Categories: Travel Tips

How to Fast Travel in RDR2: Unlock Camp, Train & Stagecoach Options

Zach Cary -
July 19, 2025

How to Fast Travel in RDR2: After 487 hours in Red Dead Redemption 2, I’ve learned one hard truth: Rockstar doesn’t want you fast-traveling easily. The game forces you to ride for miles, soaking in the “immersion,” but sometimes, you just need to get from Saint Denis to Strawberry without wasting 20 real-life minutes.

This guide cuts through the BS. No fluff, no “just enjoy the scenery” nonsense just every working fast-travel method, including hidden tricks most players never discover.

  1. Stagecoaches: The Early-Game Savior

Where to Find Them

Stagecoaches operate in major towns:

  • Valentine (near the stables)
  • Saint Denis (south of the post office)
  • Blackwater (after the epilogue)
  • Rhodes (by the general store)

How They Work

How They Work

  1. Approach the driver (look for the carriage icon).
  2. Select your destination ($5-$15, depending on distance).
  3. Watch a short cutscene and you’ll arrive instantly.

PROS:
✔ Available as early as Chapter 2
✔ No cooldown use them as much as you want

CONS:
❌ Limited destinations (only major towns)
❌ Refuse service if you’re Wanted (learned this after robbing Rhodes’ bank)

Pro Tip: If you’re broke, steal a stagecoach but don’t expect the driver to take you anywhere.

  1. Trains: Slow but Strategic

Why Use Trains?

Why Use Trains

  • Avoid bounty hunters (they rarely check trains).
  • Sleep to pass time (unlike stagecoaches).
  • No random ambushes (unlike riding manually).

How to Ride

  1. Go to any train station (Valentine, Saint Denis, etc.).
  2. Buy a ticket ($10-$20).
  3. Board and wait (you can’t skip the ride).

Annoying Reality:

  • No fast-forward option. I once fell asleep IRL waiting to reach Annesburg.
  • Delayed departures. Sometimes, trains take forever to leave.

Exploit:

  • Steal a train (kill the driver, drive yourself).
  • Free rides? Jump on without paying, but guards may attack.
  1. Camp Fast Travel (The Best Method)

How to Unlock It

How to Unlock It

Most players miss this because Rockstar hides it behind upgrades. Here’s how to get it:

  1. Upgrade Dutch’s Tent ($220)
    • (Yes, Dutch gets the good stuff first.)
  2. Buy the Fast Travel Map ($325)
    • Found under “Leatherworking Tools” at the ledger.

Once upgraded:

  • Use the map on Arthur’s wagon to fast-travel FROM camp.
  • Cannot fast-travel back to camp (because Rockstar hates convenience).

PROS:
✔ Unlocked in Chapter 2
✔ Works from any camp (including temporary ones)

CONS:
❌ Expensive early-game ($545 total)
❌ One-way only (still better than nothing)

  1. Wilderness Camp (Ultimate Edition Perk)

Who Gets This?

Only players with:

  • Ultimate Edition
  • Special Edition + Outlaw Pass

How It Works

How It Works

  1. Set up camp anywhere (even in the wilderness).
  2. Select “Fast Travel” from the radial menu.
  3. Choose any discovered location.

Why It’s Broken:

  • No cost.
  • No restrictions (unlike stagecoaches).
  • Available from Chapter 2.

Downside:

  • Not available for standard edition players (thanks, Rockstar).
  1. Cheesy Tricks That Actually Work

A. Cinematic Mode Autopilot

  1. Set a waypoint on the map.
  2. Hold the “Cinematic Camera” button (tap gallop to speed up).
  3. Arthur rides away automatically.

Warning:

  • Random ambushes can still happen.
  • You might crash into trees.

B. Post Office Teleport (Exploit)

  1. Save your game inside a post office.
  2. Reload the save.
  3. You’ll spawn outside, skipping long rides.

Works Best For:

  • Quick escapes from Saint Denis.
  • Avoiding bounty hunters.

C. Mods (PC Only)

If you’re on PC, just install a fast-travel mod. No judgment here.

  1. Why Your Fast Travel Isn’t Working

Common Reasons:

Common Reasons

✔ In a mission? Fast travel is disabled.
✔ Wanted Dead or Alive? Stagecoaches refuse service.
✔ Haven’t unlocked camp upgrades yet? No fast travel until then.
✔ Playing as John in the epilogue? Some options change.

Fix:

  • Clear your bounty.
  • Progress the story.
  • Stop trying to fast-travel from Guam (it won’t work).
  1. Final Verdict: Best Fast-Travel Method?
Method Availability Cost Speed
Stagecoaches Chapter 2+ $5-$15 Instant
Trains Chapter 2+ $10-$20 Slow
Camp Fast Travel After upgrades $545 Instant
Wilderness Camp Ultimate Edition Free Instant

Best for Early Game: Stagecoaches (cheap, reliable).
Best for Late Game: Camp Fast Travel (most flexible).
Best for Ultimate Edition Owners: Wilderness Camp (OP).

Final Tip About (How to Fast Travel in RDR2)

Rockstar designed fast travel to be just annoying enough to feel “realistic.” But if you’re like me and don’t have 500 hours to spare, use these methods to skip the boring rides.

Now go ahead, stop staring at Arthur’s backside on horseback and actually enjoy the game.

Need more RDR2 tips? Drop a comment. I’ve got every exploit in the book. 🤠

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🙋 Frequently Asked Questions

How do I unlock fast travel in RDR2?

Fast travel is unlocked by upgrading Arthur’s camp lodging (through Dutch’s tent) or by using train stations, stagecoaches, and purchased maps later in the game.

Can I fast travel from anywhere in RDR2?

No, initially, you can only fast travel from camp, train stations, or stagecoaches. The "Wilderness Camp" fast travel (from The Last of Us Part 1 update) is available in the Epilogue or via a mod.

How much does fast travel cost?

Using train stations and stagecoaches costs a small fee (a few dollars), while camp fast travel is free once unlocked.

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