Sacramento Made Simple: A Guide to Public Transport in Sacramento

Exploring Sacramento and want to get around the city easily? Sacramento’s public transit system makes it simple to see the city without a car, and this guide is here to help. This blog will help you understand routes, fares, stations, and transit tools so you can plan your trip, save time, and explore the city smoothly. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to use public transport in Sacramento to get around comfortably and enjoy everything the city has to offer.

 

Overview of Sacramento's Public Transportation

Light Rail System

The Sacramento light rail network is a central feature operated by Sacramento Regional Transit (SacRT), and it’s the easiest way to navigate the city without a car. You can use the light rail to move across key neighborhoods, from downtown to the northern suburbs or east toward Folsom, just by hopping on the right line. The network has three main lines: the Blue Line, Gold Line, and Green Line. 

The Blue Line is perfect if you want to explore Old Sacramento, the American River Parkway, or Midtown. The Gold Line runs east toward Folsom, passing through East Sacramento, giving access to shopping districts and residential areas. And the Green Line is expanding, and eventually it will reach Sacramento International Airport and northern neighborhoods, which will make commuting even easier. You will notice that downtown stations serve as major transfer points, so switching between lines is straightforward. 

Trains run frequently during peak hours, with reliable schedules, and tickets are affordable. You can buy day passes or use reloadable fare cards to save time, and most stations have seating, shelters, and clear signage. You will also find the light rail convenient for avoiding traffic, city parking hassles, and long walks, especially if you want a stress-free ride while exploring Sacramento’s attractions. Using the light rail is practical as well as comfortable.

Other Information:

• Lines: Blue, Gold, Green

• Connections: Downtown transfer points

• Ticket Options: Day passes, reloadable cards

• Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible

 

Bus Services 

SacRT’s bus network is another crucial aspect of a guide to public transport in Sacramento, and it’s especially useful if your destination isn’t near a light rail station. Sacramento operates more than 80 bus routes across the county, covering neighborhoods, shopping areas, schools, and attractions. You will notice that routes 30 and 81 connect downtown to residential neighborhoods and major shopping areas, making errands or casual trips convenient. 

Routes 5 and 67 are excellent if you want to visit museum districts, city parks, or cultural attractions, giving you easy access without a car. For longer trips beyond Sacramento, Yolobus connects the city with nearby locations like Davis, West Sacramento, and Woodland, which is ideal for intercity commuting. Additionally, buses run frequently and follow clear schedules, and you can use reloadable fare cards or pay cash onboard. 

Most buses are wheelchair accessible and equipped with bike racks, so you can plan multi-modal trips easily. You will also see that many stops have shelters and seating, protecting passengers from rain or heat. Using the bus system is convenient, affordable, and reliable, especially if you combine it with light rail transfers. 

Other Information:

• Key Routes: 5, 30, 67, 81

• Fare Options: Reloadable cards, cash

• Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible, bike racks

• Frequency: Every 15-30 minutes on main routes

 

Regional Connections

Regional rail services basically help you explore California without relying on a car. Amtrak’s Sacramento Valley Station is centrally located, making it easy to connect with trains heading to the Bay Area, Stockton, and farther destinations. You can walk from downtown hotels, catch a light rail, or use a bus to reach the station quickly. The Capitol Corridor train service is ideal for commuters traveling to San Jose, Oakland, or nearby cities. 

You will find the trains comfortable, with amenities like Wi-Fi, restrooms, and luggage space. Ticketing is simple as you can buy tickets online, through mobile apps, or at kiosks at the station. Frequent departures also make it convenient to plan day trips or longer journeys without worrying about traffic or parking. You will also notice that the stations are well-maintained, with clear signage, seating areas, and easy access to rideshares or taxis for first- and last-mile connections. Combining regional rail with light rail or buses provides a seamless experience if you want to travel efficiently across the city and beyond. 

