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Sacramento, CA, USA to San Rafael, CA, USA from $15: 5 ways by bus, train, flight or car

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from
Sacramento, United States of America
to
San Rafael, United States of America

How to Get from Sacramento to San Rafael: 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
134 kmDistance
1h 28m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Sacramento to San Rafael 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
various
Train
Average Duration
2h  46m
Estimated price
$5-79
Recommended
Company
various
Train
Bus
Bus
Average Duration
4h 
Estimated price
$5-76
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 134 km
Duration: 1h 28m

See more options

Company
Greyhound USA
Bus
Bus
Average Duration
3h  42m
Estimated price
$10-49
Company
various
Drive
Average Duration
1h  28m
Estimated price
$15-22
Company
United Airlines
Plane
Average Duration
3h  58m
Estimated price
$122-403
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Traveling From Sacramento to San Rafael

Exploring the route from Sacramento to San Rafael offers you a journey from the bustling city atmosphere rich in history and culture to the scenic beauty of Marin County, where coastal views and a laid-back vibe await.

Best Neighborhoods in San Rafael

San Rafael boasts diverse neighborhoods, each offering distinct charm and attractions.

Downtown San Rafael
• Vibrant restaurants and shops line the streets.
• Hosts a lively farmers' market on Thursdays.
Marinwood
• Family-friendly atmosphere with great parks.
• Scenic walking trails and beautiful homes.
Planada
• Close-knit community with local art galleries.
• Easy access to hiking trails and parks.

Best Times To Visit San Rafael's Attractions

Knowing when to visit San Rafael's attractions can enhance your experience significantly.

Marin History Museum
Visit during weekdays for a quieter, more personal exploration.
China Camp State Park
Early mornings on weekdays offer peaceful hiking and stunning views.
Redwood High School Theater
Attend performances on Thursday nights for a less crowded experience.

San Rafael Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

San Rafael enjoys a Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers and mild, wetter winters, making it a pleasant destination year-round. Visiting in spring or fall often provides the best combination of comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds, enhancing your overall travel experience.

Dining Recommendation in San Rafael

For a taste of San Rafael's culinary scene, try the wood-fired pizzas at Pizzeria Pulcinella, where local ingredients elevate traditional Italian recipes. This cozy eatery provides a warm, inviting atmosphere that contrasts beautifully with Sacramento's diverse food offerings, ensuring a memorable dining experience.

Sacramento - San Rafael operators

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

Train
Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245
Website
https://www.amtrak.com/home.html

Train from Sacramento to Richmond

Average Duration
1h 27m
Estimated price
$54-55

Train from Sacramento to Suisun-Fairfield

Average Duration
41m
Estimated price
$799-760
Bus
Contact phone
+1 214-849-8100
Website
https://www.greyhound.com/

Bus from Sacramento Bus Station to Vallejo Transit Center

Average Duration
1h 30m
Estimated price
$766-763
Contact phone
+1 415-921-5858
Website
https://goldengatetransit.org

Bus from El Cerrito del Norte BART Station to San Rafael Transit Center Platform B

Average Duration
43m
Estimated price
$767-761
Other Show other routes
Website
https://soltrans.org

