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Trip Summary
On most days, there is one scheduled train that travels from San Juan Capistrano to Monterey. The train trip from San Juan Capistrano to Monterey is usually about 11 hours and 50 minutes long. However, traveling on the fastest Amtrak train can get you there in as little as 11 hours and 40 minutes.
| Distance | 321 mi (517 km) |
| Fastest train | 11h 40m |
| Lowest price | $81.00 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
Which train should you take from San Juan Capistrano to Monterey?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects San Juan Capistrano to Monterey. Furthermore, there is only one train per day, so you will have to plan your travel around this limited availability. On the other hand, you won't have to spend a ton of time comparing a bunch of possible options.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 1 | 11h 50m | $81.00 |
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 San Juan Capistrano to Monterey every day, as well as 0 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $81.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between San Juan Capistrano and Monterey is approximately 321 miles, or 517 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 11 hours and 50 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 11 hours and 40 minutes.
Looking for ways to pass the time? Most trains are equipped with Wi-Fi, which means you can stream music, browse social media or get some work done during your ride. That said, in case your train has a spotty signal, or is among the few without Wi-Fi, we also recommend downloading TV shows and movies to your mobile device in advance of your trip. That way the ride will fly by whatever the Wi-Fi situation.
Wednesday tends to be the busiest day of the week with travelers taking trains from San Juan Capistrano to Monterey. Ticket price also tend to be more expensive on Wednesday than other days. If you are hoping to have more room on the train and even save some change check out travel options on Wednesday instead, as less people travel then and deals are more likely to be found.
Most days, there is only one train which leaves San Juan Capistrano at 7:00am and arrives in Monterey around 11 hours later.
Typically there is only one scheduled train per day. However, it is not a direct train. This means that you will need to disembark from your original train and board a connecting train at some point during your journey. You will need to remember to bring your carry-on luggage with you when you transfer trains. Depending on the carrier's policy, you may also be responsible for transferring your own checked baggage.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Monterey to San Juan Capistrano.
City Information
San Juan Capistrano
Image credit: Unsplash
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 San Juan Capistrano?
Main departure station: 26701 Verdugo St
There is one train station in San Juan Capistrano.
All train stations in San Juan Capistrano:
26701 Verdugo St
Where is the train station in Monterey?
Main arrival station: 1 Old Golf Course Rd
There are more train stations and stops in Monterey than most cities. Most trains from San Juan Capistrano will stop at one (or more) of the 5 following stations in Monterey:
All train stations in Monterey:
1 Old Golf Course Rd
351 Fremont St
Monterey Bay Aquarium
500 Tyler St
Marriott Hotel - 350 Calle Principal
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Need a return trip from Monterey to San Juan Capistrano?
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