Other Information:

• Key Lines: Capitol Corridor

• Amenities: Wi-Fi, restrooms, luggage space

• Access: Downtown Valley Station, light rail/bus connections

• Frequency: Several departures daily

 

Best Areas to Stay for Public Transit Access

Downtown Sacramento 

Downtown Sacramento is the most convenient area for travelers relying on public transit, and it’s an essential part of a guide to public transport in Sacramento. You can stay within walking distance of major transit hubs like Sacramento Valley Station, 7th & Capitol, and 8th & Capitol, which connect all three light rail lines and key bus routes. This makes traveling across the city easy, from visiting Old Sacramento to exploring the State Capitol, museums, or the Sacramento Riverfront. Additionally, bus routes like 30, 81, and 5 run frequently through downtown streets, giving you extra coverage beyond the light rail.

Hotels such as the Kimpton Sawyer Hotel on J Street and the Hyatt Centric Sacramento Downtown on L Street are perfectly located near these hubs, allowing you to step out and hop on a train or bus within minutes. You will notice that these hotels also provide amenities like concierge assistance for transit tips, luggage storage, and sometimes shuttle service to the station. Streets like K, L, and J are highly walkable, lined with cafés, restaurants, and shopping, so you can explore without a car. 

• Transit Points: Sacramento Valley Station, 7th & Capitol, 8th & Capitol

• Transit Options: Blue, Gold, Green lines; bus routes 30, 81, 5

 Midtown Sacramento

Midtown Sacramento is perfect if you want a lively yet well-connected neighborhood, and it’s frequently highlighted in a guide to public transport in Sacramento. The area is centered around streets like 16th, 17th, and J Street, with light rail stations at 16th & Q, 19th & K, and 21st & X, making it easy to travel downtown or to East Sacramento. Staying here gives access to a mix of art galleries, boutique shops, cafes, and restaurants, so you can explore on foot before hopping on a train. 

Hotels like the Residence Inn Sacramento Downtown at 2nd & L or local boutique rentals near 19th Street provide convenience for travelers using public transit. Bus routes 30, 5, and 67 run nearby, connecting Midtown to parks, museums, and residential areas. You will notice that stations have clear signage and shelters, and trains run every 15–20 minutes during peak hours, making planning simple. Midtown’s combination of charm, walkability, and proximity to light rail makes it an excellent choice for visitors relying on public transport, while still enjoying a quieter, artsy environment. 

• Transit Points: 16th & Q, 19th & K, 21st & X

• Transit Options: Blue & Gold lines; bus routes 5, 30, 67

 

East Sacramento 

East Sacramento is ideal for families or travelers who prefer a calm, residential area with reliable public transit, as streets like F Street, 35th Street, and Alhambra Boulevard offer tree-lined avenues, historic homes, and parks. The Gold Line also runs through East Sacramento with stops at 29th Street, 39th Street, and 47th Street, providing direct access to downtown, Midtown, and other attractions. You can stay in boutique hotels, B&Bs, or rental homes along these streets, offering spacious accommodations while remaining near transit. 

Bus routes 6, 67, and 81 also serve East Sacramento, connecting neighborhoods, schools, and recreational areas. You will notice that the area is quieter than downtown or Midtown, making it ideal for families or visitors seeking a more peaceful experience, yet transit connectivity remains excellent. Additionally, local amenities such as grocery stores, cafes, and small shops are walking distance from stations, so errands and dining are also simple.

• Transit Points: 29th Street, 39th Street, 47th Street

• Transit Options: Gold Line; bus routes 6, 67, 81

3-Day Itinerary in Sacramento Using Public Transit

Day 1: Historic Downtown and Old Sacramento

Start your first day at Sacramento Valley Station, the main transit hub in the city, which makes it easy to explore downtown without a car. You can board the Blue Line south toward 7th & Capitol, and in just a few minutes, you will be in the heart of downtown. Begin with a visit to the California State Capitol and Capitol Park, where you can walk around the gardens, view the historic building, and enjoy the open spaces. 

For lunch, you can choose from several nearby cafés, food halls, or restaurants along J and L Streets, all within walking distance of the light rail stops. In the afternoon, board the Blue Line north to Old Sacramento. You can explore the California State Railroad Museum, historic waterfront streets, and wooden boardwalks, all accessible by short walks from the station. There are plenty of souvenir shops, cafés, and historic buildings to check out. 

