- Must visit
San Diego Museum of Art
Major Balboa Park museum with works from Spanish old masters to modern art, plus strong regional and international exhibitions.
Cheapest price on Oct 16
$138
Average ticket price on Oct 16
$165
Fastest journey on Oct 16
14 h 26 m
Average journey duration on Oct 16
14 h 59 m
Trains on Oct 16
13
Distance
885 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Chico, CA to San Diego, CA is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Chico, CA to San Diego, CA will cost around $165 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $138.
It's difficult to get from Chico, CA to San Diego, CA without transferring at least 3 times.
3712 Connecting Bus · 712 Gold Runner · 5712 Connecting Bus · 790 Pacific Surfliner
3712 Connecting Bus · 712 Gold Runner · 5812 Connecting Bus · 790 Pacific Surfliner
3712 Connecting Bus · 712 Gold Runner · 5812 Connecting Bus · 790 Pacific Surfliner
3712 Connecting Bus · 712 Gold Runner · 5712 Connecting Bus · 790 Pacific Surfliner
11 Coast Starlight · 4794 Connecting Bus · 794 Pacific Surfliner
3712 Connecting Bus · 712 Gold Runner · 5712 Connecting Bus · 790 Pacific Surfliner
3712 Connecting Bus · 712 Gold Runner · 5812 Connecting Bus · 790 Pacific Surfliner
3712 Connecting Bus · 712 Gold Runner · 5812 Connecting Bus · 790 Pacific Surfliner
3712 Connecting Bus · 712 Gold Runner · 5712 Connecting Bus · 790 Pacific Surfliner
11 Coast Starlight · 3710 Connecting Bus · 710 Gold Runner · 5810 Connecting BusTrains from Chico, CA to San Diego, CA run on average 2 times per day, taking around 19h 46m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $155 but you can travel from only $120 by bus.
The earliest train runs at 04:01, the last at 22:10. The fastest train covers the 549 miles (885 km) distance in 19h 39m.
Distance 549 miles (885 km) |
Average train duration 19h 46m |
Cheapest ticket price $155 |
Trains per day 2 |
Fastest train 19h 39m |
First train 4:01 AM |
Last train 10:10 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
The table below shows live departures for Chico, CA to San Diego, CA trains for today, Thursday, October 15. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 4:25 PM Chico, CA | 14h26 | 6:51 AM San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Friday, October 16 | |||||
11 Coast Starlight · 3710 Connecting Bus · 710 Gold Runner · 5810 Connecting Bus | 4:12 AM Chico station, Chico, CA | 16h40 | 8:52 PM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 4 transfers | |
11 Coast Starlight · 4794 Connecting Bus · 794 Pacific Surfliner | 4:12 AM Chico station, Chico, CA | 20h52 | 1:04 AM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 2 transfers | |
11 Coast Starlight · 794 Pacific Surfliner | 4:12 AM Chico station, Chico, CA | 20h52 | 1:04 AM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 1 transfer | |
11 Coast Starlight · 3810 Connecting Bus · 710 Gold Runner · 5810 Connecting Bus | 4:12 AM Chico station, Chico, CA | 16h55 | 9:07 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 4 transfers | |
11 Coast Starlight · 794 Pacific Surfliner | 4:12 AM Chico station, Chico, CA | 20h38 | 12:50 AM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 1 transfer | |
11 Coast Starlight · 3710 Connecting Bus · 710 Gold Runner · 5810 Connecting Bus | 4:12 AM Chico station, Chico, CA | 16h55 | 9:07 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 4 transfers | |
11 Coast Starlight · 4794 Connecting Bus · 794 Pacific Surfliner | 4:12 AM Chico station, Chico, CA | 20h38 | 12:50 AM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 2 transfers | |
11 Coast Starlight · 3810 Connecting Bus · 710 Gold Runner · 5810 Connecting Bus | 4:12 AM Chico station, Chico, CA | 16h40 | 8:52 PM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 4 transfers | |
11 Coast Starlight · 5818 Connecting Bus | 4:12 AM Chico station, Chico, CA | 25h23 | 5:35 AM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 1 transfer | |
3712 Connecting Bus · 712 Gold Runner · 5812 Connecting Bus · 790 Pacific Surfliner | 8:25 AM Chico station, Chico, CA | 14h42 | 11:07 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 3 transfers | |
3712 Connecting Bus · 712 Gold Runner · 5712 Connecting Bus · 790 Pacific Surfliner | 8:25 AM Chico station, Chico, CA | 14h26 | 10:51 PM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 3 transfers | |
3712 Connecting Bus · 712 Gold Runner · 5712 Connecting Bus · 790 Pacific Surfliner | 8:25 AM Chico station, Chico, CA | 14h42 | 11:07 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 3 transfers | |
3712 Connecting Bus · 712 Gold Runner · 5812 Connecting Bus · 790 Pacific Surfliner | 8:25 AM Chico station, Chico, CA | 14h26 | 10:51 PM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 3 transfers | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Discover the best of San Diego, CA — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect San Diego, CA trip today.
