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San Diego, CA, USA to Sacramento, CA, USA from $27: 6 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

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

How to Get from San Diego 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.

$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.

Company
Various
Plane
Average Duration
3h  14m
Estimated price
$83-419
Recommended
Company
Various
Train
Bus
Average Duration
13h  3m
Estimated price
$27-264
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 764 km
Duration: 3h 14m

See more options

Company
Amtrak
Train
Average Duration
17h  54m
Estimated price
$28-274
Company
Greyhound
Bus
Average Duration
13h  52m
Estimated price
$56-132
Company
Various
Bus
Bus
Average Duration
13h  43m
Estimated price
$69-98
Company
Various
Drive
Average Duration
8h  19m
Estimated price
$830-831
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Traveling From San Diego to Sacramento

Traveling from San Diego to Sacramento offers a striking contrast between the beach city’s sun-soaked shores and vibrant nightlife and the capital’s cultural richness and historic charm.

Best Neighbourhoods in Sacramento

Sacramento's neighborhoods each offer distinct vibes and experiences for visitors.

Midtown
• Known for its vibrant arts scene.
• Offers trendy cafes and restaurants.
Old Sacramento
• Rich in Gold Rush history.
• Features charming waterfront views.
East Sacramento
• Home to beautiful tree-lined streets.
• Offers historic architecture and parks.

Best Times To Visit Sacramento's Attractions

Plan your visits to Sacramento’s attractions wisely to enhance your experience and avoid crowds.

California State Capitol
Visit early in the morning on weekdays for a quieter experience.
Old Sacramento Waterfront
Enjoy weekdays in late afternoon, when fewer tourists are around.
Sacramento Zoo
Visit on weekday mornings for the best animal activity and fewer crowds.

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 for pleasant outings. Weather can significantly influence your travel experience, as summer heat might limit outdoor activities, while winter rain can enhance the ambiance of cozy indoor attractions.

Dining Recommendation in Sacramento

Try the farm-to-fork experience at The Kitchen, where seasonal, locally sourced ingredients create dishes that highlight Sacramento’s agricultural heritage. This dining experience contrasts with San Diego's seafood-centric cuisine, offering a cozy atmosphere and rich flavors that reflect the region’s diverse produce.

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.

Plane
Website
southwest.com

Plane from San Diego (SAN) to Sacramento (SMF)

Average Duration
1h 37m
Estimated price
$836-837
Website
alaskaair.com

Plane from San Diego (SAN) to Sacramento (SMF)

Average Duration
1h 46m
Estimated price
$831-8320
Website
spirit.com

Plane from San Diego (SAN) to Sacramento (SMF)

Average Duration
1h 40m
Estimated price
$830-838
Train Show train routes
Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245
Website
amtrak.com

Train from San Diego to Los Angeles

Average Duration
2h 56m
Estimated price
$839-4190

Train from Bakersfield to Sacramento

Average Duration
5h 23m
Estimated price
$4198-4199

Train from Los Angeles to Sacramento

Average Duration
13h 58m
Estimated price
$271-274
Bus Show bus routes
Contact phone
+1 408-729-7885
Website
xedohoang.com

Bus from Lucky Seafood - San Diego, CA to Sacramento, CA

Average Duration
10h 55m
Estimated price
$832-830
Contact phone
+1 214-849-8100
Website
greyhound.com

Bus from San Diego Greyhound Bus Stop to Sacramento Bus Station

Average Duration
12h 45m
Estimated price
$8395-4199

San 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 475 miles by road. The typical travel times by various modes of transportation include 17 hours and 54 minutes by train, 6 hours by flying to Oakland and then taking a train, and 3 hours and 11 minutes by plane. If driving, it takes around 8 hours and 19 minutes from San Diego to Sacramento, while taking a bus usually takes around 13 hours and 52 minutes.
The most cost-effective transportation option for traveling from San Diego to Sacramento is by bus. It takes approximately 13 hours and 42 minutes and costs between $65 and $100. However, if time is a priority and cost is not a major concern, flying is the quickest option, taking only 3 hours and 11 minutes and costing between $80 and $430. It ultimately depends on the traveler's budget and time constraints.
The prices for a train ticket from San Diego to Sacramento can range from $28 to $274. The prices for a bus ticket from Sacramento to San Diego can range from $56 to $132. It's important to note that these prices may vary depending on factors such as the time of travel and the type of ticket purchased. It's recommended to compare prices and book in advance to find the best deal for your trip.
To get from San Diego to Sacramento without using public transportation, you can choose to drive. The driving distance between the two cities is approximately 507 miles, and it takes about 8 hours and 19 minutes to complete the journey. The cost of driving from San Diego to Sacramento can vary between $90 to $140, depending on factors such as fuel prices and tolls.
To travel from San Diego to Sacramento without a car, the best option is to take a combination of train and bus. This journey takes approximately 12 hours and 49 minutes and the cost varies. The alternative options include flying, which takes around 3 hours and 11 minutes and costs between $80 and $430, or taking a bus via Lucky Seafood, which takes 13 hours and 42 minutes and costs approximately $65 to $100. Another option is to take a train, which takes 17 hours and 54 minutes and costs between $28 and $280.
Yes, there is a connection between San Diego and Sacramento but it requires transfers. The train journey from San Diego to Sacramento takes approximately 17 hours and 54 minutes, with transfers in Los Angeles. Alternatively, there is no direct bus between the two cities, but the bus journey takes around 13 hours and 42 minutes, with transfers at Lucky Seafood in San Diego and Stockton Blvd in Sacramento.
The flight between San Diego and Sacramento typically takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes. The duration of the flight is relatively short, making it a convenient option for travelers. The cost of the flight can vary, ranging from $83 to $429, depending on factors such as the airline, time of booking, and availability. It is advisable to check for deals and compare prices to find the best option for your travel needs.
There are plenty of options for accommodation near Sacramento. There are over 255 hotels available in the area, offering a range of prices to suit different budgets. Prices for hotels start at $57 per night, providing affordable options for visitors. Whether you are looking for luxury, budget-friendly, or mid-range options, you will find a variety of hotels to choose from near Sacramento.

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