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Trip Summary
You can pick from 4 daily train trips between San Luis Obispo and Chico. The average train journey from San Luis Obispo to Chico takes 14 hours and 13 minutes, but some Amtrak train trips are as short as 9 hours and 45 minutes.
| Distance | 314 mi (505 km) |
| Fastest train | 9h 45m |
| Lowest price | £37.01 |
| Trains per day | 1 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 2 |
What is the price of a train ticket from San Luis Obispo to Chico?
In the last 30 days, the average cost of a train ticket from San Luis Obispo to Chico was £62.12. You have the best chances of scoring the cheapest ticket to Chico if you book your train tickets at least 7 days in advance. Waiting to purchase until the day of your trip could end up costing you an extra £18.43.
Monthly average prices
Ticket prices for the train from San Luis Obispo to Chico often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in May when the average ticket price is only £56,
If you're thinking of traveling from San Luis Obispo to Chico during August, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of £81 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in August, 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 7 days ahead of time. If you do that, your train ticket to Chico from San Luis Obispo will be about £18.43 cheaper compared to what you would pay if you book at the last minute.
Which train should you take from San Luis Obispo to Chico?
2 train services operate from San Luis Obispo to Chico. Amtrak usually has more trains scheduled, with 3 trips per day. That said, it's still worth comparing the prices and trip durations:
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 3 | 14h 46m | £75.99 |
| Amtrak Coast Starlight | 1 | 10h 32m | £60.45 |
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 3 Amtrak trains from San Luis Obispo to Chico every day, as well as 5 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from £43.
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 San Luis Obispo to Chico takes 10 hours and 32 minutes on average, and Coach tickets start at £37.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between San Luis Obispo and Chico is approximately 314 miles, or 505 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 14 hours and 13 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 9 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.
On a weekly basis, the greatest number of passengers tend to travel by trains from San Luis Obispo to Chico on Tuesday. Tickets for Tuesday tend to also be the most expensive. For savvy travelers looking for cheaper priced tickets search for travel departing on Saturday. Saturday also tend to have less passengers which may make boarding faster and let you snag your perfect seat.
The earliest train departs San Luis Obispo at 00:00 while the last train of the day leaves at 15:00. 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 4 scheduled trains on most days. There is one direct train, which you can stay on for the entire journey from San Luis Obispo 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 San Luis Obispo.
City Information
San Luis Obispo
San Luis is a remarkable city known for accommodating travelers with different intents - those looking for nightlife, a laid-back experience, or a healthy mix of both. It is also known for its outstanding farmers' market with some of the best fruits and veggies in all of California. The historic Spanish Mission, art galleries, museums, wine, craft beer tasting room, and great restaurants can provide any type of fun you're looking for in the Sunshine State.
Want a truly unique experience? Swing by Bubblegum Alley, with walls lined with chewed bubblegum. Leave some yourself to make your mark! Or, for more traditional art, visit the San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, with galleries displaying work by contemporary California artists.
SLO has two major bus and train stations in San Luis - 1011 Railroad Ave and Grand Avenue, Building 113. FlixBus and Amtrak Thruway buses both service the town for bus transport, and Amtrak's Pacific Surfliner and Coast Starlight provide train options. There is also a county airport that lets you fly in from wherever you are in the world and is located just two miles from the main 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 San Luis Obispo?
Main departure station: 1011 Railroad Ave
There are two stations in San Luis Obispo where you can board the train to Chico.
All train stations in San Luis Obispo:
1011 Railroad Ave
1 Grand Avenue, Building 113
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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