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How to get from San Francisco Airport to Sacramento

The easiest way to travel from San Francisco Airport to Sacramento is to take a taxi or shuttle. 

San Francisco Airport taxis are readily available and take around 1 hour and 30 minutes to reach Sacramento. Alternatively, you can book an SFO shuttle, which will give you the same speedy service but without the hassle of waiting in the taxi queue.

There is no direct SFO to Sacramento bus or train. Instead, there are indirect ways to get to Sacramento with a combination of transportation methods. 

Read on for the full breakdown with prices and timetables!

Welcome Pickups offers meet and greet services and a friendly introduction to San Francisco at the same price as a regular taxi. Click here to see the cost.

Comparison of the options

PRICE FOR 2 PASSENGERS
OPTION PRICE DURATION AVAILABILITY Action
Taxi €220 90min 24/7
BART Red Line + Amtrak Train €72 180min 06:08–19:32
BART Yellow Line+No.15+Greyhound bus €93 240min 06:30–21:30
Welcome Airport Transfer €64 90min 24/7

How to get from SFO to Sacramento by taxi

Taking a San Francisco Airport taxi to Sacramento is one of the best ways to travel because it’s so straightforward. Taxis are available from SFO 24/7, and it takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes to reach Sacramento. 

Taxi fare from SFO to Sacramento

You can expect a San Francisco Airport to Sacramento taxi to cost around $250 (€220). However, it varies based on several factors, including the specific taxi company, the time of day, and traffic conditions.

Cost

$250 (€220)

Trip Duration

1 Hr. 30 Min.

*Prices may vary unless booked in advance.

Convenience
Safety
Value for Money

Taxis and private shuttles are available 24/7 at San Francisco (SFO) Airport.

Where do I get a taxi from?

At San Francisco International Airport, you can easily locate taxis at the designated taxi zones outside the baggage claim areas of Domestic Terminals 1, 2, and 3, and on the Arrivals level outside the customs area for the International Terminal. During peak times, uniformed taxi coordinators are available to assist with the queue and any special requests.

Convenience

Navigating the busy environment of San Francisco International Airport can be daunting. That’s why taking a taxi from SFO to Sacramento is a great choice. That said, there may be a wait for a taxi during busy travel times. In which case, you may prefer to book a private transfer in advance instead.

Editor’s Note

Great for a convenient travel solution on demand.

Useful Tips

Confirm the estimated fare with the driver beforehand to avoid surprises, as the trip from SFO to Sacramento is long and can be costly.
Taxis usually accept both card and cash payments at SFO. But for your peace of mind, you can check this with your driver before setting off.
Sacramento can get very busy roads, so it's best to prepare for potential traffic delays (especially during rush hour) by allowing extra travel time for your trip to Sacramento.

How to get from SFO to Sacramento by train (BART Red Line + Amtrak Train)

Getting the train from SFO to Sacramento involves a few steps, as there’s no direct train service between these two points. First, you’ll need to board the BART train on the red line towards Richmond. After arriving at the Richmond station, you’ll transfer to the Capitol Corridor (CC) Amtrak train headed for Sacramento. The entire trip, including both the BART and Amtrak segments, typically takes around 3 hours and 20 minutes, though this can vary based on the specific train schedules and any unforeseen delays.

How much does it cost to get from SFO to Sacramento by train?

The BART from SFO to Richmond costs $12.65 (€11) and the Amtrak train to Sacramento costs $27 (€25). Therefore, expect to spend $29.65 (€36) per person. 

Cost

$29.65 (€36)

Trip Duration

3 Hr.

The BART Red Line train runs from SFO every 30 minutes, and CC Amtrak runs every hour.

Convenience
Safety
Value for Money

The BART red line is available Mon-Fri 05:00 to 00:00; Saturday from 06:00 to 00:00; Sunday from 08:00 to 00:00. The CC Train is available Mon-Fri from 06:08 to 20:32, and Sat-Sun from 07:32 to 21:32.

Where do I get the train from?

Upon arriving at San Francisco Airport, head to the International Terminal where the BART station is situated. From Terminals 1 and 2, you can take the AirTrain to the International Terminal. Once there, purchase a ticket or use your Clipper card and board the BART Red Line train heading towards Richmond. At the Richmond BART station, transition to the co-located Amtrak station by following the signs. Wait for the Capital Corridor (CC) train to Sacramento, ensuring you have your Amtrak ticket, either pre-purchased online or bought at the station.

