FAQs

The 351-mile Los Angeles – San Diego – San Luis Obispo Rail Corridor (LOSSAN Corridor) travels through a six-county coastal region in Southern California and is the second busiest intercity passenger rail corridor in the United States. The LOSSAN Corridor service includes 41 stations and more than 150 daily passenger trains, which includes the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner as well as Metrolink and COASTER commuter trains.

The LOSSAN Rail Corridor Agency is a joint powers authority comprised of rail owners, operators, and planning agencies along the entire LOSSAN rail corridor. The LOSSAN Agency is governed by an 11-member Board of Directors composed of elected officials representing the counties of San Diego, Orange, Los Angeles, Ventura, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo. Management responsibility for the Pacific Surfliner service was assumed by the LOSSAN Agency in July 2015, following the execution of an interagency transfer agreement with the state of California. Amtrak is the contracted operator of the Pacific Surfliner service. The Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) provides management and administrative support to the LOSSAN Agency.

The Amtrak Pacific Surfliner is a passenger train service administered by the LOSSAN Rail Corridor Agency. It travels 351 miles through San Diego, Orange, Los Angeles, Ventura, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties, serving 27 cities and nearly 3 million people each year. Sections of the route hug the coastline, offering magnificent views of rolling hills and sparkling beaches. Riding the train also provides the added benefit of avoiding freeway traffic. The Pacific Surfliner offers onboard amenities that include spacious reclining seats, large picture windows, power outlets, free Wi-Fi, a market-style café, bicycle storage, and an optional Business Class upgrade. 

The route is named with a nod to the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe (AT&SF) Railway’s Surf Line, which was the original name of the Los Angeles–San Diego portion of the route. The original train that served the route was named the San Diegan. 

When AT&SF ceased operating passenger trains on May 1, 1971, it conveyed its responsibilities to Amtrak. Amtrak continued to service the Surf Line route with trains named San Diegan, but in 1988, the route was extended to Santa Barbara, and in 1995, a daily trip to San Luis Obispo was added. Since the name San Diegan was no longer accurate, in 2000, the trains and the route were all renamed the Pacific Surfliner.

In July 2015, the LOSSAN Rail Corridor Agency assumed responsibility for the operation of the Pacific Surfliner service.

Yes, with a multi-city ticket, you can book your trip in segments, allowing you to stop at multiple destinations along the way at no additional cost. You must plan your trip in advance, including stopovers. Remember, connections aren’t guaranteed, so make sure to build a trip that allows adequate time to make connecting trains. Learn more about multi-city tickets at Amtrak.com.

The easiest way to decide which schedule will work for you is to use our online booking tool.

If you prefer to explore options via our digital timetable, start by downloading the PDF from the schedules page. Then find the page for the direction you wish to travel (northbound or southbound) and whether it’s on a weekday or weekend/holiday. The schedules are indicated as such at the top of the page.

Once you are on the right page, look at the left column, find your departure station, and read across to the right to see all the departure times from that station. Some trains have different schedules on weekdays and weekends/holidays, so make sure you are looking at the correct page. Once you've found a departure time that works for you, follow the column down to find the arrival time at your destination station. The train number is located at the top of each column.

Some trains connect with Amtrak Thruway bus routes to provide more travel options. Bus connections are designated on the schedule with orange shading.

Check out our Destinations page to see which cities are served by the Pacific Surfliner.

Once you know where you’d like to go, use our online booking tool to explore your travel options. Choose “One-Way” or “Round-Trip”, enter your starting and ending stations, and indicate the dates you are interested in traveling. All of the available trains will appear as options once you click the “Submit” button.

If you'd prefer to speak with an Amtrak representative, visit a staffed Amtrak station or call 1-800-USA-RAIL. Customers who are deaf or hard of hearing can access TTD/TTY service at 1-800-523-6590.

Yes, multi-ride tickets allow you to take multiple trips using one ticket within a set amount of time. There are two types of multi-ride tickets that can be used on Pacific Surfliner trains: Monthly and Ten-Ride.

• Monthly Ticket: Monthly tickets are valid for unlimited travel between two stations you select and all stations in between for an entire calendar month. The distance between the two stations determines the price of your ticket.
• Ten-Ride Ticket: Ten-Ride tickets are valid for 10 one-way trips between two stations you select within a 60-day period. These tickets are non-transferable. However, more than one person may use a 10-ride ticket at one time, as long as the person named on the ticket is one of the passengers traveling and all passengers are traveling together. For example, five people could ride together round-trip (5 tickets each way) on one 10-trip ticket.

Visit Amtrak.com or download the Amtrak app to purchase a multi-ride ticket.

Note Amtrak RideReserve confirmations are not required for travel on Pacific Surfliner trains.

Pacific Surfliner trains offer two types of tickets: Unreserved Coach and Business Class.

• Unreserved Coach: Unreserved Coach tickets allow you to ride any Pacific Surfliner train from the origin station to the destination station listed on your ticket. This gives you the flexibility to take a different train than the one you selected in the booking process if your travel plans change, subject to certain restrictions. 
• Business Class: Business Class tickets offer guaranteed seating and other perks. Learn more about Business Class.

Note: Advance reservations for all Pacific Surfliner trains may be required during holidays and special events. Certain promotions and discounts may also require advance purchase. Also be aware that some connecting bus routes require reservations, so make sure to purchase those tickets in advance. 

Business Class provides an upgraded travel experience. You’ll receive a complimentary snack and drink, priority boarding in San Diego, access to the Metropolitan Lounge at Los Angeles Union Station, and bonus Amtrak Guest Rewards points. Visit our Business Class page to learn more.

California Everyday Discounts offer year-round savings on Pacific Surfliner travel for students, seniors, kids, passengers with disabilities, and others. Visit our Offers page for more information. There are also generally special promotions throughout the year. Check the Promotions page for current offers.

Yes, Amtrak Guest Rewards members can earn points for every Amtrak ride they take. There are many benefits, including upgrades, reward travel, access to the Metropolitan Lounge at Los Angeles Union Station, and more. Enroll for free at amtrakguestrewards.com.

You can buy using our online booking tool or the Amtrak app, from Amtrak ticket agents at staffed stations, from Quik-Trak machines, or by phone at 1-800-USA-RAIL. Please note that certain promotions and discounts are only available online and require advance purchase.

The Pacific Surfliner is only able to allow service animals on board the trains. You can learn more about bringing a service animal onboard at Amtrak.com. There are other routes available from Amtrak that accommodate pets. See which routes allow pets at Amtrak.com/pets.

Service animals are animals that have been trained to perform a specific task for a person with a disability. These are the only animals that are allowed aboard Pacific Surfliner trains. Animals that are strictly for emotional support or security are not considered service animals, and they are not permitted on board. However, some Amtrak routes do allow pets. Visit the Service Animals page on Amtrak’s website for more information on the policy.

Absolutely, but you’ll need to make a free bike reservation when you book your ticket, since there is limited bike space available on each train. A bike can also be added to an existing trip by calling 1-800-USA-RAIL. Bikes are stored in the train car at the end of the train opposite from the engine. Learn more on our blog.

Amtrak Thruway Bus Service offers guaranteed connections to Pacific Surfliner trains, extending travel possibilities. Dedicated bus routes fill gaps in the train schedule, link to other Amtrak routes, and provide the first or last connection to popular destinations such as Palm Springs and Long Beach.

Trips with bus connections may show up as additional options as you are planning your trip online or in the Amtrak app. You can also view the trains with bus connections in our digital timetable. The buses are highlighted in orange on the schedule.

Children 12 and younger may not travel alone, and must be accompanied by an adult age 18 or older. An exception applies to young parents. Learn more on the Unaccompanied Minors page on Amtrak’s website.

Children ages 13, 14 and 15 may travel alone, provided they meet the conditions of Amtrak’s Unaccompanied Minor Policy. You can view the full policy on the Unaccompanied Minors page on Amtrak’s website.

Children 16 and older may travel unaccompanied without restriction, but each traveler must have valid photo ID when purchasing tickets, on board the train, and riding buses.

