Nestled in the heart of Placer County, the Rocklin Amtrak station (RLN) offers a convenient, stress-free alternative for travelers looking to explore Northern California or simply commute to nearby cities. While it might be a smaller stop compared to grander terminals, RLN is a vital link on the popular Capitol Corridor route, connecting passengers to a vibrant network of destinations.
If you’re planning a trip to or from Rocklin by train, this guide has everything you need to know, including distances to key cities and airports.
The Rocklin Amtrak Station (RLN) At a Glance
- Location: 3840 Taylor Rd, Rocklin, CA 95677 (Near the intersection of Taylor Road and Rocklin Road)
- Station Code: RLN
- Station Type: Unstaffed platform with a shelter. Think convenience, not a grand terminal.
- Service: Primarily serves the Amtrak Capitol Corridor route.
- Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible platform.
What to Expect at RLN
Being an unstaffed station, the Rocklin stop is designed for efficiency and ease of use.
- Amenities: You’ll find a basic shelter with benches to protect you from the elements. There are no restrooms, ticketing agents, or food/beverage services directly at the station.
- Ticketing: It’s highly recommended to purchase your tickets in advance online via Amtrak’s website (Amtrak.com), through the Amtrak mobile app, or by calling 1-800-USA-RAIL. While some smaller stations might have a Quik-Trak kiosk, it’s best not to rely on one being available here.
- Parking: There is typically free parking available adjacent to the platform, though spaces can be limited during peak travel times. Always observe posted parking signs.
- Boarding: Listen for announcements and watch for your train’s arrival. Conductors will assist with boarding.
Routes Served: The Capitol Corridor
The Rocklin station is a key stop on the Amtrak Capitol Corridor route. This popular line connects the Sacramento area with the San Francisco Bay Area, offering a scenic and comfortable journey for commuters and leisure travelers alike.
From Rocklin, trains run:
- Eastbound: Towards the end of the line in Auburn.
- Westbound: Towards Roseville, Sacramento, Davis, Martinez, Oakland, Emeryville (for San Francisco connections), Berkeley, Richmond, and San Jose.
Distances to Key Cities from Rocklin (RLN)
Here’s a look at approximate train travel times and driving distances to popular destinations accessible from Rocklin. Keep in mind that train times are estimates and can vary based on schedule, stops, and unforeseen delays.
Within Placer & Sacramento Counties:
- Roseville (RSV):
- Train: ~5-10 minutes
- Drive: ~3-5 miles (5-8 km), 5-10 minutes
- Auburn (AUB): (End of Capitol Corridor line)
- Train: ~20-25 minutes
- Drive: ~15 miles (24 km), 15-20 minutes
- Sacramento (SAC): (Major hub, transfer point)
- Train: ~25-30 minutes
- Drive: ~20 miles (32 km), 20-30 minutes
- Davis (DAV):
- Train: ~40-45 minutes
- Drive: ~30 miles (48 km), 30-40 minutes
San Francisco Bay Area & Beyond:
- Martinez (MTZ):
- Train: ~1 hour 15 minutes – 1 hour 30 minutes
- Drive: ~65 miles (105 km), 1 hour 15 minutes – 1 hour 45 minutes
- Richmond (RIC): (Transfer to BART)
- Train: ~1 hour 45 minutes – 2 hours
- Drive: ~80 miles (129 km), 1 hour 30 minutes – 2 hours
- Oakland – Jack London Square (OKJ): (Close to BART, ferry to SF)
- Train: ~2 hours – 2 hours 15 minutes
- Drive: ~90 miles (145 km), 1 hour 45 minutes – 2 hours 30 minutes
- Emeryville (EMY): (Primary connecting point for Amtrak’s long-distance trains and Thruway Bus to San Francisco)
- Train: ~2 hours – 2 hours 15 minutes
- Drive: ~90 miles (145 km), 1 hour 45 minutes – 2 hours 30 minutes
- San Francisco (SFC – Thruway Bus): (Accessed via Thruway Bus from Emeryville or BART from Oakland/Richmond)
- Train + Bus/BART: Typically 2 hours 30 minutes – 3 hours (including transfer time)
- Drive: ~95 miles (153 km), 2 hours – 3 hours (depending on traffic)
- San Jose – Diridon Station (SJC): (End of Capitol Corridor line, connecting to Caltrain)
- Train: ~3 hours – 3 hours 30 minutes
- Drive: ~120 miles (193 km), 2 hours 15 minutes – 3 hours 30 minutes
Distances to Major Airports from Rocklin (RLN)
Traveling by train can be an excellent way to connect to major regional airports, often avoiding traffic and parking hassles.
