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Nestled in the heart of California’s historic Gold Country, the charming town of Colfax offers a unique gateway to the Sierra Nevada foothills and beyond. For travelers seeking a scenic, relaxed, and environmentally conscious way to explore this region, the Colfax Amtrak station (station code: CFX) is an invaluable hub.

It’s not your bustling metropolitan terminal, but rather a quaint, historic stop that connects you directly to the town’s character and the wider California landscape. This complete guide will equip you with everything you need to know about navigating Colfax by rail, including its services, what to expect, and key distances to major cities and airports.

Colfax: More Than Just a Stop

Before we dive into the logistics, it’s worth noting what makes Colfax special. This small city, once a crucial railroad town during the Gold Rush era, still retains much of its historic charm. It’s a fantastic base for exploring:

• Gold Rush History: Explore local museums, historic buildings, and nearby towns like Grass Valley and Nevada City.
• Outdoor Adventures: Gateway to hiking, fishing, and a short drive from winter sports in the Sierras.
• Small-Town Charm: Enjoy local eateries, antique shops, and the authentic pace of life in the foothills.

The Colfax Amtrak Station (CFX)

The Colfax Amtrak station is a beautiful, historic building, but it’s important to understand its facilities:

• Station Type: It is an unstaffed station. This means there are no ticket agents, no baggage services, and generally no waiting room access inside the historic building itself.
• Facilities: You’ll find a platform with a covered shelter, benches, and typically a posted schedule. Restrooms may be available nearby in the town, but not directly at the platform.
• Tickets: You must purchase your tickets in advance online, via the Amtrak app, or by phone. Conductors cannot sell tickets on board, and there are no kiosks at the station.
• Arrivals/Departures: Be sure to arrive at least 15-20 minutes before your scheduled departure time. Amtrak train times can fluctuate, so keep an eye on Amtrak’s real-time tracker for the most up-to-date information.

Which Trains Stop at Colfax?

Colfax is primarily served by Amtrak’s iconic California Zephyr route, which runs daily between Chicago and Emeryville (San Francisco Bay Area).

• Eastbound: The California Zephyr (Train 6) typically stops in Colfax in the late afternoon/early evening, heading towards Reno, Salt Lake City, and Chicago.
• Westbound: The California Zephyr (Train 5) typically stops in Colfax in the late morning/early afternoon, heading towards Sacramento and Emeryville.

This means Colfax offers a fantastic connection for both cross-country travelers and those exploring California’s diverse landscapes.

Key Distances from Colfax Amtrak

Understanding the distances to major cities and airports will help you plan your journey and any necessary onward transportation (rental cars, rideshares, etc.).

Important California Cities:

• Sacramento (SAC): Approx. 50 miles west
  • Driving Time: ~1 hour
  • Amtrak Travel Time (Westbound Zephyr): ~1 hour 15 minutes
  • Highlights: State Capital, Old Sacramento, museums, farm-to-fork dining.
• San Francisco (SFC) / Emeryville (EMY): Approx. 140-150 miles west
  • Driving Time: ~2.5 – 3 hours (depending on traffic)
  • Amtrak Travel Time (Westbound Zephyr to Emeryville): ~3 hours 15 minutes
  • Note: From Emeryville, Amtrak offers Thruway Bus connections directly to downtown San Francisco and Fisherman’s Wharf.
• Oakland (OAC): Approx. 135-145 miles west
  • Driving Time: ~2.5 hours (depending on traffic)
  • Amtrak Travel Time (Westbound Zephyr to Emeryville, short BART/local transit hop): ~3 hours 15 minutes + transit
• Lake Tahoe (Truckee, TAJ): Approx. 60 miles east
  • Driving Time: ~1 hour 15 minutes
  • Amtrak Travel Time (Eastbound Zephyr to Truckee): ~1 hour 15 minutes
  • Highlights: World-class skiing, hiking, beautiful lake, casinos, outdoor recreation. Truckee is the closest major Tahoe town by train.
• Reno, Nevada (RNO): Approx. 70 miles east
  • Driving Time: ~1 hour 15 minutes
  • Amtrak Travel Time (Eastbound Zephyr): ~1 hour 45 minutes
  • Highlights: “The Biggest Little City in the World” – casinos, entertainment, access to Nevada’s high desert.
• Los Angeles (LAX): Approx. 400 miles south
  • Driving Time: ~6-7 hours
  • Amtrak Travel Time: A long journey requiring connections (e.g., Zephyr to Emeryville, then transfer to a San Joaquin or Coast Starlight train south). Expect 12+ hours.

Nearby Airports:

• Sacramento International Airport (SMF): Approx. 60 miles west
  • Driving Time: ~1 hour 15 minutes
  • Transportation: Rental cars, rideshares (Uber/Lyft), or pre-booked private shuttles are the best options. There’s no direct public transit link.
• Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO): Approx. 70 miles east
  • Driving Time: ~1 hour 15 minutes
  • Transportation: Rental cars or rideshares are the most convenient.
• Oakland International Airport (OAK): Approx. 145 miles west
  • Driving Time: ~2 hours 45 minutes – 3 hours 15 minutes (depending on traffic)
  • Transportation: From Emeryville Amtrak station, take a short BART ride to the airport connector.
• San Francisco International Airport (SFO): Approx. 160 miles west
  • Driving Time: ~3 hours – 3 hours 45 minutes (depending on traffic)
  • Transportation: From Emeryville Amtrak station, take a short BART ride to the airport.

Why Choose Amtrak to Colfax?

• Scenic Journey: The route through the Sierra Nevada foothills is breathtaking, especially during autumn colors or winter snow.
• Relaxation: Avoid traffic, enjoy the comfort of spacious seats, and take in the views without the stress of driving.
• Sustainability: Rail travel is generally more environmentally friendly than driving or flying for short-to-medium distances.
• Unique Experience: Connecting with a historic town via its historic rail line adds a layer of adventure to your trip.

Tips for Your Colfax Amtrak Journey

1. Book Ahead: Especially for the California Zephyr, seats and roomettes can sell out.
2. Check for Delays: Always check the Amtrak app or website for real-time train status before heading to the station.
3. Local Transportation: Since Colfax is a small town and the station is unstaffed, plan your onward travel from the station in advance. Taxis and rideshares may be limited or require pre-booking. Consider car rentals if you plan to explore the region extensively.
4. Food & Drink: As there are no services at the station, ensure you have any snacks or drinks you need for your wait or journey. The Zephyr does have a dining car and cafe car on board.
5. Luggage: Be aware of Amtrak’s luggage policies, especially for long-distance trains.

Stepping off the train in Colfax isn’t just arriving at a destination; it’s stepping back in time and into the heart of California’s natural beauty and rich history. Embrace the journey, and enjoy your Gold Country adventure by rail!