The depot was built by the Southern Pacific Railroad in 1923 and opened on February 5, 1924.

[6] Due to the way schedules are aligned, both the northbound and the southbound Coast Starlight pass through Redding in the middle of the night, when no connecting transit systems are usually operating.

Amtrak Thruway motorcoach route 3 provides additional service in northern California during the daytime hours, connecting Redding to Chico, Davis, Sacramento and Stockton, where passengers can connect to San Joaquins trains.

[7] Redding Area Bus Authority's Downtown Transit Center is located on the opposite side of the tracks from the station.

[9][10][11] North State Intercity Bus service has been proposed for weekday commuters from Redding to Sacramento, following a route similar to the twice daily Amtrak Thruway 3[12]