How to Book Train Travel From BakersfieldtTo Sacramento

Once a bustling pioneer town, the state capital of California is proud of its gold rush roots. You will find many important historic buildings in Old Sacramento and if your timing is right, you can visit the California State Fair held yearly in late August or early September. Taking the train from Bakersfield to Sacramento is a fitting way to begin your trip to this historic town.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Valid picture I.D.
• Computer with Internet access for making reservations.

Plan Your Trip

1. Realize that of the 4 routes serving Sacramento, only one--the San Joaquins Line--provides the most direct route from Bakersfield.
2. Plan on checking your baggage on this train ride. Checked baggage service is available on trains and buses between Bakersfield and Sacramento.
3. Keep your luggage limited to 2 carry-on items and 3 checked-in bags. Check-in bags should weigh no more than 50 pounds. If you need to check more items, you will be charged $10 per item.
4. Travel with a book or bring along your MP3 player to amuse yourself on this 5-hour train ride.
5. Stop in Fresno for connections to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park or Merced for a side trip to Yosemite.

Purchase Your Ticket

6. Purchase a reserved seat on Amtrak's San Joaquins line from Bakersfield to Sacramento. Reservations are required on this railway, even though Coach is the only class of seating available.
7. Spend between $50 and $100 on your train ticket to Sacramento, or save when you take advantage of weekly specials or special promotions offered by Amtrak. Depending on your age, you may also qualify for a discount on this trip.
8. Book your ticket at least 3 days in advance to take advantage of any discounts that may be available to you. Depending on the promotion, you may need to purchase your ticket online, over the phone or at the station.

Explore California's Railways

9. Connect with the California Zephyr line in Sacramento. This route offers service between San Francisco Bay Area and Chicago along the historic Santa Fe Trail and offers sleeper cars on this Superliner train.
10. Travel from Sacramento to Seattle or Los Angeles on the Coast Starlight line. This service also offers Superliner sleeping cars and a spectacular view along the coast of California from its Sightseer Lounge.
11. Book travel to Reno along the Capitol Corridor from Sacramento. This route travels east and west bound between San Francisco and Nevada.

Tips & Warnings

• Call Amtrak at 1-800-USA-RAIL or visit the link below.