Seattle to Chico train
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Trip Summary
2 trains operate daily from Seattle to Chico. The train trip from Seattle to Chico is usually about 21 hours and 40 minutes long. However, traveling on the fastest Amtrak Coast Starlight train can get you there in as little as 18 hours and 17 minutes.
| Distance | 545 mi (877 km) |
| Fastest train | 18h 17m |
| Lowest price | €86.84 |
| Trains per day | 1 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak Coast Starlight |
| Train lines | 2 |
What is the price of a train ticket from Seattle to Chico?
Over the past month, a train ticket between Seattle and Chico cost €97.14, on average. Since this route covers a considerable distance, tickets are typically a bit pricier than most train fares. Booking your trip at least 3 days in advance can help you secure tickets at the best price. For same-day bookings, you’ll likely have to pay around €206.48 more.
Monthly average prices
Ticket prices for the train from Seattle to Chico often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in January when the average ticket price is only €91,
If you're thinking of traveling from Seattle to Chico during August, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of €184 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in August, is to book your trip well in advance.
Which train should you take from Seattle to Chico?
2 train services operate from Seattle to Chico. However, each train line only offers one daily trip.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 1 | 1d 2h 0m | €165.12 |
| Amtrak Coast Starlight | 1 | 18h 17m | €268.69 |
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 1 Amtrak trains from Seattle to Chico every day, as well as 1 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from €107.
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 Seattle to Chico takes 18 hours and 17 minutes on average, and Coach tickets start at €87.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Seattle and Chico is approximately 545 miles, or 877 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 21 hours and 40 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 18 hours and 17 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 Seattle 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 Sunday. Sunday also tend to have less passengers which may make boarding faster and let you snag your perfect seat.
The earliest train departs Seattle at 09:00 while the last train of the day leaves at 09:00. 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 Seattle twice a day, so there are a couple of options depending on your preferred travel time. One of these is a direct train, which will typically get you to Chico faster. While it might still have stops along the way, you will not need to switch trains during your trip.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Chico to Seattle.
City Information
Seattle
Seattle is a must-see destination on the West Coast of the United States, offering many unique activities for any type of traveler. However, we're confident every visitor will enjoy the view of Mount Rainier from the top of Seattle's iconic Space Needle. Outdoor enthusiasts can bike, hike, boat, and ski in one of the top cities for outdoor activities in the U.S., while soaking in the Pacific Northwest's natural beauty (and yes, some rain as well). Urban explorers will love walking through Pike Place Market and experiencing Seattle's museums and public art, like the scenic Olympic Sculpture Park. These offerings and more make Seattle one of the best vacation destination in Washington.
Known for its coffee culture and as the birthplace of Starbucks, Seattle is also one of the top 5 craft beer cities in the U.S., which is ideal for those who prefer to experience the taste of a city served up in a latte mug or a pint glass.
Seattle is home to the largest airport in the Pacific Northwest, Seattle-Tacoma Airport, but there are plenty of other ways to continue your travels from the Emerald City. A short ferry ride to Bainbridge Island includes the chance to see orca whales in the Puget Sound, or you can catch the Amtrak Cascades train or one of several affordable bus options from the historic King Street Station to other exciting Northwest cities in British Columbia, Oregon and beyond.
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 Seattle?
Image credit: SounderBruce
Link to image attributionMain departure station: King St Station - 303 S Jackson St
King Street Station is the main station for Amtrak train service and Greyhound bus service in Seattle, with connections to local public transit like the Link Light Rail and King County Metro at the International District/Chinatown station one block away. Located near downtown Seattle in the trendy Pioneer Square neighborhood, King Street Station opened in 1906 and continues to impress travelers with its restored Italian architecture and Venetian-style clocktower. King Street Station has on-site Amtrak staff, restrooms, and vending machines, and while there are no restaurants in the station, several nearby coffee shops and eateries make it easy to fuel up before your trip.
All train stations in Seattle:
King St Station - 303 S Jackson 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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Need a return trip from Chico to Seattle?
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