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Chico, CA, USA to San Diego, CA, USA from $32: 7 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
Chico, United States of America
to
San Diego, United States of America

How to Get from Chico to San Diego: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way

1Map provides directions to cities, towns, landmarks, attractions, and addresses worldwide, offering thousands of multi-modal routes to easily get you from point A to point B.

$32 by trainBest price
890 kmDistance
5h 39m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Chico to San Diego with 1Map travel planner. Easily compare ticket prices, explore various transport options, and find the best routes for a seamless and cost-effective travel experience.

Company
various
Train
Plane
Average Duration
5h  39m
Estimated price
$87-493
Recommended
Company
Amtrak
Train
Average Duration
20h  53m
Estimated price
$32-292
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 890 km
Duration: 5h 39m

See more options

Company
various
Train
Train
Plane
Average Duration
8h  16m
Estimated price
$66-446
Company
Amtrak Thruway Connecting Service
Bus
Average Duration
14h  39m
Estimated price
$66-177
Company
various
Bus
Average Duration
16h  13m
Estimated price
$66-177
Company
various
Train
Subway
Plane
Average Duration
8h  46m
Estimated price
$83-437
Company
various
Drive
Average Duration
9h  55m
Estimated price
$870-871
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Traveling From Chico to San Diego

Your journey from Chico, a charming small town known for its outdoor beauty, leads you to San Diego, where the vibrant coastal vibe and bustling city life create a striking contrast.

Best Neighbourhoods in San Diego

San Diego boasts diverse neighborhoods, each offering its own attractions and vibe.

Gaslamp Quarter
• Historic architecture with vibrant nightlife.
• Home to trendy shops and art galleries.
La Jolla
• Stunning coastal views and beautiful beaches.
• Fantastic dining options with oceanfront settings.
Little Italy
• Renowned for its authentic Italian cuisine.
• Frequent outdoor markets and lively festivals.

Best Times To Visit San Diego's Attractions

Planning your visit around ideal times can elevate your San Diego experience.

Balboa Park
Visit during weekday mornings for fewer crowds and a peaceful stroll.
San Diego Zoo
Arrive right at opening to enjoy cooler temperatures and shorter lines.
USS Midway Museum
Go in the late afternoon to experience a quieter atmosphere.

San Diego Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

San Diego enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate, characterized by warm, dry summers and mild, slightly wetter winters, making it a comfortable destination throughout the year. Visiting in spring or fall often provides the best weather for outdoor activities, while understanding seasonal variations helps in planning your itinerary.

Dining Recommendation in San Diego

Consider trying fish tacos at Oscar’s Mexican Seafood, where the vibrant seaside setting and bold flavors provide a refreshing departure from Chico's more traditional fare. The use of fresh, locally sourced seafood here highlights San Diego's coastal essence, creating a dining experience that truly reflects the city's rich culinary scene.

Chico - San Diego operators

Explore transport companies operating between Chico and San Diego, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.

Train Show train routes
Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245
Website
https://www.amtrak.com/home.html

Train from Chico Amtrak to Sacramento

Average Duration
2h 16m
Estimated price
$4938-4939

Train from Chico Amtrak to Los Angeles

Average Duration
16h 59m
Estimated price
$660-29270

Train from Los Angeles to San Diego

Average Duration
2h 54m
Estimated price
$661-873

Train from Sacramento to Oakland Coliseum/Airport Amtrak

Average Duration
2h
Estimated price
$328-329

Train from Sacramento to Richmond

Average Duration
1h 27m
Estimated price
$4938-4939
Bus Show bus routes
Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245
Website
https://www.amtrak.com/home.html

Bus from Chico Amtrak to Sacramento

Average Duration
2h 5m
Estimated price
$0-0
Contact phone
+1 408-729-7885
Website
http://xedohoang.com

Bus from Sacramento, CA to Lucky Seafood - San Diego, CA

Average Duration
9h 30m
Estimated price
$4937-329
Contact phone
+1 (855) 626-8585
Website
https://www.flixbus.com

Bus from Chico Bus Station to Sacramento Bus Station

Average Duration
1h 55m
Estimated price
$665-323

Bus from Sacramento Bus Station to San Diego Greyhound Bus Stop

Average Duration
13h 5m
Estimated price
$6615-3210
Plane Show flights
Website
https://southwest.com/

Plane from Sacramento (SMF) to San Diego (SAN)

Average Duration
1h 27m
Estimated price
$875-876
Website
https://alaskaair.com

Plane from Sacramento (SMF) to San Diego (SAN)

Average Duration
1h 34m
Estimated price
$4931-4932
Website
https://united.com

Plane from San Francisco (SFO) to San Diego (SAN)

Average Duration
1h 42m
Estimated price
$877-4935
Website
https://spirit.com

Plane from Sacramento (SMF) to San Diego (SAN)

Average Duration
1h 32m
Estimated price
$879-4936
Website
https://flyfrontier.com

Plane from San Francisco (SFO) to San Diego (SAN)

Average Duration
1h 33m
Estimated price
$4937-4934

Chico to San Diego: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips

Traveling between Chico and San Diego offers a variety of convenient options to suit your preferences, schedule, and budget. Whether you prioritize affordability, speed, or comfort, you’re sure to find the perfect way to travel without compromising on quality or convenience.

