Cheap bus tickets from Palm Desert to Riverside
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Palm Desert to Riverside Bus Schedule
Bus from Palm Desert to Riverside: Journey Information
There is one daily bus from Palm Desert to Riverside. Traveling by bus from Palm Desert to Riverside usually takes around one hour and 45 minutes, but some buses might arrive slightly earlier or later than scheduled depending on traffic conditions.
| Distance | 61 mi (98 km) |
| Shortest duration | 1h 45m |
| Cheapest price | $11.00 |
| Trips per day | 1 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak Thruway |
| Bus lines | 1 |

What bus companies travel from Palm Desert to Riverside?
There is one intercity bus company available to search and book on Wanderu that operates from Palm Desert to Riverside. Amtrak Thruway is the only company that has bus schedules available to search and book at the moment. It only makes the trip once a day on most days.
| Bus | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak Thruway | 1 | 1h 45m | $11.00 |
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 Palm Desert to Riverside start at $11. On average, there are 1 Amtrak Thruway bus trips on this route every day.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by bus from Palm Desert to Riverside
The bus takes an average of one hour and 45 minutes to cover the 61 miles from Palm Desert to Riverside. You'll have just enough time for a small nap on this relatively short bus 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.
There is usually only one bus per day from Palm Desert to Riverside. It leaves the station in Palm Desert at 7:00am each day. The time might vary for specific dates, so be sure to search on Wanderu for the most up-to-date information.
There is usually only one bus per day from Palm Desert to Riverside. Fortunately, this happens to be a direct bus, meaning that you do not have to get on a different bus at any point during your trip.
Need more travel options? Consider taking the train from Palm Desert to Riverside; ticket prices start at $22.00.
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.
Station Information
Where does the bus leave from in Palm Desert?
Main departure station: Sunline Transit Stop - 44449 Towne Ctr Way
Most buses depart from the main station in Palm Desert.
All bus stations in Palm Desert:
Sunline Transit Stop - 44449 Towne Ctr Way
Where does the bus arrive in Riverside?

Image credit: Juan Enrique Gilardi
Link to image attributionMain arrival 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 bus stations in Riverside:
Downtown Metrolink Station - 4066 Vine St
Get around town with Moovit
Need a return trip from Riverside to Palm Desert?
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- Bus Tickets
- United States
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- Riverside
- Palm Desert to Riverside






