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On most days, there is one scheduled train that travels from Sacramento to South Lake Tahoe. The train trip from Sacramento to South Lake Tahoe is usually about 2 hours and 39 minutes long. However, traveling on the fastest Amtrak train can get you there in as little as 2 hours and 30 minutes.
| Distance | 85 mi (137 km) |
| Fastest train | 2h 30m |
| Lowest price | $37.00 |
| Trains per day | 2 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
Average score for trains from Sacramento to South Lake Tahoe
(Based on 10 ratings and reviews)
5.0
Pros: Monica, our driver was excellent!! It’s always nice to be able to see the scenery going up to South Lake Tahoe. The bus windows were very clean so pictures turned out great. Tips: Be on time to board your bus.
4.0
Pros: Easy ride, friendly driver and other riders. Cons: Bathroom in Placerville, terrible! Tips: Don't use restroom on route!
5.0
Both drivers safety first,especially during the road work going on.Both drivers were caution during the entire trip 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽❤️
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Sacramento to South Lake Tahoe. Furthermore, there is only one train per day, so you will have to plan your travel around this limited availability. On the other hand, you won't have to spend a ton of time comparing a bunch of possible options.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 1 | 2h 39m | $37.00 |
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 1 Amtrak trains from Sacramento to South Lake Tahoe every day, as well as 2 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $37.
Trains from Sacramento to South Lake Tahoe are the most crowded on Thursday. 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.
Most days, there is only one train which leaves Sacramento at 10:00am and arrives in South Lake Tahoe around 2 hours later.
Typically there is only one scheduled train per day. Luckily, this train will get you to South Lake Tahoe with direct service. While there might still be stops along the way, you will not need to switch trains.
You can also take a train for your return trip from South Lake Tahoe 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: 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
South Lake Tahoe receives travelers from Sacramento at its two active train stations.
South Y Transit Ctr - 1000 Emerald Bay Rd
Transp Ctr
$36+
$13+
$114+
$39+
$306+
$139+
$130+
$231+
$277+
With just a quick search on Wanderu, you can compare bus and train schedules and prices from hundreds of travel companies in one convenient place to find the trip that works best for you. Wanderu’s simple checkout process makes it easy to book cheap bus and train tickets hassle-free. Most importantly, as Wanderu is an official partner of all leading bus and train companies, we always have the best bus and train deals out there.
