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Cheap train tickets from Riverside to Fresno

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Riverside to Fresno Train Schedule

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

There are usually 3 daily bus trips available from Riverside to Fresno.

Bus
Train

Avg. Price

Avg. Price

$44.87

Avg. Price

$54.40

Daily Trips

Daily Trips

3

Daily Trips

1

Duration

Duration

10h 55m

Duration

8h 23m

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Trip Summary

3 trains operate daily from Riverside to Fresno. The train trip from Riverside to Fresno is usually about 8 hours and 18 minutes long. However, traveling on the fastest Amtrak train can get you there in as little as 6 hours and 57 minutes.

Distance235 mi (378 km)
Fastest train6h 57m
Lowest price$40.00
Most frequent serviceAmtrak
Train lines1

Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for trains from Riverside to Fresno

(Based on 5 ratings and reviews)

4.6

4.0

Daniel

March 22, 2023- Visiting friends

Amtrak

Pros: everything. Cons: price. Tips: nothing.

5.0

Alicia

January 12, 2023- Visiting family

Amtrak

Pros: Great customer service and great experience. Cons: Information staff at the station.. it was so lonely and no one to help me with Information since it was my first time.

5.0

Kapil

December 25, 2022- Visiting family

Amtrak

Pros: Very nice. Cons: Everything good.

5.0

Maria

September 26, 2022- Visiting friends

Amtrak

Pros: Everything. Cons: Nothing. Tips: No.

4.0

Ryan

March 30, 2022- Visiting family

Amtrak

Pros: I like the views I get to see outside the train and bus windows. Cons: Cleaner buses. Tips: Pack some food.

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

The average price for a train ticket from Riverside to Fresno is $43.67, Considering the distance of the route, this is an excellent deal. By booking your trip at least 15 days in advance, you increase your chances of scoring even cheaper tickets. But if you wait until the day of your trip to book tickets, expect to pay $6.83 more.

Average train ticket prices from Riverside to Fresno by month

$50$40$30$20$10DJFMAMJJASON
Mark your calendar for August if you want to score the cheapest train tickets from Riverside to Fresno. You’ll find the best deals during this time of year, when tickets cost an average of $40. If you're planning a trip from Riverside to Fresno during May, bear in mind that ticket prices are usually higher during this month. Expect to pay about $49 for your train ticket, unless you book well in advance and find an even better deal.

Which train should you take from Riverside to Fresno?

Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Riverside to Fresno. However, there are 3 trains per day to choose from.

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak38h 19m$49.82
  • 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 Riverside to Fresno every day, as well as 3 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $40.

Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Riverside to Fresno

While the train is the main method of transportation from Riverside to Fresno, it will only take you part of the way there. Please note that part of your trip will be on a different vehicle, most commonly a bus or express shuttle.

The distance between Riverside and Fresno is approximately 235 miles, or 378 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 8 hours and 18 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 6 hours and 57 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 Riverside to Fresno on Saturday. Tickets for Saturday tend to also be the most expensive. For savvy travelers looking for cheaper priced tickets search for travel departing on Wednesday. Wednesday also tend to have less passengers which may make boarding faster and let you snag your perfect seat.

The earliest train departs Riverside at 7:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 11:00am. 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. Unfortunately, none of them are direct connections, so you will need to disembark from your original train and board a connecting train during your journey. Don't forget to bring your carry-on luggage when you switch trains. In some instances, you may also be responsible for transferring your own checked baggage.

You can also take a train for your return trip from Fresno to Riverside.

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.

Fresno

Situated close to the center of California, Fresno’s location makes it the perfect hub for travelers who wish to explore the state, but it also has enough attractions on its own to keep visitors interested. One of the city’s most unique destinations is the Forestiere Underground Gardens. Built by a Sicilian immigrant, the gardens stay below the ground level so that citrus trees could grow, making it a unique sight that will capture the heart of nature lovers. Fresno has recently gone through a lot of changes in the field of agriculture, and the city’s love for homegrown produce is now one of its attractions. As you explore the city, don’t hesitate to make a slight detour to Riverdance Farm, a local organic farm where you can pick ripened blueberries and cherries to your heart’s content. For fans of cultural activities, the Fresno Art Museum offers unique artworks created mostly by local artists.

Fresno restaurants are famous for their fresh homegrown produce, and Sam’s Italian Deli & Market is where you can try local staples. If you want to cook yourself, Fresno Farmers’ Market will be a great choice.

Fresno’s main bus and train station is the Santa Fe Passenger Depot located at 2650 Tulare St. From there, you can take buses from various carriers or hop on a train on Amtrak’s San Joaquins line. The Fresno Yosemite International Airport is the city’s main airport and it is located not too far from the city center.

Station Information

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 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 is the train station in Fresno?

Santa Fe Station - 2650 Tulare St  - FNOAMT-0

Image credit: Ron Reiring

Link to image attribution
Santa Fe Station - 2650 Tulare St  - FNOAMT-1

Image credit: Mattias Thorslund

Link to image attribution

Main arrival station: Santa Fe Station - 2650 Tulare St

The Santa Fe Station is a historic train station and transportation hub in Fresno. The station opened in 1899 and was originally owned by the Santa Fe Railway, hence the misleading “Santa Fe” name for a station in Fresno. Passengers can board the Amtrak San Joaquins train to Oakland, Sacramento, or Bakersfield from this station, and bus service from Amtrak Thruway and Jefferson Lines also stops at this location. The Santa Fe station is just steps away from Fresno’s City Hall, the Meux Home Museum, and the Fresno Convention Center, making this station a convenient entry point to Fresno.

All train stations in Fresno:

  • Santa Fe Station - 2650 Tulare St

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Need a return trip from Fresno to Riverside?

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