Cheap train tickets from Riverside to Flagstaff

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Trip Summary

There are usually 2 daily train trips available from Riverside to Flagstaff. Traveling by train from Riverside to Flagstaff usually takes 10 hours and 35 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Southwest Chief train can make the trip in 9 hours and 13 minutes.

Distance: 338 mi (544 km)
Fastest train: 9h 13m
Lowest price: CHF 55.12
Trains per day: 2
Most frequent service: Amtrak
Train lines: 2

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4.8 Rating

5k Reviews

4.5 Rating

4.8k Reviews

Riverside to Flagstaff Train Schedule

No preview is currently available. Please try another date or search the full schedule.

Is it better to travel by bus or train from Riverside to Flagstaff?

There is usually 1 daily bus trip available from Riverside to Flagstaff.

	Train	Bus
Avg. Price	Avg. PriceCHF 82.86	Avg. PriceCHF 71.81Cheaper
Daily Trips	Daily Trips2	Daily Trips1
Duration	Duration10h 35mFaster	Duration16h 5m

Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for trains from Riverside to Flagstaff (Based on 2 ratings and reviews)

5.0

Michael

August 25, 2025 - Visiting family

Amtrak Southwest Chief

Pros: Everything went real smooth Cons: I don't really know...I'm real happy about the whole process (ah, Wi-Fi) Tips: Don't be in a hurry, just enjoy the ride

5.0

Arlena

October 27, 2021 - Solo travel

Amtrak Southwest Chief

Pros: i traveled at night and it was very nice and relaxing it’s quiet hours so, great time to catch up on some sleep! Tips: blanket,snacks,pillow,and some movies!

There are several train options that can take you from Riverside to Flagstaff:

See more details

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

In the last month, train tickets from Riverside to Flagstaff cost about CHF 55 when booked at the cheapest time. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 24 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around CHF 83.52 more if you wait to book until the last minute.

Average train ticket prices from Riverside to Flagstaff by travel date

Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Riverside to Flagstaff will cost between CHF 64 and CHF 115. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.

Average train ticket prices from Riverside to Flagstaff by month

Ticket prices for the train from Riverside to Flagstaff often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in October when the average ticket price is only CHF 62. If you're thinking of traveling from Riverside to Flagstaff during December, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of CHF 92 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in December, is to book your trip well in advance.

Prices as travel date approaches

By booking your train trip from Riverside to Flagstaff on Wanderu at least 24 days ahead of time, you can save about CHF 83.52 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!

Which train should you take from Riverside to Flagstaff?

2 train services operate from Riverside to Flagstaff. However, each train line only offers one daily trip.

Train	Daily Trips	Avg. Time	Avg. Price
Amtrak	1	11h 56m	CHF 84.11
Amtrak Southwest Chief	1	9h 13m	CHF 81.61

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 is 1 Amtrak train from Riverside to Flagstaff every day, as well as 1 trip on the weekends, with prices starting from CHF 57.63.
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 Riverside to Flagstaff in about 9 hours and 13 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 Riverside to Flagstaff

Yes, there are trains that can take you the entire way from Riverside to Flagstaff. 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.

Trains leave the station in Riverside twice a day, so there are a couple of options depending on your preferred travel time. One of these is a direct train, which will typically get you to Flagstaff faster. While it might still have stops along the way, you will not need to switch trains during your trip. You can also take a train for your return trip from Flagstaff to Riverside. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Riverside to Flagstaff for CHF 47.

Trains per day

Direct trains

The distance between Riverside and Flagstaff is approximately 338 miles. The average train journey between these two cities takes 10 hours and 35 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 9 hours and 13 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)

338

Distance (km)

544

The earliest train departs Riverside at 3:35 PM while the last train of the day leaves at 6:18 PM. 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

3:35pm

Last train

6:18pm

Trains from Riverside to Flagstaff are the most crowded on Wednesday. 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 Sunday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.

Busiest

Wednesday

Least crowded

Sunday

City Information

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.

Flagstaff

Blessed with plenty of pine forests and amazing sceneries, Flagstaff is more than just a pit stop for travelers who need respite from the scorching desert. We even named it one of the best places to visit in Arizona! The first place every traveler should visit is the Historic Downtown and Railroad District, which was built along the historic Route 66. As you stroll around the quarter, you will catch glimpses of quaint buildings constructed during the early 20th century, giving the area an authentically vintage vibe.

Stargazers should hightail it to the Lowell Observatory, whose telescope provides a breathtaking view of vast and unending space. If you are ready for some hiking, consider spending a day at the Wupatki National Monument. In this natural reserve, tourists can find ruins of indigenous villages and learn about the history of indigenous people in the area.

Budget pizzerias abound in Flagstaff to cater to a student crowd, and one of the best spots around is Oregano's Pizza Bistro. Cottage Place has some of the best offerings in town for a fancier meal and some delicious fillet mignon!

Amtrak's Southwest Chief stops at Flagstaff's train station at 1 East Rte 66. If you're traveling by bus, companies like Greyhound and Jefferson Lines operate out of the station on Butler Ave. Local air service goes through the Flagstaff Pulliam Airport, located just 4.3 miles from the city center.

Station Information

Where is the train station in Riverside?

Main departure 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

Where is the train station in Flagstaff?

Main arrival station: 1 East Rte 66

The Flagstaff station at 1 East Rte 66 doubles as the city's Visitors Center, so you'll have travel resources available as soon as you step off the train. Also, check out the gift shop's selection of Flagstaff and train-themed souvenirs, clothing, books, and Route 66 memorabilia. Flagstaff is a stop along the Southwest Chief Amtrak line, connecting Chicago to Los Angeles. You can take the Southwest Chief line one stop west to Williams and then take the Grand Canyon Railway straight to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon National Park. Or, since the station is in the heart of the city, you can begin your Flagstaff exploration right away.

All train stations in Flagstaff:

1 East Rte 66

Need a return trip from Flagstaff to Riverside?

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