And in the evening, return downtown using the Blue Line or walk from nearby stops to catch a local theater show or dine at one of the city’s many restaurants. 

Transit tips: 

• Morning: Blue Line south to 7th & Capitol

• Afternoon: Blue Line north to Old Sacramento

• Walking: Capitol Park and historic boardwalks

 

Day 2: Museums, Parks, and Cultural Sites

Day two is ideal for exploring Sacramento’s cultural and recreational attractions, so start your morning by boarding the Gold Line east toward the Sacramento Zoo and William Land Park. You can spend time walking through the park, seeing animals at the zoo, or enjoying outdoor sculptures and picnic areas with your friends and family.

For lunch, you can have a picnic in the park or try a nearby café or casual dining spot along Freeport Boulevard. In the afternoon, board the Gold Line west toward the Sacramento History Museum, where you can explore exhibits showcasing the city’s history, architecture, and culture, and walk around the surrounding streets to see local attractions and shops. The light rail makes it convenient to travel between parks and museums without worrying about parking or traffic. 

In the evening, return to downtown using the Gold Line and enjoy local nightlife, live music venues, or dinner at a downtown restaurant. The combination of light rail travel, accessible bus routes, and walkable streets makes moving between attractions simple and stress-free. 

Transit Tips:

• Morning: Gold Line east to Sacramento Zoo/William Land Park

• Afternoon: Gold Line west to Sacramento History Museum

• Evening: Return to downtown for dining or nightlife

 

Day 3: Day Trips to Folsom and Elk Grove

For your final day, public transit allows easy day trips outside downtown, so start by taking the Gold Line east to Folsom. You can explore Historic Folsom, including the shops, cafes, and restaurants along Sutter Street, and enjoy the Folsom Historic District. Walking is easy between attractions, and light rail stations are nearby for convenient returns. 

For lunch, choose a local Folsom café or bakery, where you can try pastries, sandwiches, or seasonal specials. In the afternoon, take the Blue Line south toward Elk Grove, which gives access to suburban parks, open spaces, and local streets for a relaxing stroll. You can enjoy a quieter suburban vibe, which is a nice contrast to downtown’s busy streets. 

In the evening, return back to downtown Sacramento via the Blue Line to enjoy your last night in the city. You can have dinner at a downtown restaurant, grab coffee at a local café, or take a short walk along the riverfront concluding your trip.

Transit Tips:

• Morning: Gold Line east to Folsom

• Afternoon: Blue Line south to Elk Grove

• Evening: Return to downtown Sacramento

 

Practical Tips for Riding SacRT

• Ticketing options are flexible depending on your travel needs. A Single Ride mainly ticket costs $2.50 for adults and is valid for 90 minutes, covering both bus and light rail travel. 

• For all-day travel, a Day Pass at $7 gives unlimited rides on all SacRT buses and light rail, ideal if you plan multiple stops, like visiting Old Sacramento, Midtown, or the State Capitol. 

• If you’re staying for a month or commuting daily, the Monthly Pass ($90 for adults) is cost-effective and allows unlimited rides across the system. 

• You can buy tickets or fare cards at station vending machines such as Sacramento Valley Station, 7th & Capitol, or 8th & Capitol, at select retailers, or online via the SacRT website for convenience.

• Additionally, planning your trips is easy with the SacRT Trip Planner on the official website, where you enter your starting point and destination to see step-by-step routes, including transfers, stops, and travel times. 

• For real-time updates, the SacRT BusTracker App shows exact arrival times, light rail schedules, and service alerts. You can also track specific bus routes like 5, 30, 67, or 81 to plan stops near parks or restaurants. 

 

Conclusion

All in all, Sacramento’s public transit makes exploring the city easy and convenient. The city is well connected with light rail, buses, and regional trains, so you can move around quickly without a car. The system works well for locals and visitors alike helping save time, avoiding parking hassles, and enjoying everything Sacramento has to offer smoothly.