- Recommended
California Museum of Photography
Museum on the UC Riverside campus with rotating exhibitions, California photography, and thought-provoking contemporary and historical art.
Cheapest price on Oct 09
$39
Average ticket price on Oct 09
$46
Fastest journey on Oct 09
3 h 30 m
Average journey duration on Oct 09
3 h 44 m
Trains on Oct 09
6
Distance
139 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from San Diego, CA 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 San Diego, CA to Riverside, CA will cost around $46 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $39.
It's difficult to get from San Diego, CA to Riverside, CA without transferring at least once.
769 Pacific Surfliner · 4970 NA
769 Pacific Surfliner · 4970 NA
581 Pacific Surfliner · 4982 NA
581 Pacific Surfliner · 4982 NA
581 Pacific Surfliner · 4 Southwest Chief
769 Pacific Surfliner · 4970 NA
769 Pacific Surfliner · 4970 NA
581 Pacific Surfliner · 4982 NA
581 Pacific Surfliner · 4982 NA
581 Pacific Surfliner · 4 Southwest ChiefTrains from San Diego, CA to Riverside, CA run on average 2 times per day, taking around 2h 55m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $48 but you can travel from only $15 by bus.
The earliest train runs at 05:51, the last at 15:35. The fastest train covers the 86 miles (139 km) distance in 2h 51m.
Distance 86 miles (139 km) |
Average train duration 2h 55m |
Cheapest ticket price $48 |
Trains per day 2 |
Fastest train 2h 51m |
First train 5:51 AM |
Last train 3:35 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 1 day |
The table below shows live departures for San Diego, CA to Riverside, CA trains for today, Thursday, October 8. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
769 Pacific Surfliner · 4970 NA | 8:01 AM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 3h39 | 11:40 AM Riverside Station, Riverside, CA | 1 transfer | |
769 Pacific Surfliner · 4970 NA | 8:10 AM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 3h30 | 11:40 AM Riverside Station, Riverside, CA | 1 transfer | |
581 Pacific Surfliner · 4982 NA | 2:01 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 3h49 | 5:50 PM Riverside Station, Riverside, CA | 1 transfer | |
581 Pacific Surfliner · 4 Southwest Chief | 2:01 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 4h13 | 6:14 PM Riverside Station, Riverside, CA | 1 transfer | |
581 Pacific Surfliner · 4982 NA | 2:10 PM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 3h40 | 5:50 PM Riverside Station, Riverside, CA | 1 transfer | |
581 Pacific Surfliner · 4 Southwest Chief | 2:10 PM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 4h04 | 6:14 PM Riverside Station, Riverside, CA | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Discover the best of Riverside, CA — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Riverside, CA trip today.
Museum on the UC Riverside campus with rotating exhibitions, California photography, and thought-provoking contemporary and historical art.
Art museum in downtown Riverside featuring regional, contemporary, and international works in a walkable civic district near the Mission Inn.
Local history museum sharing Riverside stories through exhibits on citrus, community life, and changing regional identity in a historic setting.
Pedestrian-friendly downtown district with historic architecture, shops, public art, and easy access to major Riverside sights and evening events.
Historic citrus estate and grounds with groves, gardens, and walking paths that reflect Riverside's agricultural past and landscape design.
Large urban park with lakes, gardens, trails, and picnic areas. Popular for walking, birdwatching, and relaxed outdoor time near downtown.
California burrito is a Southern California staple with carne asada, fries, cheese and salsa in a flour tortilla, popular across Inland Empire taquerias.
Carne asada fries are a regional fast-casual favorite: french fries topped with grilled beef, cheese, crema and guacamole, common in local Mexican spots.
Date shakes are a classic desert drink from nearby inland date-growing areas, blended thick with dates and ice cream on road trips across the region.
Upscale steakhouse near downtown known for classic cuts, seafood and polished service in a traditional setting.
Casual local favorite for tacos, burritos and other Mexican staples with a relaxed neighborhood feel.
Established Riverside deli and sandwich shop known for generous portions, soups and a bustling casual atmosphere.
Moderate for Southern California; hotels, dining, and car costs are lower than Los Angeles, but transit is limited and tourist areas can add fees.
Tip 15-20% at restaurants, $1-2 per drink at bars, and round up or add 10-15% for taxis. Cafes often have tip jars or card prompts for small tips.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from San Diego, CA 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.

Most San Diego, CA to Riverside, CA trains use the Santa Fe Depot to Riverside Station station pair. Use this guide to compare San Diego, CA and Riverside, CA train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Santa Fe Depot is 1 km from San Diego city centre. Public transport options include:
Santa Fe Depot has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: The Fish Market, Karl Strauss Brewing Company
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Santa Fe Depot. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Santa Fe Depot. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Santa Fe Depot: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Santa Fe Depot: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Santa Fe Depot: Ramps.
Nearby hotels include The Westin San Diego, The Guild Hotel, San Diego, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, Embassy Suites by Hilton San Diego Bay Downtown.
Old Town Station is 5 km from San Diego city centre. Public transport options include:
Old Town Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Casa Guadalajara, Old Town Mexican Cafe
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Old Town Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Old Town Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Old Town Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Old Town Station: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Old Town Station: Elevators, ramps.
Nearby hotels include Old Town Inn, Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott San Diego Old Town, Best Western Plus Hacienda Hotel Old Town.
Riverside Station is 3 km from Riverside city centre. Public transport options include:
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 options include: Mission Inn Restaurant, The Salted Pig
Free.
Ticket office support is available at Riverside Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Riverside Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Riverside Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Riverside Station: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Riverside Station: Ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Hyatt Place Riverside/Downtown, The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa, Marriott Riverside at the Convention Center.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need