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

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Cheapest price
$251
Average price
$299
Fastest journey
17h 20m
Average duration
18h 23m
Buses per day
6
Distance
583 km
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Phoenix, AZ to Sacramento, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $159. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 49m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $159, and a flight costs an average of $109.
Distance: 634 miles (1021 km)
| Train | Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$216 Average price Cheapest | $228 Average price | $370 Average price | $153 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
18h 5m Average total duration 17h 35m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 17h 24m Average total duration 16h 54m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 49m Average total duration Fastest 2h 49m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 11h 19m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Phoenix, AZ to Sacramento, CA:
A train is $12 (€10) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Phoenix, AZ to Sacramento, CA costing on average $228 (€187).
A train is $154 (€126) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Phoenix, AZ to Sacramento, CA costing on average $370 (€304).
Other travel options to Sacramento, CA take longer:
Bus takes on average 16h 54m.
Train takes on average 17h 35m.
Tickets start at around $216 (€177) compared to roughly $153 (€125) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-63.58 (€-52.19). The journey takes 17h 35m versus 11h 19m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
Compare bus, flight, and train 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.
Trains from Phoenix, AZ to Sacramento, CA run on average 2 times per day, taking around 17h 35m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $159 (€130) but you can travel from only $85 (€70) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 06:48, the last at 20:45. The fastest train covers the 634 miles (1021 km) distance in 20h 50m.
Distance 634 miles (1021 km) |
Average train duration 17h 35m |
Cheapest ticket price $159 (€130) |
Trains per day 2 |
Fastest train 20h 50m |
First train 6:48 AM |
Last train 8:45 PM |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Thu |
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 Phoenix, AZ to Sacramento, CA by train. 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 train, 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 Phoenix, AZ to Sacramento, CA trains use the Tempe, South Ash Avenue / West 3rd Street to Sacramento, California State Capitol station pair, with some services arriving at Sacramento Valley Station. Use this guide to compare Phoenix, AZ and Sacramento, CA train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Sacramento Valley Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: The Firehouse Restaurant, Ten22
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Sacramento Valley Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Sacramento Valley Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Sacramento Valley Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Sacramento Valley Station: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Sacramento Valley Station: Ramps.
Nearby hotels include Embassy Suites by Hilton Sacramento Riverfront Promenade, Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown - Arena, Kimpton Sawyer Hotel.
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