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San Francisco, CA, USA to Sacramento, CA, USA from $15: 4 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
San Francisco, United States
to
Sacramento, United States

How to Get from San Francisco to Sacramento: 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.

$15 - DriveBest price
87.2 milesDistance
1h 33m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from San Francisco 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.

Company
FlixBus
Bus
Average Duration
2h  5m
Estimated price
$9-45
Recommended
Company
various
BART
Train
Average Duration
3h  4m
Estimated price
$7-80
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 87.2 miles
Duration: 1h 33m

See more options

Company
various
Drive
Average Duration
1h  33m
Estimated price
$15-23
Company
United Airlines
Plane
Average Duration
2h  55m
Estimated price
$110-394
Browse car rentalsExplore flights

Traveling From San Francisco to Sacramento

The journey from San Francisco to Sacramento offers a fascinating shift from the iconic coastal vibes of the Bay Area to the vibrant political heartbeat of California's capital.

Best Neighbourhoods in Sacramento

Sacramento boasts diverse neighborhoods, each offering unique charm and atmosphere.

Midtown
• Known for its vibrant arts scene.
• Bustling cafes and shops line the streets.
Old Sacramento
• Features historic Gold Rush-era buildings.
• Scenic views along the riverfront.
East Sacramento
• Home to beautiful tree-lined streets.
• Offers local eateries and parks.

Best Times To Visit Sacramento's Attractions

Timing your visits can greatly enhance your experience at Sacramento's highlights.

California State Capitol
Mornings or weekdays are ideal to avoid large tourist groups.
Old Sacramento Waterfront
Visit on weekdays to enjoy quieter strolls and scenic views.
Sacramento Zoo
Arriving early in the morning provides a more intimate experience with animals.

Sacramento Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Sacramento experiences a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters, making spring and fall the best times to visit for pleasant temperatures. Understanding the weather patterns helps in packing appropriately and planning outdoor activities to maximize your travel enjoyment.

Dining Recommendation in Sacramento

Try the locally sourced farm-to-fork dishes at The Waterboy, where seasonal ingredients shine in unique preparations that highlight Sacramento's agricultural richness. This dining experience contrasts with San Francisco's seafood-centric cuisine, offering a rustic charm and a focus on hearty, land-based flavors that truly reflect the Central Valley's bounty.

San Francisco - Sacramento operators

Explore transport companies operating between San Francisco and Sacramento, 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 San Francisco to Sacramento

Average Duration
2h 5m
Estimated price
$10-45
Contact phone
+1 214-849-8100
Website
https://www.greyhound.com

Bus from San Francisco Bus Station to Sacramento Bus Station

Average Duration
2h 35m
Estimated price
$9-45
Train Show train routes
Contact phone
+1-510-464-6000
Website
http://www.bart.gov

Train from Civic Center / UN Plaza to Richmond

Average Duration
40m
Estimated price
$4-6
Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245
Website
https://www.amtrak.com/home.html

Train from Richmond to Sacramento

Average Duration
1h 38m
Estimated price
$3-75
Plane Show flights
Website
https://www.united.com

