Cheap train tickets from Los Angeles to San Juan Capistrano

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Trip Summary

There are usually 14 daily train trips available from Los Angeles to San Juan Capistrano. Traveling by train from Los Angeles to San Juan Capistrano usually takes 2 hours and 37 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Pacific Surfliner train can make the trip in 1 hour and 14 minutes.

Distance
51 mi (81 km)
Fastest train
1h 14m
Lowest price
$21.00
Trains per day
13
Most frequent service
Amtrak Pacific Surfliner
Train lines
2

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Los Angeles to San Juan Capistrano Train Schedule

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Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for trains from Los Angeles to San Juan Capistrano (Based on 15 ratings and reviews)

4.5

5.0

Amelia

December 14, 2023 - Solo travel

Amtrak Pacific Surfliner
Pros: Efficiency Cons: None

5.0

Frank

May 19, 2023 - Visiting family

Amtrak Pacific Surfliner
Pros: All Cons: ? Tips: nope

5.0

Lynda

January 17, 2023

Amtrak
Pros: Speedy Cons: It was fine Tips: It was great

5.0

Kathryn

April 1, 2022 - Business

Amtrak Pacific Surfliner
Pros: Ease of reservation, helpfulness of staff, clean and comfortable environment

4.0

Emily

November 2, 2021 - Visiting family

Amtrak Pacific Surfliner
Pros: The convenience Cons: The wifi worked but was VERY slow
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What is the price of a train ticket from Los Angeles to San Juan Capistrano?

In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Los Angeles to San Juan Capistrano was $28. This is basically as cheap as train fares can get. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 1 day prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $6.34 more if you wait to book until the last minute.

Average train ticket prices from Los Angeles to San Juan Capistrano by travel date

$45$30$15OctOct

Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Los Angeles to San Juan Capistrano will cost between $28 and $32. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.

Average train ticket prices from Los Angeles to San Juan Capistrano by month

$50$40$30$20$10JFMAMJJASOND

Taking the train from Los Angeles to San Juan Capistrano usually costs about the same throughout the year. In general, train ticket prices for this route are fairly consistent, so expect to pay around $31 whenever you decide to travel.

Prices as travel date approaches

$50$40$30$20$1001020

The price of train trips from Los Angeles to San Juan Capistrano doesn't fluctuate much throughout the year, so you don’t need to book your tickets super far in advance. However, to avoid last-minute price surges or sold-out tickets, we recommend purchasing your train tickets at least 48 hours before departure.

Which train should you take from Los Angeles to San Juan Capistrano?

2 train services operate from Los Angeles to San Juan Capistrano. Amtrak Pacific Surfliner usually has more trains scheduled, with 13 trips per day. That said, it's still worth comparing the prices and trip durations:

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak112h 18m$110.27
Amtrak Pacific Surfliner131h 48m$23.88
  • Amtrak is the largest passenger railroad service in America, offering daily intercity trains to hundreds of destinations across the contiguous United States, as well as several cities in Canada. Every Amtrak train comes equipped with comfortable seats with extra legroom, as well as several four-seat areas with tables in the middle. In addition, each car has a freshly cleaned restroom, free WiFi and power outlets at every seat. There are also snack bars where you can purchase drinks or food during your journey. On average, there are 1 Amtrak trains from Los Angeles to San Juan Capistrano every day, as well as 4 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $26.

    Amtrak train passing through mountains, offering affordable train tickets for scenic rail travel - WanderuModern Amtrak train at a station, providing cheap train travel and convenient Amtrak tickets - WanderuAmtrak train speeding through scenic fall foliage, featuring cheap train tickets for long-distance trips - WanderuInterior view of a table in the dining car of an Amtrak train - WanderuInterior view of the dining car on an Amtrak train. Find affordable train tickets on - WanderuClean and spacious Amtrak bathroom, offering convenience and comfort for passengers during long train journeys with cheap Amtrak tickets - WanderuAmtrak power outlet for charging devices, providing convenience for passengers during affordable travel with cheap train tickets - WanderuComfortable Amtrak seats with ample legroom, ideal for relaxing during long journeys with cheap Amtrak tickets - WanderuSpacious Amtrak seats with reclining options, offering comfort and convenience for passengers on affordable train travel - WanderuAmtrak viewing car seats with large windows, offering panoramic views and comfort for passengers enjoying scenic routes with affordable train tickets - Wanderu
  • The Pacific Surfliner is Amtrak’s 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 among the most famous Amtrak routes due to the unique scenic views it presents, as the train parallels the coastline for large portions of the 268-mile railroad stretch. The Pacific Surfliner offers first-class amenities like onboard restrooms, free WiFi, seats with extra legroom and power outlets, as well as storage racks for surfboards. On average, the service offers 13 train trips from Los Angeles to San Juan Capistrano every day, and prices for a one-way train ticket start from $21.

Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Los Angeles to San Juan Capistrano

Yes, there are trains that can take you the entire way from Los Angeles to San Juan Capistrano. However, there are also some trips on this route that require you to board another vehicle, such as a bus or a shuttle, during your journey. This is worth paying attention to as you book your trip, since a direct train may be preferable for its speed and convenience.

There are 14 scheduled trains on most days. 13 of these are direct connections to San Juan Capistrano. While direct trains may still make stops along the way, you will not need to switch trains at any point. If you're looking to get to your destination faster, a direct train is the convenient and time-efficient choice. You can also take a train for your return trip from San Juan Capistrano to Los Angeles. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Los Angeles to San Juan Capistrano for $38.

Trains per day

14

Direct trains

13

The distance between Los Angeles and San Juan Capistrano is approximately 51 miles. The average train journey between these two cities takes 2 hours and 37 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 1 hour and 14 minutes. As a relatively short ride, taking the train is an easy way to travel between these two cities.

Distance (mi)

51

Distance (km)

81

The earliest train departs Los Angeles at 6:10 AM while the last train of the day leaves at 10:37 PM. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.

First train

6:10am

Last train

10:37pm

Trains from Los Angeles to San Juan Capistrano are the most crowded on Thursday. Tickets also tend to be more expensive then. If you are looking for a great deal on your train tickets or just want extra room to stretch out, consider traveling on Monday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.

Busiest

Thursday

Least crowded

Monday

City Information

Los Angeles

LAX-0LAX-1LAX-2

Los Angeles is the undisputed world capital of the entertainment business. Because of that, the City of Angels is where you will find some of the most iconic landmarks of the film and music industries, including the world-famous Walk of Fame and Dolby Theatre (home of the Academy Awards) on Hollywood Boulevard, the easily recognizable Capitol Records building at Hollywood & Vine, and the LA Live complex in Downtown Los Angeles.

The best part of LA is that it has something to offer for people of all interests: outdoor enthusiasts can hike up to the Hollywood sign, fashion aficionados can go shopping in Beverly Hills, art lovers can check out the prominent Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) in the Miracle Mile district, and those looking for a fun night out can go bar-hopping in West Hollywood. Are you a Pokémon GO addict? Well then this is the place for you because LA is the best city to catch the rarest Pokémon in the U.S.. And if you want to want to experience the famed golden coast of Southern California for yourself, head west to Santa Monica and Venice for a refreshing dip in the Pacific Ocean.

With one of the biggest airports on the West Coast and several bus and train stops across the county, Los Angeles makes it easy to travel elsewhere in California, visit the neighboring Nevada, Arizona and Mexico, or take a flight to pretty much any other part of the world.

San Juan Capistrano

San Juan Capistrano, CA, US - SNC-0

Located in Orange County, California, San Juan Capistrano is a small city founded by the Spanish in 1776. Although largely destroyed by an earthquake in 1812, this city is a growing destination south of Los Angeles and is often used as a backdrop in major Hollywood movies.

San Juan Capistrano has many historical religious sites to explore, and Mission San Juan Capistrano is one of its most renowned. The “Jewel of California Missions” includes a chapel with regular Mass, stunning gardens, and a museum to learn about the many Native American, Mexican, and Spanish influences in the region. Visit in mid-March to experience the annual Return of the Swallows celebration. Local cliff swallows return from winters in Argentina, and the Mission plans parades, fairs, and other events to welcome them home.

The area around the Mission is a historic downtown with local restaurants, green spaces, and retail services. In the center of this historic core, San Juan Capistrano's Amtrak station welcomes Pacific Surfliner trains that run from Los Angeles to San Diego.

Station Information

Where is the train station in Los Angeles?

Main departure station: Union Station

Los Angeles, CA - Union Station - LAXUST-0

Union Station is the main train station in Los Angeles and the largest railroad passenger terminal in the Western United States. The station was opened in 1939 and has become one of California’s busiest transportation hubs, serving more than 100 thousand passengers per day. Every Amtrak route that goes through Los Angeles stops at Union Station. In addition, the area around the station serves as the main bus stop for several bus carriers that conduct trips in and out of the city. Located in Downtown LA, Union Station offers easy transit connections to other parts of the city via three Metro Rail lines and one Metro Busway line, as well as a shuttle service to LAX airport. Union Station also serves as the main LA hub for six lines of Metrolink, Southern California’s primary commuter rail service.

All train stations in Los Angeles:

  • Union Station
  • Amtrak Metrolink Station - 7724 Van Nuys Blvd
  • 10040 Old Depot Plaza Rd, Chatsworth
  • Metrolink Station

Where is the train station in San Juan Capistrano?

Main arrival station: 26701 Verdugo St

San Juan Capistrano has one train station.

All train stations in San Juan Capistrano:

  • 26701 Verdugo St

Need a return trip from San Juan Capistrano to Los Angeles?

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