2024 Holiday Travel Updates

December 2024 Updates

Whether you are heading home for the holidays or off to a winter wonderland, taking the Pacific Surfliner is the perfect way to get to your holiday destination. The holidays are a busy time for train travel. Here are some simple tips for your holiday train trip.

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Travel Tips

Planning a holiday trip with the Pacific Surfliner? Here are 6 tips for making your journey as smooth as possible. 

  1. Reserve Your Seat by Booking Business Class: Large crowds are expected throughout the holiday. Ensure you have a reserved seat by booking a Business Class ticket.
  2. Ride Your Ticketed Train: Travelers are encouraged to ride the scheduled train for which they purchased a ticket. If you need to adjust your travel time, change your ticket in the Amtrak app, online at Amtrak.com, by phone at 800-USA-RAIL, or at a staffed Amtrak station.  
  3. Cancel If You Need To: Pacific Surfliner tickets can be canceled with a full refund to the original form of payment with no fees if canceled before departure.
  4. Luggage: Bring only two bags per passenger, measuring up to 28" x 22" x 11" and weighing 50 pounds or less, on board for free. Two personal items may also be brought on board. 
  5. Travel Off-Peak and Arrive Early: Morning trains typically have more availability than later trains. Customers are encouraged to arrive at the station 45 minutes before departure.
  6. See Something, Say Something: Report any suspicious activity or unattended items to an Amtrak employee or member of the Amtrak Police Department by calling (800) 331-0008, calling 911, or sending a text message to APD11 from a smartphone, or to 27311 from a standard cell phone.

With these policies and tips in mind, you’ll be on track for a relaxing journey! Book your ticket today and let us take care of the rest as you ride through the holiday season.

The Amtrak Pacific Surfliner route meanders along the majestic California coastline from San Luis Obispo through prime destinations such as Santa Barbara, Los Angeles, San Juan Capistrano, and San Diego.

Get details about track closures that are affecting Pacific Surfliner service.

The Pacific Surfliner serves stations in San Diego, Orange, Los Angeles, Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo counties.