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Sacramento, CA, USA to San Francisco, CA, USA from $7: 4 ways by bus, train, flight or car

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from
Sacramento, United States
to
San Francisco, United States

How to Get from Sacramento to San Francisco: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way

1Map provides directions to cities, towns, landmarks, attractions, and addresses worldwide, offering thousands of multi-modal routes to easily get you from point A to point B.

$7 - Train, BARTBest price
121 kmDistance
1h 33m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Sacramento to San Francisco with 1Map travel planner. Easily compare ticket prices, explore various transport options, and find the best routes for a seamless and cost-effective travel experience.

Company
FlixBus
Bus
Average Duration
2h  15m
Estimated price
$9-45
Recommended
Company
Capitol Corridor, BART
Train
BART
Average Duration
2h  25m
Estimated price
$7-78
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 121 km
Duration: 1h 33m

See more options

Company
various
Drive
Average Duration
1h  33m
Estimated price
$15-23
Company
United Airlines
Plane
Average Duration
2h  52m
Estimated price
$110-394
Browse car rentalsExplore flights

Traveling From Sacramento to San Francisco

The journey from Sacramento to San Francisco offers a striking contrast between the laid-back, agricultural vibe of California's capital and the vibrant, bustling atmosphere of the city by the bay.

Best Neighbourhoods in San Francisco

San Francisco offers a variety of neighborhoods, each with distinct character.

Mission District
• Known for vibrant street art and murals.
• Home to some of the best burritos in the city.
Haight-Ashbury
• Birthplace of the 1960s counterculture movement.
• Eclectic shops and vintage clothing stores abound.
Fisherman’s Wharf
• Famous for fresh seafood and sea lions.
• Offers numerous waterfront attractions and views.

Best Times To Visit San Francisco's Attractions

Timing your visits can make a big difference in your San Francisco experience.

Golden Gate Bridge
Early mornings or weekdays offer stunning views with fewer tourists.
Alcatraz Island
Mid-morning tours provide a quieter experience and better light for photos.
Chinatown
Visiting during the late afternoon avoids peak crowds and reveals unique shops.

San Francisco Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

San Francisco features a mild, coastal climate with cool summers and often foggy mornings, making layers essential for any visit. Spring and fall typically offer the best weather, enhancing your experience as you explore the city's iconic sights.

Dining Recommendation in San Francisco

For a truly memorable meal, try the clam chowder served in a sourdough bread bowl at Fisherman’s Wharf—this dish captures the essence of San Francisco’s seafood heritage. The vibrant atmosphere and fresh, local ingredients create a dining experience that stands in stark contrast to the more agricultural offerings found in Sacramento.

Sacramento - San Francisco operators

Explore transport companies operating between Sacramento and San Francisco, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.

Bus Show bus routes
Contact phone
+1 (855) 626-8585
Website
https://www.flixbus.com

Bus from Sacramento to San Francisco

Average Duration
2h 15m
Estimated price
$10-45
Contact phone
+1 214-849-8100
Website
https://www.greyhound.com

Bus from Sacramento Bus Station to San Francisco Bus Station

Average Duration
2h 35m
Estimated price
$9-45
Train Show train routes
Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245
Website
https://www.amtrak.com/home.html

Train from Sacramento to Richmond

Average Duration
1h 27m
Estimated price
$3-75

Train from Richmond to Civic Center / UN Plaza

Average Duration
41m
Estimated price
$4-6
Contact phone
+1-510-464-6000
Website
http://www.bart.gov

Train from Richmond to Civic Center / UN Plaza

Average Duration
41m
Estimated price
$4-6
Plane Show flights
Website
https://www.united.com

Plane from Sacramento (SMF) to San Francisco (SFO)

Average Duration
1h 9m
Estimated price
$180-420

Sacramento to San Francisco: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips

Traveling between Sacramento and San Francisco offers a variety of convenient options to suit your preferences, schedule, and budget. Whether you prioritize affordability, speed, or comfort, you’re sure to find the perfect way to travel without compromising on quality or convenience.

