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Cheap train tickets from Needles to Riverside

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4.8 Rating

5k Reviews

4.5 Rating

4.8k Reviews

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Needles to Riverside Train Schedule

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Trip Summary

You can pick from 3 daily train trips between Needles and Riverside. The average train journey from Needles to Riverside takes 11 hours and 41 minutes, but some Amtrak Southwest Chief train trips are as short as 5 hours and 56 minutes.

Distance170 mi (274 km)
Fastest train5h 56m
Lowest price$32.00
Trains per day1
Most frequent serviceAmtrak
Train lines2

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Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for trains from Needles to Riverside

(Based on 1 ratings and reviews)

5.0

5.0

Susan

February 18, 2022- Visiting family

Amtrak Southwest Chief

Pros: Train was late getting out but arrived in Riverside early. How cool was that! Had a Roomette and although I didn't realize that the bed could change into a chair I was comfortable. Slept like a baby. Didn't have to drive myself in that awful L.A. traffic. Arrived relaxed. Cons: Nothing I can think of. Tips: I traveled at night and wore my pajamas onto the train and changed in the morning. I got up late but was able to get a continental breakfast before departing. I will definetly do it again.

What is the price of a train ticket from Needles to Riverside?

Over the past month, a train ticket between Needles and Riverside cost $40.00, on average. This price makes taking the train a budget-friendly option to get to Riverside. Booking your trip at least 18 days in advance can help you secure tickets at the best price. For same-day bookings, you’ll likely have to pay around $38.67 more.

Average train ticket prices from Needles to Riverside by travel date

$60$40$20JanJan

The average cost of a one-way train trip from Needles to Riverside is expected to fluctuate between $40 and $55 in the next 30 days. If you’re planning a train trip to Riverside in the upcoming week, the cheapest price in the next 7 days for a ticket from Needles is $40.

Monthly avg. prices

$100$80$60$40$20FMAMJJASONDJ
Mark your calendar for April if you want to score the cheapest train tickets from Needles to Riverside. You’ll find the best deals during this time of year, when tickets cost an average of $44. If you're planning a trip from Needles to Riverside during November, bear in mind that ticket prices are usually higher during this month. Expect to pay about $88 for your train ticket, unless you book well in advance and find an even better deal.

Prices as travel date approaches

$75$60$45$30$153020100

By booking your train trip from Needles to Riverside on Wanderu at least 18 days ahead of time, you can save about $38.67 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!

Which train should you take from Needles to Riverside?

2 train services operate from Needles 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:

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak214h 34m$51.27
Amtrak Southwest Chief15h 56m$38.14

  • 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 Needles to Riverside every day, as well as 2 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $44.

  • 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 Needles to Riverside in about 5 hours and 56 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.

Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Needles to Riverside

Yes, there are trains that can take you the entire way from Needles to Riverside. However, there are also some trips on this route that require you to board another vehicle, such as a bus or a shuttle, during your journey. This is worth paying attention to as you book your trip, since a direct train may be preferable for its speed and convenience.

The distance between Needles and Riverside is approximately 170 miles, or 274 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 11 hours and 41 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 5 hours and 56 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 Needles to Riverside on Thursday. Tickets for Thursday tend to also be the most expensive. For savvy travelers looking for cheaper priced tickets search for travel departing on Sunday. Sunday also tend to have less passengers which may make boarding faster and let you snag your perfect seat.

The earliest train departs Needles at 12:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 12:00am. 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 Needles 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 Needles.

City Information

Riverside

Riverside, CA - RIV-0

Image credit: Unsplash

Riverside, CA - RIV-1

Image credit: Unsplash

Riverside, CA - RIV-2

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 Needles?

Main departure station: 950 Front St

There is one train station in Needles.

All train stations in Needles:

  • 950 Front St

Where is the train station in Riverside?

Downtown Metrolink Station - 4066 Vine St - RIVMEG-0

Image credit: Juan Enrique Gilardi

Link to image attribution

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

Get around town with Moovit

Find the best way to get to and from any station in Riverside by public transit, courtesy of Moovit. Search now

From the Wanderu blog

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