Book Amtrak From Sacramento (SAC) +1.855.954.6300..!!

Sacramento, California’s bustling state capital, is more than just a political hub – it’s also a vibrant center for rail travel, offering convenient connections throughout California and beyond. Whether you’re a seasoned train enthusiast or a first-time rider, understanding the Sacramento Amtrak station, officially known as the Sacramento Valley Station (SAC), is key to a smooth journey.

Consider this your complete guide to SAC, unlocking its services, routes, and key distances to help you plan your next adventure.

The Sacramento Valley Station (SAC): A Landmark Gateway

Located at 401 I Street, Sacramento, CA 95814, the Sacramento Valley Station (SVS) isn’t just an Amtrak stop; it’s a historic and beautifully restored multi-modal transportation hub. Originally built in 1926, the station underwent significant renovations, blending its classic Mission Revival architecture with modern amenities, making it a pleasant place to begin or end your journey.

What to Expect at SAC:

Ticketing & Waiting Areas: A spacious main hall with comfortable seating, a ticket counter for purchases and inquiries, and self-service kiosks.
Restrooms: Clean and accessible facilities.
Vending Machines: For quick snacks and drinks.
Amtrak Passenger Services: Staff are available to assist with luggage, boarding, and information.
Wi-Fi: Available in some areas, though connection quality can vary.
Accessibility: The station is fully ADA compliant, with ramps, elevators, and accessible platforms.
Future Development: The station is a cornerstone of “The Railyards” development, a massive urban revitalization project that will bring new housing, retail, and entertainment to the area, further enhancing the station’s surroundings.

Getting To & From the Station:

Parking: Several paid parking garages are located within walking distance, including the Old Sacramento Garage and the Capitol Mall Garage.
Public Transportation: The Sacramento Regional Transit (SacRT) light rail and bus system has direct stops at the station, offering easy connections throughout the city.
Ride Shares & Taxis: Dedicated pick-up and drop-off zones are available for Lyft, Uber, and taxis.
Walking: The station is conveniently located within walking distance of Old Sacramento Waterfront, the Golden 1 Center (home of the Sacramento Kings), and the Downtown Commons (DOCO) shopping and entertainment district.

Amtrak Routes Serving Sacramento (SAC)

Sacramento is a significant hub for several major Amtrak routes, connecting the capital to diverse destinations:

Capitol Corridor: This is Sacramento’s most frequent and popular service, offering multiple daily trains to the San Francisco Bay Area (Oakland, Berkeley, Emeryville with bus connections to downtown San Francisco and Fisherman’s Wharf, San Jose) and points in between. It’s a fantastic option for commuters and leisure travelers alike.
San Joaquin: Serving California’s Central Valley, this route connects Sacramento to Stockton, Fresno, Bakersfield, and other cities. From Bakersfield, Amtrak Thruway Buses provide connections to Southern California destinations like Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, and San Diego.
Coast Starlight: One of Amtrak’s most scenic long-distance routes, the “Starlight” travels daily between Los Angeles and Seattle, with Sacramento as a key stop. It offers breathtaking views of the Pacific coastline, the Cascade mountain range, and lush forests.
California Zephyr: For the truly adventurous, the California Zephyr offers a legendary cross-country journey between Chicago and Emeryville (Bay Area), with Sacramento as a major stop. This route tackles the Sierra Nevada mountains, the Nevada desert, and the Rockies, offering an unforgettable experience.

Key Distances & Travel Times from Sacramento (SAC)

Here’s a breakdown of approximate travel times by rail (and road for airports) from Sacramento, giving you an idea of your journey:

By Rail (Approximate Travel Times):

To Major California Cities:

Oakland Jack London Square Station (OKJ): ~1 hour 30 minutes (Capitol Corridor)
Emeryville Station (EMY) (for San Francisco connections): ~1 hour 45 minutes (Capitol Corridor). From Emeryville, Amtrak Thruway Bus connects to San Francisco (Ferry Building/Downtown) in ~30-45 minutes.
San Jose Diridon Station (SJC): ~2 hours 45 minutes (Capitol Corridor)
Stockton (SKN): ~45 minutes (San Joaquin, Capitol Corridor)
Fresno (FNO): ~3 hours (San Joaquin)
Bakersfield (BAK) (for Southern California bus connections): ~5 hours (San Joaquin)
Los Angeles Union Station (LAX): ~8-10 hours (Requires transfer at Bakersfield to Thruway Bus, or direct via Coast Starlight)
Santa Barbara (SBA): ~9-11 hours (Requires transfer at Bakersfield to Thruway Bus)
San Diego (SAN): ~11-13 hours (Requires transfer at Bakersfield to Thruway Bus or connecting services)

To Major Out-of-State Cities:

Reno, Nevada (RNO): ~6-7 hours (California Zephyr)
Portland, Oregon (PDX): ~16-18 hours (Coast Starlight)
Seattle, Washington (SEA): ~20-22 hours (Coast Starlight)
Denver, Colorado (DEN): ~30-32 hours (California Zephyr)
Chicago, Illinois (CHI): ~50-52 hours (California Zephyr)

To Major Airports (by Road/Bus from SAC):

Sacramento International Airport (SMF):
- Distance: ~12-15 miles
- Travel Time: ~20-30 minutes by car/taxi/rideshare. SacRT also offers bus service, and Amtrak Thruway Bus offers a direct connection.
Oakland International Airport (OAK):
- Distance: ~75-80 miles
- Travel Time: ~1.5 – 2 hours by car. Amtrak’s Capitol Corridor connects to Oakland Coliseum station, which has a direct AirBART connection to OAK.
San Francisco International Airport (SFO):
- Distance: ~90-100 miles
- Travel Time: ~1.5 – 2.5 hours by car. Take Capitol Corridor to Emeryville, then Amtrak Thruway Bus to SFO, or transfer to BART in Richmond/Oakland.

Why Choose Train Travel from Sacramento?

Relaxation: Skip traffic, gas prices, and airport security lines. Lean back, enjoy the views, or get some work done.
Scenery: California’s diverse landscapes are best appreciated from a train window – from urban skylines to agricultural fields, mountains, and coastline.
Comfort: More legroom than planes or cars, often with dining and lounge cars on longer routes.
Convenience: Many stations, like SAC, are centrally located, connecting you directly to downtown areas.
Environmental Impact: Train travel is a more eco-friendly option compared to driving or flying.

Tips for a Smooth Journey from SAC:

Book in Advance: Especially for popular routes like the Coast Starlight or California Zephyr, and during peak travel seasons.
Arrive Early: Aim for 30-45 minutes before departure to find parking, check in, and get settled.
Understand Baggage Rules: Amtrak has generous baggage allowances, but be aware of carry-on limits and checked bag options.
Food & Drinks: Bring your own snacks and non-alcoholic beverages, especially on shorter routes. Longer routes have dining and cafe cars.
Stay Connected: Download the Amtrak app for real-time updates, e-tickets, and station information.

The Sacramento Valley Station is more than just a transit point; it’s a gateway to California’s beauty and beyond. So, whether you’re commuting to the Bay Area, exploring the Central Valley, or embarking on a cross-country adventure, let the charm and convenience of SAC kickstart your next rail journey.

Ready to plan your next adventure? Visit Amtrak.com or head down to the Sacramento Valley Station to start your trip!