The best way to arrange to get to Chico is to make Sacramento International Airport your final destination. Sacramento is much closer to Chico than San Francisco, and transportation to Chico is much more easily arranged from Sacramento.
Free University Shuttle
The Office of International Education and Global Engagement offers free transportation from the Sacramento Airport (SMF) to Chico each semester - always the weekend prior to orientation.
- Students sign up at least one month prior to the orientation seminar to secure a seat on the shuttle.
- Students who use the shuttle service must arrive in the airport (SMF) no later than 5pm on the Saturday before orientation begins.
Private Airport Shuttle
There are several private airport shuttles with service between Sacramento Airport and Chico. Reservations are required and there is often a pre-determined schedule for pickup and drop off. Discounts are sometimes available for groups of students traveling together.
Important – please read before scheduling private shuttle services: California State University, Chico PROVIDES NO ENDORSEMENT, RECOMMENDATION, OR OPINION EITHER EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED AS, TO THE QUALITY, CONDITION, LEASING TERMS, OR ANY OTHER ASPECT OF PRIVATE SHUTTLE COMPANIES LISTED BELOW. PLEASE CHECK RECENT REVIEWS BEFORE SCHEDULING.
- Shuttle Finder – airport database
- Mom ‘n Pop’s Shuttle Service – local Chico company
- LETS Go! Transport Services - local Sacramento company
Rideshare with Other Chico State Students
Students often share the expense of airport shuttles and rideshare services like Uber and Lyft. Chico State students who own their own cars also offer rides to other Chico State students. It is expected that you will share the fuel expense. Be careful to avoid scams!
- Reach out to other new international students using the discussion board located in the International Wildcat Headquarters. Plan to travel to Chico together via private airport shuttle, Uber, Lyft, train, or bus. This can reduce stress and expense.
- Chico State Rideshare Facebook Group –This is a public FB group - Be sure to confirm that the person offering a ride is, indeed another Chico State student and is someone you can trust.
Greyhound Bus
There is no regional bus station in the Sacramento Airport.
- The closest bus station is in downtown Sacramento. You must take a taxi or Uber/Lyft from the airport to the Sacramento Greyhound bus station.
- There is daily service from Sacramento to the downtown Chico Greyhound Station. In Chico, you must call a taxi or Uber/Lyft to reach your private apartment or University
Amtrak Train
There is no regional train station in the Sacramento Airport.
- The closest train station is in downtown You must take a taxi or Uber/Lyft to the Amtrak Train Station in Sacramento
- There is daily service from Sacramento to Amtrak Train Station in Chico. Upon arrival in Chico, you must call a taxi or Uber to reach your private apartment or University
Rent a Car
There are many rental companies, though you must consider which will allow a one-way rental. Also consider that anyone under 25 may be charged additional fees or may be ineligible to rent.