Many students believe that this is the easiest option, though it is the most problematic. We highly suggest that students reconsider and change their flight itinerary to arrive in Sacramento. There are multiple flights to Sacramento Airport (SMF) from most major airports in the U.S.
Why is SFO Problematic for New Students?
Your safety and comfort should be top considerations for your first trip to Chico. You will have many opportunities to save money after you get established in your new home. California is wonderful in many ways - but public transportation is not the Golden State's strength.
Safety - Safety is our primary concern and there are many reasons to avoid public transportation from San Francisco to Chico. Some bus and train stations in the city are in unsafe areas with crime prevalent. Traveling alone at night with large luggage and attempting to navigate a new system in a second language makes international students an easy target for scams and crime.
Time and Cost - While it may appear to be the cheapest option, one must factor in the cost of transportation from SFO to Chico. Also, transportation from Sacramento International Airport is 90 minutes versus three hours from San Francisco (via car) and much longer via bus or train.
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 - Sacramento company with service from SFO-Chico
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 San Francisco Airport. This is a problematic option.
- The Greyhound station nearest the airport is in downtown San Francisco. The easiest and safest way to reach the station is to hire a taxi, Uber or Lyft. Important Note - Some bus and train stations in the city are in unsafe areas with crime prevalent, and the journey will take much longer than via rideshare or shuttle.
- Currently there are two buses per day with service to Chico. We do not recommend taking the night bus!
- There is a transfer at the Sacramento Greyhound station to complete the journey to Chico.
- Upon arrival in Chico, you must call a taxi, Uber, or Lyft to reach your private apartment or University Housing.
Amtrak Train
There is no regional train station in the San Francisco Airport. This is a highly problematic option.
- The nearest regional train station is across the San Francisco Bay. The easiest and safest way to reach the train station is to hire a taxi, Uber, or Lyft. Important Note - Some bus and train stations in the city are in unsafe areas with crime prevalent, and the journey will take much longer than via rideshare or shuttle.
- Amtrak offers several itineraries for reaching Chico which may include: a commuter train from Richmond to Sacramento and then a regional train or regional bus from Sacramento to Chico. In either case, you must transfer train or bus in the Sacramento station. Upon arrival in Chico, you must call a taxi, Uber, or Lyft to reach your final destination.
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.