Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner is the nation’s busiest state-supported intercity rail line, covering 351 miles from San Diego to San Luis Obispo.
In addition to connecting many of California’s most popular coastal destinations, the train hugs the shoreline for much of the journey, treating passengers to sweeping ocean views of Southern California’s beaches, dramatic cliffs, and rolling hills.
Travel + Leisure recently called the Pacific Surfliner route “one of the most beautiful in the U.S.,” describing it as “a scenic and stress-free way to travel the California coast without missing any of its highlights.”
Pacific Surfliner route
The scenic Pacific Surfliner route includes 29 stops across 6 counties along the California coast.
It begins in the south at San Diego’s Santa Fe Depot, traveling through the historic Old Town San Diego district, also known as the “birthplace of California,” before heading through beach towns like Solana Beach, Oceanside, and San Clemente.
After arriving in San Juan Capistrano, home to California’s oldest neighborhood lined with historic adobe homes, the train passes through Anaheim to drop passengers off at Disneyland, eventually arriving at Los Angeles’ stunning Union Station.
Northbound travelers exit L.A. through Glendale and Burbank, traversing Simi Valley and Old Town Camarillo to reach Ventura and Oxnard, which are great launch points to reach the Channel Islands.
After leaving Carpinteria, the Surfliner makes a stop right in Downtown Santa Barbara, and passes through more small beach towns to arrive at its northern terminus in San Luis Obispo.
Riding the Pacific Surfliner
One-way tickets aboard the Pacific Surfliner can start as low as $19, but vary greatly depending on your destination and peak travel times. You can check the Amtrak website for the latest offerings and discounts.
The Amtrak Thruway Bus Service offers guaranteed seamless connections from Pacific Surfliner trains, meaning you can catch extended travel options north to Oakland and southeast to Indio.
All trains on the Pacific Surfliner have reclining seats, power outlets, complimentary Wi-Fi, and a Market Café with food and beverages.
🌐 Learn more: PacificSurfliner.com