- Recommended
Patrick Ranch Museum
Local history museum in Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park with exhibits on John and Annie Bidwell and early Chico life.
Cheapest price on Oct 13
$49
Average ticket price on Oct 13
$65
Fastest journey on Oct 13
5 h 50 m
Average journey duration on Oct 13
7 h
Buses on Oct 13
4
Distance
266 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from San Jose, CA to Chico, CA is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from San Jose, CA to Chico, CA will cost around $65 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $49.
On Tue, Oct 13, we found 4 buses from San Jose, CA to Chico, CA, including 4 direct services.
On Tue, Oct 13 the direct buses cover the 266 km distance in an average of 7 h but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 5 h 50 m .
On Tue, Oct 13 the slowest buses will take 8 h 10 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.








Buses from San Jose, CA to Chico, CA run on average 1 times per day, taking around 4h 10m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $71 (€60) but you can travel from only $68 (€57) by train.
The earliest bus runs at 03:45, the last at 16:25. The fastest bus covers the 165 miles (266 km) distance in 4h 10m.
Distance 165 miles (266 km) |
Average bus duration 4h 10m |
Cheapest ticket price $71 (€60) |
Buses per day 1 |
Fastest bus 4h 10m |
First bus 3:45 AM |
Last bus 4:25 PM |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 2 days |
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 04:30AM | Arrival Time 12:40PM | Duration 8h10 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $61 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 05:45AM | Arrival Time 01:10PM | Duration 7h25 | Departure days Mon, Sun | Cheapest price $54 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 06:20AM | Arrival Time 02:50PM | Duration 8h30 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $68 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 11:30AM | Arrival Time 07:40PM | Duration 8h10 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $57 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 12:30PM | Arrival Time 08:40PM | Duration 8h10 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $57 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 12:35PM | Arrival Time 06:25PM | Duration 5h50 | Departure days Tue, Fri | Cheapest price $57 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 01:35PM | Arrival Time 07:25PM | Duration 5h50 | Departure days Tue, Fri | Cheapest price $49 |
The table below shows live departures for San Jose, CA to Chico, CA buses for tomorrow, Tuesday, October 13. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 11:30 AM San Jose, CA | 8h10 | 7:40 PM Chico, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 12:30 PM San Jose, CA | 8h10 | 8:40 PM Chico, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 12:35 PM San Jose, CA | 5h50 | 6:25 PM Chico, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 1:35 PM San Jose, CA | 5h50 | 7:25 PM Chico, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Discover the best of Chico, CA — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Chico, CA trip today.
Local history museum in Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park with exhibits on John and Annie Bidwell and early Chico life.
University art museum presenting rotating exhibitions of modern and contemporary art in a compact, easy-to-visit campus setting.
Museum with regional artifacts and cultural exhibits that introduce the archaeology and Native histories of Northern California.
Large city park with trails, creeks, picnic areas, and swimming spots; a signature Chico outing for walking and relaxing outdoors.
Historic downtown district with shops, murals, and restored buildings; ideal for strolling, browsing, and seeing Chico's urban character.
Shady plaza in the heart of downtown, popular for relaxing and people-watching near civic buildings, shops, and seasonal events.
A regional specialty from nearby Durham: rich vanilla bean ice cream made with fresh peach pieces. A classic warm-weather treat in the Chico area.
Locally brewed pale ale associated with Chico's craft beer identity. It helped define West Coast hop-forward beer culture and is widely enjoyed by locals.
A hop-forward India pale ale from Chico's famous brewing scene. It is a signature local drink for beer lovers visiting the city.
Casual downtown brewery and restaurant known for house beers, pub fare, and a lively atmosphere tied to Chico's craft beer culture.
Long-running downtown restaurant serving creative American dishes, steaks, and seafood in a polished but approachable setting.
Popular local spot for breakfast and brunch, known for hearty plates, baked goods, and a relaxed Chico neighborhood feel.
Moderate for California. Hotels often cost more than smaller U.S. towns, but dining and local transport are usually manageable for most travelers.
Tip 15-20% at restaurants, 18-20% for great service. Round up or add 10-15% for taxis. Cafes often have tip jars; $1-2 or small change is common.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from San Jose, CA to Chico, CA by bus. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest bus, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Chico, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most San Jose, CA to Chico, CA buses use the San José, Cahill Street (Diridon Station) to Chico, Orange St (Bus Station) station pair. Use this guide to compare San Jose, CA and Chico, CA bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
San José, Cahill Street (Diridon Station) is 1 km from San Jose city centre. Public transport options include:
San José, Cahill Street (Diridon Station) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Various food options available inside the station.
Wi-Fi is available at San José, Cahill Street (Diridon Station). ATMs are aTMs located near the entrance.
Ticket office support is available at San José, Cahill Street (Diridon Station).
Available at San José, Cahill Street (Diridon Station): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at San José, Cahill Street (Diridon Station): Wheelchair accessible with ramps and elevators.
Chico, Orange St (Bus Station) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Chico, Orange St (Bus Station). ATMs are available at Chico, Orange St (Bus Station).
Ticket office support is available at Chico, Orange St (Bus Station).
Available at Chico, Orange St (Bus Station): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Chico, Orange St (Bus Station): Basic accessibility features present.
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