Convenience

Regrettably, there is no direct public transportation option from SFO Airport to Sacramento; you first need to take the BART Red Line to Richmond and then transfer to the Amtrak train. This journey can be quite tedious, especially if you are travelling with children and/or heavy luggage. Moreover, once you get to downtown Sacramento, you will have to find an alternative solution to get to your hotel or apartment.

Editor’s Note

Best option for travelers on a budget with light luggage and plenty of time to spare.

Useful Tips

If you don’t have a Clipper Card, you can use your contactless card to pay your fare as you board the BART.
We recommend purchasing your ticket from Richmond and Sacramento online to save time.
Keep an eye on your belongings, especially during transfers at the Richmond station.
Check the train schedules in advance to minimise wait times between BART and Amtrak connections.

How to get from SFO to Sacramento by bus (BART Yellow Line+No.15+Greyhound)

There isn’t a direct bus from SFO to Sacramento. If you want to take a bus, you’ll first need to get to the San Francisco Bus Terminal. First, take the BART Yellow Line to Powell St. Walk 5 minutes around the corner to 4th St & Market St and hop on the No.15 bus to Townsend.

Once you get to the San Francisco Townsend Bus Station, you can get the Greyhound bus to Sacramento. The bus takes around 2 to 3 hours, depending on the time of traveling. It’s available three times per day from 06:30 to 16:00. 

The combined journey takes around 4 hours to complete.

How much is the bus from San Francisco Airport to Sacramento?

The BART ticket to Powell St costs $11.15 (€10) per person. The No.15 bus costs $2 (€1.50). 

The bus from San Francisco to Sacramento costs $37.98 (€35). 

Therefore, you can expect this journey from SFO to Sacramento to cost $51.13 (€46.50).

Cost

$51.13 (€46.50)

Trip Duration

4 Hrs.

There is a waiting time of up to 60 minutes for the Greyhound coach.

Convenience
Safety
Value for Money

The Greyhound/Flixbus services operate from 06:30 to 21:30 daily.

Where do I get the bus from?

The bus to Sacramento departs from San Francisco Townsend Bus Terminal. You can take a taxi or public transport to get there as outlined above.

Convenience

While the bus service from SFO to Sacramento via BART and Greyhound is an economical option, it might not be the most convenient choice for all travelers. Despite the affordable fare, passengers should note that they need to transfer from SFO to the downtown San Francisco Greyhound bus station, which can be challenging, particularly with hefty luggage. Additionally, the bus journey has multiple stops en route, potentially lengthening the travel duration. While it’s cost-effective, it’s crucial to consider the convenience aspect, especially if traveling with family and aiming for a smooth, hassle-free trip.

Editor’s Note

Decent option for travelers with time on their hands who don't mind a few transfers.

Useful Tips

Pack light, as navigating between BART and the bus station with heavy luggage can be challenging.
Stay vigilant and watch your belongings, especially during transfers or stops.
Allow extra travel time for potential traffic delays, especially during peak hours.

How to get from San Francisco Airport to Sacramento by private shuttle

The best way to travel from San Francisco Airport to Sacramento is to take a private shuttle. That way, you get all of the convenience of a taxi, but you can skip the taxi queue. Instead, your driver will meet you in the Arrivals Hall.

Booking your San Francisco Airport transfer from an international company like Welcome Pickups ensures that you receive top-quality personalized service from beginning to end. We also include great perks for our customers, like: 

  • Customized meet&greet service
  • Guaranteed on-time pickups with flight monitoring
  • Professionally trained English-speaking drivers
  • Fixed fares with online payment 
  • 24/7 customer support

Once you’ve booked your transfer, you can relax knowing that everything will be handled on your behalf, including finding the right vehicle for your group and the best driver for the job.

How much is a private shuttle from San Francisco Airport to Sacramento?

