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How to get fromSanta Barbara to Chicoby plane, train, bus (Flixbus, Greyhound), train (Amtrak), car, or subway

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There are 7 ways to get from Santa Barbara to Chico by plane, train, bus (Flixbus, Greyhound), train (Amtrak), car, or subway

Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2Rio's travel planner.

  1. Fly Santa Barbara Municipal Airport to Sacramento International Airport, train

    best
    1. Fly from Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA) to Sacramento International Airport (SMF)plane plane SBA - SMF
    2. Take the train from Sacramento to Chico Amtraktrain train
    6h 33m
    $358–421

  2. Drive  458 mi

    cheapest
    1. Drive from Santa Barbara to Chicocar car 458 mi
    8h 23m
    $76–110

  3. Bus

    1. Take the bus from Santa Barbara Bus Stop to Oaklandbus bus
    2. Take the bus from Oakland to Sacramento Bus Stationbus bus
    3. Take the bus from Sacramento Bus Station to Chico Bus Stationbus bus
    12h 45m
    $85–126

  4. Train (Amtrak)

    1. Take the train from Santa Barbara to Chico Amtraktrain train Coast Starlight
    13h 16m
    $290–460

  5. Fly Santa Barbara Municipal Airport to San Francisco International Airport, BART, train

    1. Fly from Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA) to San Francisco International Airport (SFO)plane plane SBA - SFO
    2. Take the subway from San Francisco International Airport to Richmondsubway subway
    3. Take the train from Richmond to Sacramentotrain train
    4. Take the train from Sacramento to Chico Amtraktrain train
    9h 29m
    $248–488

  6. Fly Santa Barbara Municipal Airport to Oakland International Airport, train

    1. Fly from Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA) to Oakland International Airport (OAK)plane plane SBA - OAK
    2. Take the train from Oakland Coliseum/Airport Amtrak to Sacramentotrain train
    3. Take the train from Sacramento to Chico Amtraktrain train
    9h 9m
    $128–370

  7. Train to Los Angeles International Airport, fly to Sacramento International Airport, train

    1. Take the train from Santa Barbara to Los Angelestrain train
    2. Fly from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Sacramento International Airport (SMF)plane plane LAX - SMF
    3. Take the train from Sacramento to Chico Amtraktrain train
    9h 49m
    $231–539

Santa Barbara to Chico by bus

Calendar4Weekly Buses
Duration12h 45mAverage Duration
Ticket$85Cheapest Price
See schedules

Comparing Your Travel Options

Map of how to get from Santa Barbara to Chico.ExpandLaunch map view
  • Distance: 415.9 mi
  • Duration: 6h 33m

What companies run services between Santa Barbara, CA, USA and Chico, CA, USA?

You can take a bus from Santa Barbara Bus Stop to Chico Bus Station via Oakland and Sacramento Bus Station in around 12h 45m. Alternatively, Amtrak operates a train from Santa Barbara to Chico Amtrak once daily. Tickets cost $290–460 and the journey takes 13h 16m.

Airlines
Train operators
Bus operators

Want to know more about travelling around United States

Rome2Rio's Travel Guide series provide vital information for the global traveller. Filled with useful and timely travel information, the guides answer all the hard questions - such as 'How do I buy a ticket?', 'Should I book online before I travel? ', 'How much should I expect to pay?', 'Do the trains and buses have Wifi?' - to help you get the most out of your next trip.

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