Make Your Connection At Sacramento Valley Station

November 12, 2026


Celebrated as one of the greatest train stations in the West, it was February 1926 when the Southern Pacific Depot opened its doors and the first steam engines began roaring along the railroad tracks, serving passengers and providing freight operations in Sacramento. Fondly referred to simply as, “the Depot,” it was the region’s main railroad station in northern California, with tracks running up through the glorious Sierras to Sparks, Nevada.

The historic Sacramento Valley Station marked its 100th Anniversary in 2026. Today, the iconic brick train depot has become the nation’s seventh busiest Amtrak station, acting as the primary passenger rail station for northern California. 

That didn’t happen by accident. After suffering from decades of decay and the impacts of nearby modern freeway construction and use, the City of Sacramento acquired the building in 2006 and began developing a multi-phased project to bring the latest and most modern transportation advancements to this central location for trains, light rail, regional and local buses, bicyclists, pedestrians, and vehicle use.

None of this would be possible without the Sacramento Transportation Authority (STA) and Measure A taxpayer approved funding.

To date, STA and Measure A have contributed:

  • $44.1 million to purchase the land and historic train station
  • $8.5 million for Phase I projects
  • $27.3 million for Phase II projects
  • $5.3 million for Phase III projects

 The result:

Phase I

Just a year after securing the station, the City was able to purchase a surrounding 32-acre site so that the freight and passenger railroad tracks could be moved allowing for longer passenger trains, more effective rail travel, and increased public safety. But that wasn’t all.

Significant improvements were made to the station’s facilities, including new passenger platforms, covered walkways, electronic information systems, landscaping, and other amenities. The $70 million project also included construction of three tunnels under the realigned tracks, giving platform access to passengers and service vehicles. In addition, a West Tunnel was constructed to connect the Railyards with Old Sacramento. All of this was completed in 2013.

 Phase II

Renovation of the station itself was next. Beginning in 2012 and completed in 2017, the station was re-developed to improve connections and mobility. A new urban center was designed providing a gateway to destinations at or near the Depot and to the city and Railyards. The historic building was also rehabilitated, while ensuring it kept its traditional American rail station look and feel.

 Phase III

Now underway, a number of transit projects are moving forward which will continue to transform the Sacramento Valley Station into a hub for transit connection, human interaction, and environmental protection.

 To learn more about the Sacramento Valley Station and how your Measure A taxpayer dollars have been utilized, please visit:

https://www.cityofsacramento.gov/public-works/sacramento-valley-station/projects