- 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
$33
Average price
$37
Fastest journey
1 h 43 m
Average duration
1 h 49 m
Trains per day
17
Distance
121 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from San Francisco, CA 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 San Francisco, CA to Sacramento, CA will cost around $37 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $33.
Of the 17 trains that leave San Francisco, CA for Sacramento, CA on Fri, Jul 31, 17 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Jul 31 the direct trains cover the 121 km distance in an average of 1 h 49 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 43 m .
On Fri, Jul 31 the slowest trains will take 1 h 52 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.
548 Capitol Corridor
534 Capitol Corridor
524 Capitol Corridor
520 Capitol Corridor
544 Capitol Corridor
538 Capitol Corridor
6 California Zephyr
550 Capitol Corridor
548 Capitol Corridor
532 Capitol CorridorOmio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from San Francisco, CA to Sacramento, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $19. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 2h 13m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $19, and a bus costs an average of $21.
Distance: 75 miles (121 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$28 Average price Cheapest | $32 Average price | $25 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 51m Average total duration 2h 21m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 43m Average total duration Fastest 2h 13m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 27m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
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 Francisco, CA to Sacramento, CA:
A train is $4 (€3) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from San Francisco, CA to Sacramento, CA costing on average $32 (€26).
Other travel options to Sacramento, CA take longer:
Train takes on average 2h 21m.
Tickets start at around $28 (€23) compared to roughly $25 (€21) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-2.71 (€-2.22). The journey takes 2h 21m versus 1h 27m 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 San Francisco, CA to Sacramento, CA trains for today, Thursday, July 30. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
520 Capitol Corridor | 5:38 AM Emeryville station, Emeryville, CA | 1h54 | 7:32 AM Sacramento Valley Station, Sacramento, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
522 Capitol Corridor | 6:38 AM Emeryville station, Emeryville, CA | 1h52 | 8:30 AM Sacramento Valley Station, Sacramento, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
524 Capitol Corridor | 7:45 AM Emeryville station, Emeryville, CA | 1h55 | 9:40 AM Sacramento Valley Station, Sacramento, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
6 California Zephyr | 8:25 AM Emeryville station, Emeryville, CA | 1h47 | 10:12 AM Sacramento Valley Station, Sacramento, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
526 Capitol Corridor | 9:08 AM Emeryville station, Emeryville, CA | 1h52 | 11:00 AM Sacramento Valley Station, Sacramento, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
528 Capitol Corridor | 10:09 AM Emeryville station, Emeryville, CA | 1h55 | 12:04 PM Sacramento Valley Station, Sacramento, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
530 Capitol Corridor | 11:53 AM Emeryville station, Emeryville, CA | 1h52 | 1:45 PM Sacramento Valley Station, Sacramento, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
532 Capitol Corridor | 1:08 PM Emeryville station, Emeryville, CA | 1h52 | 3:00 PM Sacramento Valley Station, Sacramento, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
534 Capitol Corridor | 2:08 PM Emeryville station, Emeryville, CA | 1h57 | 4:05 PM Sacramento Valley Station, Sacramento, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
536 Capitol Corridor | 3:08 PM Emeryville station, Emeryville, CA | 1h52 | 5:00 PM Sacramento Valley Station, Sacramento, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
538 Capitol Corridor | 4:13 PM Emeryville station, Emeryville, CA | 1h43 | 5:56 PM Sacramento Valley Station, Sacramento, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
540 Capitol Corridor | 4:32 PM Emeryville station, Emeryville, CA | 1h53 | 6:25 PM Sacramento Valley Station, Sacramento, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
542 Capitol Corridor | 5:33 PM Emeryville station, Emeryville, CA | 1h53 | 7:26 PM Sacramento Valley Station, Sacramento, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
544 Capitol Corridor | 6:48 PM Emeryville station, Emeryville, CA | 1h53 | 8:41 PM Sacramento Valley Station, Sacramento, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
548 Capitol Corridor | 7:38 PM Emeryville station, Emeryville, CA | 1h52 | 9:30 PM Sacramento Valley Station, Sacramento, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
550 Capitol Corridor | 8:15 PM Emeryville station, Emeryville, CA | 1h50 | 10:05 PM Sacramento Valley Station, Sacramento, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
14 Coast Starlight | 9:41 PM Emeryville station, Emeryville, CA | 2h08 | 11:49 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 bus 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 San Francisco, CA to Sacramento, CA run on average 14 times per day, taking around 2h 21m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $19 (€16) if you book in advance.
There are 14 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:28, the last at 22:28. The fastest train covers the 75 miles (121 km) distance in 1h 45m.
Distance 75 miles (121 km) |
Average train duration 2h 21m |
Cheapest ticket price $19 (€16) |
Trains per day 14 |
Direct trains 14 |
Fastest train 1h 45m |
First train 12:28 AM |
Last train 10:28 PM |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 14 days |
Discover the best of Sacramento, CA — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Sacramento, CA 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 Francisco, CA 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 San Francisco, CA to Sacramento, CA trains use the Emeryville Station to Sacramento Valley Station station pair. Use this guide to compare San Francisco, CA 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.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need