- Must visit
California State Railroad Museum
One of North America’s premier rail museums, with restored locomotives, immersive exhibits, and strong California history context.
+
+






Cheapest price
$119
Average price
$186
Fastest journey
12h 45m
Average duration
16h 38m
Buses per day
8
Distance
112 km
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from San Diego, CA to Sacramento, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $63. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 11m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.2 - 0.7kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $63, and a flight costs an average of $80.
Distance: 472 miles (761 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$106 Average price Cheapest | $121 Average price | $278 Average price | $109 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
13h 20m Average total duration 12h 50m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 13h 56m Average total duration 13h 26m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 11m Average total duration Fastest 2h 11m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 7h 57m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.8 - 1.9kg CO2 emissions | 0.2 - 0.7kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 2.3 - 4.6kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from San Diego, CA to Sacramento, CA:
A bus is $15 (€12) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from San Diego, CA to Sacramento, CA costing on average $121 (€99).
A bus is $172 (€141) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from San Diego, CA to Sacramento, CA costing on average $278 (€228).
Other travel options to Sacramento, CA take longer:
Bus takes on average 12h 50m.
Train takes on average 13h 26m.
Tickets start at around $106 (€87) compared to roughly $109 (€90) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $3 (€3). The journey takes 12h 50m versus 7h 57m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can use the time productively rather than spending it behind the wheel. No parking to sort, no fuel stops, and most coaches have Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Direct services are operated by Greyhound.
Driving is worth considering if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), or want the flexibility to stop along the way.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 04:55AM | Arrival Time 06:45PM | Duration 13h50 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $95 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 05:40AM | Arrival Time 06:45PM | Duration 13h05 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $89 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:40AM | Arrival Time 02:30AM | Duration 17h50 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $96 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:25AM | Arrival Time 02:30AM | Duration 17h05 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $95 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 01:10PM | Arrival Time 08:45AM | Duration 19h35 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $102 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 04:01PM | Arrival Time 09:40AM | Duration 17h39 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $110 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 07:10PM | Arrival Time 08:30AM | Duration 13h20 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $162 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 07:45PM | Arrival Time 08:30AM | Duration 12h45 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $164 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 10:10PM | Arrival Time 05:56PM | Duration 19h46 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $98 |
The table below shows live departures for San Diego, CA to Sacramento, CA buses for today, Wednesday, July 15. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus+![]() | 8:40 AM San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center | 17h50 | 2:30 AM Sacramento, Bus Terminal | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus+![]() | 9:25 AM San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park), CA | 17h05 | 2:30 AM Sacramento, Bus Terminal | 1 transfer | |
785 Pacific Surfliner · 4785 AMTRAK · 522 Capitol Corridor | 4:01 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 16h29 | 8:30 AM Sacramento Valley Station, Sacramento, CA | 2 transfers | |
785 Pacific Surfliner · 4785 AMTRAK · 524 Capitol Corridor | 4:01 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 17h39 | 9:40 AM Sacramento Valley Station, Sacramento, CA | 2 transfers | |
785 Pacific Surfliner · 4785 AMTRAK · 6 California Zephyr | 4:01 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 18h11 | 10:12 AM Sacramento Valley Station, Sacramento, CA | 2 transfers | |
· | 7:10 PM San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center | 13h20 | 8:30 AM Sacramento, Bus Terminal | 1 transfer | |
· | 7:45 PM San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park), CA | 12h45 | 8:30 AM Sacramento, Bus Terminal | 1 transfer | |
5811 AMTRAK · 6238 AMTRAK · 538 Capitol Corridor | 10:10 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 19h46 | 5:56 PM Sacramento Valley Station, Sacramento, CA | 2 transfers | |
| Thursday, July 16 | |||||
![]() | 4:55 AM San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center | 13h50 | 6:45 PM Sacramento, Bus Terminal | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 5:40 AM San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park), CA | 13h05 | 6:45 PM Sacramento, Bus Terminal | 0 transfersDirect | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus, train, and flight prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Buses from San Diego, CA to Sacramento, CA run on average 20 times per day, taking around 12h 50m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $63 (€52) if you book in advance.
There are 2 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 03:50, the last at 22:20. The fastest bus covers the 472 miles (761 km) distance in 11h 10m.
Distance 472 miles (761 km) |
Average bus duration 12h 50m |
Cheapest ticket price $63 (€52) |
Buses per day 20 |
Direct buses 2 |
Fastest bus 11h 10m |
First bus 3:50 AM |
Last bus 10:20 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 21 days |
Discover the best of Sacramento — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Sacramento trip today.
One of North America’s premier rail museums, with restored locomotives, immersive exhibits, and strong California history context.
Excellent art museum known for California art, ceramics, photography, and engaging modern exhibitions in Midtown Sacramento.
State history museum inside the capitol, featuring restored offices, political artifacts, and architecture that defines California government.
Tree-lined central district known for restaurants, shops, murals, nightlife, and easy walking between major Sacramento attractions.
Large riverside park with trails, gardens, ponds, and open lawns, ideal for strolling, picnics, and seeing local wildlife.
Long riverfront path popular for walking and cycling, linking parks and neighborhoods with broad Sacramento River views.
Farm-to-fork seasonal plates built from Sacramento Valley produce. They reflect the city's agricultural identity and restaurant culture more than a single fixed recipe.
A local spin on California cuisine using grilled salmon, asparagus, citrus, and herbs. It highlights nearby river fish and regional produce.
Fresh Delta asparagus, often grilled, roasted, or served in salads. It is a celebrated spring ingredient from the nearby Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta.
Contemporary fine dining destination focused on seasonal Sacramento ingredients, tasting menus, and polished service.
Beloved local bakery and cafe for breakfast, sandwiches, pastries, and coffee with a lively neighborhood feel.
Historic upscale restaurant in Old Sacramento known for steaks, seafood, and classic dining room service in a refined setting.
Moderate for California. Hotels are often pricier than smaller US cities, while casual dining and local transit stay fairly manageable for visitors.
Tip 15-20% at restaurants, 18-22% for excellent service. Taxis usually 10-15%. Cafes often have tip jars or screen prompts; small tips are appreciated.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from San Diego, CA to Sacramento, CA by bus. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest bus, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Sacramento, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most San Diego, CA to Sacramento, CA buses use the San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park) to Sacramento, Bus Terminal station pair, with some services arriving at Sacramento, 2nd Street / J Street (Baker & Hamilton). Use this guide to compare San Diego, CA and Sacramento, CA bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need