San Diego, CA, USA to Sacramento, CA, USA from $27: 6 ways by bus, train, flight or car
Compare Travel Options and Prices
How to Get from San Diego to Sacramento: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way
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$27 - Train, BusBest price
764 kmDistance
3h 14m Fastest
Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options
Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from San Diego to Sacramento 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.
San Diego - Sacramento operators
Explore transport companies operating between San Diego and Sacramento, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.
Website
southwest.com
Plane from San Diego (SAN) to Sacramento (SMF)
Average Duration
1h 37mEstimated price
$836-837Website
alaskaair.com
Plane from San Diego (SAN) to Sacramento (SMF)
Average Duration
1h 46mEstimated price
$831-8320Website
spirit.com
Plane from San Diego (SAN) to Sacramento (SMF)
Average Duration
1h 40mEstimated price
$830-838Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245Website
amtrak.com
Train from San Diego to Los Angeles
Average Duration
2h 56mEstimated price
$839-4190Train from Bakersfield to Sacramento
Average Duration
5h 23mEstimated price
$4198-4199Train from Los Angeles to Sacramento
Average Duration
13h 58mEstimated price
$271-274Contact phone
+1 408-729-7885Website
xedohoang.com
Bus from Lucky Seafood - San Diego, CA to Sacramento, CA
Average Duration
10h 55mEstimated price
$832-830Contact phone
+1 214-849-8100Website
greyhound.com
Bus from San Diego Greyhound Bus Stop to Sacramento Bus Station
Average Duration
12h 45mEstimated price
$8395-4199San Diego to Sacramento: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips
Traveling between San Diego and Sacramento 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 an exciting road trip from San Diego to Sacramento, covering a scenic distance of 507 miles. The journey promises around 8 hours and 19 minutes of captivating landscapes and diverse scenery along the way.
💰 Explore budget-friendly options for your drive, with car travel costs typically ranging between $90 to $140 for the entire journey. Enjoy the flexibility and freedom of a car trip, stopping at charming roadside attractions and local diners to make the most of your adventure.
Average price
$90 - $140
🚆 Planning a train trip from San Diego to Sacramento? While there is no direct route, you can travel via Los Angeles with Amtrak. The journey, with transfers, takes approximately 17 hours and 54 minutes.
🌉 The train route covers a distance of 680 miles and involves a transfer. The first leg is a 4-hour, 9-minute ride on the Pacific Surfliner from San Diego to Simi Valley. The second part is a 12-hour, 54-minute journey on the Coast Starlight from Simi Valley to Sacramento Valley Station.
💸 Ticket prices for the San Diego to Sacramento train ride can range from $28 to $274. Enjoy the scenic route and convenient transportation provided by Amtrak for this memorable journey through California.
Departure Point
San Diego station
Arrival Point
Sacramento station
Useful tips for train travellers
• On the Amtrak Coast Starlight service, which operates this route, you can enjoy onboard catering with meals available in the dining car and snack options in the café. Make sure to check the menu upon boarding and consider reserving a dining time for a more relaxing meal experience.
• For this route, Amtrak offers different seating options: Business Class provides extra legroom and complimentary snacks, while Economy Class is more budget-friendly with comfortable seating. First Class is available, offering the most spacious seating and premium service, including meals. Review the seating options when booking at amtrak.com
• The train from San Diego to Sacramento is operated by Amtrak Coast Starlight and, during certain times, the Pacific Surfliner. More information and schedules can be found at their respective websites: Pacific Surfliner - pacificsurfliner.com, and Amtrak Coast Starlight - amtrak.com
🛫 Flying from San Diego to Sacramento is a convenient and efficient way to travel between the two cities. The direct flight takes just 1 hour and 30 minutes, making it a quick journey.
🌁 Upon arrival in Sacramento, after a flight time of 3 hours and 14 minutes, travelers can explore the capital city of California. Flight prices range from $83 to $419, providing flexibility for different budgets and travel preferences.
Departure Point
San Diego Airport
Arrival Point
Sacramento Airport
Useful tips for plane travellers
• Opt for an early morning or late afternoon flight to avoid the peak travel crowds at San Diego International Airport, which can help streamline your check-in and security process, especially with airlines like Southwest and Alaska offering their busiest schedules during mid-day.
