Trains from Bakersfield to Riverside
Lowest Prices
We partner with the top bus & train carriers to bring you the best deals.
No Wanderu Fees
Without any extra fees, we make it easy to book your tickets.
Best Travel Options
We help you find & compare the best buses & trains in one place.
Trip Summary
There are 25 daily trains from Bakersfield to Riverside. Traveling by train from Bakersfield to Riverside usually takes around 12 hours and 42 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 3 hours and 35 minutes.
| Distance | 135 mi (217 km) |
| Fastest train | 3h 35m |
| Lowest price | $22.25 |
| Trains per day | 1 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
What is the price of a train ticket from Bakersfield to Riverside?
In the last month, $64.63 was the average price of a train ticket from Bakersfield to Riverside. You can expect to find tickets at that price or lower if you book your trip at least 21 days in advance. Otherwise, expect to pay around $15.54 more than that for a same-day booking.
Average prices by travel date
Over the next 30 days, the average cost of a one-way train trip from Bakersfield to Riverside will vary between $60 and $86. Planning a train trip to Riverside within the upcoming week? The cheapest train ticket you can find from Bakersfield over the next 7 days is $60. Make sure to book your trip as soon as possible as train fares tend to go up as you get closer to your travel date.
Monthly average prices
If you are trying to decide when to travel from Bakersfield to Riverside by train so you can score the best possible deal, your best bet would be to plan your trip for February. That’s when the average price for a train ticket is expected to be just $28 – the lowest of the year.
Alternatively, if you plan to travel from Bakersfield to Riverside in April, expect to spend more on your train trip, as the average ticket price usually surges to $52 at that time of year. However, if you book your trip ahead of time, you have a high chance of scoring a ticket at a lower price.
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 21 days ahead of time. If you do that, your train ticket to Riverside from Bakersfield will be about $15.54 cheaper compared to what you would pay if you book at the last minute.
Which train should you take from Bakersfield to Riverside?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Bakersfield to Riverside. However, there are 25 trains per day to choose from.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 25 | 12h 42m | $68.56 |
Amtrak
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 25 Amtrak trains from Bakersfield to Riverside every day, as well as 44 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $22.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to travel by train from Bakersfield to Riverside during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Our train partners have implemented several different policies to keep you safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. From limiting vehicle capacity to enhancing cleaning protocols and upgrading air filters, train carriers are committed to maintaining a safe environment. For details on what each company is doing to ensure their fleet remains safe for travel, click here.
Although masks are no longer required on public transportation, we stand behind CDC guidelines that encourage passengers to wear a mask over their nose and mouth while on the train or in stations.
Please visit our COVID-19 Travel Guide for more information on all carrier policies and the latest travel advisories issued by every U.S. state, Canadian province, and European country.
Can you take a train all the way from Bakersfield to Riverside?
How long is the train journey from Bakersfield to Riverside?
The distance between Bakersfield and Riverside is approximately 135 miles, or 217 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 12 hours and 42 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 3 hours and 35 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.
When are trains the most crowded?
Tuesday tends to be the busiest day of the week with travelers taking trains from Bakersfield to Riverside. Ticket price also tend to be more expensive on Tuesday than other days. If you are hoping to have more room on the train and even save some change check out travel options on Friday instead, as less people travel then and deals are more likely to be found.
When are the first and last trains of the day?
The earliest train departs Bakersfield at 12:00am 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.
Is there a direct train from Bakersfield to Riverside?
There are 25 scheduled trains on most days. There is one direct train, which you can stay on for the entire journey from Bakersfield 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 Bakersfield.
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 is the train station in Bakersfield?
Image credit: rosemarie_mckeon
Link to image attribution
Image credit: Lev Lazinskiy
Link to image attributionMain departure station: Valley Station - 401 I St
Sacramento Valley Station is the second busiest transport hub in California and is used by more than one million people every year. Originally constructed in 1926, it now serves as a major center for Amtrak trains traveling within California, northwards along the West Coast, and eastwards into the American Southwest. The station also falls along four Amtrak Thruway bus routes and operates as the western terminus for the Sacramento Light Rail network. Located between Old Sacramento and Downtown, the station is within walking distance of several Gold-Rush era historical monuments as well as an ultra-modern retail district filled with shops and restaurants.
All train stations in Bakersfield:
Valley Station - 401 I St
Cabral Station - 949 E Channel St
324 W 24th St
1700 Held Dr
18770 Rd 26
200 Santa Fe Ave
Santa Fe Station - 2650 Tulare St
450 Orange St
5885 Horton St
BART Station - 1700 Nevin Ave
245 Second St
700 G Street
735 S San Joaquin St
Salesforce Plaza
100 I St
Where is the train station 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 train stations in Riverside:
Downtown Metrolink Station - 4066 Vine St
Need a return trip from Riverside to Bakersfield?
Search Train TicketsPlan your next adventure
More trains from Bakersfield
- Train from Bakersfield to San Francisco
$44+
- Train from Bakersfield to San Jose
$52+
- Train from Bakersfield to San Luis Obispo
$32+
- Bakersfield to Stockton Train
$32+
- Train from Bakersfield to Las Vegas
$147+
- Train from Bakersfield to Reno
$80+
- Train from Bakersfield to Oklahoma City
$216+
- Train from Bakersfield to Portland
$107+
- Train from Bakersfield to Seattle
$124+
Continue by train from Riverside
Wanderu is the simplest way to book bus and train travel.
With just a quick search on Wanderu, you can compare bus and train schedules and prices from hundreds of travel companies in one convenient place to find the trip that works best for you. Wanderu’s simple checkout process makes it easy to book cheap bus and train tickets hassle-free and with no additional fees. Most importantly, as Wanderu is an official partner of all leading bus and train companies, we always have the best bus and train deals out there.
Book buses and trains on the go with the Wanderu app.
Download our app and snag the best travel deals across North America & Europe.Learn more