Cheap train tickets from Needles to Riverside

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Trip Summary

There is one daily train from Needles to Riverside. Traveling by train from Needles to Riverside usually takes 5 hours and 54 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Southwest Chief train can make the trip in 5 hours and 46 minutes.

Distance
170 mi (274 km)
Fastest train
5h 46m
Lowest price
$38.00
Trains per day
1
Most frequent service
Amtrak Southwest Chief
Train lines
1

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Needles to Riverside Train Schedule

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

In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Needles to Riverside was $38.00. Compared to most train fares, this is an excellent price. The further in advance you book your travels, the more likely it is you can find tickets at this price or lower.

Average train ticket prices from Needles to Riverside by travel date

$45$30$15OctNov

Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Needles to Riverside will cost between $38 and $44. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.

Average train ticket prices from Needles to Riverside by month

$75$60$45$30$15JFMAMJJASOND

Ticket prices for the train from Needles to Riverside often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in February when the average ticket price is only $46. If you're thinking of traveling from Needles to Riverside during November, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $71 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in November, is to book your trip well in advance.

Prices as travel date approaches

$75$60$45$30$150

You can score the best price on a train ticket from Needles to Riverside by booking on Wanderu in advance. Tickets are nearly always cheaper the further in advance you purchase them.

Which train should you take from Needles to Riverside?

Amtrak Southwest Chief is the one and only train line which connects Needles to Riverside. Furthermore, there is only one train per day, so you will have to plan your travel around this limited availability. On the other hand, you won't have to spend a ton of time comparing a bunch of possible options.

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak Southwest Chief15h 54m$46.98
  • 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 54 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

Typically there is only one scheduled train per day. Luckily, this train will get you to Riverside with direct service. While there might still be stops along the way, you will not need to switch trains. You can also take a train for your return trip from Riverside to Needles.

Trains per day

1

Direct trains

1

The distance between Needles and Riverside is approximately 170 miles, or 274 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 5 hours and 54 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 5 hours and 46 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.

Distance (mi)

170

Distance (km)

274

Most days, there is only one train which leaves Needles at 11:54pm and arrives in Riverside around 5 hours later.

First train

11:54pm

Last train

11:54pm

Trains from Needles to Riverside are the most crowded on Thursday. 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 Tuesday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.

Busiest

Thursday

Least crowded

Tuesday

City Information

Riverside

Riverside, CA - RIV-0Riverside, CA - RIV-1Riverside, CA - RIV-2

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?

Main arrival station: Downtown Metrolink Station - 4066 Vine St

Downtown Metrolink Station - 4066 Vine St  - RIVMEG-0

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 Needles?

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