City to city
San Francisco (Emeryville) to Sacramento by train
You can travel direct from San Francisco (Emeryville) to Sacramento on the Capitol Corridor or Gold Runner trains, with the journey taking about 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours 30 minutes.
| Train | Approx. time | Runs | Overnight | Change needed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capitol Corridor | about 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours | Many trains a day between Sacramento and Oakland | No | No, direct |
| Gold Runner (formerly San Joaquins) | about 2 hours to 2 hours 30 minutes | Several trains a day | No | No, direct |
The rail route between the Bay Area and California's capital offers a comfortable alternative to driving. Passengers start their journey in Emeryville, which serves as the primary rail hub for San Francisco. From there, direct trains run northeast toward Sacramento. The trip is relatively short, making it a popular choice for both commuters and regional travelers. You have a choice between two services, each offering frequent departures throughout the day. Because the journey takes just a couple of hours, you can easily plan a morning departure and arrive with plenty of time to explore the city.
Your train options
Two direct routes serve this corridor. The Capitol Corridor runs many trains a day between Sacramento and Oakland as of 2026. This service takes about 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours. It offers Coach seating and a Café car. The Gold Runner (formerly San Joaquins), renamed in November 2025, runs several trains a day and takes about 2 hours to 2 hours 30 minutes. The Gold Runner provides Coach and a Café car, with Business Class available on some trains. Neither train involves an overnight trip. When choosing between the two, the Capitol Corridor is usually the faster option and offers more daily departures. The Gold Runner might be preferable if its schedule aligns better with your plans or if you want to book Business Class. Both trains offer comfortable seating for the short daytime ride.
The journey
If you travel during daylight hours, the ride offers pleasant views of Northern California waterways and agricultural lands. On the Capitol Corridor, the train stops at Berkeley, Richmond, Martinez, Suisun City, and Davis. Between Richmond and Martinez, passengers can see the San Pablo Bay shoreline and the Carquinez Strait. From Martinez through to Davis, the route passes the Suisun Marsh and open Delta farmland. The Gold Runner takes a slightly different path after Martinez, stopping at Antioch, Stockton, and Lodi before reaching Sacramento. On this route, the scenery includes the Carquinez Strait and the Sacramento and San Joaquin River delta. Both routes provide a relaxing view of the region, though evening travelers will miss the water views in the dark.
The stations
There is no Amtrak station in San Francisco itself. Passengers use the San Francisco (Emeryville) station, located in the East Bay between Oakland and Berkeley. Amtrak Thruway buses connect Emeryville across the Bay Bridge to stops in San Francisco. Emeryville is also the western terminus for the California Zephyr. You will arrive at the Sacramento station, a restored 1926 building near Old Sacramento. It is one of the busiest Amtrak stations in the West. Light rail and buses connect the station to the rest of the city. The California State Railroad Museum is a short walk away.
Tips
- Check the current timetable to see if the Capitol Corridor or Gold Runner best fits your schedule.
- Remember to factor in the Amtrak Thruway bus connection time if you are starting your trip in San Francisco.
- Review our booking tips to find the best fares for your travel dates.
- Business Class is only available on select Gold Runner trains, so book early if you prefer that upgrade.
Questions travellers ask
Is there a direct train from San Francisco to Sacramento?
Yes, direct trains depart from Emeryville, which serves as the Amtrak station for San Francisco. You can take either the Capitol Corridor or the Gold Runner directly to Sacramento. Thruway buses link San Francisco to the Emeryville station across the Bay Bridge.
How long does the train take from Emeryville to Sacramento?
The Capitol Corridor takes about 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours. The Gold Runner, formerly known as the San Joaquins, takes slightly longer at about 2 hours to 2 hours 30 minutes.