Other from Spring St & Suisun-Fairfield Amtrak to El Cerrito del Norte BART

Average Duration
1h 23m
Estimated price
$799-5
Plane
Website
united.com

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

Average Duration
1h 9m
Estimated price
$56-57

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

Traveling between Sacramento and San Rafael 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 picturesque journey from Sacramento to San Rafael, spanning 83 miles of scenic Californian highways. With a manageable drive time of just 1 hour and 28 minutes, you'll have plenty of opportunities to enjoy the beautiful landscapes along the way. 💰 Budget-conscious travelers will appreciate the affordable pricing options for the Sacramento to San Rafael car trip, ranging from $15 to $22. Whether you're looking for a quick day trip or a weekend getaway, this convenient route offers a cost-effective transportation choice.
Average price
$15 - $22
🚆 Embark on a scenic train journey from Sacramento to San Rafael that takes approximately 2 hours and 46 minutes, allowing you to sit back and enjoy the breathtaking views along the way. 💰 Depending on your preferences and the class of service chosen, train tickets between Sacramento and San Rafael range from $5 to $79, offering budget-friendly options as well as more luxurious travel accommodations.
🛫 Flying from Sacramento to San Rafael involves a quick 1 hour and 7-minute direct flight from Sacramento Airport to San Francisco Airport with United Airlines. 🛄 After landing at San Francisco Airport, travelers will have a total travel time of around 3 hours and 58 minutes to reach San Rafael from Sacramento by plane. 💸 The cost of flights between Sacramento and San Rafael can range from $122 to $403, offering travelers flexibility in choosing a price range that fits their budget.
Departure Point
Sacramento Airport
Arrival Point
San Francisco Airport
🚌 Traveling from Sacramento to San Rafael by bus involves a journey that includes transfers and has a total duration of approximately 3 hours and 42 minutes. 🚌 The cost of a bus ticket between Sacramento and San Rafael can range from $10 to $49, making it a convenient and affordable option for travelers looking to explore these California destinations.
Departure Point
Sacramento Bus Station
Arrival Point
San Rafael Transit Center Platform B station

Frequently asked questions

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

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The distance between Sacramento and San Rafael is 71 miles by road. By train, it takes approximately 2 hours and 48 minutes to reach San Rafael from Sacramento. If you prefer to fly, the typical travel time is 3 hours and 53 minutes. If you want to drive, it takes about 1 hour and 28 minutes to reach Sacramento from San Rafael. Lastly, if you choose to take the bus, the typical travel time is 3 hours and 8 minutes.
The most cost-effective and time-efficient transportation option for traveling from Sacramento to San Rafael is by driving. It takes approximately 1 hour and 28 minutes to drive the distance of 71 miles between the two cities. Additionally, driving is the cheapest option, with costs ranging from $15 to $22. However, it is important to consider factors like traffic and road conditions that may affect the actual travel time.
The prices for a train ticket between Sacramento and San Rafael can range from $5 to $79. On the other hand, the prices for a bus ticket between San Rafael and Sacramento can vary from $13 to $53. It is important to check for any discounts, promotions, or special offers that may be available, and to compare prices from different providers to get the best deal for your travel.
To travel from Sacramento to San Rafael without using public transportation, the most convenient option is to drive. The road distance between the two cities is 83 miles, and it takes approximately 1 hour and 28 minutes to drive. The estimated cost of gas for this journey ranges from $15 to $22, depending on the vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
To travel from Sacramento to San Rafael without a car, the best option is to take a train, which takes approximately 2 hours and 48 minutes and costs between $5 and $80. Another alternative is to take a bus and then the line 580 bus, which takes around 3 hours and 8 minutes and costs between $13 and $55. If you prefer to fly, you can take a flight from Sacramento to San Rafael, which takes about 3 hours and 53 minutes and costs between $110 and $390.
Yes, there is a direct link between Sacramento and San Rafael. However, there is no direct bus service from Sacramento station to San Rafael. Instead, you can take a bus from Sacramento Bus Station to Salesforce Transit Center-Bus Plaza Bay A, and then transfer to another bus that will take you to San Rafael Transit Center Platform B. The journey, including transfers, takes approximately 3 hours and 16 minutes. This option allows for convenient travel between the two cities.
The flight between Sacramento and San Rafael typically takes about 1 hour and 2 minutes. The prices for a flight between the two cities range from $112 to $383. It is recommended to book in advance and compare prices from different airlines to get the best deal. Additionally, the direct flight from Sacramento Airport to San Francisco Airport is the quickest option for travelers.
There are a variety of options for accommodations near San Rafael. There are over 421 hotels available to choose from, with prices starting at $74 per night. Some popular hotel chains in the area include Marriott, Hilton, and Best Western. It is recommended to book in advance to secure the best rates and availability.

Trips from Sacramento