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Cheap train tickets from Riverside to Sacramento

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Riverside to Sacramento Train Schedule

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Is it better to travel by bus or train from Riverside to Sacramento?

There are usually 6 daily bus trips from Riverside to Sacramento.

Bus
Train
Avg. Price
Avg. Price
$109.14
Avg. Price
$111.93
Daily Trips
Daily Trips
6
Daily Trips
5
Duration
Duration
19h 36m
Duration
13h 34m

Trip Summary

There are usually 6 daily train trips available from Riverside to Sacramento. Traveling by train from Riverside to Sacramento usually takes 14 hours and 7 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 10 hours and 40 minutes.

Distance393 mi (632 km)
Fastest train10h 40m
Lowest price$83.59
Most frequent serviceAmtrak
Train lines1

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Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for trains from Riverside to Sacramento

(Based on 2 ratings and reviews)

5.0

5.0

Rosalucia

December 17, 2021- Visiting family

Amtrak

Pros: The ride was comfortable and I liked how quiet it was. No unruly passengers. The staff was great, but I noticed there was a passenger who throughout the ride, wouldn’t keep her mask on and kept talking. Cons: The enforcement of mask wearing. We were told it was a requirement,, I have not problem with it, I just wish it were enforced more. Tips: They should ride with Amtrack.

5.0

Rosalucia

December 7, 2019- Visiting family

Amtrak

The bus drivers were very courteous and helpful

What is the price of a train ticket from Riverside to Sacramento?

The average price for a train ticket from Riverside to Sacramento is $108.29, By booking your trip at least 8 days in advance, you increase your chances of scoring even cheaper tickets. But if you wait until the day of your trip to book tickets, expect to pay $11.00 more.

Monthly avg. prices

$144$115$86$58$29FMAMJJASONDJ
Mark your calendar for December if you want to score the cheapest train tickets from Riverside to Sacramento. You’ll find the best deals during this time of year, when tickets cost an average of $108. If you're planning a trip from Riverside to Sacramento during August, bear in mind that ticket prices are usually higher during this month. Expect to pay about $123 for your train ticket, unless you book well in advance and find an even better deal.

Which train should you take from Riverside to Sacramento?

Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Riverside to Sacramento. However, there are 6 trains per day to choose from.

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak614h 7m$121.39
  • Amtrak is the largest passenger railroad service in America, offering daily intercity trains to hundreds of destinations across the contiguous United States, as well as several cities in Canada. Every Amtrak train comes equipped with comfortable seats with extra legroom, as well as several four-seat areas with tables in the middle. In addition, each car has a freshly cleaned restroom, free WiFi and power outlets at every seat. There are also snack bars where you can purchase drinks or food during your journey. On average, there are 6 Amtrak trains from Riverside to Sacramento every day, as well as 8 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $79.

Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Riverside to Sacramento

While the train is the main method of transportation from Riverside to Sacramento, it will only take you part of the way there. Please note that part of your trip will be on a different vehicle, most commonly a bus or express shuttle.

The distance between Riverside and Sacramento is approximately 393 miles, or 632 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 14 hours and 7 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 10 hours and 40 minutes.

Looking for ways to pass the time? Most trains are equipped with Wi-Fi, which means you can stream music, browse social media or get some work done during your ride. That said, in case your train has a spotty signal, or is among the few without Wi-Fi, we also recommend downloading TV shows and movies to your mobile device in advance of your trip. That way the ride will fly by whatever the Wi-Fi situation.

Trains from Riverside to Sacramento are the most crowded on Monday. Tickets also tend to be more expensive then. If you are looking for a great deal on your train tickets or just want extra room to stretch out, consider traveling on Sunday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.

The earliest train departs Riverside at 7:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 3:00pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.

There are 6 scheduled trains on most days. Unfortunately, none of them are direct connections, so you will need to disembark from your original train and board a connecting train during your journey. Don't forget to bring your carry-on luggage when you switch trains. In some instances, you may also be responsible for transferring your own checked baggage.

You can also take a train for your return trip from Sacramento to Riverside.