Note: Special exceptions are being made to the cancellation policy due to COVID-19. Please view our Travel Advisory page for the latest updates.

Normally, one-way and round-trip coach tickets will be refunded minus a 10 percent service fee. Business Class tickets are fully refundable if canceled prior to departure. You can get more details on cancellation policies on Amtrak.com.

If you’d like to postpone your trip instead of cancelling, Unreserved Coach tickets can be saved and used at a later date (up to one year from the date listed on the ticket) without making any changes to the reservation.

Yes. Gift cards for Pacific Surfliner train fares are available up to $500. Learn more

Yes, service animals that are trained to perform a specific task for the benefit of a person with a disability are permitted in all areas where passengers are allowed. Please note that emotional support animals are not considered service animals and are not allowed onboard. Visit the Service Animals page on Amtrak’s website for more information on the policy.

Yes, Amtrak dedicated Thruway bus services are accessible and lift-equipped.

Yes, the train can accommodate standard manual or battery-powered wheelchairs. The dimensions must not exceed 30" wide by 48" long, and the combined weight of the wheelchair and the occupant must not exceed 600 pounds. Accessible seating and restrooms are located on the lower level of our bi-level cars. All of the details are available on Amtrak.com. A discount is available for passengers with disabilities, and the customer can request assistance during the booking process, if needed.

In booking your trip online, select “Passenger with Disability” (one of the options under “Adult” ticket). The next screen will allow you to specify if you are blind or have vision loss, are deaf or have hearing loss, have reduced mobility, or have another disability. You can also indicate if you travel with a service animal and if you require assistance at the station. If you prefer to plan your trip by phone, you can call 800-USA-RAIL (800-872-7245). TTY service is available at 800-523-6590.

TTY service is available for those who are deaf or hard of hearing. It can be accessed at 1-800-523-6590.

We strive to share real-time updates about delays and service disruptions on the PacSurfliners Twitter account. You can also view updates on the Alerts page. If your train is delayed and you are still waiting at the station, you can listen for announcements (at staffed stations) or look for updates via electronic signage. If you are onboard the train and it is delayed, please listen for conductor announcements.

Business Class is located in the two train cars closest to the engine (locomotive). Unreserved Coach seating can be found in all other cars of the train, including the Café car. The train is typically configured like this: Locomotive, two Business Class cars, Café car, and Unreserved Coach cars. The last car (on the end opposite from the locomotive) has space for bike storage. Sometimes there are variations, but since the cars are all connected, you can board any car, then ask your conductor for help.

Make sure you know what train number you are waiting for, the time it is scheduled to arrive, and which direction you want to travel. Pay attention to the signage at the station – at larger stations like Los Angeles, electronic signage indicates what track number a train will be on, so you can follow the signs to that specific location. Smaller stations generally have signage indicating one platform for southbound trains and one platform for northbound trains. If you are at a station with an Amtrak ticket window, you can ask the station agent for help. Other riders at the station who ride the train often are generally more than happy to point you in the right direction.

Yes, there are a few prohibited items for obvious safety reasons. See a complete and detailed list of prohibited items on the Baggage Information page on Amtrak’s website.

Yes, certain specialty items, including general sporting equipment, musical instruments, surfboards and more, are allowed to be carried on or checked in lieu of a piece of baggage (size and weight limits, as well as other restrictions apply). View a comprehensive list and more details for each type of item on the Baggage Policy page on Amtrak’s website.

Reserve a spot for your bike for free when purchasing your ticket online or by phone. A bike can also be added to an existing trip by calling 1-800-USA-RAIL. Space is limited, so book a spot for your bike early. The bike storage is located at the end of the train opposite from the locomotive. If you have any questions, please ask your conductor. You can read more about bringing your bike aboard here.

All Pacific Surfliner coach cars have overhead luggage racks for smaller items. There is also storage for larger bags on the lower level of most cars, as well as at the ends of most cars on the upper level. If you have trouble finding a spot, please ask the conductor for assistance.