Major Balboa Park museum with works from Spanish old masters to modern art, plus strong regional and international exhibitions.
Acclaimed contemporary art museum in La Jolla featuring oceanfront settings, modern works, and rotating global exhibitions.
Museum aboard a historic aircraft carrier with restored aircraft, naval exhibits, and immersive views of life at sea.
Balboa Park is San Diego's grand cultural park, packed with gardens, architecture, museums, and walkable plazas worth lingering in.
Historic Gaslamp Quarter offers Victorian-era streets, nightlife energy, and preserved downtown architecture for an atmospheric walk.
Dramatic seaside cliffs and walking paths in La Jolla, famous for waves, sea lions, and sweeping Pacific views.
A San Diego staple: grilled fish in a soft tortilla with cabbage, crema, and salsa. Popularized by Baja influence and coastal seafood culture.
French fries, carne asada, cheese, guacamole, and crema wrapped in a flour tortilla. A late-night local favorite born in San Diego taquerias.
Fresh local sea urchin served raw, prized for its rich, buttery taste. It reflects San Diego's access to Pacific seafood and sushi culture.
Celebrated sushi restaurant specializing in omakase and pristine seafood, including uni. Intimate, polished, and highly respected by locals.
Iconic casual seafood counter known for fish tacos, smoked fish, and harbor views. A classic stop for San Diego's Baja-inspired seafood style.
Refined fine-dining restaurant showcasing local seafood and seasonal California ingredients. Elegant room with one of the city's strongest reputations.
San Diego is pricey for US travel, with higher hotel rates, dining, and parking than many cities, though casual food and buses stay manageable.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, 15-20% for taxis or rideshares, and $1-2 for coffee drinks or small cafe orders.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chico, CA to San Diego, CA by train. 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 train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at San Diego, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Chico, CA to San Diego, CA trains use the Chico Station to Old Town Station station pair, with some services arriving at Santa Fe Depot. Use this guide to compare Chico, CA and San Diego, CA train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Chico Station has practical services for this route, including Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, Hotel, Bike Parking, and Luggage Carts.
Food and drink options are available at Chico Station.
Available at Chico Station: Taxis.
Available at Chico Station: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Chico Station: Ramps.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Diamond Chico, Quality Inn Chico, Oxford Suites Chico.
Santa Fe Depot is 1 km from San Diego city centre. Public transport options include:
Santa Fe Depot has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: The Fish Market, Karl Strauss Brewing Company
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Santa Fe Depot. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Santa Fe Depot. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Santa Fe Depot: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Santa Fe Depot: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Santa Fe Depot: Ramps.
Nearby hotels include The Westin San Diego, The Guild Hotel, San Diego, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, Embassy Suites by Hilton San Diego Bay Downtown.
Old Town Station is 5 km from San Diego city centre. Public transport options include:
Old Town Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Casa Guadalajara, Old Town Mexican Cafe
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Old Town Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Old Town Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Old Town Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Old Town Station: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Old Town Station: Elevators, ramps.
Nearby hotels include Old Town Inn, Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott San Diego Old Town, Best Western Plus Hacienda Hotel Old Town.
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