Riverside, CA to Chicago, IL train with Amtrak

Fri, Dec 19
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1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Riverside, CA to Chicago, IL

Showing times and prices for Dec 22

Cheapest price

$520

Average price

$520

Fastest journey

1 d 20 h 4 m

Average duration

1 d 20 h 4 m

Trains per day

1

Distance

2737 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Riverside, CA to Chicago, IL is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Riverside, CA to Chicago, IL will cost around $520 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $520.

Fast trains

Of the 1 trains that leave Riverside, CA for Chicago, IL on Mon, Dec 22, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Mon, Dec 22 the direct trains cover the 2737 km distance in an average of 1 d 20 h 4 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 d 20 h 4 m .

On Mon, Dec 22 the slowest trains will take 1 d 20 h 4 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.

Amtrak
06:38PM44h04
Riverside, CA
02:42PMChicago, IL
$5201One-way
0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare train and bus for Riverside, CA to Chicago, IL

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Riverside, CA to Chicago, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from €421. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 45h 45m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of €421, and a bus costs an average of €671.

Distance: 1700 miles (2737 km)

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Bus

€421

Average price

Cheapest

€671

Average price

46h 15m

Average total duration

Fastest

45h 45m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

51h 24m

Average total duration

50h 54m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

Direct Options

Direct Options

Live departures

Riverside, CA to Chicago, IL train times

The table below shows live departures for Riverside, CA to Chicago, IL trains for today, Sunday, December 21. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 12:33 PM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
amtrak6:38 PM Riverside, CA
44h04
2:42 PM Chicago, IL0 transfersDirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Riverside, CA to Chicago, IL by train or bus

Compare train and bus 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.

Mon
Dec 22
Tue
Dec 23
Wed
Dec 24
Thu
Dec 25
Fri
Dec 26
Sat
Dec 27
Sun
Dec 28

Why should you book Riverside to Chicago trains with Omio?

Amtrak operates all train services from Riverside to Chicago. Omio is the only official third party seller for Amtrak tickets.

Why book with Omio vs Amtrak?

  • Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
  • Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Amtrak with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Riverside to Chicago.

Why book with Omio over Trainline and Rail Europe?

Multiple modes of transport
  • Official reseller: Amtrak tickets can only be bought on Omio or Amtrak's website as Omio is the only official third party seller for Amtrak tickets. Trainline, RailEurope, and Rail.Ninja do not sell Amtrak tickets as they are not official sellers.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Riverside to Chicago.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Riverside, CA to Chicago, IL

USAUSA
USAUSA
Icon of train

Trains from Riverside, CA to Chicago, IL run on average 6 times per day, taking around 45h 45m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $525 (€421) if you book in advance.

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 44h 4m.

Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Distance
1700 miles (2737 km)
Average train duration
45h 45m
Cheapest ticket price
$525 (€421)
Trains per day
6
Direct trains
1
Fastest train
44h 4m
First train
07:40
Last train
18:38
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information

Train companies: Amtrak from Riverside, CA to Chicago, IL trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Riverside, CA and Chicago, IL from $525 (€421). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Amtrak

About
Amtrak is the main passenger train operator in the United States, providing medium- and long-distance intercity services across 46 states and three Canadian provinces. Operating over 300 trains daily and serving more than 500 destinations, Amtrak connects cities and regions nationwide through routes such as the high-speed Acela in the Northeast Corridor, the scenic Coast Starlight along the West Coast, and the Empire Builder linking Chicago to the Midwest and the Pacific Northwest. Other notable services include the Northeast Regional, Keystone Service, and the unique Auto Train, which allows passengers to bring their cars onboard. Amtrak offers a variety of classes to suit different budgets and travel needs, including Coach, Business, First Class, and Sleeper Class with options like Roomettes, Bedrooms, and Bedroom Suites for overnight journeys. Ticket types include Saver, Value, Flexible, Business, and Premium. Onboard amenities vary by service but may include comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, power outlets, dining options, and lounge access on select trains. Popular routes include Washington, D.C.–Boston, San Diego–San Luis Obispo, San Jose–Sacramento, and Chicago–Seattle.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
44h 4m
Cheapest Price
$521 (€418)
Amtrak frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
2 personal items and 2 carry-on bags included free
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, under seats, and designated luggage areas at end of cars
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies depend on ticket type and timing
Refund
Full refund if train is canceled by Amtrak
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Café car with snacks, beverages, and light meals. Long-distance trains have full-service dining cars
Seat reservation
Included in ticket price for Business and First Class. Optional fee for Coach Class
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible restrooms, Red Cap assistance service, accessible platforms and stations
Pets
Small pets under 20 pounds allowed for $26 fee. Must be in carrier. Service animals travel free
Quiet zone

