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Cheap train tickets from Riverside to San Diego
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Trip Summary
There are usually 2 daily train trips available from Riverside to San Diego. Traveling by train from Riverside to San Diego usually takes 3 hours and 41 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 3 hours and 17 minutes.
- Distance
- 87 mi (139 km)
- Fastest train
- 3h 17m
- Lowest price
- $34.00
- Trains per day
- 0
- Most frequent service
- Amtrak
- Train lines
- 1
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Riverside to San Diego Train Schedule
Is it better to travel by bus or train from Riverside to San Diego?
There are usually 18 daily bus trips available from Riverside to San Diego.
Train | Bus | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$34.00Cheaper | Avg. Price$44.56 |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips2 | Daily Trips18 |
Duration | Duration3h 41m | Duration2h 47mFaster |
Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Average score for trains from Riverside to San Diego (Based on 2 ratings and reviews)
5.0
There are several train options that can take you from Riverside to San Diego:
See more detailsPrice trends for trains from Riverside to San Diego
Average train ticket prices from Riverside to San Diego by travel date
Average train ticket prices from Riverside to San Diego by month
Prices as travel date approaches
Which train should you take from Riverside to San Diego?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Riverside to San Diego. The schedule is relatively limited as the train only runs twice a day.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 2 | 3h 41m | $34.00 |
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 2 Amtrak trains from Riverside to San Diego every day, as well as 4 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $34.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Riverside to San Diego
Trains leave the station in Riverside twice a day, so there are a couple of options depending on your preferred travel time. However, there are no direct trains. This means that you will need to disembark from your original train and board a connecting train at some point during your journey. You will need to remember to bring your carry-on luggage with you when you change trains. Depending on the carrier's policy, you may also be responsible for transferring your own checked baggage. You can also take a train for your return trip from San Diego to Riverside. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Riverside to San Diego for $23.
Trains per day
2
Direct trains
0
The distance between Riverside and San Diego is approximately 87 miles, or 139 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 3 hours and 41 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 3 hours and 17 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)
87
Distance (km)
139
The earliest train departs Riverside at 9:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 3:35pm. 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
9:00am
Last train
3:35pm
Trains from Riverside to San Diego are the most crowded on Tuesday. 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 Monday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
Busiest
Tuesday
Least crowded
Monday
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.
San Diego
San Diego is known as "America's Finest City" for its sunny weather, white-sand beaches, and dazzling attractions from Belmont Park to SeaWorld. San Diego's 70 miles of pristine beaches include such gems as Mission Beach, Pacific Beach, La Jolla Cove, and Coronado Beach. The city's strong surfing culture may even inspire you to rent a surfboard and catch the epic waves, bro.
Visitors can spend days getting lost in Balboa Park, a 1,200-acre cultural hub which features 16 museums, immaculate gardens, and the world-famous San Diego Zoo. The historic heart of the city, Old Town, showcases San Diego's heritage and ties to Mexican culture, while other sights like the USS Midway pay tribute to the city's military and maritime history. Leave time for some evening exploring, too! San Diego is rated the #1 best city for craft beer in America, so don't miss out on the bars in the Gaslamp Quarter: 16 walkable blocks packed with nightlife and young crowds.
Two airports, as well as many bus and train options, mean it is easy to get to San Diego from afar or from nearby cities like Tijuana, Los Angeles, Phoenix, and Las Vegas.
Station Information
Where is the train station 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 is the train station in San Diego?
Main arrival station: Santa Fe Depot
The Santa Fe Depot is the main train station in San Diego and one of the end points of the Pacific Surfliner, the only Amtrak train line that serves the city. The station is also used by the Green Line of the San Diego Trolley light rail transit service and the COASTER commuter rail service that connects the city with the central and northern coastal regions of San Diego County. Opened in 1915, the Santa Fe Depot is famous for its Spanish Colonial Revival Style architecture and grand interior space that features natural redwood beam ceilings and ceramic details. The train station is located in the heart of Downtown San Diego, making it easy to reach from all parts of the city.
All train stations in San Diego:
- Santa Fe Depot - 1050 Kettner Blvd
- 4005 Taylor St
Need a return trip from San Diego to Riverside?
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