Cheap train tickets from Sacramento, CA to Vancouver, WA

Find and compare the best ground travel options in one place.

Trip Summary

There are usually 2 daily train trips available from Sacramento, CA to Vancouver, WA. Traveling by train from Sacramento, CA to Vancouver, WA usually takes 18 hours and 7 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Coast Starlight train can make the trip in 16 hours and 24 minutes.

Distance: 491 mi (791 km)
Fastest train: 16h 24m
Lowest price: CHF 74.33
Trains per day: 2
Most frequent service: Amtrak
Train lines: 2

Millions of travelers trust Wanderu every year to get:

Lowest Prices

We find the cheapest bus & train tickets, so you can wander for less.

Best Travel Options

We partner with 400+ carriers to bring you the most bus & train options.

Quick & Easy Booking

Book trips quickly with a simple, hassle-free checkout – online & on our app.

Fast Customer Support

We don’t monkey around. We respond within minutes to help you out.

See what travelers are saying about Wanderu:

Download our free app!

Find, compare & book buses and trains on the go with the Wanderu app.

4.8 Rating

5k Reviews

4.5 Rating

4.8k Reviews

Sacramento, CA to Vancouver, WA Train Schedule

There are several train options that can take you from Sacramento, CA to Vancouver, WA:

See more details

What is the price of a train ticket from Sacramento, CA to Vancouver, WA?

In the last month, train tickets from Sacramento, CA to Vancouver, WA cost about CHF 86 when booked at the cheapest time. This is somewhat expensive compared to other train fares, but it makes sense given the route’s long distance. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 23 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around CHF 98.04 more if you wait to book until the last minute.

Average train ticket prices from Sacramento, CA to Vancouver, WA by travel date

Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Sacramento, CA to Vancouver, WA will cost between CHF 74 and CHF 300. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.

Average train ticket prices from Sacramento, CA to Vancouver, WA by month

Ticket prices for the train from Sacramento, CA to Vancouver, WA often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in October when the average ticket price is only CHF 99. If you're thinking of traveling from Sacramento, CA to Vancouver, WA during June, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of CHF 159 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in June, is to book your trip well in advance.

Prices as travel date approaches

By booking your train trip from Sacramento, CA to Vancouver, WA on Wanderu at least 23 days ahead of time, you can save about CHF 98.04 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!

Which train should you take from Sacramento, CA to Vancouver, WA?

2 train services operate from Sacramento, CA to Vancouver, WA. However, each train line only offers one daily trip.

Train	Daily Trips	Avg. Time	Avg. Price
Amtrak	1	19h 52m	CHF 119.35
Amtrak Coast Starlight	1	16h 24m	CHF 120.94

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 is 1 Amtrak train from Sacramento, CA to Vancouver, WA every day, as well as 1 trip on the weekends, with prices starting from CHF 78.50.
The Amtrak Coast Starlight is a service provided by Amtrak that connects Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, and Los Angeles on the US Pacific coast. The full journey winds through the Cascade Mountains, perfectly clipped vineyards, and dense coastal forest, allowing passengers to get a glimpse of the US west coast while enjoying air-conditioned cars, power outlets, complimentary onboard WiFi, and snacks.

Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Sacramento, CA to Vancouver, WA

Trains leave the station in Sacramento, CA twice a day, so there are a couple of options depending on your preferred travel time. One of these is a direct train, which will typically get you to Vancouver, WA faster. While it might still have stops along the way, you will not need to switch trains during your trip. You can also take a train for your return trip from Vancouver, WA to Sacramento, CA.

Trains per day

Direct trains

The distance between Sacramento, CA and Vancouver, WA is approximately 491 miles. The average train journey between these two cities takes 18 hours and 7 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 16 hours and 24 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)

491

Distance (km)

791

The earliest train departs Sacramento, CA at 11:49 PM while the last train of the day leaves at 11:49 PM. 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

11:49pm

Last train

11:49pm

Trains from Sacramento, CA to Vancouver, WA 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 Railroad 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.

Vancouver

Vancouver sits on the northern banks of the Columbia River in Washington and is the state's fourth most populated city. The surrounding Cascade Mountains offer incredible Pacific Northwest adventures. Mount Saint Helens and Mount Hood, two snow-topped volcanoes, are within short drives of Vancouver for easy access to hikes and ski runs. Beacon Rock State Park includes a trail to the summit of a monolithic rock formation. Plus, the Columbia River Gorge is easily one of the best destinations in Washington for breathtaking scenery.

Vancouver is located just across the Columbia from Portland, and Interstates 5 and 205 have north to south bridges connecting Portland to Vancouver. Within the city, you will find Vancouver's mass transit system, C-Tran, to get around with ease.

Several Amtrak services operate from Vancouver, including the Coast Starlight, Empire Builder, and Cascades routes. If you're arriving by air, the nearest airport is Portland International Airport, just a few minutes' drive from downtown Vancouver.

Station Information

Where is the train station in Sacramento, CA?

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, CA:

Valley Station - 401 I St

Where is the train station in Vancouver, WA?

Main arrival station: 1301 W 11th St

Vancouver, WA has one train station.

All train stations in Vancouver, WA:

1301 W 11th St

Need a return trip from Vancouver, WA to Sacramento, CA?

Search Train Tickets

Plan your next adventure

Wanderu is the simplest way to book bus and train travel.

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.