Book Amtrak Train

Planning a train journey through the San Francisco Bay Area? Look no further than the Emeryville Amtrak station (EMY). While San Francisco itself doesn’t have a direct Amtrak station, Emeryville serves as its primary gateway, offering seamless connections and a convenient hub for exploring the region and beyond.

Whether you’re embarking on a scenic cross-country adventure or a quick trip within California, understanding the Emeryville station and its connections is key. Let’s dive into everything you need to know!

The Emeryville Amtrak Station Up Close

Located in the vibrant East Bay city of Emeryville, this station is more than just a stop; it’s a vital intermodal hub.

• Address: 5885 Horton St, Emeryville, CA 94608
• Station Code: EMY
• Station Hours: Generally open for ticket sales and waiting room access from early morning until late evening, coinciding with train schedules. Check Amtrak’s official site for exact daily hours.
• Amenities:
  • Staffed ticket counter
  • Waiting area
  • Restrooms
  • Quik-Trak kiosks for self-service ticketing
  • Vending machines
  • Paid parking lot available (operated by a third party, expect daily rates)
  • No checked baggage service for most Capitol Corridor trains, but available for the Coast Starlight and California Zephyr. Always confirm baggage policies for your specific train.
• Accessibility: The station is fully ADA compliant, with accessible platforms, restrooms, and parking.

Why Emeryville is Your Go-To Bay Area Hub

Emeryville’s strategic location is what makes it so important. It’s the primary transfer point for passengers heading to and from San Francisco, utilizing Amtrak’s dedicated Thruway Bus service. This means you can book a ticket directly to “San Francisco (SFC)” or “San Francisco (Ferry Building – SFF)” and your journey will seamlessly include the train to Emeryville and the connecting bus.

Major Train Routes Served:

• California Zephyr: The legendary route to Chicago, passing through Sacramento, Reno, Salt Lake City, and Denver.
• Coast Starlight: The stunning coastal journey north to Seattle or south to Los Angeles.
• Capitol Corridor: Frequent, convenient service connecting the Bay Area (Oakland, Berkeley, Davis) to Sacramento and Auburn.
• San Joaquins: While the train doesn’t reach Emeryville directly, Amtrak Thruway Buses connect Emeryville to Stockton and other cities served by the San Joaquins route in the Central Valley.

Key Distances and Travel Times from Emeryville

Here’s a breakdown of approximate distances and travel times from Emeryville to key cities and airports. Please note that train and bus times can vary based on schedule, track work, and traffic conditions.

To San Francisco (The Gateway City)

• Distance: Approximately 8-10 miles to downtown San Francisco.
• Travel Time (Amtrak Thruway Bus): 15-30 minutes, depending on traffic and drop-off location.
• Key Drop-off Points:
  • San Francisco Transbay Center (SFC): The primary bus terminal in downtown SF.
  • San Francisco Ferry Building (SFF): Convenient for waterfront attractions.

To Other Major California Cities by Train/Thruway Bus

• Oakland (Jack London Square – OAC):
  • Distance: Approximately 5 miles.
  • Travel Time (Capitol Corridor): 10-15 minutes (very frequent service).
• Sacramento (SAC):
  • Distance: Approximately 85 miles.
  • Travel Time (Capitol Corridor): 1 hour 45 minutes – 2 hours.
• San Jose (SJC):
  • Distance: Approximately 45 miles.
  • Travel Time (Capitol Corridor): 1 hour 20 minutes – 1 hour 30 minutes.
• Los Angeles (Union Station – LAX):
  • Distance: Approximately 400 miles.
  • Travel Time (Coast Starlight): 10-12 hours (an overnight journey).
• Bakersfield (BFL) / San Joaquin Valley:
  • Distance: Varies, but Bakersfield is approx. 280 miles.
  • Travel Time (Amtrak Thruway Bus to San Joaquin train): Typically 6-8+ hours depending on the final destination.

To Major Airports

• Oakland International Airport (OAK):
  • Distance: Approximately 9-10 miles.
  • Travel Time (Public Transit): Take AC Transit bus line 29 from the station to 12th St. BART, then BART to Coliseum, then the BART AirBART connector. Or, take the Capitol Corridor to Oakland Coliseum station and transfer to AirBART. Expect 45-60 minutes total.
  • Travel Time (Ride-share/Taxi): 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic.
• San Francisco International Airport (SFO):
  • Distance: Approximately 25-30 miles.
  • Travel Time (Public Transit): Take AC Transit bus to a BART station (e.g., Macarthur or 12th St.), then BART directly to SFO. Expect 1 hour 15 minutes – 1 hour 45 minutes total.
  • Travel Time (Ride-share/Taxi): 40-60 minutes, highly dependent on Bay Bridge traffic.
• San Jose Mineta International Airport (SJC):
  • Distance: Approximately 45-50 miles.
  • Travel Time (Public Transit): Take Capitol Corridor train to San Jose Diridon Station, then connect to local VTA bus or light rail to SJC. Expect 2 hours – 2 hours 30 minutes.
  • Travel Time (Ride-share/Taxi): 50-75 minutes, depending on traffic.

Navigating To/From Emeryville Station

• AC Transit (Local Buses): Several AC Transit lines serve the station, connecting to various points in Emeryville, Berkeley, and Oakland. Check Google Maps or the AC Transit website for specific routes and schedules.
• Ride-Share & Taxis: Uber, Lyft, and local taxi services are readily available for drop-off and pick-up at the station.
• Driving: The station is easily accessible from I-80, I-580, and I-880. Remember to factor in parking costs if driving and leaving your car.

Essential Tips for a Smooth Journey

1. Book in Advance: Especially for long-distance routes like the California Zephyr or Coast Starlight, booking early ensures you get the best fares and preferred seating.
2. Arrive Early: Aim to arrive at least 30-45 minutes before departure, especially if you need to pick up tickets, check baggage (for applicable trains), or navigate parking.
3. Utilize Thruway: If your destination is San Francisco, always book your ticket directly to “San Francisco (SFC)” or “San Francisco (Ferry Building – SFF)” to ensure your Amtrak Thruway Bus connection is included.
4. Check Train Status: Delays can happen. Check Amtrak’s website or app for real-time train status updates before you leave for the station.
5. Baggage: Be aware of Amtrak’s baggage policies. While long-distance trains allow checked bags, Capitol Corridor generally only permits carry-on.

Emeryville Amtrak is more than just a stop on the map; it’s a vital connection point that makes train travel to and from the Bay Area a seamless and enjoyable experience. Happy travels!