Sacramento, CA to Fresno, CA train

Trains from Sacramento to Fresno

At least eight trains depart Sacramento for Fresno every day. These trains depart from Sacramento Valley Station headed for Fresno Station, and the trip takes about 3h 50min. The 157-mile (254 km) journey from Sacramento to Fresno is long, but luckily you’ll have fast Amtrak trains to make the journey. There are no direct trains for this trip, but most single-stop trains make the journey in good time. The train trip from Sacramento to Fresno will include a stop either in Stockton Station, Stockton or Martinez Station, Martinez, for a changeover either from bus to train or one train to another. You can book your train from Sacramento to Fresno using the Omio app, and the process is quick and easy.

Sacramento to Fresno Train Time: Daily Departures

There are at least eight daily trains from Sacramento to Fresno, and these trains are available every day of the week. The trains depart at different times of the day, and you’ll need to be at the station around 7:15 a.m. for the earliest departure and 6:05 p.m. for the latest departure. No direct trains are serving this route, and so expect all trains to have a single stop either in Stockton Station or Martinez Station for a changeover. The Omio app allows you to view the various trains available and their departure times. Book your train from Sacramento to Fresno using the Omio app and choose the departure time that best suits you.

How long is the journey by train from Sacramento to Fresno?

The trip from Sacramento to Fresno is long, but luckily you’ll have several fast trains to make the journey. The distance between Sacramento and Fresno is about 157 miles (254 km), and you’ll have trains making this trip at an average time of 3h 50min. The quickest train from Sacramento to Fresno makes this 157-mile (254 km) journey in about 3h 40min and usually includes one change either in Stockton or Martinez.

If you’re in no rush, there’s an afternoon train available, and it takes about 5h 50min to cover the same distance. The train ride from Sacramento to Fresno is amazing and takes you through some of the most beautiful scenery California offers. For the best experience, book your train from Sacramento to Fresno using the Omio app.

What are the departure and arrival stations for trains from Sacramento to Fresno?

Departure train station: Sacramento Valley Station, Sacramento is the departure station for the train from Sacramento to Fresno. The station is about 1.3 miles (2 km) from downtown Sacramento, and you can easily get there by walking or taking a cab. The Sacramento Valley Station is a modern station with many amenities travelers enjoy. You will find ATMs, QuickTrak kiosks, payphones, and food and drinks vending machines at the station. Same-day and overnight parking is offered at the station, with reserved spaces for people with limited mobility. Most of the station is wheelchair accessible, including the platform, waiting area, water fountain, restrooms, and ticket offices. There’s even a wheelchair lift provided at the station. Luggage storage checked baggage services, and baggage assistance are all available at the station, and so are ski bags and bike boxes for sale.

Arrival train station: Fresno Station, Fresno is the arrival station for the train from Sacramento. The station is just under a mile from downtown Fresno, and you can easily get there by taking a cab or walking. The station has a beautiful waiting area with a water fountain, and you’ll find vending machines, QuickTrak kiosks, and payphones at the Fresno Station. Same-day and overnight parking is provided at the station and reserved spots for people with disabilities. Additionally, most of the station is wheelchair accessible, including the waiting room, water fountain, platform, ticket booths, restrooms, and payphones. The station also provides wheelchairs, and a wheelchair lift is present as well. Bag storage is offered, but not checked baggage storage. You can also ask for baggage assistance from the station’s staff, as well as checked baggage services.

Sacramento Night. Source: Shutterstock

Which train companies travel from Sacramento to Fresno?

Amtrak is the main train provider with trains plying the Sacramento to Fresno route. On this journey, Amtrak has provided at least eight daily trains to ferry passengers between the two points, and the famed Capitol Corridor is among them. Amtrak trains are popular because they prioritize the passengers’ comfort. Whether in first-class or coach, you’re guaranteed large comfortable reclining seats, a fold-down tray, individual reading light, and a power outlet. High-speed Wi-Fi is offered onboard many Amtrak trains to keep you connected to the people you love. Meals and drinks are provided for long-distance trains, and you’ll have a variety of accommodation options and clean restrooms in every car too. Pets below 20 pounds are welcome on most Amtrak trains, and so are guide dogs and therapy animals of all sizes. You can book any Amtrak train using the Omio app from the comfort of your home.