🚗 Embark on a scenic road trip from Sacramento to San Francisco, covering a distance of 140.0 km in just about 1 hour and 33 minutes of driving time. 💸 Experience budget-friendly travel options as the prices to journey from Sacramento to San Francisco by car range from $15 to $23, offering flexibility for different travelers. 🌉 Arrive in vibrant and cultural San Francisco after a pleasant drive from Sacramento, ready to explore the iconic sights and diverse neighborhoods of the City by the Bay.
Average price
$15 - $23
Useful tips for car travellers
• Keep an eye on gas stations along I-80; you can expect prices around $1.25 to $1.50 per liter, with more competitive rates typically found near the Sacramento and San Francisco areas.
• When arriving in San Francisco, parking can be quite costly; expect to pay between $35 to $70 per day, depending on the location, with the highest rates often found near popular attractions like Fisherman's Wharf and Union Square.
• Be aware of restricted traffic zones in San Francisco, particularly in areas like Chinatown and the Financial District, where you might encounter fees for driving during peak hours; consider using navigation tools like Google Maps or Waze for real-time updates and to find the best routes.
🚆 Sacramento to San Francisco journey by train involves a transfer at Richmond and takes approximately 2 hours and 25 minutes, covering a distance of 172.2 km. Amtrak operates the service departing from Sacramento station to Civic Center / UN Plaza in San Francisco. 🌉 Route 1 offers a quicker option, taking 2 hours and 35 minutes with 1 transfer. First, take a train towards San Jose from Sacramento Valley Station, operated by Amtrak. Then, board the subway towards SF / Daly City from Oakland Coliseum/Airport Amtrak, operated by Bay Area Rapid Transit. 🛤️ For a longer but scenic route, consider Route 2, lasting 4 hours and 31 minutes with 2 transfers. Begin with a train towards Bakersfield with Amtrak from Sacramento Valley Station. Subsequently, transfer to trains operated by Altamont Corridor Express and Caltrain before reaching San Francisco Station for a unique travel experience.
Departure Point
Sacramento station
Arrival Point
Civic Center / UN Plaza station
Useful tips for train travellers
• Onboard Services: Amtrak's Capitol Corridor service offers a cafe car with a selection of snacks and beverages, including sandwiches, salads, and soft drinks for purchase. It's advisable to check their menu online before your trip for specific items. Additionally, there are often complimentary Wi-Fi services available onboard.
• Seating Options: The trains on the Sacramento to San Francisco route typically offer three classes of seating: Business Class, which provides more spacious seating and complimentary snacks; Coach Class (Economy), which is the standard seating with options for purchasing food; and First Class, available on select trains, which includes wider seats and premium services. You can book your preference on Amtrak's website or via other operators like Greyhound.
• Arrival Station Tip: Upon arriving in San Francisco, you will likely arrive at the Transbay Temporary Terminal. The terminal has restroom facilities, but there are no showers available. Unfortunately, luggage storage is limited; however, there are nearby services where you can leave your luggage if needed. It's typically busy, so be prepared to navigate through quickly.
• Fastest Way to City Center: From the Transbay Temporary Terminal, the fastest way to get to downtown San Francisco is by taking the Muni Bus Route 5 or 7 that stops just outside the terminal. Alternatively, you can catch the Salesforce Transit Center and transfer to the Muni Metro – the T-Third or N-Judah lines can take you to major downtown stops.
• Multiple Operators: For the Sacramento to San Francisco route, you can check Amtrak's Capitol Corridor service (capitolcorridor.org) and Greyhound (greyhound.com) for bus options. Each operator has different schedules and pricing, so it’s worth comparing them before booking.
🛫 Traveling from Sacramento to San Francisco by plane is convenient and fast, with the quickest direct flight taking just 1 hour and 7 minutes. 💸 The price range for a flight between Sacramento and San Francisco varies from $110 to $394, offering different options to suit individual budgets and preferences.
Departure Point
Sacramento Airport
Arrival Point
San Francisco Airport
🛣️ The bus trip typically takes around 2 hours and 15 minutes, covering a distance of approximately 145.3 km. 💵 Ticket prices for the Sacramento to San Francisco bus route can range from $9 to $45, offering budget-friendly options for travelers looking to explore both cities without the hassle of driving or parking.
Departure Point
Sacramento station
Arrival Point
San Francisco station
Useful tips for bus travellers
• Consider booking your ticket in advance through Flixbus USA, as prices can vary significantly from $9 to $45, and last-minute tickets may be more expensive.
• When you arrive at the San Francisco bus station, you will likely be at the Transbay Terminal; familiarize yourself with the Transbay Terminal map before your trip, as it connects to multiple transit options, including BART, Muni, and Caltrain.
• Take advantage of the bus amenities on your trip—many buses have free Wi-Fi and charging ports, which can be especially helpful for planning your time in San Francisco while on the go.

