5.0
Everyone was very helpful and friendly
Everyone was very helpful and friendly
Sacramento to Chico train
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Trip Summary
There is one daily train from Sacramento to Chico. Traveling by train from Sacramento to Chico usually takes around one hour and 48 minutes, but some trains might arrive slightly earlier or later than scheduled.
| Distance | 81 mi (131 km) |
| Fastest train | 1h 48m |
| Lowest price | $14.00 |
| Trains per day | 1 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak Coast Starlight |
| Train lines | 1 |
Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Overall score for trains from Sacramento to Chico
(Based on 1 ratings and reviews)
5.0
What is the price of a train ticket from Sacramento to Chico?
In the last month, $14.00 was the average price of a train ticket from Sacramento to Chico. This is about as inexpensive as train tickets ever get. You can expect to find tickets at that price or lower if you book your trip at least 10 days in advance. Otherwise, expect to pay around $4.00 more than that for a same-day booking.
Monthly average prices
If you are trying to decide when to travel from Sacramento to Chico by train so you can score the best possible deal, your best bet would be to plan your trip for December. That’s when the average price for a train ticket is expected to be just $29 – the lowest of the year.
Alternatively, if you plan to travel from Sacramento to Chico in July, expect to spend more on your train trip, as the average ticket price usually surges to $64 at that time of year. However, if you book your trip ahead of time, you have a high chance of scoring a ticket at a lower price.
Which train should you take from Sacramento to Chico?
Amtrak Coast Starlight is the one and only train line which connects Sacramento to Chico. Furthermore, there is only one train per day, so you will have to plan your travel around this limited availability. On the other hand, you won't have to spend a ton of time comparing a bunch of possible options.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak Coast Starlight | 1 | 1h 49m | $30.34 |
Amtrak Coast Starlight
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
Is it safe to travel by train from Sacramento to Chico during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Our train partners have implemented several different policies to keep you safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. From limiting vehicle capacity to enhancing cleaning protocols and upgrading air filters, train carriers are committed to maintaining a safe environment. For details on what each company is doing to ensure their fleet remains safe for travel, click here.
Although masks are no longer required on public transportation, we stand behind CDC guidelines that encourage passengers to wear a mask over their nose and mouth while on the train or in stations.
Please visit our COVID-19 Travel Guide for more information on all carrier policies and the latest travel advisories issued by every U.S. state, Canadian province, and European country.
How long is the train journey from Sacramento to Chico?
The distance between Sacramento and Chico is approximately 81 miles, or 131 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 1 hour 48 minutes, As a relatively short ride, taking the train is an easy way to travel between these two cities.
When are trains the most crowded?
On a weekly basis, the greatest number of passengers tend to travel by trains from Sacramento 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.
When are the first and last trains of the day?
Most days, there is only one train which leaves Sacramento at 11:00pm and arrives in Chico about an hour later.
Is there a direct train from Sacramento to Chico?
Typically there is only one scheduled train per day. Luckily, this train will get you to Chico with direct service. While there might still be stops along the way, you will not need to switch trains.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Chico to Sacramento.
City Information
Sacramento
As the long-held capital city of California, Sacramento has a rich and vibrant history that is reflected in its historic buildings and quarters. The Old Sacramento Waterfront quarter is the best place to explore the city’s rich heritage. Boasting ages-old constructions and a quaint vibe that is reminiscent of the Wild West, the area allows visitors to travel back in time and relive the Gold Rush era. Among the most interesting destinations in the area is the California State Museum, located at the northern edge of the quarter. It offers numerous restored locomotives as well as exhibitions on the United States’ westward expansion. If history is not really your thing, then the Midtown quarter, which boasts a vibrant and expanding art scene, will be a great alternative.
Sacramento is famous for its vast tracts of farmland, so it makes sense that the best dishes are the ones made from locally-grown produce. Among the best places to try out homemade dishes are The Firehouse and The Kitchen. For a bit of an Asian taste, visit Mikuni in Midtown Sacramento.
The busiest bus station in Sacramento is located right in the heart of the city and offers bus service to Portland, Reno, Los Angeles, and San Francisco, among many other places. The main Amtrak train station is the nearby Sacramento Valley Station, which also serves the Gold Line of the local transit light rail. The principal regional airport is the Sacramento International Airport, located 10 miles northwest of Downtown.
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 Sacramento?
Image credit: rosemarie_mckeon
Link to image attribution
Image credit: Lev Lazinskiy
Link to image attributionMain departure station: Valley Station - 401 I St
Sacramento Valley Station is the second busiest transport hub in California and is used by more than one million people every year. Originally constructed in 1926, it now serves as a major center for Amtrak trains traveling within California, northwards along the West Coast, and eastwards into the American Southwest. The station also falls along four Amtrak Thruway bus routes and operates as the western terminus for the Sacramento Light Rail network. Located between Old Sacramento and Downtown, the station is within walking distance of several Gold-Rush era historical monuments as well as an ultra-modern retail district filled with shops and restaurants.
All train stations in Sacramento:
Valley Station - 401 I St
Where is the train station in Chico?
Main arrival station: 450 Orange St
Chico has one train station.
All train stations in Chico:
450 Orange St
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