Amtrak Pacific Surfliner trains run along the coast of Southern California from San Luis Obispo to San Diego. Sleek double-decker trains whisk you up to 90 miles an hour along the coast. Riding the Surfliner allows you to see scenic coast areas not viewable by car.
On a trip from Los Angeles to San Diego, you pass the world-famous surfing beach Trestles and then through Camp Pendelton to Oceanside. This section of the track is wide open, and the engineer operates the train at top speed.
From Oceanside to Torrey Pines, the train runs along the coast and then turns inland for the final miles before it reaches downtown San Diego. Taking the train for a day trip to San Diego is a fun alternative to driving the 405 freeway.
Just a short walk from the San Diego train station is the USS Midway Museum, restaurants, and the ferry to Coronado Island. Rail options from the Amtrak train station include the San Diego Trolley to Old Town San Diego or the border.
North from Los Angeles, the Surfliner hugs the coast from Oxnard past Vanderberg Air Force Base. The train passes through Santa Barbara, Gaviota State Beach, Jalama Beach, Santa Maria, Pismo Beach, and San Luis Obispo.
There are miles of pristine coastline that are not accessible by car on this section of the track. After turning inland, the Surfliner travels through oak-covered valleys filled with miles of grapevines until it reaches the rich farmland of Santa Maria Valley.
The line returns briefly to the coast at Pismo Beach and then turns inland along Price Canyon for the final leg of its journey to San Luis Obispo.
Amtrak Pacific Surfliner trains consist of double-decker California passenger cars with expansive windows perfect for viewing the Pacific Ocean. All cars are equipped with power outlets for laptops. Amtrak’s Surfliner route is one of the busiest in the country and for a good reason.
The two largest train stations on the Surfliner route are Los Angeles Union Station and San Diego Union Station. Both destinations offer easy access to nearby attractions and connections to a trolley or underground train system.
One unique train station along the Surfliner route is San Clemente. The Surfliner drops off passengers at the San Clemente Pier and only steps to the sand.
The Los Angeles to San Diego track was once served by the Santa Fe San Diegan trains. Amtrak took over the route in 2000, and the Pacific Surfliner was born. Today the Pacific Surfliner route is one of the busiest passenger train services in the nation.
Amtrak Pacific Surfliner offers twelve daily round-trip journeys between San Diego and Los Angeles. There are daily trains from Los Angeles Union Station north to Santa Barbara.
If you were to travel the entire 350-mile route, the trip would take a little over eight hours. Los Angeles to San Diego travel time is a little under three hours.
Reservations are not generally required on Pacific Surfliner trains; however, booking a few days before departure on busy summer weekends is best.
Amtrak Pacific Surfliner Stations – Day Trips
List of points of interest, destinations, and popular day trips by train along California’s Pacific Surfliner train route.
San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo is the Northern stop of the Amtrak Pacific Surfline. You can continue on the Coast Starlight train if you wish to travel further north from here. San Luis Obispo is nestled among the hills, just south of Paso Robles, Atascadero, and north of Pismo Beach; the city is halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles. San Luis Obispo is the closest train station to Hearst Castle.
Grover Beach – Pismo Beach
Grover Beach is one of the Five Cities of the Central Coast. Pismo Beach, Oceano, Arroyo Grande, and Shell Beach. Grover Beach Amtrak station is located on Grand Ave, the entrance road to the Pismo Dunes recreation area. Grover Beach is the nearest station to Pismo Beach. From here, the Surfline route turns inland to San Luis Obispo.
Goleta California
Goleta, California, is just north of Santa Barbara. Goleta beaches are typically less crowded than Santa Barbara’s, and Goleta Beach Park is the ideal destination for a quiet family day trip or a romantic weekend getaway. You should check out Goleta’s South Coast Railroad Museum if you are a railfan. The museum offers exhibits about rail life, historical artifacts, and a collection of rare photographs and memorabilia.
Santa Barbara California
Santa Barbara, California Amtrak train station is a ten-minute walk to Stearns Wharf and beach hotels. While taking the Surfliner train to Santa Barbara for a day trip is possible, we suggest spending at least one night. Attractions are plentiful in this beautiful coastal town. One day is just not enough for most travelers. Santa Barbara is a three-hour train trip from Los Angeles.
Carpinteria California
Carpinteria is south of Santa Barbara, and the Amtrak station is within easy walking distance of Carpinteria State Park. This sleepy suburb on the Santa Barbara Channel of the Pacific will put visitors in touch with destinations that make California’s coast a traveler’s delight.
