The cheapest and fastest trains from Chicago, IL to Riverside, CA
Cheapest price
$191
Average price
$191
Fastest journey
2 d 30 m
Average duration
2 d 30 m
Trains per day
1
Distance
2737 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Chicago, IL to Riverside, CA is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Chicago, IL to Riverside, CA will cost around $191 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $191.
Of the 1 trains that leave Chicago, IL for Riverside, CA on Mon, Jun 22, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, Jun 22 the direct trains cover the 2737 km distance in an average of 2 d 30 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 d 30 m .
On Mon, Jun 22 the slowest trains will take 2 d 30 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
12:40 PM48h30Chicago, IL1:10 PMRiverside, CA$1911One-way0 transfers
12:40 PM48h30Chicago, IL1:10 PMRiverside, CA$1911One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Chicago, IL to Riverside, CA
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Chicago, IL to Riverside, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the flight with prices starting from $107. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 8h 41m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a flight costs an average of $107, and a bus costs an average of $198.
Distance: 1700 miles (2737 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$293 Average price | $299 Average price | $222 Average price Cheapest | $401 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
42h 16m Average total duration 41h 46m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 41h 5m Average total duration 40h 35m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 11h 41m Average total duration Fastest 8h 41m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 28h 38m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Chicago, IL to Riverside, CA:
A flight is $70 (€58) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Chicago, IL to Riverside, CA costing on average $293 (€239).
A flight is $77 (€63) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Chicago, IL to Riverside, CA costing on average $299 (€245).
Other travel options to Riverside, CA take longer:
Bus takes on average 40h 35m.
Train takes on average 41h 46m.
Tickets start at around {cheapestPrice} compared to roughly {drivingPriceInCents} in fuel and tolls — a saving of about {savingsAmount}. The journey takes {durationInMinutes} versus {drivingDurationInMinutes} by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Direct services run with Amtrak.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
Live departures
Chicago, IL to Riverside, CA train times
The table below shows live departures for Chicago, IL to Riverside, CA trains for today, Sunday, June 21. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 2:25 PM Chicago, IL | 39h45 | 6:10 AM Riverside, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Chicago, IL to Riverside, CA by train, bus, or flight
Compare train, bus, and flight prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Jun 22
Jun 23
Jun 24
Jun 25
Jun 26
Jun 27
Jun 28
Journey information
Overview: Train from Chicago, IL to Riverside, CA
Trains from Chicago, IL to Riverside, CA run on average 5 times per day, taking around 41h 46m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $191 (€157) but you can travel from only $107 (€88) by flight.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 07:40, the last at 18:38. The fastest train covers the 1700 miles (2737 km) distance in 41h 45m.
Distance 1700 miles (2737 km) |
Average train duration 41h 46m |
Cheapest ticket price $191 (€157) |
Trains per day 5 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 41h 45m |
First train 7:40 AM |
Last train 6:38 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 3 days |
Train companies: Amtrak from Chicago, IL to Riverside, CA trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Chicago, IL and Riverside, CA from $107 (€88). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Amtrak
FAQs: Trains from Chicago, IL to Riverside, CA
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chicago, IL to Riverside, CA by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Riverside, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Chicago, IL to Riverside, CA
Most Chicago, IL to Riverside, CA trains use the Union Station to Riverside Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Chicago, IL and Riverside, CA train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Which Chicago, IL station do trains to Riverside, CA leave from?
Getting to Union Station from Chicago city centre
Union Station is 3 km from Chicago city centre. Public transport options include:
Union Station train station facilities and services
Union Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food and drink
Food options include: The Chicago Firehouse Restaurant, Lou Mitchell's
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Union Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Union Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Union Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Union Station: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Union Station: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include The Kimpton Gray Hotel, JW Marriott Chicago, W Chicago - City Center.
Which Riverside, CA station do trains from Chicago, IL arrive at?
Getting to Riverside Station from Riverside city centre
Riverside Station is 3 km from Riverside city centre. Public transport options include:
Riverside Station train station facilities and services
Riverside Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food and drink
Food options include: Mission Inn Restaurant, The Salted Pig
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Riverside Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Riverside Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Riverside Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Riverside Station: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Riverside Station: Ramps, restrooms.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Hyatt Place Riverside/Downtown, The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa, Marriott Riverside at the Convention Center.
Most popular train connections from Chicago, IL
More options for your journey from Chicago, IL to Riverside, CA
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
