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Trip Summary
6 trains operate daily from Riverside to San Jose. The train trip from Riverside to San Jose is usually about 13 hours and 5 minutes long. However, traveling on the fastest Amtrak train can get you there in as little as 11 hours and 25 minutes.
| Distance | 344 mi (553 km) |
| Fastest train | 11h 25m |
| Lowest price | £49.08 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
What is the price of a train ticket from Riverside to San Jose?
In the last 30 days, the average cost of a train ticket from Riverside to San Jose was £62.41. You have the best chances of scoring the cheapest ticket to San Jose if you book your train tickets at least 14 days in advance. Waiting to purchase until the day of your trip could end up costing you an extra £14.39.
Monthly average prices
Ticket prices for the train from Riverside to San Jose often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in January when the average ticket price is only £67,
If you're thinking of traveling from Riverside to San Jose during June, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of £76 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in June, is to book your trip well in advance.
Prices as travel date approaches
If you want to score the best deal, you should plan to book your train trip online on Wanderu at least 14 days ahead of time. If you do that, your train ticket to San Jose from Riverside will be about £14.39 cheaper compared to what you would pay if you book at the last minute.
Which train should you take from Riverside to San Jose?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Riverside to San Jose. However, there are 6 trains per day to choose from.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 6 | 13h 5m | £72.57 |
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 San Jose every day, as well as 6 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from £47.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Riverside and San Jose is approximately 344 miles, or 553 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 13 hours and 5 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 11 hours and 25 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.
On a weekly basis, the greatest number of passengers tend to travel by trains from Riverside to San Jose on Friday. Tickets for Friday tend to also be the most expensive. For savvy travelers looking for cheaper priced tickets search for travel departing on Wednesday. Wednesday also tend to have less passengers which may make boarding faster and let you snag your perfect seat.
The earliest train departs Riverside at 06:00 while the last train of the day leaves at 15:00. 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 San Jose to Riverside.
City Information
Riverside
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
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.
San Jose
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
San Jose is located in the heart of the world-famous Silicon Valley in California’s Bay Area. It is the largest city in Northern California and, as such, it is the area’s cultural, political and financial center.
While you’re in San Jose, make sure to check out the city’s various museums. Since you’re in the world’s foremost technology hub, the Tech Museum of Innovation is a must-visit. And since you’re on the West Coast, you should stop by the San Jose Museum of Art that features the largest permanent collection of works from West Coast artists.
Thanks to its mild California climate, San Jose is one of the best cities in the U.S. for outdoor activities, and due to its largely younger-leaning population, it offers quite the vibrant nightlife. In fact, San Jose is among the biggest party hubs in America.
San Jose is served by various bus carriers and has several Amtrak stops within its vicinity. In addition, the city’s airport is located right near the downtown area, which makes travel to and from San Jose a breeze.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Riverside?
Image credit: Juan Enrique Gilardi
Link to image attributionMain 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 San Jose?
Image credit: SPUR
Link to image attributionMain arrival station: Diridon Caltrain Station - 65 Cahill St
Diridon Station opened in 1935 with architecture inspired by the Italian Renaissance, and today is a vital part of Silicon Valley’s transportation system. Diridon Station connects Amtrak train service to local commuter service like the Caltrain and VTA Light Rail. The station is also a major hub for bus transit on Amtrak Thruway and Greyhound buses. With paid parking onsite, bicycle racks, and accessible entrances, travelers can easily reach the station from nearby downtown San Jose. As a bonus, food trucks frequently set up outside the station to provide delicious cheap eats for passengers.
Train stations in San Jose:
Diridon Caltrain Station - 65 Cahill St
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