Los Angeles Union Station
Union Station is a hub of activity, with Metro and Amtrak trains arriving hourly. Passenger trains depart hourly South to San Diego, North to Santa Barbara, and beyond. Downtown Los Angeles Union Station’s nearby attractions include Chinatown and Olvera Street. Metro rail lines connect with the rest of the city, Including Universal Studios Hollywood.
Fullerton California
Fullerton offers a family-friendly environment. more adult-oriented evenings. Fullerton has a sizeable modern train station with a short walk to the old town with dining & shopping options. The Surfliner travels through Santa Ana, Irvine, and San Juan Capistrano from the Fullerton train station.
San Juan Capistrano
San Juan Capistrano is one of the most popular day trips by train along the route of the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner. Historic Mission San Juan Capistrano is within easy walking distance of the Amtrak station. Families, school groups, and day-trippers all enjoy the convenience of traveling by train to see the mission.
San Clemente California
San Clemente’s Train Station is adjacent to Pier, only steps to the beach and nearby hotels. San Clemente is a popular summer beach day trip from inland areas of Southern California. Visitors can enjoy a day at the beach and avoid summer traffic and parking problems.
Trestles World Famous Surf Break
Surfliner does not stop at Trestles, but passengers get as close as possible without standing on the beach. The train passes over the “Trestles Bridge” and follows the coast past upper, middle, and lower trestles surf breaks. The nearest train station to Trestles is in San Clemente.
Oceanside California
Oceanside Amtrak Pacific Surfliner train station is three blocks from the beach and the town’s substantial wooden pier. Oceanside is perfect for a day trip or weekend getaway by train. The Oceanside Chamber of Commerce Slogan once promoted this beach town with a massive billboard along Highway 101, “Tan Your Hide in Oceanside.” These days the Chamber of Commerce has a slightly different vision “Oceanside Classic California Beach Community.”
Old Town San Diego
Old Town San Diego State Historical Park is a short walk from the train station. Some Amtrak trains stop here along with the San Diego Red Car Trolley. Visiting Old Town San Diego is like taking a step back in history. Often called the birthplace of California, Old Town is the first Spanish settlement in the region and near the site of the first of California’s 21 missions.
San Diego California
San Diego’s historic Santa Fee train Station is the end of the Pacific Surfliner route. There are several popular attractions within walking distance of the station. Many riders continue to the border via San Diego red trolley. Buses and trolleys depart from the train station every few minutes to many of San Diego’s most popular attractions.
How much do Amtrak Surfliner tickets cost?
Way adults tickets from Los Angeles to San Diego start at $45, and from Los Angeles to San Barbara about the same.
Amtrak Pacific Surfliner Train train tickets buy online at Amtrak California’s website, train stations, or onboard trains.
Can I get on in San Diego, get off at stops along the way and reboard on the same ticket, same day?
You will have to call Amtrak with that question. On another note “Due to repairs on an unstable cliff in San Clemente that caused the tracks to shift, Metrolink and Amtrak shut down service and hope to resume it by Oct. 4, 2020.”
Interested in a private car for 25 people from SLO to San Diego (round trip). Is such a thing feasible ?
There used to be a company that hooked on a Parlor car to Amtrak trains. But it seems they no longer operate due to the current public health issue (Covid).
You can still do it.
There’s no assigned seating on trains so most likely if you have a group that large it would fill a train car.
Staying in Santa Barbara. Would like to take the train south and back for the day mostly just to experience the ride. Any suggestions?
My recommendation would be to go north to San Luis Obispo. The ride is a lot more scenic, and downtown SLO is within walking distance. If you are set on going south downtown Los Angele (Union Station). From there you can walk to Olvera Street and Chinatown. There are homeless people in and around the LA station. something to keep in mind. One-way travel time to both destinations is 2.5 to 3 hours.
Please let me know about how many days a train trip along the west coast would take and cost. It would be nice to travel from Seattle to LA.
Travel time on the Coast Starlight from LA to Seatle is 36 hours. It would be best to contact Amtrak for exact cost and departure dates.
Have a fun trip.
I am having a hard time trying to find info re possibly taking a trip for 2 from Guadalupe to Washington State. I believe the Starliner is my interest. I want to take advantage of discount tickets. NO particular travel times or days. I would also be interested in traveling from Guadalupe to Durango, Colorado by train.
Coast Starlight trains run from Guadalupe to Washington State. Getting to Durango will take a couple of transfers plus a bus ride.
Discounts: 62 years and over 15% discount, AAA members can save 10%, students 15%. Some restrictions may apply.