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Trip Summary
You can pick from 2 daily train trips between Santa Ana and Pismo Beach. The average train journey from Santa Ana to Pismo Beach takes 5 hours and 2 minutes, though some trains might be a few minutes slower or faster.
| Distance | 185 mi (298 km) |
| Fastest train | 5h 2m |
| Lowest price | $42.70 |
| Trains per day | 2 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak Pacific Surfliner |
| Train lines | 1 |
Which train should you take from Santa Ana to Pismo Beach?
Amtrak Pacific Surfliner is the one and only train line which connects Santa Ana to Pismo Beach. The schedule is relatively limited as the train only runs twice a day.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak Pacific Surfliner | 2 | 5h 2m | $42.70 |
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 2 train trips from Santa Ana to Pismo Beach every day, and prices for a one-way train ticket start from $43.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Santa Ana and Pismo Beach is approximately 185 miles, or 298 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 5 hours and 2 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.
On a weekly basis, the greatest number of passengers tend to travel by trains from Santa Ana to Pismo Beach on Saturday. Tickets for Saturday tend to also be the most expensive. For savvy travelers looking for cheaper priced tickets search for travel departing on Friday. Friday also tend to have less passengers which may make boarding faster and let you snag your perfect seat.
The earliest train departs Santa Ana at 7:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 1:00pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
Trains leave the station in Santa Ana twice a day, so there are a couple of options depending on your preferred travel time. Luckily, both trains will get you to Pismo Beach with direct service. While there might still be stops along the way, you will not need to get off or switch trains.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Pismo Beach to Santa Ana.
City Information
Santa Ana
Image credit: Unsplash
Santa Ana is a sunny city in Orange County located between Anaheim and Irvine in the greater Los Angeles area. Downtown Santa Ana bustles with independent breweries, diverse restaurants, unique retail shops, weekly pop-up markets, and art centers. This lively downtown area, in addition to Santa Ana's live-work housing and creative working spaces, make it attractive to young professionals.
One of the most popular spots for visitors is the Santa Ana Zoo, where little ones can enjoy a carousel and mini-train ride along with the animal exhibits. Architecture enthusiasts will love seeing the Bowers Museum, built in a Mission Revival style, and the Heritage Museum, which has restored homes from the 1890s.
The Orange County Transportation Authority and several shuttle services provide transit within Santa Ana. Santa Ana is easily accessible from over 20 other cities by Amtrak Thruway bus or on the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner train. The primary airport for Orange County, John Wayne Airport, is located in Santa Ana and also makes it easy to travel to this vibrant SoCal spot.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Santa Ana?
Main departure station: Reg Transp Ctr - 1000 E Santa Ana Blvd
There is one train station in Santa Ana.
All train stations in Santa Ana:
Reg Transp Ctr - 1000 E Santa Ana Blvd
Where is the train station in Pismo Beach?
Main arrival station: Ocean Ave and Park Rd
Pismo Beach has one train station.
All train stations in Pismo Beach:
Ocean Ave and Park Rd
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Need a return trip from Pismo Beach to Santa Ana?
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