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You can pick from 3 daily train trips between Flagstaff and Riverside. The average train journey from Flagstaff to Riverside takes 15 hours and 40 minutes, but some Amtrak Southwest Chief train trips are as short as 9 hours and 55 minutes.
| Distance | 338 mi (544 km) |
| Fastest train | 9h 55m |
| Lowest price | $57.00 |
| Trains per day | 1 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 2 |
Average score for trains from Flagstaff to Riverside
(Based on 2 ratings and reviews)
5.0
Pros: Smooth ride, this my first time so way better than what I expected. Cons: The restrooms trash was overflowing, more cushioned seats would definitely be nice. The wifi did not work.
5.0
Pros: The staff was very helpful when the train was running late. Tips: bring a blanket! and some snacks!
2 train services operate from Flagstaff to Riverside. Amtrak usually has more trains scheduled, with 2 trips per day. That said, it's still worth comparing the prices and trip durations:
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 2 | 18h 33m | $65.23 |
| Amtrak Southwest Chief | 1 | 9h 55m | $62.23 |
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 2 Amtrak trains from Flagstaff to Riverside every day, as well as 2 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $60.
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 Flagstaff to Riverside in about 9 hours and 55 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.
The distance between Flagstaff and Riverside is approximately 338 miles, or 544 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 15 hours and 40 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 9 hours and 55 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 Flagstaff to Riverside on Wednesday. Tickets for Wednesday tend to also be the most expensive. For savvy travelers looking for cheaper priced tickets search for travel departing on Saturday. Saturday also tend to have less passengers which may make boarding faster and let you snag your perfect seat.
The earliest train departs Flagstaff at 8:00pm while the last train of the day leaves at 8:00pm. 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 3 scheduled trains on most days. There is one direct train, which you can stay on for the entire journey from Flagstaff to Riverside. In contrast, taking a non-direct train would require you to transfer trains during your trip.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Riverside to Flagstaff.
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Blessed with plenty of pine forests and amazing sceneries, Flagstaff is more than just a pit stop for travelers who need respite from the scorching desert. We even named it one of the best places to visit in Arizona! The first place every traveler should visit is the Historic Downtown and Railroad District, which was built along the historic Route 66. As you stroll around the quarter, you will catch glimpses of quaint buildings constructed during the early 20th century, giving the area an authentically vintage vibe.
Stargazers should hightail it to the Lowell Observatory, whose telescope provides a breathtaking view of vast and unending space. If you are ready for some hiking, consider spending a day at the Wupatki National Monument. In this natural reserve, tourists can find ruins of indigenous villages and learn about the history of indigenous people in the area.
Budget pizzerias abound in Flagstaff to cater to a student crowd, and one of the best spots around is Oregano's Pizza Bistro. Cottage Place has some of the best offerings in town for a fancier meal and some delicious fillet mignon!
Amtrak's Southwest Chief stops at Flagstaff's train station at 1 East Rte 66. If you're traveling by bus, companies like Greyhound and Jefferson Lines operate out of the station on Butler Ave. Local air service goes through the Flagstaff Pulliam Airport, located just 4.3 miles from the city center.
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.
Image credit: PunkToad
Link to image attributionThe Flagstaff station at 1 East Rte 66 doubles as the city's Visitors Center, so you'll have travel resources available as soon as you step off the train. Also, check out the gift shop's selection of Flagstaff and train-themed souvenirs, clothing, books, and Route 66 memorabilia. Flagstaff is a stop along the Southwest Chief Amtrak line, connecting Chicago to Los Angeles. You can take the Southwest Chief line one stop west to Williams and then take the Grand Canyon Railway straight to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon National Park. Or, since the station is in the heart of the city, you can begin your Flagstaff exploration right away.
1 East Rte 66
Image credit: Juan Enrique Gilardi
Link to image attributionOn 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.
Downtown Metrolink Station - 4066 Vine St
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