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Amtrak Pacific Surfliner train tickets—Search & book deals
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4.8 Rating
5k Reviews
4.5 Rating
4.8k Reviews
About Amtrak Pacific Surfliner
The Pacific Surfliner is a passenger train service that runs along the Pacific coast of Southern California, connecting San Luis Obispo to the north with San Diego to the south. The line is part of the national railway network of Amtrak, the largest passenger train service in America. The Pacific Surfliner is the third most popular Amtrak train route after the Northeast Regional and the Acela.
The Pacific Surfliner was inaugurated in 2000, after the route’s predecessor, the San Diegan, was renamed to better represent the service’s coverage. The new name was based on what the locals called the railway line that the train utilizes due to its proximity to California’s Pacific Coast – the Surf Line. While the portion between San Luis Obispo and Los Angeles is also served by Amtrak’s Coast Starlight, the Pacific Surfliner is the only Amtrak train that travels from Los Angeles to San Diego.
Running right along the coastline of the Pacific Ocean in Southern California, the Pacific Surfliner is among the most famous Amtrak routes due to the unique scenic views it presents. The train parallels the beach for large portions of the 268-mile ride, so close that the ocean water often hits the car windows.
Like most Amtrak trains, the Pacific Surfliner offers first-class amenities like onboard toilets, free WiFi, seats with extra legroom and power sockets, as well as a snack bar where you can purchase food & drinks. More importantly, though, the Surfliner serves its name right because it also comes equipped with storage racks for surfboards.
Since Amtrak is an official partner of Wanderu, here you can find the cheapest available Pacific Surfliner train tickets and book the trip that best suits your needs at no additional cost. And if you are an Amtrak Guest Rewards member, don’t forget to enter your unique number during checkout, so you can continue collecting points.
Contact Amtrak Pacific Surfliner
- Phone number:
- 1 (800) 872-7245
- Online support:
- Amtrak Pacific Surfliner website
Amtrak Pacific Surfliner Amenities
- Air conditioning
- Toilet
- Extra legroom
- Loyalty rewards
- Power points
- Snacks
- Wifi
Quickview
Amtrak Pacific Surfliner train coverage
- Daily Trips
- 2,554
- stations
- 29
- cities
- 24
- countries
- 1
- United States
What travellers are saying about Amtrak Pacific Surfliner
Here’s what Wanderu users who have booked trips with Amtrak Pacific Surfliner had to say about their travel experience.
Travelling During COVID-19
“They handled the Covid-19 safety measures well”
91%
Onboard Experience
“The internet on the train was great.”
79%“Helpful staff not only at the station but also on board.”
87%“The price was a bargain!”
94%“Train was on time on both ends of the trip.”
93%“Comfy seating with some tables for groups”
95%“The toilet and passenger compartment were clean.”
96%
Amtrak Pacific Surfliner reviews from Wanderu customers
Overall review score for Amtrak Pacific Surfliner Based on 689 reviews
4.8
Ratings (Out of 5)
| Comfort | |
|---|---|
| Timeliness | |
| Staff | |
| Value |
Amtrak Pacific Surfliner passenger reviews
Pros Everything was great the staff were kind and helpful it was a good trip... Tips bring a snack
Pros It was my first time traveling with Amtrak it was great! I enjoyed seeing the ocean, talking to a few people, eating my snack and having a little quiet time. I'm looking forward to my next trip... Cons need snacks please on the return train Tips bring snacks
Pros Having my daughter with me to enjoy the train ride Cons Nothing I can think of
Pros Convient Cons Cleaner bathroom
Pros The ease of getting from Santa Barbara to Santa Ana + a great price! And, that I didn't have to change trains in LA Cons Train was 20 minutes getting into Santa Ana & I would have missed my UBER had the driver arranged to stay. Whew! Tips Don't book your pick-up at the exact time the the train is scheduled to arrive.
Pros Like the view Cons N/A Tips Nice trip
Pros Peace ful Cons Nothing Tips Ride amtrak
Pros nice window seat Cons there was nothing to eat or drink in Business class. I asked and was brought a small bottle of water and some Oreos
Pros easier than flying Cons easier to understand announcements
Pros We had had an unfortunate experience at Santa Barbara, and I thought it was handled very well. We ended up back four hours late, but we were kept informed as much as they could.!! Cons Nothing, I’m aware of Tips On time and efficient, but things do happen!
