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Santa Monica, CA, USA to Sacramento, CA, USA from $26: 9 ways by bus, train, flight or car

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from
Santa Monica, United States of America
to
Sacramento, United States of America

How to Get from Santa Monica 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.

$26 - Bus, TrainBest price
578 kmDistance
3h 51m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Santa Monica 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
Bus
Plane
Average Duration
3h  51m
Estimated price
$73-355
Recommended
Company
various
Bus
Train
Average Duration
10h  59m
Estimated price
$26-184
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 578 km
Duration: 3h 51m

See more options

Company
various
Plane
Train
Average Duration
6h  36m
Estimated price
$57-730
Company
various
Tram
Plane
Average Duration
5h  20m
Estimated price
$76-317
Company
various
Tram
Bus
Plane
Average Duration
5h  45m
Estimated price
$508-1510
Company
various
Bus
Average Duration
11h  13m
Estimated price
$731-732
Company
various
Bus
Average Duration
11h  21m
Estimated price
$733-734
Company
Amtrak
Train
Average Duration
15h  56m
Estimated price
$735-736
Company
N/A
Drive
Average Duration
6h  17m
Estimated price
$737-738
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Traveling From Santa Monica to Sacramento

Traveling from Santa Monica to Sacramento offers a fascinating contrast between the laid-back, sun-soaked beaches of the coast and the vibrant, historic charm of California's capital city.

Best Neighbourhoods in Sacramento

Sacramento boasts diverse neighborhoods, each with its own charm and attractions.

Midtown
• Home to trendy restaurants and cafes.
• Vibrant arts scene with galleries and murals.
Old Sacramento
• Rich in Gold Rush history and heritage.
• Scenic waterfront with shops and entertainment.
East Sacramento
• Tree-lined streets and historic homes.
• Close to beautiful parks and outdoor spaces.

Best Times To Visit Sacramento's Attractions

Timing your visits to Sacramento's attractions can greatly enhance your experience.

California State Capitol Museum
Aim for a weekday morning to enjoy quieter tours and avoid peak crowds.
Sacramento Zoo
Visit during early weekdays for peaceful animal encounters and fewer visitors.
Old Sacramento Waterfront
Go on a weekday afternoon for a relaxed stroll and fewer tourists.

Sacramento Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Sacramento experiences a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters, making it essential to plan your visit according to the season. Spring and fall generally offer the best weather for exploring the city, while summer heat can influence outdoor activities.

Dining Recommendation

Head to The Waterboy in Sacramento for a taste of Mediterranean-inspired cuisine that incorporates local farm-fresh ingredients, offering a distinct culinary experience compared to Santa Monica's beachside fare. The rustic-chic atmosphere and vibrant flavors showcase the region's rich agricultural heritage, elevating your dining experience in an unexpected way.

Santa Monica - Sacramento operators

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

Bus Show bus routes
Contact phone
+1-310-451-5444
Website
https://bigbluebus.com

Bus from 4Th Sb & Santa Monica Place to Aviation/Lax

Average Duration
54m
Estimated price
$2-2
Contact phone
+1 (855) 626-8585
Website
https://flixbus.com

Bus from Los Angeles Union Station to Bakersfield Train Station

Average Duration
3h 30m
Estimated price
$2-1843

Bus from Los Angeles Union Station to Sacramento Bus Station

Average Duration
8h 25m
Estimated price
$739-738

Bus from Los Angeles to Sacramento Bus Station

Average Duration
9h 25m
Estimated price
$739-738
Contact phone
+1 214-849-8100
Website
https://www.greyhound.com/

Bus from Los Angeles Union Station to Bakersfield Train Station

Average Duration
2h 10m
Estimated price
$2692-18415

Bus from Los Angeles Union Station to Sacramento Bus Station

Average Duration
8h 45m
Estimated price
$18410-26900
Train Show train routes
Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245
Website
https://www.amtrak.com/home.html

Train from Los Angeles to Sacramento

Average Duration
13h 58m
Estimated price
$3555-3553

Train from Bakersfield to Sacramento

Average Duration
5h 23m
Estimated price
$2691-3556

Train from Oakland Coliseum/Airport Amtrak to Sacramento

Average Duration
2h 10m
Estimated price
$1841-1842
Plane Show flights
Website
https://www.southwest.com

Plane from Los Angeles (LAX) to Sacramento (SMF)

Average Duration
1h 27m
Estimated price
$3556-7350
Website
https://www.delta.com

Plane from Los Angeles (LAX) to Sacramento (SMF)

Average Duration
1h 26m
Estimated price
$738-261
Website
https://www.united.com

Plane from Los Angeles (LAX) to Sacramento (SMF)

Average Duration
1h 37m
Estimated price
$266-267
Website
https://www.aa.com

Plane from Los Angeles (LAX) to Sacramento (SMF)