• Upon arrival at Sacramento International Airport, anticipate a smooth exit through Terminal A, which houses multiple transport services; be sure to follow the clearly marked signs for rideshare options or the shuttle services to downtown Sacramento as they are conveniently located just outside the terminal.
• Budget around $30-$40 for a taxi ride from Sacramento International Airport to downtown Sacramento, where you can easily explore restaurants and attractions; check out Sacramento's regional transit schedule for more cost-effective ways, like the Airport Express bus, via Sacramento Regional Transit.
While there's no direct route, you can expect a journey of approximately 13 hours and 43 minutes with transfers along the way.
🗺️ One option includes a 12-hour route via Los Angeles, covering 504 miles and involving one transfer. Another choice is a 13-hour route through Los Angeles or San Francisco with a total distance of 510-594 miles and up to two transfers.
Departure Point
Lucky Seafood - San Diego, CA station
Arrival Point
Sacramento, CA station
Useful tips for bus travellers
• Plan for your journey by checking shuttle options from Lucky Seafood to the main San Diego bus terminal; it may save you the hassle of a long walk, especially if you're carrying luggage.
• When transferring in Los Angeles, allow sufficient time between your bus connections—Plan to have at least 45 minutes to an hour to navigate the stations and find your next bus.
• Upon arriving at the Sacramento Greyhound bus station, familiarize yourself with local transport options right outside the station, such as Sacramento Regional Transit buses and light rail; it can help you reach your final destination smoothly.
Frequently asked questions
Find out more about the route from San Diego to Sacramento.
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The distance between San Diego and Sacramento is approximately 764.4 km by road. By train, it takes around 17 hours and 54 minutes to reach Sacramento from San Diego. Another option is to take a flight to Oakland and then board a train, which takes about 6 hours. Flying directly from San Diego to Sacramento typically takes around 3 hours and 11 minutes. It is also possible to drive between the two cities, which takes approximately 8 hours and 19 minutes, or take a bus, which usually takes around 13 hours and 52 minutes.
The most cost-effective transportation option for traveling from San Diego to Sacramento is by bus, with fares ranging from $65 to $100. However, this option also takes the longest time, approximately 13 hours and 42 minutes. On the other hand, the quickest way to travel between the two cities is by plane, which takes around 3 hours and 11 minutes, with ticket prices ranging from $80 to $430.
The prices for a train ticket from San Diego to Sacramento range from $28 to $274, depending on factors such as the class and time of booking. Similarly, bus fares for the Sacramento to San Diego route can vary between $56 and $132.
To get from San Diego to Sacramento without using public transportation, you can drive the distance which takes approximately 8 hours and 19 minutes. The road distance between the two cities is about 816.4 km. The cost of gas for the drive ranges from $90 to $140 depending on the vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
To travel from San Diego to Sacramento without a car, the best option is to take a combination of train and bus, which takes approximately 12 hours and 49 minutes. The cost for this journey would depend on the specific fares at the time of travel. Alternatively, you can choose to fly, which would take around 3 hours and 11 minutes and cost between $80 and $430. If you prefer a more affordable option, taking the bus via Lucky Seafood in San Diego would take about 13 hours and 42 minutes, with prices ranging from $65 to $100. Train travel is another possibility, taking 17 hours and 54 minutes and costing between $28 and $280.
Yes, there is a direct train link between San Diego and Sacramento operated by Amtrak. The journey takes approximately 17 hours and 54 minutes with transfers in Los Angeles. There is also a bus service available, operated by Xe Do Hoang Transportation, which takes approximately 13 hours and 42 minutes, with transfers along the way.
The flight duration between San Diego and Sacramento is typically 1 hour and 30 minutes for a direct flight. However, it's important to note that flight times can vary depending on factors such as weather conditions and airline schedules. As for the cost, prices for flights between the two cities range from $83 to $429, with prices fluctuating based on factors such as the time of booking and availability.
There are many options for accommodation near Sacramento. With over 255 hotels available, you will have plenty to choose from. Prices for hotels in the area start at $57 per night, offering a range of options to suit different budgets and preferences.