FAQs: Trains from Riverside, CA to Chicago, IL

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Riverside, CA to Chicago, IL 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 Chicago, IL, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
No, a day trip from Riverside, CA to Chicago, IL is not feasible as the journey takes 44h 4m and the distance is 1700 miles (2737 km). Trains run 6 times per day.
To fully experience Chicago, IL, plan for at least 3-4 days to visit key attractions such as Millennium Park, The Art Institute of Chicago, Navy Pier, and explore diverse neighborhoods.
The distance by train from Riverside, CA to Chicago, IL is 1700 miles (2737 km).
The train station in Riverside, CA that goes to Chicago, IL is Riverside Station, Riverside, CA, which connects to Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL.
The train from Riverside, CA to Chicago, IL takes 44h 4m and runs 6 per day.
There is no high speed train available from Riverside, CA to Chicago, IL.
In Chicago, IL, you can explore the Museum of Science and Industry and its interactive exhibits, enjoy the vibrant neighborhoods like Wicker Park and Lincoln Park, take a river cruise to view iconic architecture, and attend a live performance at the historic Chicago Theatre. Visit Lincoln Park Zoo for a free and enjoyable day. For sights, don't miss Millennium Park with its modern art, the renowned Art Institute of Chicago, the entertainment hub of Navy Pier, panoramic views from Willis Tower Skydeck, and the fascinating exhibits at the Field Museum.
The last train from Riverside, CA to Chicago, IL leaves at 6:38 PM.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Riverside, CA to Chicago, IL.
The train journey from Riverside, CA to Chicago, IL offers scenic views as it traverses diverse landscapes, including the picturesque deserts of California, the expansive plains of the Midwest, and the rugged Rocky Mountains, providing a varied and visually engaging travel experience.
Train ticket prices from Riverside, CA to Chicago, IL can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $525 (€421), while the average price is around $525 (€421).
The cheapest way to get from Riverside, CA to Chicago, IL is by train, with a cost of around $525 (€421).
The first train from Riverside, CA to Chicago, IL leaves at 7:40 AM.
Yes, you can take the train from Riverside, CA to Chicago, IL.
Yes, there is a direct train from Riverside, CA to Chicago, IL. This service operates 1 times per day, provided by Amtrak.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Riverside, CA to Chicago, IL

Riverside
Chicago
The major train station for departures in Riverside is Riverside Station. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Riverside Station for your trip from Riverside to Chicago.
Riverside StationWifiLockersParkingDiningTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingInformation DeskLuggage Carts
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ParkingParking
DiningDining
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Information DeskInformation Desk
Luggage CartsLuggage Carts
information
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
3 km
platformCount
Number of platforms
2
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free
Parking
Parking
  • Parking is available 7 days a week with multiple entry and exit points.
Dining
Dining
  • Mission Inn Restaurant
  • The Salted Pig
Taxis
Taxis
  • Outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Ramps, restrooms.
WC
WC
  • $0.50
Hotel
Hotel
  • Hyatt Place Riverside/Downtown
  • The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa
  • Marriott Riverside at the Convention Center
Lost and Found Office
Lost and Found Office
  • Located in the main hall
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Located in the main hall
Luggage Carts
Luggage Carts
  • Free
Station Plan
  • Hall 1: main entrance, ticket office, and waiting area
  • Platform 1: Metrolink services
  • Platform 2: Amtrak services
Public transit options for Riverside Station
  • Bus: Riverside Transit Agency (RTA) routes available
  • Metrolink: 91/Perris Valley Line, Inland Empire-Orange County Line, Riverside Line

Most popular trains to and from Chicago, IL and Riverside, CA

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