Chico, CA to San Diego, CA train with Amtrak

Fri, May 29
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Deutsche Bahn
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2,000+ travel companies
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Deutsche Bahn
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Frecciarossa
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Chico, CA to San Diego, CA

Showing times and prices for May 29

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

Cheap tickets

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.

Fast trains

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.

  • Amtrak
    4:25 PM14h26
    Chico, CA
    6:51 AMSan Diego, CA
    $1361One-way
    0 transfers
  • Amtrak
    3:25 PM14h26
    Chico, CA
    5:51 AMSan Diego, CA
    $1381One-way
    0 transfers
  • Amtrak
    12:12 PM25h23
    Chico, CA
    1:35 PMSan Diego, CA
    $6101One-way
    0 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)

Amtrak

Most popular train company

Greyhound

Most popular bus company

Spirit Airlines

Most popular airline

Your own car or car rental

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

The cheapest way to travel from Chico, CA to San Diego, CA is a bus with an average price of $120 (€97).

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).

The fastest way to travel from Chico, CA to San Diego, CA is by flight with an average journey time of 1h 35m.

Other travel options to San Diego, CA take longer:

Bus takes on average 14h 29m.

Train takes on average 16h 22m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Chico, CA and San Diego, CA including taking a bus, train, and flight.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Chico, CA to San Diego, CA among Omio's users.
Take the train. It's the cheaper option, and the extra time on board is usually more relaxing than driving it.

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.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
Amtrak12:12 PM Chico, CA
25h23
1:35 PM San Diego, CA0 transfersDirect
Amtrak3:25 PM Chico, CA
14h26
5:51 AM San Diego, CA0 transfersDirect
Amtrak4:25 PM Chico, CA
14h26
6:51 AM San Diego, CA0 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.

Fri
May 29
Sat
May 30
Sun
May 31
Mon
Jun 01
Tue
Jun 02
Wed
Jun 03
Thu
Jun 04

Journey information

Overview: Train from Chico, CA to San Diego, CA

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Icon of train

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.

Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from $114 (€92)
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
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from $114 (€92)

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

About
Amtrak is the main passenger train operator in the United States, providing medium- and long-distance intercity services across 46 states and three Canadian provinces. Operating over 300 trains daily and serving more than 500 destinations, Amtrak connects cities and regions nationwide through routes such as the high-speed Acela in the Northeast Corridor, the scenic Coast Starlight along the West Coast, and the Empire Builder linking Chicago to the Midwest and the Pacific Northwest. Other notable services include the Northeast Regional, Keystone Service, and the unique Auto Train, which allows passengers to bring their cars onboard. Amtrak offers a variety of classes to suit different budgets and travel needs, including Coach, Business, First Class, and Sleeper Class with options like Roomettes, Bedrooms, and Bedroom Suites for overnight journeys. Ticket types include Saver, Value, Flexible, Business, and Premium. Onboard amenities vary by service but may include comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, power outlets, dining options, and lounge access on select trains. Popular routes include Washington, D.C.–Boston, San Diego–San Luis Obispo, San Jose–Sacramento, and Chicago–Seattle.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
14h 0m
Cheapest Price
$114 (€92)
Amtrak frequency
8 a day
Luggage included
2 personal items and 2 carry-on bags included free
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, under seats, and designated luggage areas at end of cars
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies depend on ticket type and timing
Refund
Full refund if train is canceled by Amtrak
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Café car with snacks, beverages, and light meals. Long-distance trains have full-service dining cars
Seat reservation
Included in ticket price for Business and First Class. Optional fee for Coach Class
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible restrooms, Red Cap assistance service, accessible platforms and stations
Pets
Small pets under 20 pounds allowed for $26 fee. Must be in carrier. Service animals travel free
Quiet zone

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.

