Cheap train tickets from Salinas to Chico
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Trip Summary
There are usually 3 daily train trips available from Salinas to Chico. Traveling by train from Salinas to Chico usually takes 8 hours and 9 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Coast Starlight train can make the trip in 7 hours and 24 minutes.
| Distance | 211 mi (340 km) |
| Fastest train | 7h 24m |
| Lowest price | $59.00 |
| Trains per day | 1 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 2 |
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Salinas to Chico Train Schedule
There are several train options that can take you from Salinas to Chico:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from Salinas to Chico?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Salinas to Chico was $59.00. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 5 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $51.33 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from Salinas to Chico by travel date
The cost of a one-way train trip from Salinas to Chico is expected to stay pretty stable over the next four weeks. No matter which day you travel, you can expect to pay about $76 for your ticket.
Average train ticket prices from Salinas to Chico by month
Ticket prices for the train from Salinas 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 $67. If you're thinking of traveling from Salinas to Chico during July, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $162 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
By booking your train trip from Salinas to Chico on Wanderu at least 5 days ahead of time, you can save about $51.33 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
What train companies travel from Salinas to Chico?
There are multiple trains that travel from Salinas to Chico, including Amtrak, Amtrak Coast Starlight. Here is what you should know about the 2 most popular train lines:
| TRAIN | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 2 | 8h 33m | $96.73 |
| Amtrak Coast Starlight | 1 | 7h 24m | $95.63 |
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 2 Amtrak trains from Salinas to Chico every day, as well as 2 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $59.
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 Salinas to Chico
The distance between Salinas and Chico is approximately 211 miles, or 340 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 8 hours and 9 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 7 hours and 24 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.
DISTANCE (MI)
211
DISTANCE (KM)
340
The earliest train departs Salinas at 3:25am while the last train of the day leaves at 6:13pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
EARLIEST TRAIN
3:25am
LATEST TRAIN
6:13pm
Trains from Salinas to Chico 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.
MOST CROWDED
Tuesday
LEAST CROWDED
Monday
City Information
Salinas
Salinas is a city in California popularly known as the Salad Bowl of the World- though the nickname is about more than healthy food. The city has a vibrant agriculture industry, pristine farmland, historic sites, and plenty of greenery. As an agriculture-based city, it's not surprising that there are a lot of outdoor areas to visit, from Natividad Creek Park to the Creekbridge Neighborhood Park. In addition, history lovers in Salinas can visit the National Steinbeck Center and Monterey & Salinas Valley Railroad Museum for their interactive exhibits, while Salinas Valley Art Gallery appeals to art lovers.
For wine lovers in Salinas, there is a wide range of wineries and vineyards in the city, with popular choices being the Chateau Sinnet Winery and Vineyard, and SMD Vineyards. Visitors to the city can check out nightclubs, lounges, and bowling centers. Salinas organizes festivals throughout the year, like the Monthly Art Market & Artisan Fair and the Annual Halloween Beer Crawl.
If you're visiting Salinas by train, over 100 cities offer routes by Amtrak. Fewer bus lines are going to the city, provided by Amtrak Thruway. There are also Monterey-Salinas Transit services for transport inside the 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 does the train leave from in Salinas?
Main departure station: 11 Station Pl
There is one train station in Salinas.
All train stations in Salinas:
- 11 Station Pl
Where does the train arrive in Chico?
Main arrival station: 450 Orange St
Chico has one train station.
All train stations in Chico:
- 450 Orange St
Need a return trip from Chico to Salinas?
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