Getting Around Sacramento. Public Transport, Taxis, Car Rental

Public Transit SacRT

Sacramento Regional Transit District (SacRT) operates the public transportation system in Sacramento. It consists of both light rail and bus services.

Sacramento does not have a separate metro or tram system distinct from its light rail network. Sacramento Valley Station functions as a significant hub for the light rail system.

System Details

Light Rail: Sacramento's light rail system comprises three lines: Blue, Gold, and Green, mainly serving downtown and Folsom.
Bus Network: SacRT maintains an extensive bus network. Buses cover areas not served by light rail and provide feeder routes to light rail stations.
Route Maps: Detailed route maps are available on the official SacRT website (www.sacrt.com). Google Maps provides an integrated route planning tool.
Important Hubs: Sacramento Valley Station, 12th & I Street (Downtown), and Sunrise Boulevard (Folsom) are hubs.

Fares & Payment

Single Ride: $2.50. Daily Pass: $7.00. 2-Hour Pass: $2.50. Payment options: Connect Card, SacRT ZipPass App, or exact cash on buses.

Hours & Frequency

Light Rail operates from early morning (4-5 AM) until late evening (12-1 AM). Frequency varies (15-30 mins). Bus hours vary by route.

Accessibility

All SacRT light rail trains and buses are wheelchair accessible. Stations have ramps or elevators. Service animals are permitted on all vehicles.

Transit Efficiency

Smart Tools

SacRT ZipPass App: This mobile ticketing app simplifies purchasing and activating fares on your smartphone.
Google Maps: Rely on Google Maps for real-time route planning, schedules, and directions using public transit.
Light Rail Lines: Familiarize yourself with the Blue, Gold, and Green lines and know which serves your destination.

Riding Right

Validate Fares: On light rail, tap your Connect Card or activate your mobile pass before boarding the train.
Random Checks: Fare inspectors conduct random checks. A valid ticket is necessary to avoid penalties.
Hub Connections: Sacramento Valley Station is a major transit hub for connections to other transport options like Amtrak and buses.

Taxis & Ride-Apps

Taxi Identification

Licensed taxis are typically yellow or feature distinct company branding and display meters.

Hailing Taxis

Hailing on the street is less common; find taxis at designated stands (airport, major hotels) or by calling dispatch.

Ride-Sharing Apps

Uber and Lyft are the dominant ride-sharing services, widely available and often more economical than taxis.

Fare & Payment

Taxis use metered fares (e.g., $35-$50 from airport). Rideshare fares vary. Both accept cash and major credit cards.

Vehicle Rentals

Sacramento offers various rental options, from cars to electric scooters and bicycles, for independent exploration.

Car Rental Guide

Companies: All major international car rental companies operate in Sacramento, with counters at SMF and downtown locations.
Requirements: Valid driver's license from home country (IDP recommended for foreign licenses) and a major credit card in renter's name.
Age & Insurance: Most companies require drivers to be 21+. A surcharge often applies for drivers 21-24. Rental car insurance is important.
Booking: Advance booking is recommended, especially during peak seasons, to secure better rates and vehicle availability.

Other Rentals

Motorcycle Rentals: Available from specialized local dealers; requires a valid motorcycle license.
Electric Scooter Share: Companies like Lime and Bird operate services in Downtown and Midtown via their apps. Riders must be 18+.
Bike Share: Electric bicycles are available for rent via the Lime app in central areas for quick, eco-friendly transport.
Bike Rentals: Several local shops offer daily or multi-day bike rentals, suitable for exploring the city or the American River Parkway.

Driving & Parking

Driving Laws: Drive on the right side of the road. Seatbelts are mandatory for all occupants of a vehicle.
Speed Limits: Strictly enforced. Posted limits typically range from 25-35 mph on city streets and 65-70 mph on freeways.
Mobile Use: A hands-free device is required for mobile phone use while driving.

Road Conditions: Roads in and around Sacramento are generally good, though some city streets can have potholes.
Parking: Metered street parking is available (enforced weekdays). Numerous parking garages and lots provide additional options.
Cost: Parking can be expensive in central areas, especially for extended periods. Factor this into your budget.

Walk & Cycle

Pedestrian Zones

Old Sacramento Waterfront is highly pedestrian-friendly. Midtown and Downtown areas are very walkable.

Walking Tours

Several companies offer guided historical walking tours of Old Sacramento. Ghost tours provide unique perspectives.

Cycling Trails

The American River Parkway is a paved multi-use trail stretching over 32 miles along the American River, popular for cycling.

Specialized Mobility

Sacramento offers a few specialized transportation options, mainly for leisure or specific needs.

Touring Options

Tour Buses: Available for general city sightseeing, often originating from Old Sacramento.
Hop-on-Hop-off: Services provide an overview of attractions, allowing flexible exploration at your own pace.
Boat Tours: Recreational river cruises offer scenic tours on the Sacramento River, departing from Old Sacramento.
Leisure Focus: These tours are for leisure and sightseeing, not for point-to-point transportation.

Local Uniques

No Cable Cars/Funiculars: Sacramento does not have these unique forms of public transport common in some other cities.
No Metro System: The city's public transport relies on its light rail and bus network.
Limited Water Taxi: Recreational river cruises are available, but not practical as point-to-point transport for city navigation.
Accessibility Services: SacRT offers paratransit services (SacRT GO) for eligible individuals with disabilities, requiring advance reservation.

Safety on Foot & Bike

Pedestrian Safety

Exercise vigilance in isolated or poorly lit areas, especially at night.

Stick to well-populated and well-lit areas.

Cycling Safety

Wear helmets (required for minors, recommended for all) and use lights at night for visibility.

Cyclists must obey traffic laws like vehicles.

General Advice

Most areas are generally safe during the day. Be aware of your surroundings.

Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas.

Walking & Cycling

Pedestrian-Friendly

Old Sacramento Waterfront: This historic district is highly pedestrian-friendly with boardwalks and cobblestone streets.
Midtown: Laid out in a grid with tree-lined streets, Midtown is very walkable, featuring shops and restaurants.
Downtown: The downtown area is walkable, connecting major attractions like the State Capitol and DOCO (Downtown Commons).

Cycling Infrastructure

American River Parkway: A paved multi-use trail stretching over 32 miles along the American River, popular for cycling.
City Bike Lanes: Sacramento has an expanding network of dedicated bike lanes on city streets, improving cyclist safety and connectivity.
No-Go Areas: Some industrial zones or very low-density residential areas might be less pedestrian or cyclist-friendly.

Safety Considerations

Taxis: Ensure the taxi is licensed and that the driver uses the meter. Confirm fare/destination before departing.
Rideshare: Always verify the driver's name, license plate, and car model match the app before entering.
Share Trip: Share your trip details with a trusted contact for added safety when using rideshare services.
Unmarked Vehicles: Avoid getting into unmarked vehicles that offer rides. Travel in groups at night when possible.

Airport Taxi: Designated taxi stands are outside baggage claim. Follow signs for ground transportation.
Sacramento Valley Station: Taxis and rideshare pick-up points are available nearby.
Payment: Most taxis and rideshares accept both cash and major credit cards for payment.
General Advice: Be aware of surroundings, especially late at night or in quiet side streets.

Getting Around Tips

Sacramento's flat terrain and expanding bike paths make walking and cycling appealing ways to explore the city at your own pace.

For longer distances, SacRT's light rail and bus system or rideshare services offer convenience and broader coverage.

Getting Around Sacramento