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Chico to South Lake Tahoe train

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Chico - South Lake Tahoe Train Timetable

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Trip Summary

You can pick from 2 daily train trips between Chico and South Lake Tahoe. The average train journey from Chico to South Lake Tahoe takes 6 hours and 42 minutes, but some Amtrak train trips are as short as 4 hours and 45 minutes.

Distance113 mi (182 km)
Fastest train4h 45m
Lowest price£35.97
Most frequent serviceAmtrak
Train lines1

What is the price of a train ticket from Chico to South Lake Tahoe?

The average price for a train ticket from Chico to South Lake Tahoe is £37.53, Compared to most train fares, this is an excellent price. By booking your trip at least 20 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 £7.04 more.

Monthly average prices

£59£47£35£23£12AMJJASONDJFM
You can find the lowest prices on this route during January. This time of year offers the best deals on train tickets from Chico to South Lake Tahoe, with the average price at just £30. Train tickets on this route are most expensive in July, when the average price goes up to £54. You can still score cheap deals below this average price, though, especially if you plan ahead and book your ticket in advance.

Which train should you take from Chico to South Lake Tahoe?

Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Chico to South Lake Tahoe. The schedule is relatively limited as the train only runs twice a day.

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak26h 43m£42.08
  • 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 Chico to South Lake Tahoe every day, as well as 4 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from £36.

Frequently Asked Questions

While the train is the main method of transportation from Chico to South Lake Tahoe, 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 South Lake Tahoe is approximately 113 miles, or 182 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 6 hours and 42 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 4 hours and 45 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 from Chico to South Lake Tahoe are the most crowded on Sunday. Tickets also tend to be more expensive then. If you are looking for a great deal on your train tickets or just want extra room to stretch out, consider traveling on Wednesday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.

The earliest train departs Chico at 04:00 while the last train of the day leaves at 07:00. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.

Trains leave the station in Chico twice a day, so there are a couple of options depending on your preferred travel time. However, there are no direct trains. This means that you will need to disembark from your original train and board a connecting train at some point during your journey. You will need to remember to bring your carry-on luggage with you when you change trains. Depending on the carrier's policy, you may also be responsible for transferring your own checked baggage.

You can also take a train for your return trip from South Lake Tahoe 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.

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 South Lake Tahoe?

Main arrival station: South Y Transit Ctr - 1000 Emerald Bay Rd

South Lake Tahoe receives travelers from Chico at its two active train stations.

Train stations in South Lake Tahoe:

  • South Y Transit Ctr - 1000 Emerald Bay Rd

  • Transp Ctr

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