Pros Always kept informed of stops. Very personable staff! Especially the gal in the little canteen.!! Cons No improvements needed that I can tell Tips Be prepared to just relax and enjoy the ride
Pros This was my first time riding Amtrak. I was so thrilled with the comfort, the relaxing and spacious seat, and the clean BA. I loved the 120v outlet. I was very excited and completely satisfied. I loved the concession center. The conductors were very kind. I am from Tennessee, and I will be searching for Amtrak trip… Cons I don't see any at this time.. Impressed with the wifii.
Pros Besides taking a bus and/or driving, railway is a nice alternative between SD and LA. Cons All of my past travels by railway had been pleasant. Thanks for providing a nice service. Tips Enjoy your train ride.
Pros Comfortable Cons Old Town transit station could have better signage for the Surfliner because l got there early and missed the train to Los Angeles by the time I realized I was sitting at the wrong place i couldn’t get to the north bound train, I wasn’t the only one. Fortunately I was able to catch the next train.
Pros Easy with a scenic view Cons Nothing at the moment Tips enjoy the ride
Pros The scenery was lovely and we stopped in so many great towns. which was so nice. Cons What could be improved is the overall customer experience with the conductors, particularly in the way they ask to see tickets and address passengers who are seated in Business Class without a Business Class ticket. At times, the interactions came across as abrupt or discourteous. I understand that conductors have a responsibility to enforce the seating policies, but there is a way to exercise that authority while still treating passengers with kindness and respect. Many passengers, especially those who are new to Amtrak or unfamiliar with how the seating process works, may not realize they are in the wrong section. Instead of making them feel as though they have done something wrong, it would be much more welcoming to simply explain the policy and direct them to the appropriate seating area. Those of us who purchase Business Class are looking forward to a comfortable and enjoyable experience. A more friendly and professional approach when addressing passengers would greatly improve the overall experience for everyone. This is what the conductor could have said, "Thank you so much for choosing to travel with Amtrak. We truly appreciate your business and hope you're enjoying your journey with us. To sit in the Business Class section, a Business Class ticket is required. If you would like to upgrade, you can do so through the Amtrak app or by calling our Customer Service team prior to your arrival today on this train. If you do not have a Business Class ticket, we kindly ask that you take a seat in the Coach car located right next to this one. We'd be happy to help you find a seat if needed. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. We hope you have a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable trip with us." Tips To make your journey as comfortable as possible, I encourage you to purchase your Business Class seat upgrade before boarding. This helps ensure you'll be seated in the correct section and can immediately enjoy the benefits of Business Class.
Pros This is the first time that I took the train to south Cal and I am impressed. Tips Take the business train but book in advance so you get the good deal
Pros I didn’t have to drive Cons Everything, the condition of the train, very very old, noisy, seats dirty, tables almost broken and…no charges Tips None
Pros Nice Cons Add more route
Pros Comfort Tips Enjoy the relaxing trip.
Amtrak Pacific Surfliner Routes & Network
Amtrak Pacific Surfliner’s train network features 688 train routes that connect 24 cities serving 29 stations. On average, Amtrak Pacific Surfliner performs about 2,554 train trips every day. The top cities to which Amtrak Pacific Surfliner offers the highest number of daily train service include Los Angeles and San Diego.
| City | Daily Trips | Earliest train | Latest train |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles | 392 | 4:01 | 23:18 |
| San Diego | 308 | 0:05 | 23:53 |
| Santa Barbara | 108 | 4:01 | 21:35 |
| Oceanside | 130 | 4:01 | 23:53 |
| Irvine | 129 | 4:01 | 23:16 |
| Solana Beach | 131 | 0:05 | 23:53 |
| Anaheim | 146 | 4:01 | 23:08 |
| San Juan Capistrano | 124 | 4:01 | 23:39 |
| San Luis Obispo | 40 | 5:13 | 20:14 |
Most popular Amtrak Pacific Surfliner routes
The train from Los Angeles to San Diego is Amtrak Pacific Surfliner’s most popular route. Trips from Los Angeles to Santa Barbara and Los Angeles to Oceanside are also highly popular.
