Planning a trip to Salt Lake City from Tracy? There are several travel options, each offering different benefits. If you’re traveling for leisure or business, understanding the distance, cost, and best mode of transportation will help you make the right choice. In this blog, we’ll explore all the ways to travel to Salt Lake City from Tracy, including driving, flying, and taking the bus.
Tracy to Salt Lake City Distance
The total distance between these two cities is approximately 680 miles (1,094 km). The time required to complete this journey depends on the mode of transportation chosen.
- Flight: About 1 hour 30 minutes in the air, but airport formalities increase overall travel time.
- Car: Around 10 to 11 hours, depending on traffic and stops.
- Bus: Approximately 15 to 18 hours, including layovers.
- Train: Roughly 17 to 19 hours due to route changes and stopovers.
Best Ways to Travel Tracy to Salt Lake City
1. Flight – Fastest but Expensive Option
Traveling by air between Tracy, California, and Salt Lake City, Utah, requires both ground transportation and a flight. This guide provides all the details to help plan the trip smoothly.
Ground Transportation to Nearby Airports
Tracy does not have a big commercial airport, so travelers use nearby airports to fly to Salt Lake City. The two main options are:
- San Francisco International Airport (SFO): About 60 miles west of Tracy, SFO is a major airport with many daily flights to Salt Lake City.
- Oakland International Airport (OAK): Around 50 miles northwest of Tracy, OAK also has several flights to Salt Lake City.
Flight Options
Several airlines operate flights from both SFO and OAK to Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC). Here are some options:
- United Airlines
- Delta Air Lines
- Southwest Airlines
- Spirit Airlines
Flight Duration
- Nonstop Flights: The average flight time from both SFO and OAK to SLC is approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes.
- Connecting Flights: Depending on layover durations, connecting flights can range from 3 to 6 hours.
Cost Breakdown
- Flight Ticket:$100 to $400, based on airline and season
- Luggage Fees: Around $30 to $50, if applicable
- Airport Parking or Transport: $10 to $50
2. Train – Scenic but Time-Consuming Option
Unfortunately, there is no direct train option from Tracy to Salt Lake City. The journey requires multiple transfers, typically involving buses and trains operated by Amtrak. Here’s a breakdown:
1. Tracy to Stockton
- Mode: Amtrak San Joaquins Train
- Duration: Approximately 1 hour
- Cost: Around $12
- Details: Tracy’s Amtrak station, known as the ACE Station, is located at 4800 Tracy Boulevard, Tracy, CA 95377. From Tracy, board the Amtrak San Joaquins train to Stockton.
2. Stockton to Sacramento
- Mode: Amtrak Thruway Bus
- Duration: Approximately 1 hour
- Cost: Included in the train ticket
- Details: Upon arrival in Stockton, transfer to an Amtrak Thruway Bus to Sacramento. This bus service is timed to align with train schedules, facilitating a seamless transfer.
3. Sacramento to Reno
- Mode: Amtrak California Zephyr Train
- Duration: Approximately 3 hours
- Cost: Around $50
- Details: From Sacramento, board the Amtrak California Zephyr train to Reno, Nevada. This segment offers stunning views of the Sierra Nevada mountains.
4. Reno to Salt Lake City
- Mode: Amtrak Thruway Bus
- Duration: Approximately 8 hours
- Cost: Around $50
- Details: From Reno, transfer to an Amtrak Thruway Bus to Salt Lake City. This bus service is timed to align with train schedules, facilitating a seamless transfer.
Total Travel Time: Approximately 13 to 14 hours, depending on transfer times and schedules.
Cost Breakdown:
- Train Tickets: Approximately $112
- Meals and Snacks: Budgeting around $20 to $30 for food and beverages during the trip is advisable.
3. Bus – Budget-Friendly but Time-Consuming Option
The primary bus service operating between Tracy and Salt Lake City is Greyhound. Greyhound offers routes connecting Tracy to Salt Lake City, providing a cost-effective travel option.
Travel Duration
- Direct Bus: The bus trip from Tracy to Salt Lake City usually takes between 13 to 14 hours. The exact time may vary depending on the bus company, route, and the number of stops along the way.
- Layovers: Some buses may include a layover, which can increase the total travel time. The waiting time during a layover could add an extra 1-2 hours to your journey.
Bus Stations
Tracy Departure Point: Buses typically depart from the Tracy Transit Center, located at 50 E 6th St, Tracy, CA 95376.
Salt Lake City Arrival Points: In Salt Lake City, buses arrive at various locations, including:
- Salt Lake City Intermodal Transportation Center: Located at 300 S 600 W, Salt Lake City, UT 84101.
- Salt Lake City International Airport: Located at 3920 W Terminal Dr, Salt Lake City, UT 84122.
- Salt Lake City Downtown: Located at 60 N Temple, Salt Lake City, UT 84150.
Cost Breakdown
- Bus Ticket: A one-way bus ticket typically costs between $50 and $100, depending on the bus company, when you book, and the season. Tickets are usually more affordable when booked in advance.
- Luggage Fees: Most bus companies allow one or two checked bags for free. However, extra luggage may come with a fee of $10 to $20 per item.
- Meals & Snacks: Bus trips can be long, and while some buses offer snacks, it’s a good idea to budget around $10 to $20 for food and drinks during the journey.
4. Driving
A road trip from Tracy to Salt Lake City gives you the flexibility to explore at your own pace.
Driving Distance and Time
- Distance: The driving distance from Tracy to Salt Lake City is approximately 716 miles (1,152 kilometers).
- Time: The estimated driving time is around 10 hours and 27 minutes without extended stops.
Route Overview
The most popular route is Interstate 80 (I-80) East, which connects California to Utah. This route goes through cities such as Reno, Nevada, and Salt Lake City, Utah. It’s a good idea to check current road conditions and traffic updates before starting your trip.
Cost Breakdown
- Fuel: If your vehicle averages 25 miles per gallon (mpg) and the current gas price is $3.70 per gallon, the one-way fuel cost will be about $106.03.
- Tolls: Although most of the route follows I-80, which is mostly toll-free, there may be a few minor tolls along the way. It’s a good idea to use a toll calculator to estimate any potential toll costs.
- Meals and Snacks: It’s recommended to budget around $20 to $30 for food and drinks during the trip.
Conclusion
When planning your trip from Tracy to Salt Lake City, consider your budget, time, and personal preferences. If you enjoy road trips and have time, driving gives you the freedom to explore along the way. For those who need to get there quickly, flying is the fastest option but tends to be more expensive. If you’re looking to save money and don’t mind a longer trip, taking the bus can be a more affordable choice.
FAQ’s
How far is Tracy from Salt Lake City, Utah?
The driving distance is approximately 716 miles, taking about 10 hours and 27 minutes.
Can I take a direct train from Tracy to Salt Lake City?
No, there is no direct train service between Tracy and Salt Lake City; the journey requires multiple transfers.
Are there any bus services from Tracy to Salt Lake City?
Yes, bus services like Greyhound operate routes between Tracy and Salt Lake City.
Is there an airport in Tracy for direct flights to Salt Lake City?
Tracy does not have a commercial airport; nearby airports like San Francisco International (SFO) or Oakland International (OAK) offer flights to Salt Lake City.
