5.0
Pros: I was able to sleep on the train for most of my trip and staff kindly woke me up before my stop. Cons: Food is way over priced. Tips: Pack a lunch, food is low quality and expensive.
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Trip Summary
You can pick from 3 daily train trips between Tacoma and Chico. The average train journey from Tacoma to Chico takes 20 hours and 51 minutes, but some Amtrak Coast Starlight train trips are as short as 17 hours and 34 minutes.
| Distance | 521 mi (838 km) |
| Fastest train | 17h 34m |
| Lowest price | $121.47 |
| Trains per day | 1 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 2 |
Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Overall score for trains from Tacoma to Chico
(Based on 1 ratings and reviews)
5.0
What is the price of a train ticket from Tacoma to Chico?
In the last 30 days, the average cost of a train ticket from Tacoma to Chico was $138.03. Tickets for this route are somewhat expensive, given the distance between Tacoma and Chico. You have the best chances of scoring the cheapest ticket to Chico if you book your train tickets at least 17 days in advance. Waiting to purchase until the day of your trip could end up costing you an extra $73.85.
Monthly average prices
Ticket prices for the train from Tacoma to Chico often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in February when the average ticket price is only $184,
If you're thinking of traveling from Tacoma to Chico during July, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $351 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in July, is to book your trip well in advance.
Which train should you take from Tacoma to Chico?
2 train services operate from Tacoma to Chico. Amtrak usually has more trains scheduled, with 2 trips per day. That said, it's still worth comparing the prices and trip durations:
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 2 | 22h 25m | $182.27 |
| Amtrak Coast Starlight | 1 | 17h 34m | $260.60 |
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 2 Amtrak trains from Tacoma to Chico every day, as well as 2 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $121.
The Coast Starlight is an Amtrak train that travels the entire length of the West Coast, connecting Los Angeles to Seattle. The route starts hugging the California coastline, treating passengers to swoon-worthy views of the Pacific, before continuing into the verdant forests of the Cascade Mountains. The Coast Starlight indisputably earns its spot among the most scenic Amtrak train routes. Seating options include Coach or Business Class and roomettes or bedrooms for extra space. A trip from Tacoma to Chico takes 17 hours and 34 minutes on average, and Coach tickets start at $131.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, there are trains that can take you the entire way from Tacoma to Chico. However, there are also some trips on this route that require you to board another vehicle, such as a bus or a shuttle, during your journey. This is worth paying attention to as you book your trip, since a direct train may be preferable for its speed and convenience.
The distance between Tacoma and Chico is approximately 521 miles, or 838 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 20 hours and 51 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 17 hours and 34 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.
On a weekly basis, the greatest number of passengers tend to travel by trains from Tacoma to Chico on Thursday. Tickets for Thursday tend to also be the most expensive. For savvy travelers looking for cheaper priced tickets search for travel departing on Wednesday. Wednesday also tend to have less passengers which may make boarding faster and let you snag your perfect seat.
The earliest train departs Tacoma at 7:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 10:00am. 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 3 scheduled trains on most days. There is one direct train, which you can stay on for the entire journey from Tacoma to Chico. In contrast, taking a non-direct train would require you to transfer trains during your trip.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Chico to Tacoma.
City Information
Tacoma
Tacoma has seen some hard times in recent years, but the city is receiving many new revival attempts, turning it into a charming town with its own unique attractions. For those interested in the history of the city, as well as the creativity of its residents, head towards the Museum District, which houses numerous interesting museums such as the Tacoma Art Museum and the Washington State History Museum. While in the area, don’t miss out on the chance to marvel at the architectural ingenuity of the Bridge of Glass. If you wish to enjoy a bit of outdoor air, diving into the cold water of American Lake in Lakewood in the morning is bound to make you happy.
Seafood has always been among Tacoma’s finest offerings, and the best place to enjoy these dishes is Duke’s Chowder House, which features a bay view. For a more exquisite taste, head over to Indochine, a pan-Asian restaurant featuring mouth watering dishes.
The main bus station and the Amtrak train station in Tacoma are both located on Puyallup Ave near downtown, just a few blocks from each other. Tacoma is served by Amtrak’s Cascades and Coast Starlight lines. The city’s main airport is Seattle–Tacoma International and it sits 22 miles north of the city.
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 Tacoma?
Image credit: WSDOT/AmtrakCascades
Link to image attributionMain departure station: 422 E. 25th St.
The Amtrak station in Tacoma is located at 1001 Puyallup Ave, just north of I-5 and very close to the Tacoma Dome. Local Sound Transit commuter rail uses the station, as well as Amtrak’s Coast Starlight from Seattle to Los Angeles and Cascades from Vancouver, BC to Eugene. The bus terminal at 510 Puyallup Ave is connected to the train station complex for easy transfers to local or intercity buses. The station complex includes two parking garages and a customer service center with restrooms and vending machines. Nearby attractions in Tacoma include Freighthouse Square, a shopping mall inside an old depot, and several museums like the Washington State History Museum and Museum of Glass.
All train stations in Tacoma:
422 E. 25th St.
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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