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

The cheapest train tickets from Chico to San Diego start at $172. The average price for this train route is around $305. Busbud recommends booking your tickets in advance to increase your chances of getting the lowest possible price.

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

The average train trip from Chico to San Diego takes 20h 52m and covers 885 km. The quickest train gets you there in 15h 38m and is operated by Amtrak .

Which train operators serve the Chico to San Diego route?

Several major train operators serve this route, with 1 trains available per day.

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

The earliest train from Chico to San Diego departs at 4:12am. The latest train departs at 4:12am.

Train Chico to San Diego from $172 | Refundable Tickets

Next departures

Next departures for Chico to San Diego on December 24
Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
4:12am	Chico	20h 52m	1:04am	Santa Fe Depot	Cheapest
4:12am	Chico	20h 38m	12:50am	Old Town San Diego	Fastest
4:12am	Chico	20h 52m	1:04am	Santa Fe Depot	No tags
4:12am	Chico	20h 52m	1:04am	Santa Fe Depot	No tags
4:12am	Chico	20h 52m	1:04am	Santa Fe Depot	No tags

Next departures for Chico to San Diego on December 25
Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
4:12am	Chico	20h 52m	1:04am	Santa Fe Depot	Cheapest
4:12am	Chico	20h 38m	12:50am	Old Town San Diego	Fastest
4:12am	Chico	20h 52m	1:04am	Santa Fe Depot	No tags
4:12am	Chico	20h 52m	1:04am	Santa Fe Depot	No tags
4:12am	Chico	20h 52m	1:04am	Santa Fe Depot	No tags

Next departures for Chico to San Diego on December 26
Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
4:12am	Chico	20h 52m	1:04am	Santa Fe Depot	Cheapest
4:12am	Chico	20h 38m	12:50am	Old Town San Diego	Fastest
4:12am	Chico	20h 52m	1:04am	Santa Fe Depot	No tags
4:12am	Chico	1d 1h	5:35am	Santa Fe Depot	No tags
4:12am	Chico	20h 52m	1:04am	Santa Fe Depot	No tags

Next departures for Chico to San Diego on December 28
Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
4:12am	Chico	20h 52m	1:04am	Santa Fe Depot	Cheapest
4:12am	Chico	20h 38m	12:50am	Old Town San Diego	Fastest
4:12am	Chico	20h 52m	1:04am	Santa Fe Depot	No tags
4:12am	Chico	1d 1h	5:35am	Santa Fe Depot	No tags
4:12am	Chico	20h 52m	1:04am	Santa Fe Depot	No tags

Next departures for Chico to San Diego on December 29
Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
4:12am	Chico	20h 52m	1:04am	Santa Fe Depot	Cheapest
4:12am	Chico	20h 38m	12:50am	Old Town San Diego	Fastest
4:12am	Chico	20h 52m	1:04am	Santa Fe Depot	No tags
4:12am	Chico	20h 52m	1:04am	Santa Fe Depot	No tags
4:12am	Chico	1d 1h	5:35am	Santa Fe Depot	No tags

Next departures for Chico to San Diego on December 30
Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
4:12am	Chico	20h 52m	1:04am	Santa Fe Depot	Cheapest
4:12am	Chico	20h 38m	12:50am	Old Town San Diego	Fastest
4:12am	Chico	20h 52m	1:04am	Santa Fe Depot	No tags
4:12am	Chico	20h 52m	1:04am	Santa Fe Depot	No tags
4:12am	Chico	20h 52m	1:04am	Santa Fe Depot	No tags

Last refresh of the prices: Last Wednesday at 8:56 PM PST.

Compare 2 ways to go from Chico to San Diego

We recommend taking the train

Among the sustainable travel choices, the train stands out as a good way to reach San Diego. The journey takes about 20 hours 52 minutes, and with fares starting at just $172, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

1train per day

20h 52mAverage Duration

885 kmDistance

80kgCO₂ emissions

	Average Price	Average Duration	CO₂ emissions	Actions
Bus	Average Price$145 - $546	Average Duration1d 2h	CO₂ emissions 22kg CO₂e
Train	Average Price$172 - $1,682	Average Duration20h 52m	CO₂ emissions 80kg CO₂e

Train companies

Amtrak

4/55,667 reviews

Staff4.7

Timeliness3.8

Cleanliness4.6

Wifi3.6

Based on 5667 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 $148

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

Frequently asked questions about travelling from Chico to San Diego, CA, US 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 Chico to San Diego?
The cheapest train tickets from Chico to San Diego start at $172. The average price for this train route is around $305. Busbud recommends booking your tickets in advance to increase your chances of getting the lowest possible price.
How long is the train ride from Chico to San Diego?
The average train trip from Chico to San Diego takes 20h 52m and covers 885 km. The quickest train gets you there in 15h 38m and is operated by Amtrak.
Which train operators serve the Chico to San Diego route?
Several major train operators serve this route, with 1 trains available per day.
What are the earliest and latest departure times for the train from Chico to San Diego?
The earliest train from Chico to San Diego departs at 4:12am. The latest train departs at 4:12am.

Find cheapest prices for trains

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

Best price found

12-21

$497

12-22

$215

Today

$322

12-24

$215

12-25

$215

12-26

$206

12-27

No data

12-28

$215

The cheapest trip from Chico to San Diego, CA, US was searched and found on Dec 26, 2025 with a price of $206

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

You can expect to pay from $206 to $638 for a train ticket from Chico to San Diego, CA, US based on the last 2 days. You can expect to find the cheapest price for the trip at $206 which is on 2025-12-26.