- Sacramento International Airport (SMF):
- Driving: ~25 miles (40 km), 25-40 minutes.
- Train + Shuttle/Taxi: Ride the Capitol Corridor to Sacramento Valley Station (SAC), then take a taxi, rideshare, or a local bus service (Yolobus Route 42A/B) to SMF. Total travel time can range from 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes, depending on connections.
- Oakland International Airport (OAK):
- Driving: ~90 miles (145 km), 1 hour 45 minutes – 2 hours 30 minutes.
- Train + BART: Take the Capitol Corridor to Oakland Coliseum Station (OKC), which has a direct pedestrian walkway to the BART station. From Oakland Coliseum BART, take the “BART to OAK Airport” train (Automated Guideway Transit system) directly to the airport terminals. Total travel time is usually 2 hours 30 minutes – 3 hours.
- San Francisco International Airport (SFO):
- Driving: ~95 miles (153 km), 2 hours – 3 hours.
- Train + BART: Take the Capitol Corridor to either Richmond (RIC) or Oakland Coliseum (OKC). From there, connect to BART and take a train directly to the SFO airport station. Total travel time is typically 3 hours – 3 hours 30 minutes.
- San Jose International Airport (SJC):
- Driving: ~120 miles (193 km), 2 hours 15 minutes – 3 hours 30 minutes.
- Train + Taxi/Rideshare: Take the Capitol Corridor directly to San Jose Diridon Station (SJC). From Diridon Station, a short taxi or rideshare will get you to the airport. Total travel time is usually 3 hours 30 minutes – 4 hours.
Why Choose Amtrak from Rocklin?
- Stress-Free Travel: Avoid traffic, parking, and the hassles of driving.
- Scenic Views: Enjoy the landscapes of the Sacramento Valley and the Bay Area.
- Comfort: More legroom and freedom to move around than in a car or plane.
- Environmentally Friendly: A greener way to travel than driving solo.
- Convenient Connections: Seamless transfers to other Amtrak routes, BART, and local transit.
Local Attractions & Things to Do Near Rocklin
While waiting for your train or exploring Rocklin, consider visiting:
- Quarry Park Adventures: An outdoor adventure park with zip lines, a ropes course, and rock climbing.
- Sierra College: A beautiful community college campus with various events and a performing arts center.
- William Jessup University: Another local university.
- Historic Old Town Rocklin: A charming area with local shops and eateries.
- Rocklin Golf Club: For golf enthusiasts.
- Proximity to Roseville: Just a short drive or train ride to Roseville’s Westfield Galleria Mall, restaurants, and entertainment options.
Travel Tips for Rocklin Amtrak Passengers
- Check Schedules: Always verify current train schedules on Amtrak.com before your trip, as times can change.
- Arrive Early: Although unstaffed, arriving 15-20 minutes before your scheduled departure gives you time to find parking and get settled on the platform.
- Dress for Weather: The platform is exposed to the elements, so dress appropriately for the season.
- Luggage: Be prepared to carry your own luggage onto the train.
- Stay Informed: Sign up for Amtrak’s text alerts for real-time updates on your train’s status.
Whether you’re heading to the bustling Bay Area, the state capital in Sacramento, or a quiet retreat up to Auburn, the Rocklin Amtrak station offers a convenient and enjoyable starting point for your journey. Happy travels!
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