RouteBakersfield, CA – Oakland, CA / Sacramento, CA via Fresno and Stockton, CA
OperatorAmtrak
DurationAbout 6 hours (Bakersfield–Oakland); about 5 hours (Bakersfield–Sacramento)
Distance315 miles (Bakersfield–Oakland); 282 miles (Bakersfield–Sacramento)
FrequencySeven daily round trips Bakersfield–Stockton (five to Oakland, two to Sacramento)
SeasonYear-round
RENAMED: the San Joaquins became the Gold Runner in Nov 2025 (San Joaquin Joint Powers Authority rebrand) — do not build a 'San Joaquins' journey page under the old name; note the former name for search. Amtrak's routes list now shows 'Gold Runner'.
From the window
Moderate scenic claim: San Joaquin Valley farmland with Sierra Nevada foothills backdrop; Thruway buses (not the train) reach Yosemite
Keep exploring
- Pacific — the excursion railways of the region
✓ Last verified: November 2026