Planning a trip to or from Roseville, California, by train? Whether you’re a local looking for a scenic escape or a visitor arriving in this charming Sacramento suburb, understanding your Amtrak options is key. Roseville’s Amtrak station (RSV) serves as a convenient gateway, connecting passengers to major California cities and beyond.
This guide will give you everything you need to navigate the Roseville Amtrak station, from its amenities to essential travel distances.
The Roseville Amtrak Station (RSV): What You Need to Know
The Roseville Amtrak station is located in the heart of downtown, offering easy access to local shops, restaurants, and the city’s historic charm.
- Location: 201 Pacific Street, Roseville, CA 95678
- Station Code: RSV
- Type: Unstaffed station with a waiting shelter.
Which Trains Stop Here?
Roseville is served by two major Amtrak routes:
- The California Zephyr: This iconic long-distance train connects Chicago to Emeryville (San Francisco Bay Area) via Denver, Salt Lake City, and Reno. It offers breathtaking scenic views, especially through the Sierra Nevada mountains.
- The Capitol Corridor: A regional service popular with commuters and leisure travelers, connecting Auburn to San Jose, with frequent stops in Sacramento, Davis, Emeryville, Oakland, and more.
Station Amenities & Services
As an unstaffed station, Roseville offers basic but essential amenities:
- Waiting Shelter: A covered area to wait for your train, providing protection from the elements.
- Restrooms: Available on-site.
- Quik-Trak Kiosk: A self-service machine for purchasing or printing tickets.
- Disabled Access: The station and platform are accessible for passengers with disabilities.
- No Checked Baggage Service: Since it’s an unstaffed station, you’ll need to handle all your luggage (carry-on only for Capitol Corridor; personal items and carry-on for Zephyr within Amtrak’s limits).
Getting To & From the Station
The Roseville station’s downtown location makes it quite convenient.
- Parking: Limited paid parking is available nearby, often in city lots or street parking. Always check signage for restrictions and fees.
- Public Transit: Placer County Transit (PCT) serves Roseville, with bus stops within walking distance of the station, connecting you to various parts of the city.
- Rideshare & Taxis: Uber, Lyft, and local taxi services are readily available in Roseville.
- Walking: The station is within easy walking distance of downtown Roseville’s attractions, including the Maidu Museum & Historic Site, local eateries, and boutiques.
Key Distances & Travel Times from Roseville (RSV)
Here’s a breakdown of approximate distances and estimated travel times to popular destinations by road and, where applicable, by train. Please note that road travel times can vary significantly based on traffic, and train schedules should always be checked directly with Amtrak.
1. Nearby Hubs: Sacramento & Airport
- Sacramento (Downtown):
- Distance (Road): ~18 miles
- Drive Time: 20-35 minutes (I-80 W)
- Train Time (Capitol Corridor): ~25-30 minutes to Sacramento Valley Station (SMF)
- Sacramento International Airport (SMF):
- Distance (Road): ~25 miles
- Drive Time: 30-45 minutes (primarily I-80 W, then I-5 N or Garden Hwy)
- Amtrak Connection: Take the Capitol Corridor to Sacramento Valley Station, then connect to the Yolobus Airport Express (Route 42A/B).
2. Bay Area Destinations
- Emeryville (for San Francisco Connection):
- Distance (Road): ~90 miles
- Drive Time: 1 hour 30 minutes – 2 hours 15 minutes (I-80 W)
- Train Time (Capitol Corridor): ~1 hour 45 minutes – 2 hours 15 minutes. From Emeryville, Amtrak offers a dedicated Thruway Bus service directly to several San Francisco locations (Ferry Building, Financial District, Fisherman’s Wharf).
- San Francisco (Downtown):
- Distance (Road): ~100 miles
- Drive Time: 1 hour 45 minutes – 2 hours 45 minutes (factoring Bay Bridge traffic)
- Train Time: ~2 hours 30 minutes – 3 hours (including bus transfer from Emeryville).
- San Francisco International Airport (SFO):
- Distance (Road): ~110 miles
- Drive Time: 2 hours – 3 hours (depending on Bay Area traffic).
- Amtrak Connection: Train to Emeryville, then Amtrak Thruway Bus to SF, then BART from downtown SF. Or, drive/rideshare from Emeryville.
- Oakland (Jack London Square Station):
- Distance (Road): ~90 miles
- Drive Time: 1 hour 30 minutes – 2 hours 15 minutes (I-80 W)
- Train Time (Capitol Corridor): ~1 hour 45 minutes – 2 hours 15 minutes. The station is near BART and local transit.
- Oakland International Airport (OAK):
- Distance (Road): ~95 miles
- Drive Time: 1 hour 45 minutes – 2 hours 30 minutes.
- Amtrak Connection: Train to Oakland Jack London Square, then a short walk/taxi to the BART station, then the OAK Airport Connector.
- San Jose (Diridon Station):
- Distance (Road): ~120 miles
- Drive Time: 2 hours – 3 hours (I-80 W, I-680 S, I-880 S)
- Train Time (Capitol Corridor): ~3 hours – 3 hours 30 minutes.
3. Mountain Gateways
- Reno, Nevada:
- Distance (Road): ~100 miles
- Drive Time: 1 hour 45 minutes – 2 hours 30 minutes (I-80 E, depending on weather/traffic over Donner Pass)
- Train Time (California Zephyr): ~2 hours 30 minutes – 3 hours (a beautiful, scenic ride over the Sierras).
- Lake Tahoe (South Lake Tahoe):
- Distance (Road): ~80 miles
- Drive Time: 1 hour 30 minutes – 2 hours 30 minutes (US-50 E, depending on weather/traffic)
- Amtrak Connection: Take the California Zephyr to Truckee, then arrange for local shuttle/taxi to Lake Tahoe.
Why Travel to/from Roseville by Train?
Beyond the practicalities, choosing Amtrak for your Roseville journey offers several advantages:
- Relaxing Travel: Skip the stress of traffic, parking, and airport security. Enjoy the scenery and make use of your travel time.
- Scenic Routes: The California Zephyr journey through the Sierra Nevada is renowned for its natural beauty.
- Convenience: The downtown location puts you right where the action is, or provides easy connections to major urban centers.
- Environmental Choice: Train travel is a more eco-friendly option compared to driving or flying.
Tips for a Smooth Trip
- Check Schedules: Always verify train schedules and potential delays on Amtrak’s official website or app before heading to the station.
- Arrive Early: Although unstaffed, arriving 15-20 minutes before departure gives you ample time to find parking, use the kiosk, and locate your platform.
- Mobile Ticketing: Use the Amtrak app for easy access to your tickets.
- Food & Drinks: While some trains have cafés, consider bringing your own snacks and beverages, especially for Capitol Corridor or shorter Zephyr segments.
- Luggage: Remember the lack of checked baggage and plan accordingly.
Start Your Roseville Adventure by Train!
The Amtrak station in Roseville offers a convenient and accessible way to explore California’s diverse landscapes and vibrant cities. Whether you’re commuting to Sacramento, heading to the Bay Area, or embarking on a grand cross-country adventure, Roseville’s RSV station is your ticket to a memorable journey.
Ready to plan your trip? Visit Amtrak.com to check schedules and book your tickets!
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