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Cheap train tickets from Riverside to Needles

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Riverside to Needles Train Schedule

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Trip Summary

You can pick from 2 daily train trips between Riverside and Needles. The average train journey from Riverside to Needles takes 6 hours and 36 minutes, but some Amtrak Southwest Chief train trips are as short as 5 hours.

Distance170 mi (274 km)
Fastest train5h 0m
Lowest price€30.67
Trains per day1
Most frequent serviceAmtrak
Train lines2

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Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for trains from Riverside to Needles

(Based on 1 ratings and reviews)

4.0

4.0

Alfred

February 5, 2023- Visiting family

Amtrak Southwest Chief

Pros: comfortable and efficient way to travel. Cons: train was two hours late. Had to stand on a platform with other people in the cold with no station and no bathrooms. couldn't even get a cup of coffee out of machine (No machine on platform) At Needles station no security.

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

The average price for a train ticket from Riverside to Needles is €30.67, Compared to most train fares, this is an excellent price. By booking your trip at least 17 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 €19.17 more.

Monthly avg. prices

€96€77€57€38€19MAMJJASONDJF
You can find the lowest prices on this route during January. This time of year offers the best deals on train tickets from Riverside to Needles, with the average price at just €39. Train tickets on this route are most expensive in July, when the average price goes up to €80. You can still score cheap deals below this average price, though, especially if you plan ahead and book your ticket in advance.

Which train should you take from Riverside to Needles?

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

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak18h 13m€51.34
Amtrak Southwest Chief15h 0m€37.73
  • 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 Needles every day, as well as 1 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from €42.

  • 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 Needles in about 5 hours and 0 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 Needles

Yes, there are trains that can take you the entire way from Riverside to Needles. 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 Riverside and Needles is approximately 170 miles, or 274 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 6 hours and 36 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 5 hours,

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.

Trains from Riverside to Needles are the most crowded on Monday. 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.

The earliest train departs Riverside at 3:00pm while the last train of the day leaves at 6:00pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.

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 Needles 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 Needles 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.

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 Needles?

Main arrival station: 950 Front St

Needles has one train station.

All train stations in Needles:

  • 950 Front St

Get around town with Moovit

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

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