🚗 Embark on a scenic road trip from Chico to San Diego covering 592 miles, offering picturesque views of California's diverse landscapes. 💸 Cost-effective travel options range from $100 to $160 for a journey filled with opportunities to explore hidden gems along the way. 🏖️ Arrive in sunny San Diego after approximately 9 hours and 55 minutes of driving, ready to experience beautiful beaches, vibrant culture, and unforgettable memories.
Average price
$100 - $160
🚆 Traveling by train from Chico to San Diego involves a journey with a transfer in Los Angeles. The total travel time is approximately 20 hours and 53 minutes. 🚆 The train service from Chico to San Diego is operated by Amtrak, offering a scenic route through California. Passengers can enjoy the views along the way during the nearly 21-hour trip. 🚆 Ticket prices for the train ride between Chico and San Diego range from $32 to $292, providing travelers with affordable transportation options for exploring the state by rail.
Departure Point
Chico Amtrak station
Arrival Point
San Diego station
🌴 Touch down in sunny San Diego in just 1 hour and 20 minutes, thanks to the direct flight option available from Sacramento Airport. Enjoy a hassle-free and efficient travel experience as you jet off to this vibrant Southern California city.
Departure Point
Sacramento Airport
Arrival Point
San Diego Airport
🚌 While there is no direct bus from Chico to San Diego travelers can embark on a 14-hour journey with transfers at Sacramento and Miramar College Transit Station. 🛤️ The bus services, operated by Amtrak and Xe Do Hoang Transportation, offer convenient options for those seeking to travel between the two cities at a cost ranging from $66 to $177. 🌴 Arriving at San Diego after a 16-hour bus ride from Chico, visitors can explore the vibrant city, from its beautiful beaches to iconic attractions like Balboa Park and the San Diego Zoo.
Departure Point
Chico Amtrak station
Arrival Point
Lucky Seafood - San Diego, CA station

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from Chico to San Diego.

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The distance between Chico and San Diego is approximately 553 miles, or 592 miles by car. The typical travel times vary depending on the mode of transportation. By train, it takes about 20 hours and 53 minutes to reach San Diego from Chico. Taking a combination of train and flight can take around 5 hours and 44 minutes. Driving by car from Chico to San Diego typically takes about 9 hours and 55 minutes, while taking a bus can take around 16 hours and 18 minutes.
The most cost-effective transportation option for traveling from Chico to San Diego would be by train, with prices ranging from $30 to $300. Although it takes approximately 20 hours and 53 minutes, it offers a more budget-friendly choice for travelers. However, for those seeking a more time-efficient option, taking a train to Sacramento and then flying to San Diego would be the quickest method, with a travel time of 5 hours and 44 minutes, although the cost can range from $85 to $550. Ultimately, the choice depends on individual preferences, whether prioritizing cost or time efficiency.
The prices for a train journey between Chico and San Diego range from $32 to $292, depending on factors such as class and availability. On the other hand, the prices for a bus trip between San Diego and Chico vary from $66 to $174. It is advisable to check for promotions and discounts as prices can fluctuate.
To get from Chico to San Diego without using public transportation, you can drive. The driving distance is approximately 592 miles and it takes about 9 hours and 55 minutes. The cost of driving from Chico to San Diego varies but is typically around $100 to $160, depending on factors such as gas prices and vehicle efficiency.
The best way to travel from Chico to San Diego without a car is by taking a bus via Lucky Seafood. The bus journey takes approximately 14 hours and 38 minutes. Please note that the cost may vary, so it is advisable to check the current fares before planning your trip.
Unfortunately, there is no direct link between Chico and San Diego by train or bus. If you choose to travel by train, you will need to transfer in Los Angeles, which will take approximately 20 hours and 53 minutes. Alternatively, if you opt for the bus, you will need to transfer in Sacramento and then again in Miramar College Transit Station, which will take approximately 14 hours and 38 minutes. Overall, both options require multiple transfers and a significant amount of travel time.
The flight from Sacramento Airport to San Diego Airport usually takes around 1 hour and 25 minutes. This is the quickest and most convenient option for traveling between Chico and San Diego. The cost of the flight can vary depending on the airline and time of booking, but it typically ranges from $100 to $300.
There are various options for accommodation near San Diego. There are over 1163 hotels available with prices starting at $53. Some popular areas to stay in San Diego include downtown, Gaslamp Quarter, and Mission Bay. These areas offer a range of hotels to suit different budgets and preferences. It is recommended to book in advance to secure the best rates and availability.

Trips to San Diego