City Information

Riverside

Riverside, CA - RIV-0

Image credit: Unsplash

Riverside, CA - RIV-1

Image credit: Unsplash

Riverside, CA - RIV-2

Image credit: Unsplash

Riverside is the most populous city in the Inland Empire and the birthplace of the local citrus industry. One of the most popular buildings in the city is the Mission Inn, a historic landmark that is also the largest Mission Revival Style building in the country. The building is now a popular local hotel and spa, offering top-notch hospitality services. While nearby, don't forget to check out the Mission Inn Museum as well. If you are looking to enjoy a great panoramic view of the entire city, take a short hike to the top of Mount Rubidoux, and you will not be disappointed!

Riverside boasts a generally vibrant food scene with plenty of establishments to choose from. The Mission Inn itself offers incredible traditional Spanish dishes and a fabulous open-air patio dining spot. For seasonal produce and local dishes, check out Salted Pig!

Riverside is served by Amtrak trains and several bus companies that operate routes throughout Southern California and beyond. In addition, there are three major airports in Riverside's general area: Ontario International Airport, Los Angeles International Airport, and John Wayne Orange County Airport.

Sacramento

As the long-held capital city of California, Sacramento has a rich and vibrant history that is reflected in its historic buildings and quarters. The Old Sacramento Waterfront quarter is the best place to explore the city’s rich heritage. Boasting ages-old constructions and a quaint vibe that is reminiscent of the Wild West, the area allows visitors to travel back in time and relive the Gold Rush era. Among the most interesting destinations in the area is the California State Museum, located at the northern edge of the quarter. It offers numerous restored locomotives as well as exhibitions on the United States’ westward expansion. If history is not really your thing, then the Midtown quarter, which boasts a vibrant and expanding art scene, will be a great alternative.

Sacramento is famous for its vast tracts of farmland, so it makes sense that the best dishes are the ones made from locally-grown produce. Among the best places to try out homemade dishes are The Firehouse and The Kitchen. For a bit of an Asian taste, visit Mikuni in Midtown Sacramento.

The busiest bus station in Sacramento is located right in the heart of the city and offers bus service to Portland, Reno, Los Angeles, and San Francisco, among many other places. The main Amtrak train station is the nearby Sacramento Valley Station, which also serves the Gold Line of the local transit light rail. The principal regional airport is the Sacramento International Airport, located 10 miles northwest of Downtown.

Station Information

Where is the train station in Riverside?

Downtown Metrolink Station - 4066 Vine St  - RIVMEG-0

Image credit: Juan Enrique Gilardi

Link to image attribution

Main departure station: Downtown Metrolink Station - 4066 Vine St

On June 14, 1993, the Riverside station on Vine Street opened as a transportation facility. It comprises a platform with modest shelters to shield visitors from the sun and adverse weather. On April 29, 2002, the station was added as a stop on the Southwest Chief route, putting an end to Amtrak trains just passing through Riverside without making a scheduled stop. In addition to Amtrak, the station now primarily operates as a Metrolink commuter rail and transit bus terminal.

All train stations in Riverside:

  • Downtown Metrolink Station - 4066 Vine St

Where is the train station in Sacramento?

Valley Station - 401 I St  - SACAMT-0

Image credit: rosemarie_mckeon

Link to image attribution
Valley Station - 401 I St  - SACAMT-1

Image credit: Lev Lazinskiy

Link to image attribution

Main arrival station: Valley Station - 401 I St

Sacramento Valley Station is the second busiest transport hub in California and is used by more than one million people every year. Originally constructed in 1926, it now serves as a major center for Amtrak trains traveling within California, northwards along the West Coast, and eastwards into the American Southwest. The station also falls along four Amtrak Thruway bus routes and operates as the western terminus for the Sacramento Light Rail network. Located between Old Sacramento and Downtown, the station is within walking distance of several Gold-Rush era historical monuments as well as an ultra-modern retail district filled with shops and restaurants.

Train stations in Sacramento:

  • Valley Station - 401 I St

  • 1389 10th Street 10th and N Streets

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