Pacific Surfliner Train Trip in California 2023-2024
A comfortable trip along the coast of California, passing vibrant beaches and surf cities.
Best time: all year round
The scenery of the Southern California coast aboard the Pacific Surfliner is a wonderful way to enjoy your trip in comfort and peace. The 351-mile Pacific Surfliner offers views of the California coastline, featuring vibrant beaches and surf cities. The Pacific Surfliner is the second-busiest intercity passenger rail corridor in the USA, carrying about 3 million passengers annually. For the best travel experience, all trains feature large picture windows, allowing you to enjoy astonishing landmarks.
Pacific Surfliner Route
The Amtrak Pacific Surfliner route spans the California coastline, including portions of the Southern California coastline, and passes through San Diego, Orange, Los Angeles, Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo counties.
Accommodations Classes of Service
Pacific Surfliner passengers can choose Unreserved Coach, which provides maximum flexibility during the trip. Tickets without reservation allow you to take a flight earlier or later, or even travel on a later date, without making changes to the reservation.
Business Class
Business Class tickets on the Pacific Surfliner offer guaranteed seating and other benefits, and they require advance booking. This class of cars features soft, reclining leather seats with extra legroom, making it a great choice for long journeys.
Business Class is located at the end of the train, where there is usually less foot traffic and more privacy. Additionally, passengers can enjoy complimentary snacks and drinks, as well as priority boarding in San Diego. A dedicated attendant on most trains is available to provide necessary information and assist with luggage.
Both Business Class and Unreserved Coach feature at-seat amenities such as power outlets, free Wi-Fi, footrests, overhead lights, and large picture windows. As well as restrooms and luggage storage, a Market Café is available onboard.
Food
On board the Pacific Surfliner, you can visit a Market Café, where you will be offered snacks and light meals for various tastes, as well as drinks from some of the best breweries and wineries in California. Passengers can also bring their own food and non-alcoholic drinks onboard the train to consume at their seats.
Tickets
Pacific Surfliner offers various ticket options, such as Single Ride or Round-Trip Tickets, which are one-way tickets for a single trip from a departure station to a destination. A 10-Ride Ticket is valid for ten one-way trips between two selected stations within a 60-day period. A Multi-City Ticket allows you to book a trip in segments to stop at multiple destinations. Additionally, Monthly Tickets and Group Tickets are available for more flexible travel options. Considering the class of service and duration of the route, the average price is $61 for Unreserved Coach and $92 for Business Class. Passengers can also use Senior, Military, and Kids Discount.
Pets Policy
Dogs and cats, up to 20 pounds (9 kg) combined weight of pet and carrier, are allowed aboard the Pacific Surfliner for $29.
Free Bike Reservation
Pacific Surfliner passengers have the opportunity to take a bike on their trip for free. Each train has room for seven bicycles. However, you need to make a free reservation. It is especially worth paying attention on weekends or holidays when spaces can sell out very quickly.