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Davis, California, is more than just a charming college town; it’s a remarkably well-connected transportation hub, thanks in large part to its strategically located Amtrak station. Whether you’re a UC Davis student heading home for the holidays, a commuter avoiding I-80 traffic, or a visitor exploring the Golden State, the Davis Amtrak station offers a convenient and scenic way to travel.

This guide will give you everything you need to know about navigating the Davis Amtrak station, including its prime location, the routes it serves, and key distances to major cities and airports.

The Davis Amtrak Station: A Historic Gem

Located at 840 2nd Street, Davis, CA 95616, the Davis Amtrak station is housed in the charming, historic Southern Pacific Depot, built in 1913. While it retains its classic architectural appeal, the station has been updated to serve modern travelers.

Key Features & Amenities:

Waiting Area: A comfortable, though not overly spacious, indoor waiting area.
Ticketing & QuikTrak Kiosk: Purchase tickets or print existing ones.
Restrooms: Available during station hours.
Bike-Friendly: Given Davis’s cycling culture, there are ample bike racks and lockers. You can also bring your bike on board the Capitol Corridor trains (subject to space and additional fees).
Proximity: The station is ideally situated within easy walking distance of downtown Davis shops, restaurants, and the UC Davis campus.

Getting To & From the Davis Station

On Foot/Bike: Being in the heart of Davis, it’s easily accessible by walking or cycling from most parts of the city and campus.
Unitrans (Local Bus): Several Unitrans routes stop near the station, connecting it to various parts of Davis and the UC Davis campus.
Parking: Metered street parking is available, as well as designated paid parking lots nearby for short-term and long-term stays.
Ride-Share/Taxis: Services like Uber, Lyft, and local taxis are readily available.

Amtrak Routes Serving Davis

Davis is a significant stop for three major Amtrak lines, offering connections throughout California and beyond:

Capitol Corridor: This is the workhorse of Northern California rail travel. It offers frequent daily service between San Jose and Sacramento, with numerous stops in the Bay Area. Davis is a very popular stop on this route.
California Zephyr: A legendary long-distance train, the Zephyr connects Chicago to Emeryville (Bay Area) via Denver and Reno. It passes through Davis once daily in each direction.
Coast Starlight: Another iconic long-distance service, the Coast Starlight runs between Seattle and Los Angeles, offering stunning Pacific Coast views. It stops in Davis once daily in each direction.

Key Destinations & Approximate Travel Times from Davis (by Train & Thruway Bus)

Here’s a breakdown of popular destinations accessible from Davis, along with estimated travel times:

Within California:

Sacramento (SAC): Approx. 20-30 minutes (Capitol Corridor). Very frequent service.
Oakland Jack London Square (OKJ): Approx. 1 hour (Capitol Corridor). Frequent service.
Emeryville (EMY): Approx. 1 hour (Capitol Corridor, California Zephyr, Coast Starlight). A key transfer point for connecting Thruway buses to San Francisco.
Berkeley (BKY) – University Ave: Approx. 1 hour 15 minutes (Capitol Corridor). Frequent service.
San Francisco (SFC) (via Thruway Bus from Emeryville/Oakland): Approx. 1.5 – 2 hours total travel time (train to Emeryville/Oakland, then connecting Amtrak Thruway bus).
San Jose Diridon (SJC): Approx. 2 – 2.5 hours (Capitol Corridor). Frequent service, some direct, some require a quick transfer.
Martinez (MTZ): Approx. 45 minutes (Capitol Corridor).
Richmond (RIC): Approx. 1 hour (Capitol Corridor). Offers direct BART connection to San Francisco and SFO.
Stockton (SKN): Approx. 1 hour (Capitol Corridor).
Bakersfield (BFL) (via Thruway Bus transfer): Approx. 6-7 hours (train to Martinez/Emeryville, then Thruway bus connection).
Los Angeles (LAX): Approx. 12-14 hours (Coast Starlight). One daily train.

Beyond California (Long-Distance):

Reno, Nevada (RNO): Approx. 4.5 – 5 hours (California Zephyr). One daily train.
Portland, Oregon (PDX): Approx. 12 – 14 hours (Coast Starlight). One daily train.
Seattle, Washington (SEA): Approx. 18 – 20 hours (Coast Starlight). One daily train.
Chicago, Illinois (CHI): Approx. 2 days (California Zephyr). One daily train.

Connecting to Major Airports from Davis

While there isn’t direct train service to every airport, Amtrak offers convenient connections via Thruway buses or easy transfers to local transit:

Sacramento International Airport (SMF):
- Distance: Approx. 20 miles (30-minute drive).
- Connection: Ride-share/taxi is the most direct. You can also take Amtrak to Sacramento Valley Station (SVS) and connect to an Amtrak Thruway bus to SMF, though a ride-share from Davis is often faster.
Oakland International Airport (OAK):
- Distance: Approx. 50 miles (1-hour drive).
- Connection: Take the Capitol Corridor train to the Oakland Coliseum Station (COL). From there, you can directly transfer to the BART train that goes straight to OAK. Expect total travel time around 1.5 – 2 hours.
San Francisco International Airport (SFO):
- Distance: Approx. 70 miles (1.5-hour drive).
- Connection Option 1: Take the Capitol Corridor train to Richmond (RIC). From Richmond, you can transfer directly to BART, which goes directly to SFO.
- Connection Option 2: Take the Capitol Corridor train to Emeryville (EMY), then an Amtrak Thruway bus to downtown San Francisco’s Ferry Building or Salesforce Transit Center. From there, take BART or a taxi/ride-share to SFO.
- Expect total travel time around 2 – 2.5 hours.
San Jose International Airport (SJC):
- Distance: Approx. 80 miles (1.5-hour drive).
- Connection: Take the Capitol Corridor train to San Jose Diridon Station (SJC). From there, you can take a bus (VTA Airport Flyer Route 60) or a ride-share service directly to SJC. Expect total travel time around 2.5 – 3 hours.

Why Choose Amtrak from Davis?

Stress-Free Travel: Avoid the traffic headaches of I-80 and the Bay Area.
Scenic Views: Enjoy the landscapes of the Sacramento Valley and the Carquinez Strait.
Eco-Friendly: A more sustainable way to travel than driving solo.
Comfort & Space: More legroom and freedom to move around than on an airplane or bus.
UC Davis Convenience: Unbeatable proximity for students, faculty, and visitors to the university.

Whether you’re embarking on a grand cross-country adventure or simply commuting to Sacramento, the Davis Amtrak station offers a reliable, convenient, and enjoyable travel experience. So next time you’re planning a trip, consider letting the train take the strain!