- Must visit
California State Railroad Museum
One of the leading railroad museums in the United States, with restored locomotives, historic cars, and strong interpretation of California transport history in Old Sacramento.
Cheapest price
$96
Average price
$96
Fastest journey
5 h 41 m
Average duration
5 h 41 m
Trains per day
1
Distance
179 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Reno, NV 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 Reno, NV to Sacramento, CA will cost around $96 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $96.
Of the 1 trains that leave Reno, NV for Sacramento, CA on Fri, Jul 10, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Jul 10 the direct trains cover the 179 km distance in an average of 5 h 41 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 5 h 41 m .
On Fri, Jul 10 the slowest trains will take 5 h 41 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.
5 California Zephyr
5 California ZephyrOmio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Reno, NV to Sacramento, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $20. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 2h 46m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $20, and a train costs an average of $78.
Distance: 111 miles (179 km)
| Train | Most popular Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$163 Average price | $43 Average price Cheapest | $26 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 8m Average total duration 5h 38m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 16m Average total duration Fastest 2h 46m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 7m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Reno, NV to Sacramento, CA:
A bus is $120 (€99) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Reno, NV to Sacramento, CA costing on average $163 (€134).
Other travel options to Sacramento, CA take longer:
Flight takes on average 3h 8m.
Train takes on average 5h 38m.
Tickets start at around $163 (€134) compared to roughly $26 (€22) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-136.96 (€-112.54). The journey takes 5h 38m versus 2h 7m 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 Reno, NV to Sacramento, CA trains for today, Thursday, July 9. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
5 California Zephyr | 9:24 AM Reno station, Reno, NV | 5h41 | 3:05 PM 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 and bus 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 Reno, NV to Sacramento, CA run on average 1 times per day, taking around 5h 38m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $78 (€64) but you can travel from only $20 (€16) by bus.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 09:24, the last at 13:24. The fastest train covers the 111 miles (179 km) distance in 5h 41m.
Distance 111 miles (179 km) |
Average train duration 5h 38m |
Cheapest ticket price $78 (€64) |
Trains per day 1 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 5h 41m |
First train 9:24 AM |
Last train 1:24 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 49 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 the leading railroad museums in the United States, with restored locomotives, historic cars, and strong interpretation of California transport history in Old Sacramento.
The oldest public art museum in the Western United States, known for Californian art, European works, ceramics, and a respected rotating exhibition program.
Museum spaces inside the restored State Capitol covering California political history, historic rooms, and changing displays in a landmark government building.
Historic district with boardwalks, preserved Gold Rush-era facades, river views, and easy access to several of the city's top sights.
Highly walkable area known for street art, Victorian homes, independent shops, and a lively urban atmosphere favored by locals and visitors.
Tree-filled park surrounding the State Capitol, popular for walking, monuments, and a calm downtown break with botanical interest.
Sacramento is known as America’s Farm-To-Fork Capital, and many restaurants highlight seasonal vegetables, local meats, and produce from the Central Valley in ever-changing plates.
Asparagus grown in the nearby Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta is a regional specialty, often grilled, roasted, or served in spring festival dishes for its freshness and local identity.
The Sacramento Valley is a major rice-growing region, and rice bowls with local produce, grilled proteins, or tofu reflect an everyday Northern California staple tied to regional agriculture.
Well-known farm-to-table restaurant in Midtown celebrated for seasonal Sacramento ingredients, refined cooking, and a warm neighborhood atmosphere.
Established casual spot popular for fresh prepared foods, sandwiches, salads, and California comfort fare with dependable local appeal.
Established fine-dining restaurant in Old Sacramento known for elegant American cuisine, polished service, and an extensive wine program in a historic setting.
Moderate by California standards. Hotels and dining cost less than San Francisco, but more than many inland U.S. cities.
Tip 18-20% at sit-down restaurants. Tip USD 1-2 per drink at bars, round up taxis, and tip delivery 10-20%. Little or no tip is expected for counter service.
The train connection between Reno, NV and Sacramento, CA is a convenient option for travelers looking to explore the scenic beauty of Northern California. Operated by Amtrak, this route offers comfortable seating and stunning views along the way. With multiple departures throughout the day, passengers can easily plan their journey while enjoying onboard amenities that make travel enjoyable. Whether you're heading to Sacramento's vibrant downtown or returning from Reno's picturesque landscapes, this train service provides an efficient link between these two cities.
Traveling from Reno to Sacramento takes approximately 5 hours and 37 minutes. There is 1 direct connection available per day between these two cities. Passengers will depart from Reno Station, NV and arrive at Sacramento Valley Station, CA.
The first daily train journey departs from Reno at 15:36 and arrives in Sacramento at 16:36. This convenient schedule allows travelers to enjoy a scenic ride through the beautiful landscapes of Nevada and California.
The cheapest ticket price for a train journey between Reno and Sacramento is $52 (46.8€). The average ticket price tends to be around $94 (84.6€), making the lower-priced option an attractive choice for travelers looking to save on transportation costs while enjoying the scenic route through California's beautiful landscapes.
Welcome to the California State Capitol, a stunning blend of history and architecture that has served as the seat of government since 1869. This iconic building not only houses the offices of elected officials but also stands as a symbol of democracy in action, showcasing beautiful murals and sculptures that reflect our state's rich heritage. As you explore its grand halls, take note of the unique dome design inspired by classical Roman architecture—it's truly an emblematic feature that captures both beauty and purpose.
Next, we venture into Old Sacramento Historic District, where time seems to stand still amidst cobblestone streets lined with wooden storefronts dating back to the Gold Rush era. This vibrant area is significant for preserving California's pioneering spirit; it offers visitors a glimpse into life during one of America's most transformative periods through museums and historic sites. Don't miss out on experiencing its unique features like vintage steam trains or horse-drawn carriages that transport you back in time while immersing yourself in lively shops filled with local crafts.
Finally, we arrive at Sutter's Fort State Historic Park—a crucial site for understanding early Californian settlement established by John Sutter in 1839. The fort played an essential role during the Gold Rush as a supply center for thousands seeking fortune; today it serves as an educational hub illustrating pioneer life through interactive exhibits and reenactments. One standout feature here is its impressive adobe walls which have stood resiliently over centuries—walking alongside them allows you to feel connected to those who shaped this land long before us.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Reno, NV 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.

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need