5.0
Pros: Met Interesting people, Have good times, when I'm Traveling. Travelers have good Travels! Cons: ?????? Tips: Have fun 😁😊.
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Trip Summary
There are usually 2 daily train trips available from San Diego to Chico. Traveling by train from San Diego to Chico usually takes 23 hours and 35 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 14 hours and 30 minutes.
| Distance | 550 mi (885 km) |
| Fastest train | 14h 30m |
| Lowest price | $80.00 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Average score for trains from San Diego to Chico
(Based on 1 ratings and reviews)
5.0
What is the price of a train ticket from San Diego to Chico?
The average price for a train ticket from San Diego to Chico is $80.00, By booking your trip at least 9 days in advance, you increase your chances of scoring even cheaper tickets. But if you wait until the day of your trip to book tickets, expect to pay $111.50 more.
Monthly average prices
Ticket prices for the train from San Diego to Chico often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in May when the average ticket price is only $96. If you're thinking of traveling from San Diego to Chico during October, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $160 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in October, is to book your trip well in advance.
Prices as travel date approaches
Planning ahead pays off when it comes to booking your train trip from San Diego to Chico. By reserving your ticket on Wanderu at least 9 days before departure, you can save around $111.50. Don't miss out on these savings — book in advance!
Which train should you take from San Diego to Chico?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects San Diego to Chico. The schedule is relatively limited as the train only runs twice a day.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 2 | 23h 35m | $138.26 |
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 San Diego to Chico every day, as well as 5 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $80.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, there are trains that can take you the entire way from San Diego to Chico. 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 San Diego and Chico is approximately 550 miles, or 885 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 23 hours and 35 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 14 hours and 30 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.
Monday tends to be the busiest day of the week with travelers taking trains from San Diego to Chico. Ticket price also tend to be more expensive on Monday than other days. If you are hoping to have more room on the train and even save some change check out travel options on Wednesday instead, as less people travel then and deals are more likely to be found.
The earliest train departs San Diego at 4:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 6:00am. 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 San Diego twice a day, so there are a couple of options depending on your preferred travel time. However, there are no direct trains. This means that you will need to disembark from your original train and board a connecting train at some point during your journey. You will need to remember to bring your carry-on luggage with you when you change trains. Depending on the carrier's policy, you may also be responsible for transferring your own checked baggage.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Chico to San Diego.
City Information
San Diego
San Diego is known as "America's Finest City" for its sunny weather, white-sand beaches, and dazzling attractions from Belmont Park to SeaWorld. San Diego's 70 miles of pristine beaches include such gems as Mission Beach, Pacific Beach, La Jolla Cove, and Coronado Beach. The city's strong surfing culture may even inspire you to rent a surfboard and catch the epic waves, bro.
Visitors can spend days getting lost in Balboa Park, a 1,200-acre cultural hub which features 16 museums, immaculate gardens, and the world-famous San Diego Zoo. The historic heart of the city, Old Town, showcases San Diego's heritage and ties to Mexican culture, while other sights like the USS Midway pay tribute to the city's military and maritime history. Leave time for some evening exploring, too! San Diego is rated the #1 best city for craft beer in America, so don't miss out on the bars in the Gaslamp Quarter: 16 walkable blocks packed with nightlife and young crowds.
Two airports, as well as many bus and train options, mean it is easy to get to San Diego from afar or from nearby cities like Tijuana, Los Angeles, Phoenix, and Las Vegas.
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 San Diego?
Image credit: Doug Letterman
Link to image attributionMain departure station: Santa Fe Depot - 1050 Kettner Blvd
The Santa Fe Depot is the main train station in San Diego and one of the end points of the Pacific Surfliner, the only Amtrak train line that serves the city. The station is also used by the Green Line of the San Diego Trolley light rail transit service and the COASTER commuter rail service that connects the city with the central and northern coastal regions of San Diego County. Opened in 1915, the Santa Fe Depot is famous for its Spanish Colonial Revival Style architecture and grand interior space that features natural redwood beam ceilings and ceramic details. The train station is located in the heart of Downtown San Diego, making it easy to reach from all parts of the city.
All train stations in San Diego:
Santa Fe Depot - 1050 Kettner Blvd
4005 Taylor 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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