
If you're planning a trip from San Francisco to Sacramento, you have several transportation options to choose from. Flights are the fastest way to make the 90-mile journey, taking just 45 minutes.
Buses are another popular choice, with companies like Greyhound and FlixBus offering multiple daily departures from San Francisco's Union Square to Sacramento's Downtown. The journey takes around 2-3 hours.
Trains are a scenic option, with Amtrak's Capitol Corridor service running regularly from San Francisco's Emeryville station to Sacramento's Valley Station. The train ride takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes.
Related reading: 250 South Harbor Boulevard San Pedro Ca
Getting There
You can view a map with driving directions from San Francisco to Sacramento using your preferred map provider, such as Google Maps, Bing Maps, or MapQuest.
DriveDistance.com is a helpful tool that allows you to find out how far it is to drive from San Francisco to Sacramento with full directions.
The driving distance between San Francisco and Sacramento can be easily determined using DriveDistance.com.
Travel Options
You can pay for your ticket online, making it a convenient option for planning your trip.
There are direct connections available between San Francisco and Sacramento, so you can travel without needing to change buses.
San Francisco to Sacramento is a relatively short journey, with a distance of 75 miles between the two cities.
Popular Airlines
When traveling from San Francisco to Sacramento, you have several airline options to choose from. United is the most popular airline, operating 28 weekly nonstop flights from SFO to SMF.
United's typical price range is $165-$240 for a one-week round trip. You can find flights from as low as $237 on their website.
Southwest is another popular option, offering 305 weekly connecting flights from SFO to SMF. Their typical price range is $260-$520, with flights starting from $241.
Alaska Airlines also offers a range of flights, with 186 weekly connecting flights from SFO to SMF. Their typical price range is $255-$520, with flights starting from $217.
If you're looking for a budget-friendly option, American Airlines might not be the best choice, with a typical price range of $280-$550 for a one-week round trip. However, they do offer 101 weekly connecting flights from SFO to SMF.
Here's a summary of the popular airlines from San Francisco to Sacramento:
Popular Airports Near
If you're planning a trip to Sacramento, you'll likely need to fly into an airport. Sacramento International Airport (SMF) is the closest option, just 9 miles from the city center and a 16-minute drive.
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is another popular choice, located about 81 miles from Sacramento and a 1 hour and 39-minute drive.
Oakland International Airport (OAK) is also an option, situated 71 miles from Sacramento and a 1 hour and 30-minute drive.
San Jose Mineta International Airport (SJC) is a bit farther away, at 87 miles from Sacramento, but still within reach at a 1 hour and 55-minute drive.
Here are the popular airports near Sacramento:
- Sacramento International Airport (SMF)
- San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
- Oakland International Airport (OAK)
- San Jose Mineta International Airport (SJC)
Flying FAQs
If you're planning a trip from San Francisco to Sacramento, you'll want to know about your flying options.
The cheapest United round-trip flight is $237, flying from June 5 to June 8. This is a great option for those on a budget.
There are 28 United direct flights from San Francisco to Sacramento per week, with flights available every day. This means you have plenty of flexibility with your travel plans.
If you're looking for a Southwest flight, the cheapest round-trip option is $241, flying from June 5 to June 9.
Alaska offers the cheapest round-trip flight at $217, flying from May 29 to June 2. This is a great option if you're flexible with your travel dates.
Here are the flight frequencies for some of the major airlines:
Greyhound Recent Customer Reviews
Some customers have had issues with inaccurate stop locations on their maps, which can lead to missed buses.
It's a good idea to ask staff on site for a current stop location to avoid confusion.

