Amtrak makes the trip between Sacramento and Los Angeles smooth and pleasurable. Amtrak provides a practical, cozy, and environmentally responsible mode of transportation whether you’re traveling for work, organizing a weekend vacation, or taking in California’s breathtaking scenery. Everything you need to know about traveling to Amtrak Los Angeles to Sacramento will be covered in this guide, including schedules, costs, routes, and amenities. Along with highlighting important services like the Amtrak Coast Starlight, we’ll also look at the return trip and Amtrak Sacramento to Los Angeles.

Amtrak Route Details from Los Angeles to Sacramento
Here’s a Amtrak Los Angeles to Sacramento Station Route, including key stops, approximate travel times, and services. This information is based on the primary routes, including the Pacific Surfliner and San Joaquins, which are commonly used for this journey.
Stop | Station Name | Approx. Arrival Time | Approx. Departure Time | Route/Service | Key Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Los Angeles, CA | Los Angeles Union Station (LAX) | – | 6:00 AM / 9:00 AM / 12:00 PM | Pacific Surfliner | Main departure point in Los Angeles. |
Fullerton, CA | Fullerton Station | 6:45 AM / 9:45 AM / 12:45 PM | 6:50 AM / 9:50 AM / 12:50 PM | Pacific Surfliner | Popular stop for Orange County travelers. |
Anaheim, CA | Anaheim Regional Transportation Intermodal Center | 7:00 AM / 10:00 AM / 1:00 PM | 7:05 AM / 10:05 AM / 1:05 PM | Pacific Surfliner | Near Disneyland Resort. |
Santa Ana, CA | Santa Ana Station | 7:15 AM / 10:15 AM / 1:15 PM | 7:20 AM / 10:20 AM / 1:20 PM | Pacific Surfliner | Convenient for Orange County commuters. |
San Juan Capistrano, CA | San Juan Capistrano Station | 7:45 AM / 10:45 AM / 1:45 PM | 7:50 AM / 10:50 AM / 1:50 PM | Pacific Surfliner | Historic mission town with scenic views. |
San Diego, CA | San Diego Santa Fe Depot | 8:30 AM / 11:30 AM / 2:30 PM | 8:35 AM / 11:35 AM / 2:35 PM | Pacific Surfliner | Southern terminus of the Pacific Surfliner. |
Bakersfield, CA | Bakersfield Station | 12:00 PM / 3:00 PM / 6:00 PM | 12:15 PM / 3:15 PM / 6:15 PM | San Joaquins | Transfer point from Pacific Surfliner to San Joaquins. |
Fresno, CA | Fresno Station | 2:00 PM / 5:00 PM / 8:00 PM | 2:10 PM / 5:10 PM / 8:10 PM | San Joaquins | Major Central Valley city with agricultural significance. |
Stockton, CA | Stockton Station | 3:30 PM / 6:30 PM / 9:30 PM | 3:40 PM / 6:40 PM / 9:40 PM | San Joaquins | Gateway to the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. |
Sacramento, CA | Sacramento Valley Station | 4:00 PM / 7:00 PM / 10:00 PM | – | San Joaquins | Final destination in Sacramento, located downtown. |
Los Angeles to Sacramento Amtrak Route through Coast Starlight
For travelers seeking a more luxurious and scenic route, the Amtrak Coast Starlight is an alternative option. While it doesn’t run daily, it offers a unique experience with additional amenities:
Stop | Station Name | Approx. Arrival Time | Approx. Departure Time | Route/Service | Key Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Los Angeles, CA | Los Angeles Union Station (LAX) | – | 10:10 AM | Coast Starlight | Departs in the morning. |
Santa Barbara, CA | Santa Barbara Station | 12:45 PM | 1:00 PM | Coast Starlight | Scenic coastal views. |
San Luis Obispo, CA | San Luis Obispo Station | 3:15 PM | 3:25 PM | Coast Starlight | Heart of California’s Central Coast. |
Oakland, CA | Oakland Jack London Square | 7:45 PM | 8:00 PM | Coast Starlight | Near San Francisco Bay. |
Sacramento, CA | Sacramento Valley Station | 9:30 PM | – | Coast Starlight | Arrives in the evening. |
Amtrak Timetable for Sacramento to Los Angeles
Amtrak offers multiple daily departures for travelers heading from Los Angeles to Sacramento. Here’s a general overview of the schedule:
- Departure: Trains typically depart from Los Angeles Union Station in the early morning, midday, and evening.
