- 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.
We are not able to find a train between these two places.
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Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Chico, CA to San Diego, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $112. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 35m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $112, and a flight costs an average of $236.
Distance: 549 miles (885 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$161 Average price | $118 Average price Cheapest | $277 Average price | $119 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
16h 52m Average total duration 16h 22m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 14h 59m Average total duration 14h 29m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 35m Average total duration Fastest 1h 35m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 8h 57m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Chico, CA to San Diego, CA:
A bus is $43 (€35) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Chico, CA to San Diego, CA costing on average $161 (€132).
A bus is $159 (€130) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Chico, CA to San Diego, CA costing on average $277 (€227).
Other travel options to San Diego, CA take longer:
Bus takes on average 14h 29m.
Train takes on average 16h 22m.
Tickets start at around $161 (€132) compared to roughly $119 (€98) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-41.76 (€-34.27). The journey takes 16h 22m versus 8h 57m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
The table below shows live departures for Chico, CA to San Diego, CA trains for today, Friday, July 17. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 3:25 PM Chico, CA | 14h26 | 5:51 AM San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 4:25 PM Chico, CA | 14h26 | 6:51 AM San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Saturday, July 18 | |||||
![]() | 12:12 PM Chico, CA | 25h23 | 1:35 PM San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus, train, and flight prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Trains from Chico, CA to San Diego, CA run on average 8 times per day, taking around 16h 22m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $127 (€104) but you can travel from only $112 (€92) 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 14h 26m.
Distance 549 miles (885 km) |
Average train duration 16h 22m |
Cheapest ticket price $127 (€104) |
Trains per day 8 |
Fastest train 14h 26m |
First train 4:01 AM |
Last train 10:10 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Discover the best of San Diego — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect San Diego 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 Santa Fe Depot station pair, with some services arriving at Old Town Station. 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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