Customers have also reported difficulty in getting information from staff, with some buses departing late or without notice.
It's a good idea to plan ahead and check for updates on your bus's status before heading to the station.
On the other hand, some customers have had good experiences with Greyhound, including arriving at their destination on time.
However, some customers have suggested that the address of the stations should be included on the tickets to avoid confusion and having to search online for pickup locations.
Amtrak Customer Reviews
Traveling by train can be a great experience, but it's not without its challenges.
Some Amtrak customers have reported difficulties with finding the pickup location, especially if the address isn't included on the ticket.
A recent review from an Amtrak San Francisco to Sacramento customer suggests that this is a common issue.
In fact, this customer had to Google the location in San Francisco because the address wasn't on the ticket.
It's surprising that this issue hasn't been addressed, given how easy it would be to include the address on the ticket.
More Travel Options
If you're looking for more travel options from San Francisco, you've got plenty of choices. With a distance of just 75 miles, San Francisco to Sacramento is a relatively short trip.
You can make online payments for your tickets, and there are direct connections available. I've personally used online payment systems for bus tickets before, and it's a convenient way to book your travel.
Here are some quick facts about the San Francisco to Sacramento bus route:
You can also browse through an extensive selection of bus fares and schedules to find the best deals.
Bus Travel Tips
Meet locals at bus stations to get insider travel tips, just like you would with a local guide. They can provide you with valuable information about the city and its hidden gems.
Start sightseeing as soon as your bus leaves the station, and you'll get a feel for the city before you even arrive. The night bus from San Francisco to Sacramento is a great time to get comfortable and enjoy the ride.
A different take: City of San Diego Trash Collection
Buses are an energy-efficient way to travel, using significantly less fuel than other modes of transportation. For example, carrying a passenger over 100 kms by coach only takes 0.6-0.9 liters of gas.
Create a personalized bus travel playlist to make your ride more enjoyable, just like curating a musical score for your trip. This will help you make the most of your time on the bus and arrive at your destination feeling refreshed and ready to go.
Trip Planning
The drive from San Francisco to Sacramento typically takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes via I-80, making it a relatively quick and easy trip.
Consider renting a car for the journey, as public transportation options are limited. You can rent a car from several companies, including Enterprise and Hertz, at the San Francisco International Airport or in the city center.
California
California is a fantastic destination for your next trip. If you're planning to visit the Golden State, you'll want to know about the various airports near major cities.
Sacramento, California has several airports near it, including the Sacramento International Airport (SMF). This airport is a major hub for several airlines, making it easy to get to and from the city.
If you're looking to stay in Sacramento, there are plenty of hotels to choose from, ranging from budget-friendly options to luxury resorts. Some popular hotels near Sacramento include the Hyatt Regency Sacramento and the Sheraton Grand Sacramento Hotel.
If you're planning to explore more of California, you'll want to know about the cities near Sacramento. Some nearby cities include Stockton, Roseville, and Elk Grove.
Explore further: Pdx to San Jose Airport
Trip Overview
Planning a trip can be overwhelming, but breaking it down into smaller tasks makes it more manageable.
Researching your destination is crucial, and it's essential to consider factors like climate, culture, and local customs.
A good itinerary should include a mix of planned activities and free time for spontaneity.
Traveling during the off-season can save you money on accommodations and flights.
The type of accommodation you choose will greatly impact your trip, from hostels to luxury hotels.
A well-planned budget will help you stay on track financially, and it's essential to set aside money for unexpected expenses.
Alternative Transportation

The scenic drive from San Francisco to Sacramento is a great way to take in the Golden State's stunning natural beauty. The drive typically takes around 2 hours, depending on traffic.
You can also consider taking the train, which is a convenient and relatively quick option. The Capitol Corridor train runs frequently from San Francisco's Emeryville station to Sacramento's Valley Station.
Alternatively, you can take a bus, which is a budget-friendly option that still offers scenic views of the California countryside.
Buses Leaving from
If you're looking for alternative transportation options from San Francisco, you've got several bus routes to choose from. With Busbud, you can easily compare and book tickets for buses leaving from San Francisco to various destinations.
One of the most popular routes is to Sacramento, which takes around a few hours by bus. You can also take buses to other nearby cities like Superior, Richmond, and Yosemite National Park.

Here are some of the bus routes leaving from San Francisco:
- Bus from San Francisco to Sacramento
- Bus from San Francisco to Superior
- Bus San Francisco - Richmond
- Bus San Francisco - Yosemite National Park
- Bus from San Francisco to Los Angeles
- Bus San Francisco - Las Vegas
- Bus San Francisco - Monterey
- Bus from San Francisco to Napa
- Bus San Francisco - Reno
Alternative Transportation: Train
Trains are a great alternative to driving a car, and they're often a more affordable option. They're also a convenient way to travel, especially for longer distances.
You can travel from one city to another by train, and it's a good way to see the countryside. Many trains have comfortable seating and amenities like food and beverage service.
One of the benefits of train travel is that it's often more environmentally friendly than driving a car. Trains can carry many more passengers than cars, which reduces the number of vehicles on the road.
In the US, Amtrak is a popular train service that offers routes across the country. Amtrak has a wide range of trains, from short-distance commuter trains to long-distance intercity trains.
Some trains have unique features, like the Acela Express, which is a high-speed train that can reach speeds of up to 150 miles per hour.
Popular Stops Location
If you're driving from San Francisco to Sacramento, you'll want to stop at the historic town of Sutter's Fort, a 19th-century trading post that's now a museum.
The California State Railroad Museum in Old Sacramento is another must-see, with its impressive collection of historic locomotives and train cars.
You can also visit the Old Sacramento State Historic Park, which showcases the city's rich history and features cobblestone streets and charming shops.
The Tower Bridge, a iconic landmark, is a great spot for photos and offers stunning views of the Sacramento River.
The California State Railroad Museum is located near the Tower Bridge, making it easy to visit both attractions in one trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is an Uber from SFO to Sacramento?
The cost of an Uber ride from SFO to Sacramento is approximately $185. This estimate includes a 116-minute trip covering 100 miles.
How much does it cost to take Amtrak from Sacramento to San Francisco?
The cost of taking Amtrak from Sacramento to San Francisco is approximately $38. Check Amtrak's website for the latest prices and schedules.
Sources
- https://www.google.com/travel/flights/flights-from-san-francisco-to-sacramento.html
- https://www.travelmath.com/driving-time/from/San+Francisco,+CA/to/Sacramento,+CA
- https://www.greyhound.com/bus-routes/san-francisco-ca-sacramento-ca
- https://www.busbud.com/en/bus-san-francisco-sacramento/r/9q8yyk-9qce7r
- https://www.travelmath.com/distance/from/San+Francisco,+CA/to/Sacramento,+CA
Featured Images: pexels.com