So if you’re looking for a car-free alternative to visiting Tahoe, keep reading for what to know about getting to — and then getting around — Tahoe without a car.
Method #1: Taking the train to Tahoe
For a smooth ride that offers beautiful views, you can take the California Zephyr, an Amtrak train, from Emeryville or Richmond and get off at Truckee.
The ride takes at least 5 hours, so bring a book or podcast and just enjoy the scenery as you glide up to the Sierra.
One-way train tickets range from around $30 to $50 each, depending on demand, putting your total trip cost to around $100.
What else to know about taking the train to Tahoe:
This train runs just once per day
The Zephyr leaves the Bay Area or Truckee in the morning with no additional services — so make sure this kind of inflexibility fits your schedule before booking.
The eastbound route leaves Richmond at 8:35 a.m., and the westbound Zephyr departs Truckee at 10:33 a.m. each day.
Once you get in the mountains, hang out in the observation car
The California Zephyr’s observation car is one of the most beautiful, wholesome places I have ever been.
So if you’re on the fence about taking the train to Tahoe — maybe you’re concerned that some of the hassle isn’t worth it — let those views be the one reason that convinces you to switch things up.
To make sure you get a prime seat in time for the scenic mountain views, consider ditching your seat a bit early, around the Roseville stop on the way up, to find a seat in the observation car: a special car with large windows and swiveling seats, where you can make the most of the mountain views.
Don’t expect to work or get too much done in the observation car. This space tends to have somewhat of a calm, sacred air about it, with passengers actually tuned into their surroundings and even chatting casually with strangers. You might see lots of kids and retirees filling the seats and commingling over the sweeping views.
All trains have outlets, but there is no WiFi onboard
… and cell service can be spotty along the route. (Another reason you probably won’t get much work done.)
If connecting from BART, use Richmond
Taking BART to Amtrak? I recommend booking your ticket from Richmond to Truckee rather than Emeryville, as the BART station is conveniently connected to the Amtrak platform, making getting on board pretty seamless.
(But if you’re coming from San Francisco, you’d rather save a few dollars on BART fare, there’s an Amtrak shuttle bus from the Emeryville station to downtown San Francisco, which is included in your ticket.)
Method #2: Taking the ‘ski bus’ to Tahoe
If you want the faster, more reliable option for skiing, take the ski bus. Sports Basement runs its Tahoe ski bus directly from its retail locations across the Bay Area to Palisades Tahoe, Kirkwood, Sierra-at-Tahoe, Northstar, Bear Valley and Sugar Bowl resorts.
Onboard, you can expect outlets, bathrooms and some beverages. Ski buses run rain or shine, but they are affected by traffic and road closures. Round-trip tickets on the ski bus are around $100.
What else to know about taking the ski bus:
It’s a weekend-only option — and for the day only
Buses depart at 5 a.m. from the Bay Area and leave the resort at around 4 p.m. after lifts close. But these buses don’t run on weekdays, and while you can theoretically take the bus one way, you’ll have to pay the price of a round-trip ticket regardless.
And your ticket is only valid for the same day, so if you wanted to stay overnight and get the next day’s afternoon ski bus, you’d need to pay for two round-trip tickets.
Your ticket could get you cheaper skiing
Bus tickets come with discounted lift tickets from some participating ski resorts.
Sports Basement also offers discounted 4-pack ski bus tickets if you plan on using this travel method multiple times in the season.
Method #3: Taking the train + bus combo
If you want more flexible timing and don’t mind a transfer, take the Capitol Corridor train to Sacramento — and then the Amtrak bus to Truckee or South Lake Tahoe.
This way, you’ll get a speedy (and scenic) ride to Sacramento, then hop on the bus for the remainder of your trip.
And because the Capital Corridor runs more frequently than the California Zephyr, and has both morning and afternoon trains that’ll get you into Truckee at around 2 p.m. or 6 p.m., depending on your preference, you can tailor your journey more closely to your needs. This is the most flexible option, with Capital Corridor trains in the morning and afternoon.
What else to know about taking the Capitol Corridor and the Amtrak bus:
There’s onboard WiFi on the train
….unlike on the Zephyr.
You could save money
Not only is the train portion reliably fast, and the schedule more flexible than the Zephyr, but tickets tend to be cheap. One-way mixed service tickets are around $50 each way, for a total trip cost of $100.
Yes, the transfer can be a hassle
Especially if you’ve brought a lot of gear for your trip, having to unload your stuff off the train and onto the Amtrak bus is the biggest downside of this travel method.
What else to know about taking public transit to Tahoe
Expect delays and stay flexible
No matter which option you choose, be aware that weather conditions will affect your journey.
Because it’s a cross-country train that comes all the way from Chicago, the California Zephyr can be especially prone to severe delays on its westbound route back to the Bay Area.
Meaning that while you should be on time going east to Tahoe, your return trip from Truckee may be many hours behind due to weather elsewhere in the country, even if the Sierra is clear.
The ski bus isn’t immune to delays either — and, unlike the Zephyr, can get caught in busy traffic on Highway 80 during busy weekends.
Don’t plan a flying visit
Unless you’re the Sports Basement bus for the day, you’ll probably have to take off on Friday and Monday to get the most out of a weekend trip. If you’re able to swing remote work, lots of people on the train are working and power outlets are plentiful (but double check beforehand whether your transit method of choice has WiFi – the California Zephyr does not.)
Bring your own food — or expect to pay onboard
No matter which route you go, consider packing your own food for the journey.
