Transportation
Air Travel
Sacramento – SMF – is the closest airport to Chico. This is approximately 90 miles, an hour and a half drive. San Francisco Airport is about 200 miles and over a three-hour drive north. Oakland is 180 miles and close to three-hour drive north.
Recommendation: We strongly suggest that you fly into Sacramento, SMF.
- Private Airport Shuttle - there are several private airport shuttles with service between Sacramento Airport and Chico. Reservations are needed and there is often a pre-determined schedule for pickup and drop off.
- Greyhound Bus to Chico - There is no regional bus station in the Sacramento Airport.
- The closest bus station is in downtown Sacramento. You must take a taxi to the Greyhound bus station(opens in new window).
- There is daily service from Sacramento to downtown Chico(opens in new window). Upon arrival in Chico, you must call a taxi to reach your private apartment or University Housing.
- Amtrak Train to Chico - There is no regional train station in the Sacramento Airport.
- The closest train station is in downtown Sacramento. You must take a taxi to the Amtrak train station(opens in new window).
- There is daily service from Sacramento to downtown Chico(opens in new window). Upon arrival in Chico, you must call a taxi to reach your private apartment or University Housing.
- The closest train station is in downtown Sacramento. You must take a taxi to the Amtrak train station(opens in new window).
- Rent a car - The most common method for transportation to and from the airport is a personal 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.
Local Transit Once in Chico
Due to the shortage of available parking on campus and in downtown Chico, we encourage you to use alternative methods of transportation including the free local transportation system, cycling, and walking.
B-Line Butte Regional Transit(opens in new window)
FREE WITH YOUR STUDENT ID CARD!
(530)342-0221, Extension #3
(800)822-8145, Extension #3
Temporary Housing
Hotels close to campus
- Heritage Inn Express(opens in new window): 725 Broadway, 530-343-4527
- Vagabond Inn(opens in new window): 630 Main Street, 530-895-1323
- Days Inn(opens in new window): 740 Broadway, 530-343-3286
Hotels a few miles to campus
- Best Western(opens in new window): 25 Heritage Lane, 530-894-8600
- Oxford Suites(opens in new window): 2035 Business Lane, 530-899-9090
- Courtyard Marriott(opens in new window): 2481 Carmichael Drive, 530-894-6699
***Important Update: Following the Camp Fire, temporary housing has been few and far between to access. We STRONGLY recommend that you have your housing accommodation for your time at CSU, Chico taken care of BEFORE you arrive in Chico.
Directions
From Sacramento Airport
Follow the signs to I-5 south toward Sacramento. Approximately two miles from the airport, follow signs to Hwy. 99 north and 70 going to Marysville and Chico. Where the road divides, follow the signs to Hwy. 99 north to Chico. Once in Chico, exit Hwy. 99 at Hwy. 32 turning left onto East 8th Street. Continue west to Chestnut Street. Turn right on Chestnut St. and continue north for 6 blocks to West 2nd Street and the University.
From San Francisco Airport
Exit the airport, following the signs to US 101 North. Merge on to I-80 East toward Bay Bridge/Oakland. Continue on I-80 East to Sacramento/Vallejo. Merge onto I-505 North toward Redding/Winters. Follow the signs to I-5 North. Turn east on Hwy. 32 into Chico to West 2nd Street. Turn left on West 2nd Street and head east toward the University.
Maps
Click on the following links for maps of the area: