Pacific Surfliner

PACIFIC SURFLINER

The Pacific Surfliner is a 351-mile passenger train service operated by Amtrak that runs along the coast of Southern California between San Diego and San Luis Obispo. It is Amtrak’s third-busiest service and the busiest outside the Northeast Corridor.

The total trip duration from San Diego to San Luis Obispo is approximately 8 hours and 52 minutes. The Pacific Surfliner is operated by the LOSSAN Rail Corridor Agency, a joint powers authority that manages the service with Amtrak, Caltrans, and the Orange County Transportation Authority. The route features coastal views along the Southern California coastline.

ROUTES AND STATIONS

Termini
  1. San Diego
  2. San Luis Obispo
Stops

The Pacific Surfliner has 29 stations along its route, serving the communities in San Diego, Orange, Los Angeles, Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo counties. Major stops include:

  1. San Diego
  2. Oceanside
  3. Irvine
  4. Los Angeles Union Station
  5. Santa Barbara
  6. San Luis Obispo
Distance and Journey Time
  1. Total route distance: 351 miles
  2. Total journey time: Approximately 8 hours and 52 minutes

SCENIC HIGHLIGHTS

San Diego

San Diego, located on the southernmost coast of California, is known for its beautiful waterfront views and stunning beaches. The train arrives at the historic Santa Fe Depot, offering a blend of modern cityscape and natural beauty.

Solana Beach

Solana Beach, just north of San Diego, is a picturesque coastal town with beautiful coastal cliffs and pristine sandy beaches. The Cedros Design District is a charming neighborhood filled with unique shops, art galleries, and boutiques.

San Clemente

San Clemente is a charming town popular for its stunning shoreline and serene beaches. The San Clemente Pier, built into the Pacific Ocean, offers panoramic views of the coastline and is a popular spot for leisurely walks, fishing, and breathtaking sunsets.

Ventura to Grover Beach

The Pacific Surfliner route offers beautiful ocean views between Ventura and Grover Beach on the northern end of the route.

San Luis Obispo

San Luis Obispo, located in the Central Coast region, is known for its Spanish mission heritage and vibrant downtown area. The Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa features beautiful architecture, a museum, and well-preserved grounds.

COST

One-way Coach Class: Starts at $30​.

Business Class Upgrade: Additional $10 to $35 each way, depending on distance.

Kids ‘n’ Trains Discount: Youth group tickets are $12-15 each way​​.

Round-trip Coach Class: From Los Angeles to Santa Barbara is approximately $152 for two people.

Amtrak Guest Rewards: Earn a 25% point bonus when booking in Business Class

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