SacRT light rail connects south Sacramento with downtown, while driving gives you access to downtown parking. Oasis Inn Sacramento- Elk Grove offers a south Sacramento base for either trip.
- South Sacramento connection: SacRT’s Blue Line runs between Watt/I-80 and Cosumnes River College, connecting south Sacramento with downtown.
- Downtown rail connections: the Gold Line terminates at Sacramento Valley Station, and the Green Line serves downtown.
- Transit fares: SacRT Transit Connect lets you pre-purchase, store and activate bus and light-rail tickets and passes.
How far is Sacramento city center from south Sacramento?
Sacramento city center is about a 15-minute drive from south Sacramento. For a car-free trip, SacRT’s Blue Line connects south Sacramento with downtown, running between Watt/I-80 and Cosumnes River College.
Your choice depends on where you want to go downtown and whether you plan to drive or use transit. If you drive, choose a parking destination and check its rates before setting out. For light rail, SacRT provides route schedules, an interactive map and real-time schedules; there is no single timetable that applies to every route.
Driving and parking downtown
Downtown Sacramento has metered parking and city lots. The City of Sacramento gives the base Tier 1 meter rate as $3.00 per hour, with Tier 2 at $4.50 for one hour after Tier 1 ends and Tier 3 at $6.00 for each additional hour beyond Tier 2.
Meter operating hours vary by location. Some meters operate from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, while Old Sacramento meters operate from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.
Lot D at 12th and I Streets has a $10 daytime flat rate from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m., a $5 evening rate from 4 p.m. to 6 a.m., and a $5 weekend flat rate from 6 a.m. to 6 a.m.
For an early weekday arrival, Metro Lot at 715 L Street has an $18 early-bird rate for entry before 9 a.m. and exit before 5:30 p.m. The offer may change and is not available on special-event parking days. Check the City of Sacramento’s official site before you go for current parking rates, hours and conditions.
Transit options and station connections
SacRT light rail connects south Sacramento and downtown on the Blue, Gold and Green lines. The Transit Connect app lets riders pre-purchase, store and activate bus and light-rail tickets and passes.
Center Parkway is one station connection in south Sacramento, about a 6-minute drive from Oasis Inn Sacramento- Elk Grove. This guide to Center Parkway station covers getting around from this stop.
The Gold Line runs between Historic Folsom and Sacramento Valley Station, a downtown terminus. The Green Line serves downtown between 7th & Richards/Township 9 and 13th Street.
The Blue Line runs between Watt/I-80 and Cosumnes River College, connecting south Sacramento with downtown. Cosumnes River College is one end of the line; find station details in this guide to Cosumnes River College station in south Sacramento.
Sacramento Valley Station is the Gold Line’s downtown terminus. It has 333 onsite vehicle-parking spaces for hourly, daily and reserved parking, plus over 140 secure bicycle-storage options. Lot 293 at the station, 401 I Street, charges $1 per 20 minutes, with a $14 daily maximum valid for 24 hours from purchase. Spaces 1–32 have a strictly enforced two-hour maximum.
Franklin is another south Sacramento station. The Franklin station guide covers its transit access.
Choosing a route for your plans
Choose a route by matching your downtown destination with a rail line or parking location. The Blue Line connects south Sacramento with downtown; the Gold Line reaches Sacramento Valley Station; and the Green Line serves downtown between 7th & Richards/Township 9 and 13th Street.
If you plan to drive, compare the parking location and rate with the time you expect to spend downtown. If you plan to take transit, use SacRT’s schedules and interactive map to choose a station and check service times.
Start by deciding where you need to go downtown, then choose a nearby rail connection or parking option. SacRT provides real-time schedules, and parking rules and rates vary by location.
FAQs
Which SacRT line connects south Sacramento with downtown?
The Blue Line runs between Watt/I-80 and Cosumnes River College, connecting south Sacramento with downtown Sacramento.
Can you park at Sacramento Valley Station?
Yes. Sacramento Valley Station has 333 onsite vehicle-parking spaces for hourly, daily and reserved parking.
Can you buy SacRT tickets on your phone?
Yes. SacRT’s Transit Connect app lets riders pre-purchase, store and activate bus and light-rail tickets and passes.