Cheap train tickets from Sacramento to Riverside

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Trip Summary

There are usually 6 daily train trips available from Sacramento to Riverside. Traveling by train from Sacramento to Riverside usually takes 11 hours and 19 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 9 hours and 26 minutes.

Distance
393 mi (632 km)
Fastest train
9h 26m
Lowest price
$80.00
Trains per day
0
Most frequent service
Amtrak
Train lines
1

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Sacramento to Riverside Train Schedule

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Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for trains from Sacramento to Riverside (Based on 3 ratings and reviews)

4.7

5.0

Saundra

February 15, 2024 - Visiting family

Amtrak
Pros: The seats were very good with choice of seating. Cons: Bathrooms needed to be cleaned, had vomit all over everywhere. Tips: Bring your snacks.

4.0

Ernesto M

January 16, 2023 - Solo travel

Amtrak
Pros: Everything Cons: Trains all the way Tips: Have fun

5.0

Miela

September 19, 2019 - Business

Amtrak
Pros: The train out of Sacramento was on time, clean and comfortable. Cons: A 20 minute delay half way to Bakersfield led to 1.5 hr trip delay, as we hit heavy traffic going into the Los Angeles area on the Amtrak Thruway bus connection
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What is the price of a train ticket from Sacramento to Riverside?

In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Sacramento to Riverside was $84.82. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 13 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $16.18 more if you wait to book until the last minute.

Average train ticket prices from Sacramento to Riverside by travel date

$90$60$30SepSep

The cost of a one-way train trip from Sacramento to Riverside is expected to stay pretty stable over the next four weeks. No matter which day you travel, you can expect to pay about $86 for your ticket.

Average train ticket prices from Sacramento to Riverside by month

$100$80$60$40$20JFMAMJJASOND

Ticket prices for the train from Sacramento to Riverside 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 $80. If you're thinking of traveling from Sacramento to Riverside during November, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $90 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in November, is to book your trip well in advance.

Prices as travel date approaches

$125$100$75$50$2501020

By booking your train trip from Sacramento to Riverside on Wanderu at least 13 days ahead of time, you can save about $16.18 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!

Which train should you take from Sacramento to Riverside?

Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Sacramento to Riverside. However, there are 6 trains per day to choose from.

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak611h 19m$87.87
  • 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 6 Amtrak trains from Sacramento to Riverside every day, as well as 6 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $80.

    Amtrak train passing through mountains, offering affordable train tickets for scenic rail travel - WanderuModern Amtrak train at a station, providing cheap train travel and convenient Amtrak tickets - WanderuAmtrak train speeding through scenic fall foliage, featuring cheap train tickets for long-distance trips - WanderuInterior view of a table in the dining car of an Amtrak train - WanderuInterior view of the dining car on an Amtrak train. Find affordable train tickets on - WanderuClean and spacious Amtrak bathroom, offering convenience and comfort for passengers during long train journeys with cheap Amtrak tickets - WanderuAmtrak power outlet for charging devices, providing convenience for passengers during affordable travel with cheap train tickets - WanderuComfortable Amtrak seats with ample legroom, ideal for relaxing during long journeys with cheap Amtrak tickets - WanderuSpacious Amtrak seats with reclining options, offering comfort and convenience for passengers on affordable train travel - WanderuAmtrak viewing car seats with large windows, offering panoramic views and comfort for passengers enjoying scenic routes with affordable train tickets - Wanderu

Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Sacramento to Riverside

The distance between Sacramento and Riverside is approximately 393 miles, or 632 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 11 hours and 19 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 9 hours and 26 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)

393

Distance (km)

632

The earliest train departs Sacramento at 7:09am while the last train of the day leaves at 7:03pm. 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

7:09am

Last train

7:03pm

Trains from Sacramento to Riverside 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 Wednesday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.

Busiest

Tuesday

Least crowded

Wednesday

City Information

Sacramento

SAC-0SAC-1SAC-2

As the long-held capital city of California, Sacramento has a rich and vibrant history that is reflected in its historic buildings and quarters. The Old Sacramento Waterfront quarter is the best place to explore the city’s rich heritage. Boasting ages-old constructions and a quaint vibe that is reminiscent of the Wild West, the area allows visitors to travel back in time and relive the Gold Rush era. Among the most interesting destinations in the area is the California State Museum, located at the northern edge of the quarter. It offers numerous restored locomotives as well as exhibitions on the United States’ westward expansion. If history is not really your thing, then the Midtown quarter, which boasts a vibrant and expanding art scene, will be a great alternative.

Sacramento is famous for its vast tracts of farmland, so it makes sense that the best dishes are the ones made from locally-grown produce. Among the best places to try out homemade dishes are The Firehouse and The Kitchen. For a bit of an Asian taste, visit Mikuni in Midtown Sacramento.

The busiest bus station in Sacramento is located right in the heart of the city and offers bus service to Portland, Reno, Los Angeles, and San Francisco, among many other places. The main Amtrak train station is the nearby Sacramento Valley Station, which also serves the Gold Line of the local transit light rail. The principal regional airport is the Sacramento International Airport, located 10 miles northwest of Downtown.

Riverside

Riverside, CA - RIV-0Riverside, CA - RIV-1Riverside, CA - RIV-2

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 Sacramento?

Main departure station: Valley Station - 401 I St

Valley Station - 401 I St  - SACAMT-0Valley Station - 401 I St  - SACAMT-1

Sacramento Valley Station is the second busiest transport hub in California and is used by more than one million people every year. Originally constructed in 1926, it now serves as a major center for Amtrak trains traveling within California, northwards along the West Coast, and eastwards into the American Southwest. The station also falls along four Amtrak Thruway bus routes and operates as the western terminus for the Sacramento Light Rail network. Located between Old Sacramento and Downtown, the station is within walking distance of several Gold-Rush era historical monuments as well as an ultra-modern retail district filled with shops and restaurants.

All train stations in Sacramento:

  • Valley Station - 401 I St

Where is the train station in Riverside?

Main arrival station: Downtown Metrolink Station - 4066 Vine St

Downtown Metrolink Station - 4066 Vine St  - RIVMEG-0

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

Need a return trip from Riverside to Sacramento?

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