Cheap train tickets from Salem to Chico
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Trip Summary
There are usually 3 daily train trips available from Salem to Chico. Traveling by train from Salem to Chico usually takes 20 hours and 6 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Coast Starlight train can make the trip in 12 hours and 33 minutes.
| Distance | 365 mi (588 km) |
| Fastest train | 12h 33m |
| Lowest price | $111.00 |
| Trains per day | 1 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 2 |
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Salem to Chico Train Schedule
There are several train options that can take you from Salem to Chico:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from Salem to Chico?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Salem to Chico was $144.33. This is somewhat expensive compared to other train fares, but it makes sense given the route’s long distance. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 20 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $54.67 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from Salem to Chico by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Salem to Chico will cost between $129 and $162. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from Salem to Chico by month
Ticket prices for the train from Salem to Chico often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in March when the average ticket price is only $93. If you're thinking of traveling from Salem to Chico during July, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $170 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 Salem to Chico on Wanderu at least 20 days ahead of time, you can save about $54.67 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
What train companies travel from Salem to Chico?
There are multiple trains that travel from Salem 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 | 23h 52m | $184.86 |
| Amtrak Coast Starlight | 1 | 12h 33m | $129.57 |
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 Salem to Chico every day, as well as 2 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $143.
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 Salem to Chico
The distance between Salem and Chico is approximately 365 miles, or 588 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 20 hours and 6 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 12 hours and 33 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)
365
DISTANCE (KM)
588
The earliest train departs Salem at 9:57am while the last train of the day leaves at 3:39pm. 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
9:57am
LATEST TRAIN
3:39pm
Trains from Salem to Chico are the most crowded on Saturday. 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 Sunday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
MOST CROWDED
Saturday
LEAST CROWDED
Sunday
City Information
Salem
Salem is the capital of Oregon and one of the state's best vacation destinations. Nestled in the Willamette Valley, the city is rich with outdoor activities, diverse cuisine, and sites reflecting Oregon's history.
The Deepwood Estate, a mansion built in 1893, runs tours that share early Salem history. Explore the surrounding gardens at Deepwood or walk the many paths in Bush's Pasture Park to discover their lush plant life. The Willamette River that runs through Salem is a gorgeous spot to fish, kayak, or board the historic Willamette Queen steamboat for a dinner cruise.
Salem's charming downtown overflows with local coffee shops, cafés, and restaurants serving fresh fare and the best wines from the Willamette Valley. The Saturday Farmers Market near the state capitol serves up fresh produce alongside live music and food trucks.
Many bus services operate in Salem, including Jefferson Lines, FlixBus, Shuttle Oregon, and the Amtrak Thruway. Amtrak's Coast Starlight line also stops in Salem, heading to LA and Seattle, as well as the Cascades, going to Vancouver and Eugene, Oregon.
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 Salem?
Main departure station: 500 13th St SE
There is one train station in Salem.
All train stations in Salem:
- 500 13th St SE
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 Salem?
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