The price for an airport transfer from San Francisco Airport to Sacramento is surprisingly affordable compared to both taxis and public transport options. The full breakdown of Welcome’s rates are as follows: 

  • Sedan (1-3 passengers) – $74 (€64)
  • Minivan (4-5 passengers) – $99 (€85) 
  • Minibus (6-12 passengers) – $305 (€262)

To get your personalized quote, all you need to do is put in your contact details, flight number, number of passengers, and desired pickup time on our online form or mobile app (App Store || Google Play). The quote we present to you is fixed and not subject to change. That means no nasty surprises on the day. You can pay using our secure online payment system, and that’s it! Your transfer is booked, and we’ll take care of the rest.

Cost

$74 (€64)

Trip Duration

1 Hr. 30 Min.

*Booking your private transfer from SFO Airport in advance is the best way to ensure a seamless experience.

Convenience
Safety
Value for money

Private shuttle are available 24/7 from San Francisco International Airport.

Where do I get a private transfer from?

Your friendly local driver will be waiting in the Arrivals Hall for you when you land. If your flight is delayed, your driver will be monitoring your flight so they know when to meet you. After greeting you at the airport, they’ll help you with your luggage as they guide you to your pre-selected vehicle.

Convenience

There’s no greater convenience than having a private shuttle driver waiting for you in the Arrivals Hall. You’ll save so much time by skipping the taxi stand. Plus, with 24/7 5-star customer support, we’re here to answer any questions or concerns so that you have the best trip possible.

Editor’s Note

Ideal for couples, families, business, and solo travelers who want a convenient, safe, reliable journey.

Useful Tips

You can download the Welcome Pickups app to keep useful information about your transfer handy or contact your driver.
We recommend setting your pickup time at least 30-60 minutes after your predicted flight arrival time to give you time to get through passport control, baggage reclaim, and customs.
Sedans can accommodate up to 3 passengers, minivans up to 5, and minibusses up to 12.
Before your transfer, you will receive an email including your driver's name, contact information, photo, and vehicle information so that you know who to expect on the day.
You will have 60 minutes of complimentary waiting time after your scheduled pickup to go through passport control and baggage claim.
You can request a baby/child seat during the booking process, and your driver will provide one for you.

Welcome Pickups transfer

Welcome Pickups

Book a trained, English-speaking taxi driver to pick you up at the same price as a regular cab from the line

If you feel more relaxed knowing that somebody is waiting for you, you may as well book a Welcome Pickups transfer. As soon as you arrive at the airport you will be greeted by your driver. He will be waiting for you at the terminal of your arrival with a sign that has your name on it. Your driver will help you out with your luggage and together you will make your way to the vehicle. While he is driving you to your accommodation, the driver can give you some tips and recommendations on what to do during your holidays in San francisco. Our drivers are hand-picked and speak fluent English. No need to worry about miscommunication issues that you may face with the local taxi drivers regarding your destination. Relax and enjoy your ride.

Best drivers

Hand-picked english-speaking drivers

Flight monitoring

Drivers are always on time

Quality support

24/7 email & phone support

Cancel up to 24 hours before the pickup and get an 80% refund

Edit or cancel transfers

Read more Book Welcome Pickups transfer

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to take a train from San Francisco to Sacramento?

The Amtrak train from Richmond Station in San Francisco to Sacramento costs $27 (€25) per person. You can purchase tickets from the manned kiosks at the station or online. 

How much is a taxi from SF to Sacramento?

The average taxi cost from San Francisco Airport to Sacramento is around $250 (€220). However, this isn’t a set rate. For a fixed-rate ride, you can pre-book online with Welcome. 

How to get to SFO from Sacramento without a car?

To travel to the San Francisco Airport from Sacramento without a car, you’ll need to take a taxi or public transport. The easiest method is to take a train from Sacramento to Richmond, then hop on the BART Red Line to SFO. The journey should take around 3 hours.

How far is Sacramento from San Francisco on a flight?

SFO to Sacramento flights take around 1 hour.

Does Amtrak go to SFO from Sacramento?

There is no direct Amtrak train to SFO from Sacramento. Instead, you’ll need to take the train from Sacramento to Richmond. From there, you can switch to the Red Line of the BART Rail to get to the San Francisco Airport.

Olivia De Santos

Olivia De Santos is a seasoned travel writer and adventurer with bylines in Lonely Planet and A Way Abroad. With over ten years of professional writing experience and a degree in Linguistics, she blends cultural insight and personal storytelling to help travelers see the world in a new light.

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