Amtrak trains from Sacramento to Fresno

Amtrak has at least eight trains making the trip from Sacramento to Fresno. The Capitol Corridor, 718 San Joaquin, 716 San Joaquin, 714 San Joaquin, 712 San Joaquin, and 710 Amtrak are the trains tasked with making the trip from Sacramento to Fresno. Some of these journeys involving the 718 San Joaquin, 716 San Joaquin, 714 San Joaquin, and 712 San Joaquin trains will include a bus ride, with the changeover being made wither in Stockton or Martinez. The 718 San Joaquin offers the fastest trip from Sacramento to Fresno, and it takes about 3h 40min. It is an evening train, so be at the station around 6:05 p.m. to catch it. Contrarily, the Capitol Corridor and 718 San Joaquin combinations make the slowest journey. This early-evening train departs the station at 3:55 p.m. and arrives in Fresno about 5h 50min later.

Sacramento to Fresno Train: Services on board

You will have several train options for this trip - Capitol Corridor, 718 San Joaquin, 716 San Joaquin, 714 San Joaquin, 712 San Joaquin, and 710 Amtrak. Since this journey is a short one, most trains offer the same amenities onboard. The Capitol Corridor, 718 San Joaquin, 716 San Joaquin, 714 San Joaquin, 712 San Joaquin, and 710 Amtrak offer coach seats with large, comfortable reclining seats with an individual reading light, collapsible tray, and a power outlet.

This journey has no first or business class, but you’ll still have access to many amenities, including free Wi-Fi, clean restrooms, and the meals and drinks offered on board. Pets are not allowed onboard on this journey, but therapy and service animals will be allowed on board. You can bring your bike on board, but ensure you make a reservation because of the limited bike storage facilities. Most of the train is wheelchair accessible, and you’ll also get reserved seats for passengers in wheelchairs.

How to find cheap train tickets from Sacramento to Fresno

The Omio app is an easy and convenient way of getting great deals on your train ticket for the trip to Fresno from Sacramento. Here are three other tips. Try booking in advance. Booking days or weeks in advance allows you to enjoy cheaper fares than booking at the last minute. If you wish to enjoy cheaper fares, choose long or connecting trips since these have cheaper fares than nonstop trips. Finally, be flexible with your traveling dates. Some trains are busier on the weekend, meaning you’ll have more expensive fares then than during weekdays.

Fresno Park People. Source: Shutterstock

To Fresno by train – travel tips

Fresno is a city filled with adventure. It has many fun activities that nature lovers, thrill-seekers, shopping enthusiasts, and foodies will enjoy. Here are some top fun things you’ll find in Fresno. It’s not every day that you’ll come across underground courtyards with grapevines and fruit trees, so when in Fresno, ensure you pay a visit to the Forestiere Gardens. Another must-visit location is the Fresno Chaffee Zoo. It will be a great stop if your kids come on this trip, and you and your little animal lovers will see over 190 species at the zoo as well as great exhibits, such as the Sea Lion Cove, Stingray Bay, and African Adventure.

If you love nature and being outdoors, then this 300-acre paradise named Woodward Park is a must-visit when in Fresno. Here you’ll encounter many trails, a huge lake, and little ponds where you can feed the ducks. It is a great area for an outdoor picnic or barbeque with the family.

The Fresno Art Museum is another on the list of fun things to do in Fresno. Among its diverse collection and pieces of contemporary art, Columbian sculptures, and Mexican and Mexican-American pieces. Your trip shouldn’t end without a visit to downtown Fresno where you’ll get a taste of the city’s hip art exhibits, street art, amazing restaurants, and many shopping outlets.