Cheap train tickets from Irvine to Riverside
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Trip Summary
There are usually 3 daily train trips available from Irvine to Riverside. Traveling by train from Irvine to Riverside usually takes 2 hours and 3 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in one hour and 48 minutes.
| Distance | 29 mi (47 km) |
| Fastest train | 1h 48m |
| Lowest price | $15.00 |
| Trains per day | 0 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
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Irvine to Riverside Train Schedule
There are several train options that can take you from Irvine to Riverside:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from Irvine to Riverside?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Irvine to Riverside was $19.67. This is basically as cheap as train fares can get. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 7 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $0.83 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from Irvine to Riverside by travel date
The cost of a one-way train trip from Irvine to Riverside is expected to stay pretty stable over the next four weeks. No matter which day you travel, you can expect to pay about $20 for your ticket.
Average train ticket prices from Irvine to Riverside by month
Taking the train from Irvine to Riverside usually costs about the same throughout the year. In general, train ticket prices for this route are fairly consistent, so expect to pay around $20 whenever you decide to travel.
Prices as travel date approaches
The price of train trips from Irvine 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 Irvine to Riverside?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Irvine to Riverside. However, there are 3 trains per day to choose from.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 3 | 2h 3m | $19.87 |
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 3 Amtrak trains from Irvine to Riverside every day, as well as 3 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $15.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Irvine to Riverside
The distance between Irvine and Riverside is approximately 29 miles, or 47 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 2 hours and 3 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 1 hour 48 minutes. As a relatively short ride, taking the train is an easy way to travel between these two cities.
Distance (mi)
29
Distance (km)
47
The earliest train departs Irvine at 9:52am while the last train of the day leaves at 3:52pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
First train
9:52am
Last train
3:52pm
Trains from Irvine to Riverside are the most crowded on Sunday. Tickets also tend to be more expensive then. If you are looking for a great deal on your train tickets or just want extra room to stretch out, consider traveling on Friday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
Busiest
Sunday
Least crowded
Friday
City Information
Irvine
Though Irvine is probably most famous for its corporations and university campuses, the city is well worth the trip for its variety of attractions and activities. Start with a date night at the Irvine Barclay Theatre, which boasts an intimate atmosphere and superb acoustics. You could also check out the UCI Arboretum, where you can learn more about the unique flora of the coastal California region. The Beall Center for Art + Technology features interesting exhibitions that fuse modern art with futuristic technologies.
When you've worked up an appetite, you can find a wide variety of dining options available in the city. For some of the best Japanese dishes in town, check out Fukuda, which serves udon and soba dishes. If you are craving a good chicken parm, North Italia has just what you need!
It's easy to get to Irvine from anywhere in Southern California via intercity buses or Amtrak trains. Flights operate through the nearby John Wayne Airport-Orange County Airport, just 4.3 miles away from downtown.
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 is the train station in Irvine?
Main departure station: Irvine Transp Ctr - 15215 Barranca Pkwy
Irvine Station – also known as Irvine Transportation Center – is the busiest station in South Orange County, serving over a million passengers annually. It first opened in 1990 on the south side of the decommissioned Marine Corps Air Station El Toro in the Spectrum district. The station serves Amtrak's Pacific Surfliner, Metrolink (Southern California's commuter rail system), and various local transit bus lines part of the Orange County Transportation Authority's network. In the vicinity of the station, there are hotels, offices, and shops. Irvine Station is also close to the Irvine Spectrum Center, one of SoCal's most popular entertainment and shopping destinations.
All train stations in Irvine:
- Irvine Transp Ctr - 15215 Barranca Pkwy
Where is the train station in Riverside?
Main 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 Irvine?
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