Los Angeles is famous for its love affair with cars, endless freeways, roaring engines, and a traffic culture that’s practically a rite of passage. For those who’d rather skip the stress of driving and actually enjoy the scenery, this regional train ride offers the perfect escape: comfy seats, sweeping views, and a chance to see SoCal at a pace that lets you breathe, relax, and take it all in.
The Pacific Surfliner is cranking up convenience with its 13th daily round-trip between L.A. and San Diego, giving riders more departure options and shorter waits between trains. To sweeten the deal, there’s a limited-time 20% discount on tickets booked with promo code V526 for travel until March 13, 2026.
The ride comes with all the perks you need, such as plush reclining seats, free Wi-Fi, power outlets, scenic windows, and a market-style café serving everything from snacks to local craft beer.
The California train ride that’s hitting record numbers
Though still relatively young at just 26 years in operation, the Pacific Surfliner spans 351 miles from San Luis Obispo to San Diego County. According to Amtrak data, the busiest segment is between Los Angeles and San Diego.
As reported by SF Gate, the route welcomed over 2 million riders last year for the first time since 2019, an increase of more than 60,000 passengers. Many travelers say they prefer the train because it reveals parts of California that are often missed when driving.