Center. This gateway to downtown San Francisco and the entire Bay Area welcomes tens of thousands of passengers every day. Finding your way around is easy thanks to more than 270 digital displays with transit information. The Salesforce Transit Center serves as a bus station for Greyhound and Amtrak Thruway buses, as well as several public transit options for convenient connections. A standout feature of the Salesforce Transit Center is a public five-acre rooftop park which gives travelers an open space to relax. Rotating food trucks, cafés, carts, and pop-up retail make this a dynamic and vibrant destination in itself.
All train stations in San Francisco:
- San Francisco, California
Need a return trip from San Francisco to Sacramento?
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