How much is the train ticket from San Diego to Chico?

The cheapest train tickets from San Diego to Chico start at $191. The average price for this train route is around $249. Busbud recommends booking your tickets in advance to increase your chances of getting the lowest possible price.

How long is the train ride from San Diego to Chico?

The average train trip from San Diego to Chico takes 19h 27m and covers 880 km. The quickest train gets you there in 15h 50m and is operated by Amtrak .

Which train operators serve the San Diego to Chico route?

Several major train operators serve this route, with 2 trains available per day.

What are the earliest and latest departure times for the train from San Diego to Chico?

The earliest train from San Diego to Chico departs at 6:01am. The latest train departs at 6:10am.

Train San Diego to Chico from $164 | Refundable Tickets

Next departures

Next departures for San Diego to Chico on December 16
Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
4:10pm	Old Town San Diego	20h 30m	12:40pm	Chico	CheapestFastest
4:10pm	Old Town San Diego	20h 30m	12:40pm	Chico	No tags
4:01pm	Santa Fe Depot	20h 39m	12:40pm	Chico	No tags
4:01pm	Santa Fe Depot	20h 39m	12:40pm	Chico	No tags

Next departures for San Diego to Chico on December 17
Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
6:10am	Old Town San Diego	15h 50m	10:00pm	Chico	CheapestFastest
6:10am	Old Town San Diego	19h 27m	1:37am	Chico	No tags
6:10am	Old Town San Diego	19h 27m	1:37am	Chico	No tags
6:10am	Old Town San Diego	19h 27m	1:37am	Chico	No tags
6:10am	Old Town San Diego	19h 27m	1:37am	Chico	No tags

Next departures for San Diego to Chico on December 18
Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
6:10am	Old Town San Diego	15h 50m	10:00pm	Chico	CheapestFastest
6:10am	Old Town San Diego	19h 27m	1:37am	Chico	No tags
6:10am	Old Town San Diego	19h 27m	1:37am	Chico	No tags
6:10am	Old Town San Diego	19h 27m	1:37am	Chico	No tags
6:10am	Old Town San Diego	19h 27m	1:37am	Chico	No tags

Next departures for San Diego to Chico on December 19
Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
6:10am	Old Town San Diego	15h 50m	10:00pm	Chico	CheapestFastest
6:10am	Old Town San Diego	19h 27m	1:37am	Chico	No tags
6:10am	Old Town San Diego	19h 27m	1:37am	Chico	No tags
6:10am	Old Town San Diego	19h 27m	1:37am	Chico	No tags
6:10am	Old Town San Diego	19h 27m	1:37am	Chico	No tags

Next departures for San Diego to Chico on December 20
Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
6:10am	Old Town San Diego	15h 50m	10:00pm	Chico	CheapestFastest
6:10am	Old Town San Diego	19h 27m	1:37am	Chico	No tags
6:10am	Old Town San Diego	19h 27m	1:37am	Chico	No tags
6:10am	Old Town San Diego	19h 27m	1:37am	Chico	No tags
6:10am	Old Town San Diego	19h 27m	1:37am	Chico	No tags

Next departures for San Diego to Chico on December 21
Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
6:10am	Old Town San Diego	15h 50m	10:00pm	Chico	CheapestFastest
6:10am	Old Town San Diego	19h 27m	1:37am	Chico	No tags
6:10am	Old Town San Diego	19h 27m	1:37am	Chico	No tags
6:10am	Old Town San Diego	19h 27m	1:37am	Chico	No tags
6:10am	Old Town San Diego	19h 27m	1:37am	Chico	No tags

Last refresh of the prices: Last Friday at 5:09 AM PST.

Compare 2 ways to go from San Diego to Chico

We recommend taking the bus

Among the sustainable travel choices, the bus stands out as a good way to reach Chico. The journey takes about 19 hours 10 minutes, and with fares starting at just $149, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

6bus per day

19h 10mAverage Duration

880 kmDistance

22kgCO₂ emissions

	Average Price	Average Duration	CO₂ emissions	Actions
Bus	Average Price$149 - $477	Average Duration19h 10m	CO₂ emissions 22kg CO₂e
Train	Average Price$191 - $834	Average Duration19h 27m	CO₂ emissions 80kg CO₂e

Train companies

Amtrak

4/55,651 reviews

Staff4.7

Timeliness3.8

Cleanliness4.6

Wifi3.6

Based on 5651 reviews, the company was rated 4.1 stars on Busbud. Travellers were especially satisfied with the seats and the ticket access but often complained with the WiFi. Amtrak ticket prices on this trip start at $167

US train and bus companies:Amtrak, Trenitalia, Renfe, VIA Rail Canada, Amtrak Acela, NS Nederlandse Spoorwegen, Iryo

Frequently asked questions about travelling from San Diego, CA, US to Chico by train

Please note that schedules, routes, or operator details shown here may be updated or vary at the time of your trip.

How much is the train ticket from San Diego to Chico?
The cheapest train tickets from San Diego to Chico start at $191. The average price for this train route is around $249. Busbud recommends booking your tickets in advance to increase your chances of getting the lowest possible price.
How long is the train ride from San Diego to Chico?
The average train trip from San Diego to Chico takes 19h 27m and covers 880 km. The quickest train gets you there in 15h 50m and is operated by Amtrak.
Which train operators serve the San Diego to Chico route?
Several major train operators serve this route, with 2 trains available per day.
What are the earliest and latest departure times for the train from San Diego to Chico?
The earliest train from San Diego to Chico departs at 6:01am. The latest train departs at 6:10am.

Find cheapest prices for trains

Price is for a one-way ticket for one passenger and based on past searches.

Best price found

12-14

$170

12-15

$170

Today

$170

12-17

$170

12-18

$170

12-19

$170

12-20

$170

12-21

$170

The cheapest trip from San Diego, CA, US to Chico was searched and found on Dec 14, 2025 with a price of $170

To save money and be sure you have the best seat, it's a good idea to buy your train tickets from San Diego, CA, US to Chico, as early as possible.

You can expect to pay from $170 to $907 for a train ticket from San Diego, CA, US to Chico based on the last 2 days. You can expect to find the cheapest price for the trip at $170 which is on 2025-12-17.