Not all stations offer checked baggage service. Check in advance to ensure both your origin and destination stations support checked baggage. Allow extra time (at least 45 additional minutes) prior to your departure if you are checking baggage at the station. Locate the Amtrak ticket window and speak with the station agent to drop off and pick up your luggage.

Note: Effective Wednesday, October 28, 2020, checked baggage service on the Pacific Surfliner is suspended until further notice. Please view our Travel Advisory page for the latest updates.

For the most part, you may bring up to six pieces on board without being charged. These six pieces consist of:
• Two personal items: For example, large purses, briefcases, computer backpacks. These bags can measure up to 14” x 11” x 7” each, and weigh up to 25 pounds each.
• Two carry-on bags: These bags can measure up to 28" x 22" x 11" each, and weigh up to 50 pounds each.
• Two checked bags (not available at all stations, please check in advance): These bags can measure up to 75 linear inches. That’s L+W+H, so for example, a 28" x 22" x 11" bag would be 61 linear inches (28+22+11).
You may bring more bags and/or larger bags, but you will be charged for them.
Baby gear such as strollers, diaper bags, and car seats do not count towards this limit, and you will not be charged extra for bringing any of these items.
Required medical devices will also not count towards the limit and is accepted free of charge if the passenger has a ticket issued at a mobility impaired fare.

Parking varies by station and is often run by the local municipality. The LOSSAN Agency has no control over types of parking available or any fees that may be charged. For parking information specific to your location, please visit our destinations page, select the city you are interested in, and click on the “Parking” link under “Must-Have Travel Information”.

Our route offers beautiful ocean views between San Diego and San Clemente on the south end, and between Ventura and Grover Beach on the north end. Simply sit on the west-side of the train to enjoy the ocean views. If you are traveling through Los Angeles, the train switches direction after departing the station. So if you are sitting on the west-side of the train approaching Los Angeles, you will be sitting on the east-side after departing Los Angeles! So an insider tip – sit on the side opposite of the ocean views north of Los Angeles if you want an ocean seat upon departing Los Angeles! It has to do with the nature of the station – a train may “pull” into the station but then has to “push” out of it.

Please speak with the conductor for assistance. If you suspect criminal or suspicious activity, you can send a text message to APD11 (or 27311) to alert the Amtrak Police Department, and they will send an officer to respond.

Yes, you are welcome to switch seats – just make sure to take the little slip of paper the conductor puts above your seat after he or she scans your ticket. Place that paper slip in the same area above your new seat. Please note that the sections of four seats are reserved for groups of three or more.

Yes, passengers aged 21 and older may bring their own food and drinks (excluding alcohol) and enjoy them at their seat. You cannot bring your own food and drinks into the Café car (Market Café). Alcohol that you bring cannot be consumed on board, neither at your seat nor in the Café car. However, you may drink alcoholic beverages that you purchase onboard from the Café car.

Yes, the onboard Market Café (located in Car 3, between Business Class and Unreserved Coach cars) offers a variety of snacks, sweets, light meals and beverages, including wine and craft beers. Many products are locally sourced from along the Pacific Surfliner route. Visit our Market Café page to learn more.

Note: Some items are not available to limit the amount of handling that is required due to COVID-19. Please view our Travel Advisory page for the latest updates.

Yes, and it’s free. Look for AmtrakConnect in your device’s list of available hot spots. Keep in mind that the onboard Wi-Fi does not support high-bandwidth activities such as streaming movies and music, playing online games, or downloading large files.

Please contact Amtrak’s Customer Relations team via this online form or reach out via the PacSurfliners Twitter page for assistance. You can also call 800-USA-RAIL to speak with an Amtrak representative.

Many local transit providers offer a free connection to Pacific Surfliner passengers. View information and ideas on our Transit Connections page. Of course, other options include hotel shuttles, taxis, or ridesharing services such as Uber or Lyft. 

If your destination has an Amtrak ticket window inside the station, please check there first by talking with the station agent. If not, remember your train number, the date you traveled, and your departure and arrival stations, and call 1-800-USA-RAIL. You can also complete a lost item report on Amtrak’s website.