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Cheap train tickets from Chico to Oakland

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Chiku

Chico to Oakland Train Schedule

Trip Summary

There are usually 9 daily train trips available from Chico to Oakland. Traveling by train from Chico to Oakland usually takes 6 hours and 24 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 4 hours and 6 minutes.

Distance135 mi (217 km)
Fastest train4h 6m
Lowest price$44.00
Trains per day1
Most frequent serviceAmtrak
Train lines2

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Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for trains from Chico to Oakland

(Based on 1 ratings and reviews)

5.0

5.0

Shelby

November 21, 2021- Solo travel

Amtrak Coast Starlight

Pros: I could relax, socialize, drink in the views from the lounge car. When I drive long distances I arrive tired. I arrived rested and ready to hit the town!!! Tips: Bring a small blanket on case you want to rest. When your sedentary you can begin to feel cold. Pack your own snacks is a pro tip to save money.

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

In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Chico to Oakland was $45.43. 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 14 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $3.03 more if you wait to book until the last minute.

Average train ticket prices from Chico to Oakland by travel date

$60$40$20AugAug

Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Chico to Oakland will cost between $45 and $52. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.

Average train ticket prices from Chico to Oakland by month

$50$40$30$20$10SONDJFMAMJJA
Ticket prices for the train from Chico to Oakland often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in August when the average ticket price is only $44. If you're thinking of traveling from Chico to Oakland during July, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $47 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 Oakland on Wanderu at least 14 days ahead of time, you can save about $3.03 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!

Which train should you take from Chico to Oakland?

2 train services operate from Chico to Oakland. Amtrak usually has more trains scheduled, with 8 trips per day. That said, it's still worth comparing the prices and trip durations:

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak86h 34m$46.07
Amtrak Coast Starlight14h 42m$57.97
  • 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 8 Amtrak trains from Chico to Oakland every day, as well as 13 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $44.

  • The Amtrak Coast Starlight is a service provided by Amtrak that connects Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, and Los Angeles on the US Pacific coast. The full journey winds through the Cascade Mountains, perfectly clipped vineyards, and dense coastal forest, allowing passengers to get a glimpse of the US west coast while enjoying air-conditioned cars, power outlets, complimentary onboard WiFi, and snacks.

Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Chico to Oakland

Yes, there are trains that can take you the entire way from Chico to Oakland. 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 Oakland is approximately 135 miles, or 217 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 6 hours and 24 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 4 hours and 6 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 Oakland 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 Friday 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 9 scheduled trains on most days. There is one direct train, which you can stay on for the entire journey from Chico to Oakland. 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 Oakland 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.

Oakland

Oakland, CA - OAK-0

Image credit: Unsplash

Oakland, CA - OAK-1

Image credit: Unsplash

Oakland, CA - OAK-2

Image credit: Unsplash

Oakland, CA is a port city that is beginning to step out of the shadow of San Francisco, its neighbor to the west. Every visitor should start their Oakland trip in the downtown area and Old Oakland, the city's historic quarter full of quaint old buildings. While here, don't forget to take a short detour to Oakland's famous Chinatown as well. The African American Museum and Library at Oakland tells the history of Black communities in the area and is definitely worth a stop. For those who would prefer to stay close to nature, Dr. Aurelia Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park's abundance of redwood groves will offer amazing views.

Oakland's food scene is vibrant and diverse, with a wide range of offerings for all budgets. Enssaro is a popular local name with mid-range dishes that will whet your appetite. For an excellent haute-cuisine dinner, head towards The Wolf.

It's easy to get around the Bay Area on local public transit (called the BART, for Bay Area Rapid Transit). Getting to Oakland from further afield is also a breeze thanks to many intercity bus routes in the area and Amtrak's Capitol Corridor train, which stops in Oakland. Flights arrive at the Oakland International Airport, but several additional airport options in the larger Bay Area are also available.

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 Oakland?

245 Second St  - OAKAMT-0

Image credit: David Wilson

Link to image attribution
246 Second St  - OAKAMT-1

Image credit: David Wilson

Link to image attribution

Main arrival station: 245 Second St

The Jack London Station in Oakland opened in 1995, replacing 16th Street Station, which was extensively damaged in the Loma Prieta earthquake in 1989. The station was named after the famous writer Jack London, as he spent much of his life in the area. It is a contemporary glass and stone structure located on the easternmost corner of Jack London Square. The square, which fronts a natural estuary leading to San Francisco Bay, was formerly the hub of Oakland's port activities, connecting the maritime and agricultural sectors. It is still an active and bustling waterfront today. Amtrak's Capitol Corridor, Coast Starlight, and Gold Runner trains serve the station. It is the 10th busiest of Amtrak's 74 California stops, boarding or de-boarding an average of 1,142 people per day.

All train stations in Oakland:

  • 245 Second St

  • Across San Leandro Blvd from BART station - 700 73rd Ave

Get around town with Moovit

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

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