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Cheap train tickets from Chico to Modesto

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Chiku

Chico to Modesto Train Schedule

Trip Summary

There are usually 7 daily train trips available from Chico to Modesto. Traveling by train from Chico to Modesto usually takes 5 hours and 28 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 4 hours and 2 minutes.

Distance151 mi (244 km)
Fastest train4h 2m
Lowest price$33.00
Most frequent serviceAmtrak
Train lines1

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Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for trains from Chico to Modesto

(Based on 2 ratings and reviews)

5.0

5.0

Charlisse

April 7, 2025- Solo travel

Amtrak

Pros: I got to take a nap. Cons: The cleaning. Tips: Enjoy the ride.

5.0

Sarah

October 27, 2024- Business

Amtrak

Free snacks on Amtrak

What is the price of a train ticket from Chico to Modesto?

In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Chico to Modesto was $41.86. Compared to most train fares, this is an excellent price. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 29 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $7.06 more if you wait to book until the last minute.

Average train ticket prices from Chico to Modesto by month

$50$40$30$20$10SONDJFMAMJJA
Ticket prices for the train from Chico to Modesto often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in March when the average ticket price is only $36. If you're thinking of traveling from Chico to Modesto during July, 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 July, is to book your trip well in advance.

Prices as travel date approaches

$50$40$30$20$103020100

By booking your train trip from Chico to Modesto on Wanderu at least 29 days ahead of time, you can save about $7.06 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!

Which train should you take from Chico to Modesto?

Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Chico to Modesto. However, there are 7 trains per day to choose from.

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak75h 28m$44.14
  • 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 7 Amtrak trains from Chico to Modesto every day, as well as 7 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $33.

Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Chico to Modesto

Yes, there are trains that can take you the entire way from Chico to Modesto. 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 Chico and Modesto is approximately 151 miles, or 244 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 5 hours and 28 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 4 hours and 2 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 Modesto are the most crowded on Tuesday. 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 Monday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.

The earliest train departs Chico at 4:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 3:00pm. 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 7 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 Modesto 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.

Modesto

Modesto, CA, US - MOD-0

Image credit: Tom Hilton

Link to image attribution

Modesto 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 Gold Runner for trains, while Tufesa Plus offers bus services. The City of Modesto Transit Services powers the city's transportation.

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 Modesto?

Main arrival station: 1700 Held Dr

Modesto has one train station.

All train stations in Modesto:

  • 1700 Held Dr

Get around town with Moovit

Find the best way to get to and from any station in Modesto by public transit, courtesy of Moovit. Search now

Need a return trip from Modesto to Chico?

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