5.0
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Cheap train tickets from Chico to San Francisco
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Is it better to travel by bus or train from Chico to San Francisco?
There are usually 1 daily bus trips from Chico to San Francisco.
Bus | Train | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$97.79 | Avg. Price$71.83 |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips1 | Daily Trips5 |
Duration | Duration6h 22m | Duration5h 31m |
Trip Summary
There are usually 5 daily train trips available from Chico to San Francisco. Traveling by train from Chico to San Francisco usually takes 5 hours and 32 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 4 hours and 20 minutes.
| Distance | 139 mi (223 km) |
| Fastest train | 4h 20m |
| Lowest price | $49.12 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Average score for trains from Chico to San Francisco
(Based on 1 ratings and reviews)
5.0
What is the price of a train ticket from Chico to San Francisco?
The average price for a train ticket from Chico to San Francisco is $69.05, Compared to most train fares, this is an excellent price. By booking your trip at least 21 days in advance, you increase your chances of scoring even cheaper tickets. But if you wait until the day of your trip to book tickets, expect to pay $1.15 more.
Average train ticket prices from Chico to San Francisco by travel date
For the next 30 days, the cost of a one-way train trip from Chico to San Francisco will range from $66 to $77. If you're planning to travel by train to San Francisco in the upcoming week, the cheapest train ticket from Chico you can find in the next 7 days is $66. Be sure to book your trip in advance as train ticket prices typically increase as your travel date approaches.
Monthly avg. prices
Mark your calendar for November if you want to score the cheapest train tickets from Chico to San Francisco. You’ll find the best deals during this time of year, when tickets cost an average of $65. If you're planning a trip from Chico to San Francisco during July, bear in mind that ticket prices are usually higher during this month. Expect to pay about $72 for your train ticket, unless you book well in advance and find an even better deal.
Prices as travel date approaches
By booking your train trip from Chico to San Francisco on Wanderu at least 21 days ahead of time, you can save about $1.15 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
Which train should you take from Chico to San Francisco?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Chico to San Francisco. However, there are 5 trains per day to choose from.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 5 | 5h 32m | $69.95 |
Amtrak is the largest passenger railroad service in America, offering daily intercity trains to hundreds of destinations across the contiguous United States, as well as several cities in Canada. Every Amtrak train comes equipped with comfortable seats with extra legroom, as well as several four-seat areas with tables in the middle. In addition, each car has a freshly cleaned restroom, free WiFi and power outlets at every seat. There are also snack bars where you can purchase drinks or food during your journey. On average, there are 5 Amtrak trains from Chico to San Francisco every day, as well as 6 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $49.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Chico to San Francisco
While the train is the main method of transportation from Chico to San Francisco, it will only take you part of the way there. Please note that part of your trip will be on a different vehicle, most commonly a bus or express shuttle.
The distance between Chico and San Francisco is approximately 139 miles, or 223 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 5 hours and 32 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 4 hours and 20 minutes.
Looking for ways to pass the time? Most trains are equipped with Wi-Fi, which means you can stream music, browse social media or get some work done during your ride. That said, in case your train has a spotty signal, or is among the few without Wi-Fi, we also recommend downloading TV shows and movies to your mobile device in advance of your trip. That way the ride will fly by whatever the Wi-Fi situation.
Trains departing from Chico to San Francisco tend to have the most passengers on Monday. With higher demand ticket prices also tend to be higher on Monday. If you are trying to snag a cheap train tickets or just want an emptier train you'll have better luck by booking travel departing on Tuesday as the least number of people tend to travel then.
The earliest train departs Chico at 4:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 3:00pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
There are 5 scheduled trains on most days. Unfortunately, none of them are direct connections, so you will need to disembark from your original train and board a connecting train during your journey. Don't forget to bring your carry-on luggage when you switch trains. In some instances, you may also be responsible for transferring your own checked baggage.
You can also take a train for your return trip from San Francisco to Chico.
City Information
Chico
Chico is the largest city in California north of Sacramento, as well as the cultural and economic heart of the northern Sacramento Valley. In addition, the city is a college town, home to California State University.
Chico is a California city famed for its world-famous golf course, wooded paths popular with hikers and environmental enthusiasts, and the massive Bidwell Park. If you're visiting Chico, you can't miss Bidwell Park, which spans 2500 acres of natural beauty.
Chico has the most fantastic steakhouse at the 5th Street Steakhouse. The highly recommended Unwined Kitchen & Bar is only two blocks away, serving the best bar food and drinks. There is no shortage of nightlife in Chico, the best cocktail bar (Duffy's Tavern) is only 100m away from central Chico, and if you are craving a club, The Beach Nightclub is the best option.
Amtrak has one of the major train stations in Chico, with service to Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, Sacramento, Seattle, and more. For buses, Jefferson Lines offers routes from cities like Seattle, Phoenix, Sacramento to Chico.
San Francisco
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Located in the heart of Northern California's Bay Area, San Francisco is a geographically small but culturally huge city known for its historic cable cars, active waterfront, and the eclectic mix of hippies and techies who call it home. While it might be one of the most expensive U.S. cities to live in, San Fran can actually be very cheap to visit, and there is no shortage of unique sights to see.
If the city's omnipresent fog (nicknamed "Karl the Fog" by locals) takes a break, the best views and Instagram photo ops of the world-famous Golden Gate Bridge are found in Golden Gate Park. Stroll through the oldest Chinatown in North America to find the perfect dim sum, or if you and your boo prefer a little Full House moment, try a romantic picnic at Alamo Square Park in front of the Victorian "Painted Ladies." After all, San Francisco is one of the best vacation destinations for couples.
Since the city is condensed onto a small peninsula, exploring by bike is an efficient and scenic way to get around. When you’re ready to travel beyond city limits, San Francisco is a convenient hub for trips throughout Northern California. It's actually the first stop on Wanderu's West Coast Wine Tour, with the next stop, obviously, in Napa Valley. Whether traveling by bus, train, or through either of the two nearby airports, San Francisco is a can't-miss destination.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Chico?
Main departure station: 450 Orange St
There is one train station in Chico.
All train stations in Chico:
450 Orange St
Where is the train station in San Francisco?
Image credit: 146109843@N05
Link to image attributionMain arrival station: San Francisco, California
Behind a modern curved façade lies San Francisco’s commuter hub, the Salesforce Transit Center. This gateway to downtown San Francisco and the entire Bay Area welcomes tens of thousands of passengers every day. Finding your way around is easy thanks to more than 270 digital displays with transit information. The Salesforce Transit Center serves as a bus station for Greyhound and Amtrak Thruway buses, as well as several public transit options for convenient connections. A standout feature of the Salesforce Transit Center is a public five-acre rooftop park which gives travelers an open space to relax. Rotating food trucks, cafés, carts, and pop-up retail make this a dynamic and vibrant destination in itself.
Train stations in San Francisco:
San Francisco, California
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