The cheapest and fastest trains from San Diego, CA to Chico, CA
Cheapest price
$134
Average price
$136
Fastest journey
15 h 50 m
Average duration
15 h 50 m
Trains per day
2
Distance
885 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from San Diego, CA to Chico, CA is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from San Diego, CA to Chico, CA will cost around $136 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $134.
Of the 2 trains that leave San Diego, CA for Chico, CA on Tue, May 26, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Tue, May 26 the direct trains cover the 885 km distance in an average of 15 h 50 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 15 h 50 m .
On Tue, May 26 the slowest trains will take 15 h 50 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.
2:10 PM15h50San Diego, CA6:00 AMChico, CA$1341One-way0 transfers
1:10 PM15h50San Diego, CA5:00 AMChico, CA$1371One-way0 transfers
2:10 PM15h50San Diego, CA6:00 AMChico, CA$1341One-way0 transfers
1:10 PM15h50San Diego, CA5:00 AMChico, CA$1371One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare bus, train, and flight for San Diego, CA to Chico, CA
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from San Diego, CA to Chico, 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 43m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $114, and a flight costs an average of $64.
Distance: 549 miles (885 km)
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$135 Average price | $116 Average price Cheapest | $264 Average price | $121 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
16h 39m Average total duration 16h 9m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 14h 24m Average total duration 13h 54m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 43m Average total duration Fastest 1h 43m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 9h 19m 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 San Diego, CA to Chico, CA:
A bus is $19 (€15) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from San Diego, CA to Chico, CA costing on average $135 (€109).
A bus is $147 (€119) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from San Diego, CA to Chico, CA costing on average $264 (€213).
Other travel options to Chico, CA take longer:
Bus takes on average 13h 54m.
Train takes on average 16h 9m.
Tickets start at around $135 (€109) compared to roughly $121 (€98) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-13.84 (€-11.16). The journey takes 16h 9m versus 9h 19m 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
San Diego, CA to Chico, CA train times
The table below shows live departures for San Diego, CA to Chico, CA trains for tomorrow, Tuesday, May 26. 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
Compare prices and tickets San Diego, CA to Chico, 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 26
May 27
May 28
May 29
May 30
May 31
Jun 01
Journey information
Overview: Train from San Diego, CA to Chico, CA
Trains from San Diego, CA to Chico, CA run on average 6 times per day, taking around 16h 9m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $129 (€104) but you can travel from only $64 (€52) by flight.
The earliest train runs at 04:01, the last at 22:10. The fastest train covers the 549 miles (885 km) distance in 15h 50m.
Distance 549 miles (885 km) |
Average train duration 16h 9m |
Cheapest ticket price $129 (€104) |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 15h 50m |
First train 4:01 AM |
Last train 10:10 PM |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Best time to book 7 days |
Train companies: Amtrak from San Diego, CA to Chico, CA trainsAmtrak trains will get you between San Diego, CA and Chico, CA from $64 (€52). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Amtrak
FAQs: Trains from San Diego, CA to Chico, CA
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.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from San Diego, CA to Chico, CA
- 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
- 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
Most popular train connections from San Diego, CA
More options for your journey from San Diego, CA to Chico, CA
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