Train from San Diego, CA, US to Chico: Tickets & Schedules

Next available departures

Next departures for San Diego to Chico on March 21
Operated byVehicle typeDeparture timeDeparture locationTrip durationArrival timeArrival locationRecommendedPrice and booking link
Amtrak
Old Town San Diego
ChicoCheapestFastest
Amtrak
Old Town San Diego
ChicoNo tags
Amtrak
Santa Fe Depot
ChicoNo tags
Amtrak
Santa Fe Depot
ChicoNo tags

Last refresh of the prices: Yesterday at 11:17 AM PDT.

Compare 2 ways to go from San Diego to Chico

We recommend taking the train

Among the sustainable travel choices, the Train stands out as a good way to reach Chico. The journey takes about 19 hours 27 minutes and with fares starting at just $135, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

2train per day
19h 27mAverage Duration
549 milesDistance
80kgCO₂ emissions
Average Price$90 - $286Average Duration19h 10m
22kg CO₂e
Average Price$135 - $607Average Duration19h 27m
80kg CO₂e

Frequently asked questions about traveling 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.

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

    The cheapest train tickets from San Diego to Chico start from $135. The average price for this train route is around $148. Busbud recommends that you book your tickets in advance for a better chance to get the lowest possible price.

  2. How long is the train journey from San Diego to Chico?

    The average train ride duration from San Diego to Chico is 19h 27m, covering a distance of 549 miles (885 km). The quickest train can get you there in 15h 50m and is operated by Amtrak.

  3. Which train operators service the San Diego to Chico route?

    Several major train operators operate on this route with 2 trains available per day.

  4. What is the earliest and latest departure time for the train from San Diego to Chico?

    The earliest train departs from San Diego to Chico at 6:01am. And 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
03/19
$120
03/20
$120
Today
$120
03/22
No data
03/23
No data
03/24
No data
03/25
No data
03/26
$120
busbud logoThe cheapest trip from San Diego, CA, US to Chico was searched and found on Mar 19, 2026 with a price of $120

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 $120 to $1,326 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 $120 which is on 2026-03-26.

What's the cheapest way to go from San Diego, CA, US to Chico?

busbud logoThe Train is the cheapest travel choice for this destination

The best way to travel between San Diego, CA, US and Chico is by train. By choosing the train, you'll get to save some money as you travel to your destination, as ticket prices cost $148 on average. If you're on a budget, you'll find cheap tickets from $135. If you're looking for the fastest way to get to Chico, choose the train, as it will take you from San Diego, CA, US to Chico in about 19h 10m - that's the fastest way to get there!

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