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

Average Duration
59m
Estimated price
$110-394

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

Traveling between San Francisco 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 a scenic journey from San Francisco to Sacramento, covering a distance of 140.0 km in just about 1 hour and 33 minutes. 💸 Prices for this convenient road trip range from $15 to $23, making it an affordable and flexible option for travelers looking to explore California's capital city.
Average price
$15 - $23
🚆 Traveling from San Francisco to Sacramento by train involves a scenic journey with a transfer in Richmond. The total travel time, including transfers, is approximately 3 hours and 4 minutes. 🛤️ The route covers a distance of 172.2 km, taking around 2 hours and 44 minutes to reach Sacramento from San Francisco. The first step involves a subway ride towards Dublin/Pleasanton lasting about 21 minutes, followed by a train journey towards Oakland Coliseum-BART taking approximately 2 hours and 9 minutes.
Departure Point
Civic Center / UN Plaza station
Arrival Point
Sacramento station
Useful tips for train travellers
• For your train trip from San Francisco to Sacramento, consider traveling with Amtrak's Capitol Corridor service. Onboard, you will have access to a Café Car that offers a selection of snacks, beverages, and light meals. You can enjoy items like sandwiches, salads, and assorted drinks, including coffee, soda, and local wine.
• Amtrak offers primarily two seating options on this route: Business Class and Coach Class. Business Class features wider seats with extra legroom and complimentary non-alcoholic beverages, while Coach Class is more economical and provides comfortable seating suitable for short-duration trips. If you prefer a quieter, more spacious atmosphere, opt for Business Class.
• When you arrive at Sacramento Valley Station, the station has a luggage-check option available via the Amtrak service. After your trip, you can conveniently explore downtown without your bags. The station has restrooms, but there are no shower facilities. For the fastest way to get to the city center, take the light rail from the Sacramento Valley Station to the Convention Center, which is just two stops away (Green Line). This service runs frequently and offers a smooth, quick ride directly into downtown.
🛫 Embark on a quick and convenient journey from San Francisco to Sacramento by catching a direct flight that only takes 57 minutes. United Airlines provides flight options for this route from San Francisco Airport to Sacramento Airport. 🌁 In just under 3 hours, you'll find yourself in the vibrant city of Sacramento after departing from San Francisco by plane. Enjoy the scenic views as you travel between these two bustling cities in Northern California. 💸 Ticket prices for flights between Sacramento and San Francisco typically range from $110 to $394, offering travelers flexibility in choosing a flight that suits their budget and schedule.
Departure Point
San Francisco Airport
Arrival Point
Sacramento Airport
🚌 The journey from San Francisco to Sacramento by bus is a convenient and affordable option with services departing every four hours. The trip takes approximately 2 hours and 5 minutes. 🌆 Enjoy the scenic route as you travel from the bustling city of San Francisco to the capital city of California, Sacramento. The distance between the two cities is 146.9 km, offering a relatively short travel time of just over two hours. 💰 Prices for the bus ride from San Francisco to Sacramento range from $9 to $45, making it a budget-friendly choice for travelers looking to explore both cities without the hassle of driving.
Departure Point
San Francisco station
Arrival Point
Sacramento station
Useful tips for bus travellers
• Be sure to check the bus schedule on the Flixbus website (flixbus.com) for the latest updates; they operate every four hours and offer a comfortable ride from San Francisco to Sacramento.
• For the best experience, consider arriving at the San Francisco bus station early, as seating can be limited and it allows you to grab refreshments at nearby cafes, especially at the nearby Embarcadero Center.
• Upon arriving at Sacramento station, familiarize yourself with the layout using the station map available here: sacrt.com purchasing a day pass for local transportation can make your journey through Sacramento much more convenient.

Frequently asked questions

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

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The distance between San Francisco and Sacramento is approximately 121 km by air and 140 km by road. The typical travel time by plane is about 2 hours and 49 minutes, while taking public transportation such as BART and train takes about 3 hours and 4 minutes. Driving by car usually takes around 1 hour and 33 minutes, and taking a bus usually takes about 2 hours and 10 minutes.
The most cost-effective and time-efficient transportation option for traveling from San Francisco to Sacramento is to drive. It takes approximately 1 hour and 33 minutes by car, which is both the quickest and cheapest option. Other modes of transportation like taking the BART and train, or flying, may be more expensive and time-consuming.
The prices to travel from San Francisco to Sacramento by bus can vary from $9 to $45, depending on the specific bus company and the type of ticket purchased.
To travel from San Francisco to Sacramento without using public transportation, you can drive the distance of 140 km, which takes approximately 1 hour and 33 minutes. The driving route is convenient and offers flexibility in terms of time and stops along the way. The estimated cost for fuel and tolls ranges from $15 to $23, depending on the vehicle and current prices.
If you don't have a car, the best way to travel from San Francisco to Sacramento is by bus. The journey takes approximately 2 hours and 10 minutes, and the cost ranges from $9 to $45.
Yes, there is a direct link between San Francisco and Sacramento by both train and bus. The train journey takes approximately 3 hours and 4 minutes, with a transfer at Richmond. The bus journey takes around 2 hours and 10 minutes, with departures five times a day.
The flight between San Francisco and Sacramento typically takes 51 minutes, making it a quick and convenient option for travelers. The cost of a flight between the two cities can vary between $100 and $374, depending on factors such as the airline, time of booking, and availability.
There are numerous accommodation options available near Sacramento. With over 255 hotels to choose from, visitors have a range of choices that suit various budgets and preferences. Prices for hotels in Sacramento start at $57 per night, ensuring that there is accommodation available for all types of travelers.

Trips to Sacramento