- Arrival: You’ll arrive at Sacramento Valley Station, located in the heart of downtown Sacramento, making it easy to explore the city upon arrival.
Factors When using Amtrak services for Amtrak Sacramento to Los Angeles
Traveling with Amtrak from Los Angeles to Sacramento is not just about getting from point A to point B—it’s about enjoying the journey. Here are some of the amenities you can expect:
Amenity | Description | Available on Pacific Surfliner | Available on San Joaquins | Available on Coast Starlight |
---|---|---|---|---|
Comfortable Seating | Spacious seats with ample legroom, reclining options, and adjustable headrests. | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Free Wi-Fi | Complimentary Wi-Fi access to stay connected during your journey. | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Power Outlets | Individual power outlets at each seat to charge your devices. | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Café Car | Onboard café offering snacks, meals, and beverages for purchase. | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Scenic Views | Large windows for panoramic views of California’s coastline, farmland, and mountains. | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Luggage Storage | Generous baggage allowances with overhead racks and dedicated storage areas. | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Observation Car | Special car with floor-to-ceiling windows for enjoying scenic views (available on select routes). | No | No | Yes |
Dining Car | Full-service dining car with freshly prepared meals (available on select routes). | No | No | Yes |
Private Rooms | Options for private sleeping accommodations, including roomettes and bedrooms. | No | No | Yes |
Accessibility Features | Wheelchair-accessible seating, restrooms, and boarding assistance. | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Quiet Car | Designated quiet car for a peaceful travel experience (available on select routes). | No | No | Yes |
Pet Policy | Small pets allowed onboard for a fee (advance reservation required). | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Bicycle Storage | Space for bicycles onboard (reservation required). | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Why Choose Amtrak for Your Los Angeles to Sacramento Trip?
Amtrak is one of the most popular choices for travelers heading from Los Angeles to Sacramento. With its spacious seating, onboard amenities, and stunning views of California’s diverse landscapes, Amtrak provides a stress-free alternative to driving or flying. Plus, you’ll avoid the hassle of traffic on I-5 and enjoy a more relaxed travel experience.
Tips for Booking Your Amtrak Trip for Amtrak Los Angeles to Sacramento
Use the Amtrak mobile app or the Amtrak official website to make reservations for the Amtrak trip from Los Angeles to Sacramento Station. Tickets can also be bought over the phone at Amtrak’s reservation center or at stations with staff.
Travel Advice for Amtrak
- Book Early: Secure the best fares by booking your tickets in advance.
- Check for Discounts: Amtrak offers discounts for seniors, students, military personnel, and more.
- Pack Light: While Amtrak allows generous baggage allowances, packing light ensures a more comfortable journey.
- Arrive Early: Arrive at the station at least 30 minutes before departure to allow time for boarding.
Some Popular Amtrak Routes
- Amtrak Los Angeles to San Jose Stations and Routes
- Amtrak Los Angeles to New York Stations Route
- Amtrak Los Angeles to San Francisco Stations
- Amtrak Los Angeles to San Diego Station Route
- Amtrak Los Angeles to Seattle Train Route
- Amtrak Los Angeles to San Joaquin Station
- Amtrak Los Angeles to Santa Barbara
- Amtrak Union Station to Los Angeles
- Amtrak Los Angeles to California
Conclusion
Traveling from Los Angeles to Sacramento with Amtrak is a convenient, scenic, and stress-free way to explore California. With its reliable service, comfortable amenities, and stunning views, Amtrak makes it easy to enjoy the journey as much as the destination. Whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure, Amtrak from Los Angeles to Sacramento is the perfect choice for your next trip.
FAQs on Amtrak Sacramento to Los Angeles
The trip typically takes 10-12 hours, depending on connections and schedules.
Amtrak Sacramento to Los Angeles ticket prices start at $58, averaging $63. Booking 20+ days in advance helps secure lower fares.
Amenities include comfortable seating, free Wi-Fi, power outlets, a café car, and scenic views. The Coast Starlight also offers an observation car, dining car, and private rooms.
It’s recommended to book your ticket at least 2-3 weeks in advance to secure the best fares and ensure seat availability, especially during peak travel seasons.
You can contact Amtrak customer service by calling 1-800-USA-RAIL (1-800-872-7245) or using the live chat feature on their official website.