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Trip Summary
There are 5 daily trains from Modesto to Chico. Traveling by train from Modesto to Chico usually takes around 5 hours and 5 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 3 hours and 52 minutes.
| Distance | 151 mi (244 km) |
| Fastest train | 3h 52m |
| Lowest price | $34.51 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
What is the price of a train ticket from Modesto to Chico?
Over the past month, a train ticket between Modesto and Chico cost $38.58, on average. This is about as cheap as train fares get on this route. Booking your trip at least 27 days in advance can help you secure tickets at the best price. For same-day bookings, you’ll likely have to pay around $1.78 more.
Monthly average prices
Ticket prices for the train from Modesto to Chico often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in August when the average ticket price is only $37,
If you're thinking of traveling from Modesto to Chico during February, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $43 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in February, is to book your trip well in advance.
Prices as travel date approaches
If you want to score the best deal, you should plan to book your train trip online on Wanderu at least 27 days ahead of time. If you do that, your train ticket to Chico from Modesto will be about C$1.78 cheaper compared to what you would pay if you book at the last minute.
Which train should you take from Modesto to Chico?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Modesto to Chico. However, there are 5 trains per day to choose from.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 5 | 5h 5m | $44.17 |
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 Modesto to Chico every day, as well as 4 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $35.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Modesto and Chico is approximately 151 miles, or 244 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 5 hours and 5 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 3 hours and 52 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.
Tuesday tends to be the busiest day of the week with travelers taking trains from Modesto to Chico. Ticket price also tend to be more expensive on Tuesday than other days. If you are hoping to have more room on the train and even save some change check out travel options on Wednesday instead, as less people travel then and deals are more likely to be found.
The earliest train departs Modesto at 8:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 8:00pm. 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 Chico to Modesto.
City Information
Modesto
Image credit: Tom Hilton
Link to image attributionModesto is a city in Central Valley, California. The city is known for its large agricultural industry and number of museums. Modesto is home to museums, natural history sites, and planetariums, like the Great Valley Museum and McHenry Museum. It also has different amusement and recreational centers offering playgrounds, rides, go-cart, and more, like Funworks Modesto and Graceada Park. As for nature lovers, Modesto features places for sports, hiking, camping, fishing, and picnics, like Jacob Myers Park and Ceres River Bluff Regional Park. The city is also a fun place for arts with the Graffiti Summer and the Gallo Center for the Arts.
The CA city is ideal for all craft beer and wine lovers, as it has several breweries and wineries to visit. Modesto also has a vibrant nightlife, with different nightclubs, lounges, bars, and restaurants, and is always brimming with pool parties, trance festivals, DJ nights, and more. Downtown Modesto has become a vibrant place for shopping, dining, and parties.
Modesto features several train and bus lines for those in and around the city. The city is easily accessible by Amtrak and Amtrak San Joaquins for trains, while Tufesa Plus offers bus services. The City of Modesto Transit Services powers the city's transportation.
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.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Modesto?
Main departure station: 1700 Held Dr
There is one train station in Modesto.
All train stations in Modesto:
1700 Held Dr
Where is the train station in Chico?
Main arrival station: 450 Orange St
Chico has one train station.
Train stations in Chico:
450 Orange St
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