- Must visit
California State Railroad Museum
Major museum in Old Sacramento with restored locomotives, railcars, and exhibits on railroad history in California and the American West.
Cheapest price
$196
Average price
$196
Fastest journey
16 h 6 m
Average duration
16 h 6 m
Trains per day
1
Distance
778 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Portland, OR to Sacramento, CA is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Portland, OR to Sacramento, CA will cost around $196 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $196.
Of the 1 trains that leave Portland, OR for Sacramento, CA on Mon, Jun 01, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, Jun 01 the direct trains cover the 778 km distance in an average of 16 h 6 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 16 h 6 m .
On Mon, Jun 01 the slowest trains will take 16 h 6 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
11 Coast Starlight
11 Coast StarlightOmio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Portland, OR to Sacramento, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $72. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 44m. 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 $72, and a flight costs an average of $73.
Distance: 483 miles (778 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$201 Average price | $105 Average price Cheapest | $327 Average price | $119 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
16h 35m Average total duration 16h 5m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 12h 49m Average total duration 12h 19m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 44m Average total duration Fastest 2h 44m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 8h 43m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.2 - 0.7kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.8 - 1.9kg CO2 emissions | 2.3 - 4.7kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() 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 |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Portland, OR to Sacramento, CA:
A bus is $96 (€77) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Portland, OR to Sacramento, CA costing on average $201 (€162).
A bus is $222 (€179) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Portland, OR to Sacramento, CA costing on average $327 (€263).
Other travel options to Sacramento, CA take longer:
Bus takes on average 12h 19m.
Train takes on average 16h 5m.
Tickets start at around $201 (€162) compared to roughly $119 (€96) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-81.37 (€-65.51). The journey takes 16h 5m versus 8h 43m 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.
The table below shows live departures for Portland, OR to Sacramento, CA trains for today, Sunday, May 31. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
11 Coast Starlight | 2:22 PM Portland Union Station, Portland, OR | 16h06 | 6:28 AM Sacramento Valley Station, Sacramento, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train, bus, 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.
Trains from Portland, OR to Sacramento, CA run on average 1 times per day, taking around 16h 5m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $91 (€73) but you can travel from only $72 (€58) by bus.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 11:10, the last at 23:49. The fastest train covers the 483 miles (778 km) distance in 16h 6m.
Distance 483 miles (778 km) |
Average train duration 16h 5m |
Cheapest ticket price $91 (€73) |
Trains per day 1 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 16h 6m |
First train 11:10 AM |
Last train 11:49 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 77 days |
Discover the best of Sacramento — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Sacramento trip today.
Major museum in Old Sacramento with restored locomotives, railcars, and exhibits on railroad history in California and the American West.
Premier art museum with California art, European works, ceramics, and rotating exhibitions in a historic mansion and modern expansion.
Museum inside the restored State Capitol featuring historic rooms, political history exhibits, and access to the landmark government building.
Historic district with wooden sidewalks, Gold Rush-era buildings, river views, museums, and one of the city’s most visited walking areas.
Tree-filled park surrounding the State Capitol, popular for walks, memorials, gardens, and easy downtown sightseeing.
Lively central neighborhood known for murals, boutiques, nightlife, and walkable streets that are popular with locals and visitors.
Sacramento is known as America’s Farm-To-Fork Capital, and many local menus highlight peak-season produce, local meats, and regional ingredients from the Central Valley.
The Sacramento region has deep ties to Delta asparagus farming. Grilled, roasted, or served in salads, it is a classic seasonal local ingredient.
A tomato-based seafood stew popular across Northern California and commonly found in Sacramento restaurants, reflecting the city’s ties to coastal and river trade.
A celebrated Sacramento fine-dining institution known for an interactive tasting menu, polished service, and a special-occasion atmosphere.
A long-established farm-to-table restaurant in Midtown, praised for seasonal menus, local sourcing, and a warm upscale setting.
A well-known local favorite for casual California cooking, salads, sandwiches, and prepared foods with strong local appeal.
Moderate by U.S. standards. Casual dining and coffee are reasonable, but hotels and upscale dining can be pricey in peak periods.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants; 20%+ for excellent service. Tip USD 1-2 per drink at bars, round up taxis or add 10-15%, and tip hotel staff USD 2-5 as appropriate.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Portland, OR 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.

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