Cheap train tickets from San Francisco to Chico

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Trip Summary

There are usually 5 daily train trips available from San Francisco to Chico. Traveling by train from San Francisco to Chico usually takes 5 hours and 26 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 4 hours and 45 minutes.

Distance	139 mi (223 km)
Fastest train	4h 45m
Lowest price	$49.00
Trains per day	0
Most frequent service	Amtrak
Train lines	1

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San Francisco to Chico Train Schedule

There are several train options that can take you from San Francisco to Chico:

Amtrak tickets: $49 one-way

See more details

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

In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from San Francisco to Chico was $51.00. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 25 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $17.67 more if you wait to book until the last minute.

Average train ticket prices from San Francisco to Chico by travel date

Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from San Francisco to Chico will cost between $49 and $55. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.

Average train ticket prices from San Francisco to Chico by month

Ticket prices for the train from San Francisco to Chico often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in October when the average ticket price is only $48. If you're thinking of traveling from San Francisco to Chico during June, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $54 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in June, is to book your trip well in advance.

Prices as travel date approaches

By booking your train trip from San Francisco to Chico on Wanderu at least 25 days ahead of time, you can save about $17.67 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!

Which train should you take from San Francisco to Chico?

Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects San Francisco to Chico. However, there are 5 trains per day to choose from.

Train	Daily Trips	Avg. Time	Avg. Price
Amtrak	5	5h 26m	$55.28

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 5 Amtrak trains from San Francisco to Chico every day, as well as 5 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $49.

Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from San Francisco to Chico

There are 5 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 Chico to San Francisco. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from San Francisco to Chico for $54.

Trains per day

Direct trains

The distance between San Francisco and Chico is approximately 139 miles, or 223 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 5 hours and 26 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 4 hours and 45 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)

139

Distance (km)

223

The earliest train departs San Francisco at 7:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 8:50pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.

First train

7:00am

Last train

8:50pm

Trains from San Francisco to Chico are the most crowded on Monday. 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 Thursday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.

Busiest

Monday

Least crowded

Thursday

City Information

San Francisco

Located in the heart of Northern California's Bay Area, San Francisco is a geographically small but culturally huge city known for its historic cable cars, active waterfront, and the eclectic mix of hippies and techies who call it home. While it might be one of the most expensive U.S. cities to live in, San Fran can actually be very cheap to visit, and there is no shortage of unique sights to see.

If the city's omnipresent fog (nicknamed "Karl the Fog" by locals) takes a break, the best views and Instagram photo ops of the world-famous Golden Gate Bridge are found in Golden Gate Park. Stroll through the oldest Chinatown in North America to find the perfect dim sum, or if you and your boo prefer a little Full House moment, try a romantic picnic at Alamo Square Park in front of the Victorian "Painted Ladies." After all, San Francisco is one of the best vacation destinations for couples.

Since the city is condensed onto a small peninsula, exploring by bike is an efficient and scenic way to get around. When you’re ready to travel beyond city limits, San Francisco is a convenient hub for trips throughout Northern California. It's actually the first stop on Wanderu's West Coast Wine Tour, with the next stop, obviously, in Napa Valley. Whether traveling by bus, train, or through either of the two nearby airports, San Francisco is a can't-miss destination.

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 Francisco?

Main departure station: San Francisco, California

Behind a modern curved façade lies San Francisco’s commuter hub, the Salesforce Transit Center. This gateway to downtown San Francisco and the entire Bay Area welcomes tens of thousands of passengers every day. Finding your way around is easy thanks to more than 270 digital displays with transit information. The Salesforce Transit Center serves as a bus station for Greyhound and Amtrak Thruway buses, as well as several public transit options for convenient connections. A standout feature of the Salesforce Transit Center is a public five-acre rooftop park which gives travelers an open space to relax. Rotating food trucks, cafés, carts, and pop-up retail make this a dynamic and vibrant destination in itself.

All train stations in San Francisco:

San Francisco, California

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

Need a return trip from Chico to San Francisco?

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