Average Duration
1h 30m
Estimated price
$3556-2600
Tram
Contact phone
+1-323-466-3876
Website
https://www.metro.net/

Tram from Downtown Santa Monica Station to 7th Street / Metro Center Station

Average Duration
46m
Estimated price
$2-2

Tram from Downtown Santa Monica Station to Pico Station

Average Duration
44m
Estimated price
$2-2

Tram from Pico Station to Del Amo Station

Average Duration
35m
Estimated price
$1840-1840

Santa Monica to Sacramento: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips

Traveling between Santa Monica 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 road trip from Santa Monica to Sacramento spanning 387 miles of diverse landscapes and charming pit stops along the way. ⛽ With an estimated drive time of 6 hours and 17 minutes, fuel your journey with good music and road trip snacks as you traverse from the coast to the capital city. 💸 Prices for this adventure range from $70 to $110 for gas and any road trip essentials, offering an affordable and exciting way to explore the beauty of California by car.
Average price
$70 - $110
🚂 The total journey time from Santa Monica to Sacramento by train, including transfers, is approximately 15 hours and 56 minutes. This allows for a leisurely scenic ride through diverse landscapes. 🚂 Train services operated by Amtrak depart from Los Angeles station in Santa Monica and arrive at the Sacramento station. Ticket prices for the trip can range from $27 to $194, depending on the class and availability.
Departure Point
Los Angeles station
Arrival Point
Sacramento station
🛫 Flying from Santa Monica to Sacramento is a convenient and quick way to travel within the state of California. With direct flights available from major airlines like American, United, Delta, and Southwest, the trip can be completed in just 1 hour and 25 minutes.
Departure Point
Los Angeles Airport
Arrival Point
Sacramento Airport
🚌 The journey from Santa Monica to Sacramento by bus takes approximately 11 hours and 21 minutes with transfers along the way. 💰 Prices for the bus tickets range from $34 to $114, offering travelers flexibility in their budget for this trip.
Departure Point
Los Angeles Union Station
Arrival Point
Sacramento Bus Station

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from Santa Monica to Sacramento.

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The distance between Santa Monica and Sacramento is approximately 359 miles, or 386.8 miles by road. The travel times vary depending on the mode of transportation. By train, it takes approximately 16 hours and 12 minutes to reach Sacramento from Santa Monica. By bus, it takes around 11 hours and 24 minutes. If you prefer to fly, the journey involves taking a Line 3 bus to Los Angeles and then flying to Sacramento, with a total travel time of about 3 hours and 50 minutes. Driving between the two cities takes around 6 hours and 17 minutes.
The most cost-effective option for traveling from Santa Monica to Sacramento is by train via Van Nuys, with prices ranging from $25 to $200. However, this option is time-consuming, taking approximately 16 hours and 12 minutes. For a quicker option, taking the Line 3 bus to Los Angeles and then flying to Sacramento is recommended. This option takes 3 hours and 50 minutes, but the cost is higher, ranging from $65 to $350.
The cost of a train ticket from Santa Monica to Sacramento can range from $25 to $193, depending on the time and class of the ticket. On the other hand, the price of a bus ticket from Sacramento to Santa Monica ranges from $61 to $88. It is always a good idea to check for any promotions or discounts that may be available to get the best deal on your journey.
To get from Santa Monica to Sacramento without using public transportation, you can opt to drive. The road distance is approximately 387 miles, and it typically takes around 6 hours and 17 minutes to drive from Santa Monica to Sacramento. The cost of driving can vary, with prices ranging from $70 to $110 depending on factors such as gas prices and vehicle efficiency.
The best way to travel from Santa Monica to Sacramento without a car is to take a combination of bus and train. The journey takes approximately 10 hours and 31 minutes and the cost ranges from $26 to $180. You can catch a bus from Santa Monica to Los Angeles and then transfer to a train that will take you to Sacramento. This option is not only convenient, but also provides you with the opportunity to enjoy the scenic views along the way.
There is no direct train or bus link between Santa Monica and Sacramento. However, there are options for travel. The train journey takes approximately 16 hours and requires transfers at Downtown Santa Monica Station, 7th Street/Metro Center Station, and Los Angeles. The bus journey takes approximately 11 hours and 24 minutes with transfers at various stations including Chinatown Metro Station and Stockton Blvd & 65th St.
The flight from Santa Monica to Sacramento typically takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes. This is based on the quickest direct flight from Los Angeles Airport to Sacramento Airport. The cost of the flight can vary depending on the airline, time of year, and how far in advance you book. It is recommended to check with different airlines and booking websites to compare prices and find the best deal.
There are plenty of accommodation options near Sacramento. There are over 255 hotels available in the area, with prices starting at $57 per night. You can find a range of hotels to suit different budgets and preferences. Some popular areas to stay near Sacramento include downtown Sacramento and Rancho Cordova.

Trips from Santa Monica

Trips to Sacramento