Photo: Sarah Stierch (Missvain), CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia CommonsTommy B.
Great local business. Very family oriented with highly knowledgeable staff with remarkable employees going the extra mile. If you need a moving service for any reason, go here.
Owner's reply
Thanks Tommy appreciate you giving us a review.
Photo: Sarah Stierch (Missvain), CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia CommonsMoving from Chico to Reno
Chico to Reno is about 166 road miles, roughly 3 hours 30 minutes of free-flow driving, using four highways and one pass, Donner Summit at about 7,200 feet. The Chico metro has about 209,000 residents, and the Census shows people moving both ways with Washoe County.
or call 775-359-6683
4.3 on Google · 71 reviewsFamily owned since 1941U.S. DOT No. 30611
- 166 miles
- about 3 h 30 min of driving
Chico, CAReno-Sparks
166 miles by road
- Driving time (free-flow)about 3 h 30 min
- Days behind the wheel at 500 miles a day1
- Main roadsI-80, CA-20, CA-70
Mountain passes on the way
- Donner Summit (I-80)7,213 ft
| Measure | Chico, CA | Reno-Sparks |
|---|---|---|
| Median household income | $67,928 | $87,485 |
| Median gross rent | $1,414 | $1,592 |
| Median home value | $424,700 | $502,300 |
| January average high | 55 F | 48 F |
| July average high | 96 F | 94 F |
| Snow in a normal year | not published | 20.9 in |
- Moved from California to Nevada (2024)about 53,289
- Moved from Nevada to California (2024)about 21,133
- Moved into Washoe County from Butte County, California, per yearabout 40
- Moved from Washoe County to them, per yearabout 144
Data (read 2026-10-19): OSRM routing on OpenStreetMap data, free-flow drive from 2277 Glendale Ave, Sparks; U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2020-2024 5-year estimates; NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991-2020; U.S. Census Bureau, State-to-State Migration Flows (ACS 1-year 2024); U.S. Census Bureau, ACS county-to-county migration flows 2016-2020.
Chico is the college town of the northern Sacramento Valley, 240 feet above sea level, and the road to Reno climbs out of the valley through the foothills before joining I-80.
A foothill route to I-80
The route block shows 10 miles of CA 99, 26 miles of CA 70, 57 miles of CA 20 and 58 miles of I-80. The truck leaves Chico on CA 99, follows CA 70 into the Feather River country, then takes CA 20 through the foothills to the interstate, which it follows over the Sierra. The distance is 166 miles by road against 110 in a straight line.
CA 20 and CA 70 are mostly two-lane in the hills, with curves, so a household truck holds a lower speed than the 3 hours 30 minutes of free-flow driving suggests. The written estimate sets the delivery window.
Donner Summit and the fire season
Donner Summit at about 7,200 feet is the only pass. Chico's foothills have also seen wildfire and smoke closures, so check Caltrans QuickMap for closures and chain controls year round, and NDOT for Nevada. In winter, the I-80 grade is the one to watch.
Our mountain pass reference lists typical winter controls.
Chico and Reno compared
Chico city has about 102,000 residents, a median household income near $66,977, a median gross rent near $1,488 and a median home value near $468,100 in the American Community Survey. Reno city's medians are $80,760, $1,556 and $548,300.
Oroville's airport station, the nearest NOAA normals, records a January high of 55, a July high of 96 and about 26 inches of rain. Reno has a July high of about 94, January lows near 26 and 21 inches of snow. Students and faculty from Chico State often move when a school year ends.
How O'Brien's coordinates the move
You book with O'Brien's, and we coordinate the move from your Butte County home through the Bekins network. O'Brien's then delivers, unpacks and stores in Sparks, with vault storage from $40 per month. The estimate is itemized and in writing.
Next steps
Read moving to Reno from California and request a free in-home estimate. See also how far ahead to book movers.
Sources (checked October 18, 2026)
Licensed movers
U.S. DOT No. 30611
MC-109375
Nevada CPCN 1070
Cal PUC T-90973 (as published by O'Brien's)
Bekins Van Lines interstate agent since 1955
Check our USDOT record · Ready to Move? (FMCSA)
Licenses and authorityVisit or call the office
2277 Glendale Ave, Sparks, NV 89431
| Monday to Friday | 8:00 am to 5:00 pm |
|---|---|
| Saturday and Sunday | Closed |
Get my free estimate
Bekins Van Lines network
How a long-distance move works with a Bekins agent
O'Brien's Moving & Storage has been an agent for Bekins Van Lines since 1955. On an interstate move the Bekins network carries your shipment under the van line's interstate system; O'Brien's books the move in either direction. Leaving Northern Nevada, we give the free in-home estimate, pack, store in our Sparks warehouse if you need it, and load. Moving here from another state, you book with us and we coordinate the move from your origin through the Bekins network, then handle delivery, unpacking and storage in Sparks. Your written estimate sets the delivery window. What being a Bekins agent means.
Your rights on an interstate move
Federal booklets every interstate mover must give you
- Ready to Move? Tips for a Successful Interstate Move (FMCSA)
- Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move (FMCSA)
- Protect Your Move: check any mover's USDOT number. Ours is U.S. DOT No. 30611.
Next
Related routes and guides
- Moving from Reno to Chico
- Long-distance routes to and from Reno
- Moving to Reno from California
- Moving from Nevada to California
- Moving from Yuba City and Marysville to Reno
- Moving from Las Vegas and Henderson to Reno
- Moving from Phoenix to Reno
- Moving from Tucson to Reno
- Moving from Prescott to Reno
- Moving from Boise to Reno
Answers
Moving from Chico to Reno questions
Still have a question? Call 775-359-6683, Mon-Fri 8-5, or see the moving FAQ.
How far is Chico from Reno?
About 166 road miles, 3 hours 30 minutes of free-flow driving.
Which highways?
CA 99, CA 70, CA 20 and I-80.
Is there a pass?
Yes, Donner Summit at about 7,200 feet.
4.3 stars from 71 Google reviews
What customers say about O'Brien's
Robert B.
The movers were very professional and took care of my stuff there were no worries and stress free amazing job.
Janet M.
I was so impressed with the way the crew handled and packed each piece of furniture for short term storage. They were polite and professional. I would highly recommend them to anyone planning a move.
Owner's reply
Janet we are so glad to hear that your move was a great success and we sincerely appreciate you providing us with this wonderful review. We will continue to provide you with the best service as we move forward.
Get a long-distance estimate
Tell us where you are going. The estimate for a long-distance move starts with a survey of your Reno-area home.