- Recommended
Patrick Ranch Museum
Local history museum in Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park with exhibits on John and Annie Bidwell and early Chico life.
Trains from San Diego, CA to Chico, CA run on average 4 times per day, taking around 18h 47m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at kr1215 but you can travel from only kr700 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 18h 33m.
Distance 549 miles (885 km) |
Average train duration 18h 47m |
Cheapest ticket price kr1215 |
Trains per day 4 |
Fastest train 18h 33m |
First train 4:01 AM |
Last train 10:10 PM |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Best time to book 6 days |
The table below shows live departures for San Diego, CA to Chico, CA trains for today, Thursday, October 8. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 1:10 PM San Diego, CA | 15h50 | 5:00 AM Chico, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 2:10 PM San Diego, CA | 15h50 | 6:00 AM Chico, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train 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 Diego, CA to Chico, 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 Chico, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most San Diego, CA to Chico, CA trains use the Old Town Station to Chico Station station pair. Use this guide to compare San Diego, CA and Chico, CA train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
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.
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.
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.
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