| Route | Daily Trips | Duration | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles – San Diego | 52 | 3 hrs, 27 mins | SEK 178 |
| Los Angeles – Santa Barbara | 20 | 2 hrs, 9 mins | SEK 248 |
| Los Angeles – Oceanside | 26 | 2 hrs, 35 mins | SEK 119 |
| Irvine – San Diego | 25 | 1 hr, 47 mins | SEK 258 |
| Los Angeles – Solana Beach | 26 | 2 hrs, 50 mins | SEK 139 |
| Anaheim – San Diego | 25 | 2 hrs, 10 mins | SEK 129 |
| San Juan Capistrano – San Diego | 24 | 1 hr, 34 mins | SEK 228 |
| Irvine – Los Angeles | 24 | 1 hr, 32 mins | SEK 188 |
| Fullerton – San Diego | 25 | 2 hrs, 18 mins | SEK 139 |
Amtrak Pacific Surfliner Cancellation Policy
All Amtrak Pacific Surfliner tickets can be cancelled for a full refund within the first 24 hours after purchase. If more than 24 hours have passed, the cancellation policy and change fee structure for Amtrak bookings depend on the type of fare you purchased:
Saver Fare tickets: A 25% fee applies for any changes. If you cancel the trip, you will receive an eVoucher worth 75% of the original ticket price.
Value Fare tickets: No change fees and fully refundable up to 15 or more days before departure. If cancelled less than 14 days before departure, a 25% cancellation fee applies.
Flexible, Business and Premium Fare tickets: No change fees and fully refundable if cancelled or changed before departure.
Tickets are non-refundable and non-exchangeable after the train has departed, so be sure to make your updates as soon as possible if your travel plans change.
If your Amtrak Pacific Surfliner ticket is eligible for change or cancellation, you can do that by calling Amtrak’s customer service phone number at 1 (800) 872-7245. To cancel or change your booking online, simply go to www.amtrak.com and click on the “Modify Trip” tab in the upper right corner.
Wanderu also offers an affordable trip protection option by Allianz Global Assistance that you can purchase when booking your tickets. In addition to 24-hour assistance during your trip and coverage for lost or damaged baggage, trip protection can help you get your money back in case you need to cancel or change your trip. You can file a claim to have any Amtrak change or cancellation fees reimbursed if you cannot travel due to covered reasons such as illness, extreme weather, or required work shifts.
Amtrak Pacific Surfliner Baggage Policy
Hand Luggage—Two (2) personal items – max. weight: 25 lbs (12 kg), max. dimensions: 14 x 11 x 7 in (35 x 28 x 18 cm)—Two (2) cabin bags – max. weight: 50 lbs (23 kg), max. dimensions: 28 x 22 x 14 in (71 x 56 x 35 cm)
Additional Hand Luggage Rules:—Pushchairs and car seats do not count towards the hand luggage limit.—A $20 excess baggage fee will be charged for each cabin bag and personal item above the quantity and size limits.
Checked Baggage Checked baggage service is currently suspended on Pacific Surfliner trains.
Special Items—Folding bikes (max 34 x 15.5 x 48 inches / 86 x 39 x 122 cm) can be carried on board for free.—Wheelchairs, walkers, and CPAP machines can be brought onboard for free.
For more information, check out Amtrak's Baggage Policy page.
Amtrak Pacific Surfliner Train Guide & FAQs
The Pacific Surfliner can go as fast as 90 mph, with an average speed of 41 mph. It takes roughly 5 hours and 45 minutes to travel the entire length of the route between San Diego and San Luis Obispo.
You can get a full refund if your ticket is cancelled within 24 hours of your initial reservation. After that, a refund is no longer available.
You’ll have access to a wide variety of amenities when travelling on the Pacific Surfliner. Every train consists of a business class car, three coach cars, a café car, and a coach or baggage car. Checked baggage is stored on a lower lever with coach seating provided in the upper level.
Business Class: Whether you’re booking the Pacific Surfliner tickets for a short commute or travelling long distance, consider the Business Class experience. For an additional $15 charge, passengers who ride Business Class enjoy the best amenities, including complimentary newspapers, free beverage and snack service, reclining seats and extra leg room. Each seat is also equipped with power sockets, Wi-Fi, reading lights and large tray tables to make your journey even more relaxing and comfortable.
Coach Class: Great for both short and long distance trips, coach class offers lots of legroom. Passengers will enjoy comfortable seats equipped with power sockets, Wi-Fi, adjustable lighting, and fold-down tray tables.
Café car: Open to all Pacific Surfliner passengers, the café car offers a great solution to the travellers who didn’t have a time to grab a snack before boarding. No need to worry about the food anymore when you're rushing to catch your train. Ready to satisfy any taste, Pacific Surfliner Cafe offers different meals, snacks and deserts, as well as premium wines and beers.
