Parking Services

Getting to and Around Campus

One of the perks of Chico State is how easy it is to get where you need to go. Campus is compact and walkable, downtown Chico is just steps away, and you have plenty of options when your destination is farther out. Whether you walk, bike, take the bus, catch a shuttle, or bring a car, you can find a way to get around that works for you.

A collage showing a biker, a shuttle bus, and a pair of walkers.

Getting Around Campus

Walk It

Walking is often the easiest way to get around Chico State. Big Chico Creek runs through campus, with several bridges connecting the north and south sides, and you can walk between many of the farthest-apart academic buildings in about 10 minutes.

Most student housing is also close to campus. And because Chico State sits right next to downtown, restaurants, coffee shops, grocery stores, and locally owned boutiques are within easy reach.

Bike, Skate, or Scoot

A student riding a bikePrefer wheels? Bikes, skateboards, and scooters can be a convenient way to cross campus and explore Chico.

Designated riding routes include a path running east to west near Big Chico Creek and access to Warner Street for north-south travel. You’ll also find bike parking throughout campus, along with skateboard and scooter racks – we also have secure bike storage options! Bikes, skateboards, and scooters should be ridden only on designated campus paths, where the speed limit is 5 mph.

Explore the campus map to find bike routes, parking, and other transportation resources.

Ride the B-Line for Free

Need to go farther? Chico State students, faculty and staff can ride Butte Regional Transit, better known as the B-Line, at no additional cost. Routes connect campus and surrounding residential areas with destinations throughout Chico and Butte County, making the bus useful for errands, shopping, appointments, and exploring beyond downtown.

Activate your pass online through the Chico State Token Transit registration page. Once your pass is activated, download the Token Transit app, add your pass, and you’re ready to ride.

Don’t have access to a compatible mobile device? Students can visit ITSS to receive a Smart Card at no additional cost, courtesy of the Associated Students.

Check B-Line routes and schedules before you go to find the best stop and departure time for your trip.

Bringing a Car

You can bring a car to Chico State, but you may find you don’t need one every day. Most student housing is close to campus, and parking for students is limited.

A paid permit is required in campus parking areas during posted enforcement hours. Options include student and residential permits as well as specialized parking for motorcycles, carpools, electric vehicles, and visitors.

Visit Parking Services to compare permits, rates, parking locations, and current requirements.

Campus Shuttles

University Village Shuttle

Living at University Village? A free shuttle connects University Village with the main campus on weekdays during the academic year. The campus stop is near Langdon Hall at West First and Ivy streets.

Check the University Village Shuttle page for the current schedule before you ride

University Farm Shuttle

If you have a class at the Chico State University Farm, you don’t necessarily need a car to get there. The College of Agriculture provides a shuttle for students with classes at the Farm, located about five miles south of the main campus.

Check the University Farm Shuttle page for the current schedule.

Campus Connection

Staying on campus after dark? Campus Connection is a free nighttime shuttle operated by the University Police Department for Chico State students, faculty, and staff.

During fall and spring semesters, the shuttle operates from 6 p.m. to midnight, seven days a week except University holidays, with service approximately every 30 minutes along its designated route. It also serves University Village.

Campus Connection is designed for travel along its campus route; it does not serve downtown, private residences, the airport, or the train station.

Need a Car for the Day?

Chico State has two Zipcars available on campus for short-term rentals. They can be useful when you need a vehicle for errands, moving, or a day trip but don’t want to keep a car in Chico.

These are round-trip Zipcars, which means you’ll need to return the vehicle to its designated Chico State location when your reservation ends.

Traveling To and From Chico

Heading home for break or planning a trip beyond Chico? You have several options within easy reach of campus.

Wildcat Rides

During major academic breaks, Chico State offers free charter bus transportation for students between campus and two major Sacramento transportation hubs: Sacramento International Airport and Sacramento Valley Station.

Service is typically offered around fall, winter, and spring breaks as well as the beginning or end of a semester. Seats are limited and must be reserved in advance, so check the Wildcat Rides schedule when you start making your travel plans.

Amtrak

The Chico Amtrak Station at West Fifth and Orange streets is less than a mile from campus, making train and connecting bus service a convenient option when you’re traveling throughout California and beyond.

Depending on your destination, Amtrak itineraries can connect Chico with Sacramento, the Bay Area, Southern California, and destinations to the north. On select services, amenities may include Wi-Fi, spacious seating, work areas, and bicycle storage.

Student discounts may also be available on eligible routes, so check Amtrak’s current fares and student offers when booking.

Chico Amtrak Station | 450 Orange St, Chico

Greyhound

Greyhound also serves Chico from the Amtrak station at West Fifth and Orange streets, less than a mile from campus. From there, students can connect with destinations including Sacramento and other cities throughout the region.

Check Greyhound directly for current routes, schedules, fares, and reservations.

Chico stop – Chico Amtrak Station | 450 Orange St, Chico

2 students walking along campus pathway.

Start Exploring

From a 10-minute walk across campus to a ride home for break, getting around Chico State is easier when you know your options. Explore campus maps, transit schedules, shuttle information, and parking resources before you go—and find the route that works best for you.