FAQs
Train ticket prices from Chico, CA to San Diego, CA can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $129 (€104), while the average price is around $164 (€132).
The train from Chico, CA to San Diego, CA takes 14h 26m and runs 8 per day.
The first train from Chico, CA to San Diego, CA leaves at 4:01 AM.
The distance by train from Chico, CA to San Diego, CA is 549 miles (885 km).
The last train from Chico, CA to San Diego, CA leaves at 10:10 PM.
There is no high speed train available from Chico, CA to San Diego, CA.
There is no direct train service currently available from Chico, CA to San Diego, CA.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Chico, CA to San Diego, CA.
The train station in Chico, CA that goes to San Diego, CA is Chico station, Chico, CA, which connects to Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA.
The cheapest way to get from Chico, CA to San Diego, CA is by bus, with a cost of around $114 (€92).
Yes, the train journey from Chico, CA to San Diego, CA is scenic, offering views of California’s diverse landscapes, including rolling hills, agricultural fields, and coastal views as the train approaches Southern California.
A day trip from Chico, CA to San Diego, CA is not feasible due to a travel duration of 14h 26m. The distance is 549 miles (885 km), with a frequency of 8 trips per day for trains.
In San Diego, CA, you can explore the vibrant art scene at the Museum of Contemporary Art, enjoy a harbor cruise for stunning skyline and naval ship views, and hike the scenic trails at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve. Visit the Birch Aquarium to learn about marine life, or experience a whale watching tour off the coast. Don't miss Balboa Park, with its museums and the San Diego Zoo, the historic USS Midway Museum, picturesque La Jolla Cove, the lively Gaslamp Quarter, and the beautiful Coronado Beach.
Three to four days are ideal to explore San Diego's main attractions, including its beaches, Balboa Park, San Diego Zoo, and vibrant neighborhoods.
Yes, you can take the train from Chico, CA to San Diego, CA.
Since neither Chico, CA nor San Diego, CA are in the Schengen Area, passport requirements depend on the specific immigration rules of United States and United States. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
Popular day trips by train from San Diego, CA include Irvine, CA, Santa Ana, CA, Oceanside, CA, Orange, CA, San Juan Capistrano, CA.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Chico, CA to San Diego, CA among Omio's users.
Items not allowed on trains typically include hazardous materials such as explosives, flammable liquids, corrosive substances, and illegal drugs. Additionally, large or bulky items that may obstruct aisles or emergency exits, as well as pets without proper carriers, may be restricted. Specific prohibited items can vary by train operator and region, so please check the rules for your particular journey.
The currency used in the United States is the US Dollar (USD). For travelers, using cards is generally more convenient and widely accepted, especially credit and debit cards, while cash is useful for small purchases or places that do not accept cards.
In San Diego, CA, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing and petty theft, especially in crowded areas like beaches, public transportation, and popular tourist spots such as the Gaslamp Quarter and Old Town. Common scams include overpriced parking fees and unauthorized ticket sellers near attractions. Staying aware of surroundings, securing belongings, and using official transportation services help reduce risks. Additionally, travelers should avoid isolated areas at night and be mindful of local traffic laws when using scooters or bikes.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Chico, CA to San Diego, CA

Chico
San Diego
The major train station for departures in Chico is Chico Station. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Chico Station for your trip from Chico to San Diego.
Chico StationDiningTaxisAccessibilityHotelBike ParkingLuggage Carts
Amenities at train station
DiningDining
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
HotelHotel
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Luggage CartsLuggage Carts
information
phone
Phone Number
platformCount
Number of platforms
1
Taxis
Taxis
  • Outside the station.
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Ramps.
Hotel
Hotel
  • Hotel Diamond Chico
  • Quality Inn Chico
  • Oxford Suites Chico
Luggage Carts
Luggage Carts
  • Free
Station Plan
  • The station is a platform adjacent to the historic 1892 Southern Pacific depot, which now houses the Chico Art Center.
Public transit options for Chico Station
  • Bus: B-Line routes available nearby

More options for your journey from Chico, CA to San Diego, CA

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