Yes, Amtrak Pacific Surfliner offers WiFi on their trains. Although most trips with Amtrak Pacific Surfliner will have WiFi as advertised, some trains might not come equipped with WiFi and onboard WiFi can lose its connection in rural areas. We recommend you bring a book or download a film just to play it safe. Amtrak Pacific Surfliner WiFi is generally best used for surfing the web, checking emails and chatting with friends; you shouldn’t count on the WiFi to binge-watch your favourite show.
Yes, there are power sockets onboard Amtrak Pacific Surfliner trains. You can generally find one or two sockets per row of seats, so be a good traveller and check if your seat neighbour might want to charge up their devices as well. With the onboard power sockets, you can charge both a computer and USB devices with a USB power adapter that typically comes with most phones and tablets.
Since Amtrak Pacific Surfliner might sometimes use replacement train vehicles, not all trips are guaranteed to have power points. We recommend bringing a power bank to charge your phone for all trips over 2 hours, just in case.
On a typical day, Amtrak Pacific Surfliner has 2,554 scheduled train trips in total. However, the exact departure and arrival times vary depending on the day and route. The best way to find the exact schedule for your trip is to use the search tool on this page.
No, Amtrak Pacific Surfliner does not offer will call tickets. You should purchase your tickets online and make sure you have everything you need to board before you arrive at the station.
Yes, Amtrak Pacific Surfliner requires you to present an ID to an agent to be allowed to board the train. Make sure you have identification issued by a government agency that meets the carrier’s requirements. Alternative IDs, such as a college ID, won’t work.
Yes, there are bathrooms on Amtrak Pacific Surfliner trains. The bathrooms are pretty basic and include a toilet, toilet paper and hand sanitizer. Most bathrooms don’t have running water. As you will be using a bathroom on a moving vehicle, please use caution and hold on to a rail at all times.
Amtrak Pacific Surfliner provides snacks to satisfy your hunger during your travels. Be sure to pack a credit card and some cash in case you get hungry.
Amtrak Pacific Surfliner does not require a printed ticket to board the train. Instead, an eTicket is sent to you by email when you make your reservation. You can use your smartphone to show this eTicket to the ticketing agent as you board.
Amtrak Pacific Surfliner goes the extra distance to deliver premium features to its customers.
Do you find yourself squished in a regular seat or just love having extra room to sprawl out? Well you’re in luck as Amtrak Pacific Surfliner offers extra legroom seating. Since there is no standard of what extra legroom is, the extra space you get may vary between train lines, but getting extra is always good.
Yes, Amtrak Pacific Surfliner allows minors 13-16 years of age to travel unaccompanied, with restrictions. Children aged 12 and under must travel with another person who is at least 18 years old.
Tickets for unaccompanied minors cannot be booked online and must be booked by calling Amtrak at +1 (800) 872-7245.
Cheap Amtrak Pacific Surfliner tickets recently found on Wanderu
With 2,554 trips per day on Amtrak Pacific Surfliner, there are a lot of great deals to uncover for the bargain hunter, and Amtrak Pacific Surfliner tickets start at just SEK 19.82. Check out some of the latest and greatest deals snatched up by Wanderu users.
- Los Angeles – Santa Barbara
Travel Date 30 Oct 2026
Price SEK 248
- Fullerton – Los Angeles
Travel Date 30 Oct 2026
Price SEK 139
How do I get the best deal on Amtrak Pacific Surfliner tickets?
Wanderu is the best place to score cheap Amtrak Pacific Surfliner tickets. Wanderu offers the lowest available fares every day and charges no extra booking fees. Plus, you can compare Amtrak Pacific Surfliner prices with trips offered by other train companies to be sure you’re getting the best deal on your tickets!
Pro travellers know that booking your ticket well in advance is key to finding the lowest price. Ticket prices normally go up the closer you get to the travel date, so don’t miss out on a good deal when you see one. If you can be flexible with your travel date, you can also get cheap tickets by travelling on weekdays instead of weekends.
When you’re ready to book, type your departure city and destination city in the search bar above, select your travel date, and let Wanderu work its magic to show you all of the best coach and train ticket prices available for your trip. Pick the ticket that’s best for your budget, schedule, and preferences, and complete the booking right on Wanderu to secure your great deal.
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