Nestled along the picturesque Suisun City waterfront, the Suisun-Fairfield (SUI) Amtrak station is more than just a stop on the line – it’s a charming gateway to Solano County, the greater Bay Area, and the vibrant capital city of Sacramento. Whether you’re a local looking for an easy commute or a visitor eager to explore, SUI offers a convenient and often scenic alternative to highway travel.
This guide will give you everything you need to know about navigating the Suisun-Fairfield Amtrak station, including its features, the routes it serves, and crucial distances to key cities and airports.
The Suisun-Fairfield (SUI) Amtrak Station: An Overview
The SUI station is located in the heart of historic Suisun City, serving both Suisun City and its larger neighbor, Fairfield. While not a massive transportation hub, it offers a comfortable and efficient experience.
- Location: 1799 Marina Blvd, Suisun City, CA 94585
- Station Code: SUI
- Type: Unstaffed station with a shelter, offering a waiting area and restrooms. There are no baggage services, so plan to carry your own luggage on and off the train.
- Parking: Ample paid parking is usually available near the station, making it convenient for those driving in.
- Local Connections: The station is serviced by Fairfield and Suisun Transit (FAST) buses, as well as taxis and rideshare services, connecting you to destinations within Suisun City and Fairfield.
Train Routes Served by SUI
The Suisun-Fairfield station is primarily served by one of California’s most popular routes:
- The Capitol Corridor: This regional route connects the Sacramento area to the Bay Area, running between Auburn and San Jose. It offers frequent daily service, making it ideal for commuters, day-trippers, and inter-city travelers. The Capitol Corridor boasts comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, a café car, and scenic views, especially as it hugs the Carquinez Strait.
Note: While SUI is a key stop for the Capitol Corridor, it does not serve long-distance routes like the California Zephyr directly. For those connections, you would typically transfer at stations like Emeryville or Martinez.
Why Choose SUI? Explore Suisun-Fairfield!
Beyond its convenience as a transit point, the area around the SUI station has plenty to offer:
- Suisun City Historic Waterfront: Step right off the train into a charming waterfront area with restaurants, shops, and a beautiful marina. Perfect for a leisurely stroll or a meal with a view.
- Jelly Belly Factory (Fairfield): Just a short drive away, this iconic factory offers tours and, of course, delicious jelly beans. A fun outing for all ages!
- Travis Air Force Base (Fairfield): A significant military installation and a point of interest for many.
- Local Wineries: Solano County is home to several local wineries offering tastings and tours.
Key Distances & Travel Times from Suisun-Fairfield (SUI)
Here’s a breakdown of estimated distances and travel times to popular cities and airports. Please note that train travel times are estimates and can vary based on schedule and conditions, while car times are subject to traffic.
To Major California Cities (by Train via Capitol Corridor):
- Sacramento (SAC):
- Distance: Approximately 40 miles
- Estimated Train Time: 40-50 minutes
- Davis (DAV):
- Distance: Approximately 25 miles
- Estimated Train Time: 25-30 minutes
- Martinez (MTZ):
- Distance: Approximately 12 miles
- Estimated Train Time: 15-20 minutes
- Oakland – Jack London Square (OAK):
- Distance: Approximately 45 miles
- Estimated Train Time: 60-70 minutes
- Emeryville (EMY) – for San Francisco Connection:
- Distance: Approximately 50 miles
- Estimated Train Time: 70-80 minutes
- San Francisco (via Emeryville train + Thruway Bus):
- Distance: Approximately 60-65 miles (total)
- Estimated Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes – 2 hours 15 minutes (including bus transfer)
- Berkeley (BKY):
- Distance: Approximately 55 miles
- Estimated Train Time: 80-90 minutes
- San Jose (SJC):
- Distance: Approximately 90 miles
- Estimated Train Time: 2 hours – 2 hours 15 minutes
To Key Airports (by Car or Combined Transit):
- Sacramento International Airport (SMF):
- Distance (by Car): Approximately 45 miles
- Estimated Car Time: 45-60 minutes
- (Public Transit: Train to Sacramento Valley Station, then connect to SMF via Yolobus Route 42. Total time 1.5-2 hours)
- Oakland International Airport (OAK):
- Distance (by Car): Approximately 55 miles
- Estimated Car Time: 60-80 minutes
- (Public Transit: Train to Oakland Coliseum Station, then AirBART to the airport. Total time 1.5-2 hours)
- San Francisco International Airport (SFO):
- Distance (by Car): Approximately 65-70 miles
- Estimated Car Time: 75-100 minutes (highly variable with Bay Area traffic)
- (Public Transit: Train to Emeryville, Thruway bus to Salesforce Transit Center (San Francisco), then BART to SFO. Total time 2.5-3.5 hours)
To Local Attractions (by Car):
- Jelly Belly Factory (Fairfield):
- Distance: Approximately 5-7 miles
- Estimated Car Time: 10-15 minutes
- Travis Air Force Base (Fairfield – main gate):
- Distance: Approximately 7-10 miles
- Estimated Car Time: 15-20 minutes
Tips for a Smooth Journey from SUI
- Book in Advance: Especially for popular times, booking your Capitol Corridor tickets ahead of time on the Amtrak website or app can save you hassle and sometimes money.
- Check Schedules: Always verify current train schedules on the Amtrak website or app before you travel, as times can change.
- Arrive Early: Although SUI is an unstaffed station, arriving 15-20 minutes before departure gives you time to find parking, locate the platform, and simply relax.
- Consider a Multi-Ride Pass: If you’re a regular commuter, explore Capitol Corridor’s multi-ride pass options for potential savings.
- Enjoy the Ride: One of the best parts of train travel is being able to relax, read, work, or simply enjoy the passing scenery without the stress of driving.
The Suisun-Fairfield Amtrak station stands as a convenient and appealing alternative for travelers in Solano County, connecting you effortlessly to the wider California network. So next time you’re planning a trip, consider hopping aboard at SUI and enjoying the journey!
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