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You can pick from 2 daily train trips between Riverside and Needles. The average train journey from Riverside to Needles takes 6 hours and 52 minutes, but some Amtrak Southwest Chief train trips are as short as 4 hours and 58 minutes.
| Distance | 170 mi (274 km) |
| Fastest train | 4h 58m |
| Lowest price | $34.00 |
| Trains per day | 1 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 2 |
Average score for trains from Riverside to Needles
(Based on 1 ratings and reviews)
4.0
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.
The average price for a train ticket from Riverside to Needles is $34.00, Compared to most train fares, this is an excellent price. By booking your trip at least 10 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 $23.14 more.
2 train services operate from Riverside to Needles. However, each train line only offers one daily trip.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 1 | 8h 47m | $52.88 |
| Amtrak Southwest Chief | 1 | 4h 59m | $40.28 |
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 $45.
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 4 hours and 59 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.
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 52 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 4 hours and 58 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.
Trains from Riverside to Needles are the most crowded on Saturday. 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 Friday 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 7:00pm. 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.
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
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.
Image credit: Juan Enrique Gilardi
Link to image attributionOn 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.
Downtown Metrolink Station - 4066 Vine St
Needles has one train station.
950 Front St
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