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from Sacramento to San Francisco.

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The cheapest way to travel from Sacramento to San Francisco is by driving. The cost of gas and tolls is estimated to be around $15 to $23. The journey takes approximately 1 hour and 33 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.
The fastest way to travel from Sacramento to San Francisco is by driving. The journey takes approximately 1 hour and 33 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. You can expect to spend around $15 to $23 on fuel, tolls, and parking fees.
The distance between Sacramento and San Francisco is approximately 121 km. By road, the distance is about 140 km. Depending on the route and traffic conditions, it usually takes around 1 hour and 33 minutes to drive from Sacramento to San Francisco.
One of the best ways to travel from Sacramento to San Francisco without a car is by taking the bus. There are several bus operators that offer frequent and affordable services between the two cities. The journey takes approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. Tickets can range in price from $9 to $45, depending on the type of bus and the time of the journey.
The journey from Sacramento to San Francisco by bus takes approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes, including transfers.
There are plenty of accommodation options available near San Francisco. With over 835 hotels to choose from, travelers can find something to suit their budget and preferences. Prices for hotels in San Francisco start at $74 per night, offering a range of affordable options for visitors.
Yes, you can drive from Sacramento to San Francisco. The driving distance between the two cities is approximately 140 km, and it takes approximately 1 hour and 33 minutes to complete the journey by car.
Yes, there is a direct bus service between Sacramento and San Francisco. The buses operate five times a day, every day. The journey typically takes around 2 hours and 15 minutes, providing a convenient and affordable option for travelers looking to travel between the two cities without driving.
To catch the bus from Sacramento to San Francisco you will need to go to the Sacramento station. The bus services for this route are operated by Flixbus USA.
The Sacramento to San Francisco bus services operated by Flixbus USA arrive at the San Francisco station.
The best way to get from Sacramento to San Francisco is by driving. It is the cheapest option, costing around $15-$23, and the journey takes approximately 1 hour and 33 minutes. Alternatively, you can also consider taking a bus, although it may not be as convenient or time-efficient as driving. However, if you prefer public transportation, the best way to get from the Sacramento Airport to San Francisco is by bus, which takes around 15 minutes and costs $2-$4.
United Airlines is the main airline that offers direct flights between Sacramento and San Francisco. They operate several flights daily, providing travelers with options to choose from. Other airlines, such as Southwest Airlines and American Airlines, also offer indirect flights with layovers.
The fastest way to get from Sacramento to San Francisco is by taking a direct flight. United Airlines offers flights from Sacramento Airport to San Francisco Airport, with a travel time of approximately 1 hour and 2 minutes. However, including check-in and security procedures, the total travel time by plane is around 2 hours and 47 minutes. The cost for a flight between the two cities can range from $100 to $374, depending on the airline and booking time.
The flight from Sacramento to San Francisco typically takes around 1 hour and 2 minutes on a direct flight.
Trains from Sacramento to San Francisco, operated by BART, arrive at the Civic Center / UN Plaza station. This station is conveniently located in downtown San Francisco, providing easy access to many popular attractions and neighborhoods. From there, travelers can easily transfer to other forms of transportation or explore the city on foot. Whether you're visiting for business or pleasure, the Civic Center / UN Plaza station is a convenient and central arrival point for your journey to San Francisco.
Yes, there is no direct train between Sacramento and San Francisco. However, there are train services available that involve transferring at Richmond. The journey typically takes around 2 hours and 24 minutes, including the transfer. The train arrives at Civic Center / UN Plaza in San Francisco.
To catch the train from Sacramento to San Francisco you can go to the Sacramento station. From there, Amtrak operates train services that will take you to your destination. The Sacramento station is conveniently located in the city and offers easy access to the trains. You can check the Amtrak website or speak with a representative for more information on train schedules and ticket availability.
The cost of a flight from Sacramento to San Francisco can range from $100 to $374, depending on factors such as the airline, time of booking, and availability.
The cost of a bus ticket from Sacramento to San Francisco ranges from $9 to $45, depending on the bus company, time of travel, and seat class.
The cost of driving from Sacramento to San Francisco ranges from $15 to $23. This estimate includes fuel costs and tolls that may be encountered along the way. The total travel time for this journey is approximately 1 hour and 33 minutes.