5.0
Pros: Cost of trip was cheap. Cons: Better info on what track the train is arriving on. Tips: Pack lite.
4.0
Cons: keep alcohol limited to lounge area only. Tips: keep a jacket handy cold in coach.
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Trip Summary
There is one daily train from Fullerton to Needles. Traveling by train from Fullerton to Needles usually takes around 5 hours and 41 minutes, but some trains might arrive slightly earlier or later than scheduled.
| Distance | 201 mi (323 km) |
| Fastest train | 5h 41m |
| Lowest price | £34.81 |
| Trains per day | 1 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak Southwest Chief |
| Train lines | 1 |
Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Overall score for trains from Fullerton to Needles
(Based on 4 ratings and reviews)
4.3
Price trends for trains from Fullerton to Needles
Monthly average prices
Which train should you take from Fullerton to Needles?
Amtrak Southwest Chief is the one and only train line which connects Fullerton to Needles. Furthermore, there is only one train per day, so you will have to plan your travel around this limited availability. On the other hand, you won't have to spend a ton of time comparing a bunch of possible options.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak Southwest Chief | 1 | 5h 42m | £43.61 |
The Southwest Chief is a passenger train operated by America’s largest train service, Amtrak. The full route travels over 2,200 miles from Chicago to Los Angeles, which takes over 43 hours. The train covers the stretch from Fullerton to Needles in about 5 hours and 42 minutes. In addition to standard Coach Class seats, the Southwest Chief offers several sleeper cabin options on longer journeys. Amtrak’s Southwest Chief is consistently ranked as one of the most scenic train routes in America, thanks to the stunning views of the Painted Desert, the Red Cliffs of Sedona, and the Grand Canyon you’ll see from your train window.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Fullerton and Needles is approximately 201 miles, or 323 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 5 hours and 41 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.
Saturday tends to be the busiest day of the week with travelers taking trains from Fullerton to Needles. Ticket price also tend to be more expensive on Saturday than other days. If you are hoping to have more room on the train and even save some change check out travel options on Thursday instead, as less people travel then and deals are more likely to be found.
Most days, there is only one train which leaves Fullerton at 18:00 and arrives in Needles around 5 hours later.
Typically there is only one scheduled train per day. Luckily, this train will get you to Needles with direct service. While there might still be stops along the way, you will not need to switch trains.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Needles to Fullerton.
City Information
Fullerton
Fullerton was founded in 1887 and is roughly 22 miles from Los Angeles. The area around Fullerton was the original California orange growing zone due to its great Mediterranean environment. The nightlife in downtown Fullerton is well-known, plus there are around 50 parks in the city, including the famed Fullerton Arboretum, which features 26 acres of uncommon and rare species as well as sculpted gardens.
Fullerton has some of the best art museums in the country, including Muckenthaler Art and Cultural Center and the Clayes Performing Arts Center. You can also experience amazing lakes such as the Laguna Lake Park.
If you're a beer-lover, visit the Bootleggers Brewery. Founded in 2008 by home brewer and beer enthusiast Aaron Barkenhagen, Bootleggers Brewery is one of Orange County's largest artisan breweries.
As for transportation, Amtrak and Fullerton Metrolink are the two best train stations in Fullerton serviced by Amtrak's Southwest Chief and Pacific Surfliner. These Amtrak lines connect from Los Angeles, Bakersfield, and even as far away as Chicago. For buses, Amtrak Thruway comes from Santa Ana, Bakersfield, Los Angeles, and Riverside to Fullerton. The nearest airport is Long Beach Airport, which is only 14 miles away from the city.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Fullerton?
Main departure station: 120 East Santa Fe Ave - Fullerton Transp Ctr
There is one train station in Fullerton.
All train stations in Fullerton:
120 East Santa Fe Ave - Fullerton Transp Ctr
Where is the train station in Needles?
Main arrival station: 950 Front St
Needles has one train station.
Train stations in Needles:
950 Front St
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