5.0
Pros: I was able to sleep on the train for most of my trip and staff kindly woke me up before my stop. Cons: Food is way over priced. Tips: Pack a lunch, food is low quality and expensive.
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Tacoma to Chico Train Schedule
No preview is currently available. Please try another date or search the full schedule.
Is it better to travel by bus or train from Tacoma to Chico?
There are usually 1 daily bus trips available from Tacoma to Chico.
Bus | Train | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$152.98 | Avg. Price$624.00 |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips1 | Daily Trips1 |
Duration | Duration13h 40m | Duration17h 28m |
Trip Summary
There is usually just one train option from Tacoma to Chico per day. The average train journey from Tacoma to Chico takes 18 hours and 11 minutes, but some Amtrak Coast Starlight train trips are as short as 17 hours and 29 minutes.
| Distance | 521 mi (838 km) |
| Fastest train | 17h 29m |
| Lowest price | $144.00 |
| Trains per day | 1 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak Coast Starlight |
| Train lines | 2 |
Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Average score for trains from Tacoma to Chico
(Based on 1 ratings and reviews)
5.0
Which train should you take from Tacoma to Chico?
2 train services operate from Tacoma to Chico. However, each train line only offers one daily trip.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 1 | 1d 1h 57m | $172.00 |
| Amtrak Coast Starlight | 1 | 17h 30m | $521.64 |
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 1 Amtrak trains from Tacoma to Chico every day, as well as 0 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $172.
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 Tacoma to Chico
Yes, there are trains that can take you the entire way from Tacoma 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 Tacoma and Chico is approximately 521 miles, or 838 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 18 hours and 11 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 17 hours and 29 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.
On a weekly basis, the greatest number of passengers tend to travel by trains from Tacoma to Chico on Sunday. Tickets for Sunday tend to also be the most expensive. For savvy travelers looking for cheaper priced tickets search for travel departing on Thursday. Thursday also tend to have less passengers which may make boarding faster and let you snag your perfect seat.
Most days, there is only one train which leaves Tacoma at 10:00am and arrives in Chico around 17 hours later.
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 Tacoma.
City Information
Tacoma
Tacoma has seen some hard times in recent years, but the city is receiving many new revival attempts, turning it into a charming town with its own unique attractions. For those interested in the history of the city, as well as the creativity of its residents, head towards the Museum District, which houses numerous interesting museums such as the Tacoma Art Museum and the Washington State History Museum. While in the area, don’t miss out on the chance to marvel at the architectural ingenuity of the Bridge of Glass. If you wish to enjoy a bit of outdoor air, diving into the cold water of American Lake in Lakewood in the morning is bound to make you happy.
Seafood has always been among Tacoma’s finest offerings, and the best place to enjoy these dishes is Duke’s Chowder House, which features a bay view. For a more exquisite taste, head over to Indochine, a pan-Asian restaurant featuring mouth watering dishes.
The main bus station and the Amtrak train station in Tacoma are both near downtown, just a few blocks from each other. Tacoma is served by Amtrak’s Cascades and Coast Starlight lines. The city’s main airport is Seattle–Tacoma International and it sits 22 miles north of 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 is the train station in Tacoma?
Image credit: WSDOT/AmtrakCascades
Link to image attributionMain departure station: 422 E. 25th St.
The Amtrak station in Tacoma is located at 422 E 25th St, near I-5 and close to the Tacoma Dome. The Tacoma Dome Station is served by Amtrak Cascades, which travels between Vancouver, BC, Seattle, Portland, and Eugene, and Amtrak’s Coast Starlight from Seattle to Los Angeles. Local Sound Transit's commuter rail station is next door. The bus terminal on Puyallup Ave is across the street from the train station complex for easy transfers to local or intercity buses. The station complex includes two parking garages and a customer service center with restrooms and vending machines. Nearby attractions in Tacoma include Freighthouse Square, a shopping mall inside an old depot, and several museums like the Washington State History Museum and the Museum of Glass.
All train stations in Tacoma:
422 E. 25th 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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