Cheap bus tickets from Fresno to Riverside
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Bus from Fresno to Riverside: Journey Information
There is one daily bus from Fresno to Riverside. Traveling by bus from Fresno to Riverside usually takes around 8 hours and 8 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Thruway bus can make the trip in 6 hours and 30 minutes.
- Distance
- 235 mi (378 km)
- Shortest duration
- 6h 30m
- Cheapest price
- $39.00
- Trips per day
- 0
- Most frequent service
- FlixBus US
- Bus lines
- 2
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Fresno to Riverside Bus Schedule
Is it better to travel by bus or train from Fresno to Riverside?
There are usually 5 daily train trips available from Fresno to Riverside.
Bus | Train | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$74.87 | Avg. Price$52.46Cheaper |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips1 | Daily Trips5 |
Duration | Duration8h 8m | Duration7h 36mFaster |

There are several bus options that can take you from Fresno to Riverside:
See more detailsHow much is a bus ticket from Fresno to Riverside?
Bus tickets for a trip from Fresno to Riverside cost $39.00 on average. Opting to take a bus is a wallet-friendly way to make this trip. If you book your trip ahead of time using Wanderu, you can easily find bus tickets at or below this price.
Average bus ticket prices from Fresno to Riverside by travel date
If you're planning to travel by bus from Fresno to Riverside in the next month, the average ticket price is expected to range from $34 to $83. The cheapest bus tickets available in the next few weeks are for trips departing on October 28, 2026. If you’re looking to travel to Riverside this week, bus tickets are available starting at $49.
Average bus ticket prices from Fresno to Riverside by month
Taking the bus from Fresno to Riverside is usually cheapest in February, when the average ticket price is only $62. If you're planning to take the bus from Fresno to Riverside during December, keep in mind that bus ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $91. However, booking your trip in advance can help you score a ticket at a better price.
Prices as travel date approaches
Most bus companies charge higher ticket prices closer to the date of travel, so it’s a good idea to buy your bus tickets as early as possible. To find the cheapest bus tickets, book your trip at least 15 days in advance. This way, you can save up to $49.94 on your bus ticket compared to booking last-minute.
What bus companies travel from Fresno to Riverside?
There are two bus lines that have daily service from Fresno to Riverside that you can compare and book on Wanderu. However, each company only runs one bus per day.
| Bus | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak Thruway | 1 | 6h 30m | $39.00 |
| FlixBus US | 1 | 8h 10m | $75.66 |
Amtrak Thruway, also known as Amtrak Thruway Motorcoach, is a system of intercity passenger buses operated by Amtrak to connect train stations to areas that are not served by the carrier’s railroads. On the bus, passengers can enjoy comfortable reclining seats with leg rests and access to onboard restroom facilities. Amtrak Thruway bus tickets from Fresno to Riverside start at $39. On average, there are 1 Amtrak Thruway bus trips on this route every day.
FlixBus US is the American branch of German bus company FlixBus, known for providing sustainable, affordable, and modern bus travel. The company offers cheap bus tickets to popular urban destinations throughout the United States. FlixBus US buses include many amenities, including comfortable seats, free WiFi, power outlets at every seat, and an online portal for free entertainment. On average, FlixBus US operates 1 trips per day from Fresno to Riverside, and the average ticket for this route costs only $75.66.






Frequently asked questions about traveling by bus from Fresno to Riverside
There is usually only one bus per day from Fresno to Riverside. However, it is not a direct bus, so you will have to get off your original vehicle to change buses during the trip. Need more travel options? Consider taking the train from Fresno to Riverside; ticket prices start at $31.
Trips per day
1
Direct trips
0
The bus takes an average of 8 hours and 8 minutes to cover the 235 miles from Fresno to Riverside. However, the fastest bus only takes 6 hours and 30 minutes. It’s definitely on the longer side, so plan to get comfortable for a long road trip. Keep in mind that your actual bus may arrive earlier or later than scheduled, depending on whether there is more or less traffic than usual.
Distance (mi)
235
Distance (km)
378
There is usually only one bus per day from Fresno to Riverside. It leaves the station in Fresno at 2:35pm each day. The time might vary for specific dates, so be sure to search on Wanderu for the most up-to-date information.
Earliest bus
7:15am
Latest bus
2:35pm
Friday is the busiest travel day for buses as people head from Fresno to Riverside for the weekend. If you are planning to travel on a Friday, you should make sure to book tickets well in advance as they may sell out. On the other hand, Wednesday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. If you're looking for some extra space on the bus, traveling mid-week is your best bet.
Most crowded
Friday
Least crowded
Wednesday
City Information
Fresno



Situated close to the center of California, Fresno’s location makes it the perfect hub for travelers who wish to explore the state, but it also has enough attractions on its own to keep visitors interested. One of the city’s most unique destinations is the Forestiere Underground Gardens. Built by a Sicilian immigrant, the gardens stay below the ground level so that citrus trees could grow, making it a unique sight that will capture the heart of nature lovers. Fresno has recently gone through a lot of changes in the field of agriculture, and the city’s love for homegrown produce is now one of its attractions. As you explore the city, don’t hesitate to make a slight detour to Riverdance Farm, a local organic farm where you can pick ripened blueberries and cherries to your heart’s content. For fans of cultural activities, the Fresno Art Museum offers unique artworks created mostly by local artists.
Fresno restaurants are famous for their fresh homegrown produce, and Sam’s Italian Deli & Market is where you can try local staples. If you want to cook yourself, Fresno Farmers’ Market will be a great choice.
Fresno’s main bus and train station is the Santa Fe Passenger Depot located at 2650 Tulare St. From there, you can take buses from various carriers or hop on a train on Amtrak’s Gold Runner line. The Fresno Yosemite International Airport is the city’s main airport and it is located not too far from the city center.
Riverside



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.
Station Information
Where does the bus leave from in Fresno?
Main departure station: Santa Fe Station - 2650 Tulare St


The Santa Fe Station is a historic train station and transportation hub in Fresno. The station opened in 1899 and was originally owned by the Santa Fe Railway, hence the misleading “Santa Fe” name for a station in Fresno. Passengers can board the Amtrak Gold Runner train to Oakland, Sacramento, or Bakersfield from this station, and bus service from Amtrak Thruway and Jefferson Lines also stops at this location. The Santa Fe station is just steps away from Fresno’s City Hall, the Meux Home Museum, and the Fresno Convention Center, making this station a convenient entry point to Fresno.
All bus stations in Fresno:
- Santa Fe Station - 2650 Tulare St
Where does the bus arrive in Riverside?
Main arrival station: UC Parking Lot 30 - 900 Martin Luther King BLVD
These are the two stations where buses may stop when they arrive in Riverside.
All bus stations in Riverside:
- UC Parking Lot 30 - 900 Martin Luther King BLVD
- Downtown Metrolink Station - 4066 Vine St
Need a return trip from Riverside to Fresno?
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