The cheapest and fastest trains from Chico, CA to San Diego, CA
Cheapest price
$136
Average price
$295
Fastest journey
14 h 26 m
Average duration
18 h 5 m
Trains per day
3
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 $295 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $136.
Of the 3 trains that leave Chico, CA for San Diego, CA on Fri, May 29, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, May 29 the direct trains cover the 885 km distance in an average of 18 h 5 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 14 h 26 m .
On Fri, May 29 the slowest trains will take 1 d 1 h 23 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.
4:25 PM14h26Chico, CA6:51 AMSan Diego, CA$1361One-way0 transfers
3:25 PM14h26Chico, CA5:51 AMSan Diego, CA$1381One-way0 transfers
12:12 PM25h23Chico, CA1:35 PMSan Diego, CA$6101One-way0 transfers
4:25 PM14h26Chico, CA6:51 AMSan Diego, CA$1361One-way0 transfers
3:25 PM14h26Chico, CA5:51 AMSan Diego, CA$1381One-way0 transfers
12:12 PM25h23Chico, CA1:35 PMSan Diego, CA$6101One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare bus, train, and flight for Chico, CA to San Diego, CA
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 $114. 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 $114, and a flight costs an average of $240.
Distance: 549 miles (885 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$164 Average price | $120 Average price Cheapest | $282 Average price | $121 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 $44 (€35) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Chico, CA to San Diego, CA costing on average $164 (€132).
A bus is $162 (€130) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Chico, CA to San Diego, CA costing on average $282 (€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 $164 (€132) compared to roughly $121 (€98) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-42.51 (€-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.
Live departures
Chico, CA to San Diego, CA train times
The table below shows live departures for Chico, CA to San Diego, CA trains for tomorrow, Friday, May 29. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 12:12 PM Chico, CA | 25h23 | 1:35 PM San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 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 | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Chico, CA to San Diego, CA by bus, train, or flight
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.
May 29
May 30
May 31
Jun 01
Jun 02
Jun 03
Jun 04
Journey information
Overview: Train from Chico, CA to San Diego, CA
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 $129 (€104) but you can travel from only $114 (€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 $129 (€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 |
Train companies: Amtrak from Chico, CA to San Diego, CA trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Chico, CA and San Diego, CA from $114 (€92). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Amtrak
FAQs: Trains from Chico, CA to San Diego, CA
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.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Chico, CA to San Diego, CA
- Outside the station.
- Ramps.
- Hotel Diamond Chico
- Quality Inn Chico
- Oxford Suites Chico
- Free
- The station is a platform adjacent to the historic 1892 Southern Pacific depot, which now houses the Chico Art Center.
- Bus: B-Line routes available nearby
- 5:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- Parking is available nearby with various public and private options.
- The Fish Market
- Karl Strauss Brewing Company
- Outside the main entrance.
- Ramps.
- $1.25
- The Westin San Diego
- The Guild Hotel, San Diego, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel
- Embassy Suites by Hilton San Diego Bay Downtown
- Located in the main hall
- Enterprise
- Hertz
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platforms for Amtrak and Coaster trains
- Hall 2: Trolley connections
- San Diego Trolley: Blue Line, Green Line
- Bus: Several lines available
- Amtrak: Pacific Surfliner
- 6:00 AM - 9:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- Parking is available with several spaces for commuters and visitors.
- Casa Guadalajara
- Old Town Mexican Cafe
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps.
- $0.25
- Old Town Inn
- Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott San Diego Old Town
- Best Western Plus Hacienda Hotel Old Town
- Located in the main hall
- Enterprise
- Hertz
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platforms for Amtrak and Coaster trains
- Hall 2: Trolley connections
- Trolley: Green Line
- Bus: Several lines available including 8, 9, 10, 28, 30, 35, 44, 88, 105, 150, 923, 928
Most popular train connections from Chico, CA
More options for your journey from Chico, CA to San Diego, CA
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