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 | $64.00 |
| Trains per day | 1 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 2 |
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Riverside to Flagstaff Train Schedule

Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Average score for trains from Riverside to Flagstaff (Based on 2 ratings and reviews)
5.0
5.0
There are several train options that can take you from Riverside to Flagstaff:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from Riverside to Flagstaff?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Riverside to Flagstaff was $64.00. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 21 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $57.00 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 $68 and $77. 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 $72. 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 $114 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 21 days ahead of time, you can save about $57.00 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
What train companies travel from Riverside to Flagstaff?
There are multiple trains that travel from Riverside to Flagstaff, including Amtrak, Amtrak Southwest Chief. Here is what you should know about the 2 most popular train lines:
| TRAIN | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 1 | 11h 56m | $87.04 |
| Amtrak Southwest Chief | 1 | 9h 13m | $84.04 |
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 1 Amtrak trains from Riverside to Flagstaff every day, as well as 1 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $67.










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
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 $68.
TRIPS PER DAY
2
DIRECT TRIPS
1
The distance between Riverside and Flagstaff is approximately 338 miles, or 544 kilometers. 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 3:35pm while the last train of the day leaves at 6:18pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
EARLIEST TRAIN
3:35pm
LATEST TRAIN
6:18pm
Trains from Riverside to Flagstaff 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.
MOST CROWDED
Thursday
LEAST CROWDED
Tuesday
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 does the train leave from in Riverside?
Main departure 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
Where does the train arrive 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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