Route snapshot
| Route | San Francisco (bus connection) to Sacramento (SAC) |
|---|---|
| Stations | San Francisco (bus connection) to Sacramento Valley Station |
| Trains | Capitol Corridor with Thruway bus connection |
| Typical travel time | about 2h 30m to 3h |
| How often | Several departures run on most days. |
San Francisco to Sacramento train: what to expect
At about 2h 30m to 3h, this is a short trip, so a day return is realistic and you rarely need to think about overnight arrangements. Several departures run on most days.
Stations in San Francisco and Sacramento
Trains on this route run between San Francisco (bus connection) and Sacramento Valley Station. There is no Amtrak rail station in San Francisco; travelers connect by bus to Emeryville. In Sacramento the station is at 401 I St, Sacramento, CA. Sacramento Valley Station is the hub for Capitol Corridor and San Joaquins trains and the Coast Starlight.
How to book cheap San Francisco to Sacramento train tickets
- Book early: Fares generally rise as the seats on a train sell, so booking a few weeks ahead is usually the cheapest approach.
- Stay flexible by a day: Moving your trip by a day, or choosing a midweek or off-peak departure, can lower the fare noticeably.
- Check discounts: Senior, student, child and other eligible fares may be available, so ask when you call.
- On this route: There is no train station in San Francisco, so the trip combines a bus connection to Emeryville with a Capitol Corridor train.
More train tickets from Sacramento
- Oakland to Sacramento train tickets
- Los Angeles to Sacramento train tickets
- San Jose to Sacramento train tickets
More ways to book
New to rail travel? Read our guide on how to book a train, learn how to find cheap train tickets, or browse all train tickets from San Francisco and from Sacramento.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the train from San Francisco to Sacramento?
The trip takes about 2h 30m to 3h on the Capitol Corridor with Thruway bus connection, depending on the departure you choose.
How much do San Francisco to Sacramento train tickets cost?
Fares depend on the travel date, how far ahead you book, the seat class and how full the train is. The cheapest tickets are usually bought early for off-peak departures. Call (888) 885-6306 and our team will check the lowest available fare for your dates.
Which stations do San Francisco to Sacramento trains use?
Trains run between San Francisco (bus connection) and Sacramento Valley Station (SAC). Always confirm the station on your ticket, since some cities have more than one.
Is there a direct train from San Francisco to Sacramento?
Many departures on this route are direct, but schedules vary by day and season, and some trips may involve a connection. Check the departures for your travel date before booking.
How do I book a train from San Francisco to Sacramento?
Enter your cities and date in the search box on this page, or call (888) 885-6306. Our team can find and confirm a fare for you.