Travel Through History by Riding Gold Runner to the State Railroad Museum
California's State Railroad Museum
California’s railroads shaped the movement of people, goods, and ideas across the state. In historic Old Sacramento, that story continues at the California State Railroad Museum, where restored locomotives, hands-on exhibits, and excursion rides connect past and present in one place. Reaching this destination is part of the experience, and Gold Runner (formerly Amtrak San Joaquins) offers a convenient, comfortable, and affordable way to arrive by train.
A Full Day Trip Made Possible by the 7th Daily Round Trip
With the recent restoration of the 7th Daily Round Trip, Northbound travelers can arrive in Sacramento at approximately 12:38pm and depart home aboard the 5:20pm train.
Ride the Sacramento Southern Excursion Train and Save
Visitors can add even more to their trip with a ride on the Sacramento Southern Excursion Train, which travels along the Sacramento River and offers an up-close look at historic rail equipment in motion. Gold Runner riders may use discount code GOLDRUNNER to receive $2 off online reservations for these excursion train tickets. Travelers heading to the museum can also use code V670 to receive 20% off Gold Runner fares to and from Sacramento.
Plan Your Visit for Free Museum Weekend, March 7–8
Early March offers a special opportunity to explore. During Free Museum Weekend on March 7–8, the California State Railroad Museum joins more than 20 Sacramento-area museums offering free admission. Advance registration opens at 9 a.m. on March 2 to manage attendance, and registered guests receive a flyer valid for complimentary Sacramento Regional Transit bus and light-rail rides throughout the weekend. Learn more here.
Make Rail Travel Part of the Experience
Whether planning a family outing, a history-focused day trip, or time to explore Sacramento’s waterfront and Old Sacramento district, traveling by train brings California’s rail legacy into the journey itself.