Cheap train tickets from Bakersfield to Riverside
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Is it better to travel by bus or train from Bakersfield to Riverside?
There are usually 2 daily bus trips available from Bakersfield to Riverside.
Bus | Train | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price€27.27 | Avg. Price€29.37 |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips2 | Daily Trips2 |
Duration | Duration4h 14m | Duration5h 5m |
Trip Summary
There are usually 2 daily train trips available from Bakersfield to Riverside. Traveling by train from Bakersfield to Riverside usually takes 5 hours and 5 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 4 hours and 31 minutes.
| Distance | 135 mi (217 km) |
| Fastest train | 4h 31m |
| Lowest price | €25.54 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
What is the price of a train ticket from Bakersfield to Riverside?
The average price for a train ticket from Bakersfield to Riverside is €28.06, Compared to most train fares, this is an excellent price. By booking your trip at least 27 days in advance, you increase your chances of scoring even cheaper tickets. But if you wait until the day of your trip to book tickets, expect to pay €1.82 more.
Average train ticket prices from Bakersfield to Riverside by month
Prices as travel date approaches
The price of train trips from Bakersfield to Riverside doesn't fluctuate much throughout the year, so you don’t need to book your tickets super far in advance. However, to avoid last-minute price surges or sold-out tickets, we recommend purchasing your train tickets at least 48 hours before departure.
Which train should you take from Bakersfield to Riverside?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Bakersfield to Riverside. The schedule is relatively limited as the train only runs twice a day.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 2 | 5h 6m | €29.40 |
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 Bakersfield to Riverside every day, as well as 2 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from €26.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train 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 5 hours and 5 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 4 hours and 31 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.
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 Saturday instead, as less people travel then and deals are more likely to be found.
The earliest train departs Bakersfield at 12:00pm while the last train of the day leaves at 2:00pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
Trains leave the station in Bakersfield twice a day, so there are a couple of options depending on your preferred travel time. However, there are no direct trains. This means that you will need to disembark from your original train and board a connecting train at some point during your journey. You will need to remember to bring your carry-on luggage with you when you change trains. Depending on the carrier's policy, you may also be responsible for transferring your own checked baggage.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Riverside to Bakersfield.
City Information
Bakersfield
Bakersfield, California, is just north of LA on the Kern River. The Buena Vista Museum of Natural History, one of the city’s biggest attractions, displays fossils, dinosaur models, Native American artifacts, and a changing array of temporary exhibitions. Meanwhile, the Bakersfield Museum of Art features multiple rotating galleries of modern and historical art.
As the sun sets in Bakersfield, locals and visitors alike flock to Buck Owens Crystal Palace for food, drinks, and the biggest live music venue in the area. The Belvedere Cocktail lounge offers a more intimate live music experience– plus some amazing drinks and arcade games. For a truly unique experience, check out the family-friendly Gaslight Melodrama Theatre, where audiences are encouraged to cheer, boo, and get in on the fun of the live performances.
On the quieter side, Bakersfield has a number of beautiful parks across the city. The Park at RiverWalk is a fan favorite, with 32 sprawling acres along the Kern River dotted with picnic areas, public grills, and fishing spots. The Buena Vista Aquatic Recreational Area provides more outdoor activities with swimming, boating, sailing, cycling, and more.
To get to Bakersfield, fly into the Meadows Field Airport just north of the town. Several bus lines also service the area, connecting the city to Phoenix, Sacramento, Los Angeles, and Ontario. For train service, Amtrak offers routes to San Diego, San Francisco, and even New York City.
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?
Main departure station: 601 Truxtun Ave - Transit Station
There is one train station in Bakersfield.
All train stations in Bakersfield:
601 Truxtun Ave - Transit Station
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
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Continue by train from Riverside
- Train from Riverside to Davis
€73+
- Riverside to Irvine Train
€13+
- Train from Riverside to Los Angeles
€18+
- Riverside to Modesto Train
€58+
- Riverside to Oceanside Train
€21+
- Train from Riverside to Oxnard
€29+
- Train from Riverside to Sacramento
€72+
- Train from Riverside to San Clemente
€18+
- Riverside to San Diego Train
€30+
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