Booking Amtrak In California
Dreaming of exploring California’s stunning landscapes without the stress of traffic? Amtrak offers a fantastic way to experience the Golden State, from its sun-drenched beaches to its majestic mountains and bustling city centers. With a network of convenient stations and a variety of scenic routes, train travel in California is not just a mode of transport – it’s an experience.
This complete guide will navigate you through California’s Amtrak network, detailing the major routes, key stations, and vital connections to cities and airports across the state.
Why Choose Amtrak for Your California Adventure?
- Scenic Views: Many routes hug the coastline or wind through picturesque valleys and mountain passes.
- Relaxation: Forget road rage! Recline, read, work, or simply watch the world go by.
- Convenience: Stations are often centrally located, offering easy access to urban attractions.
- Eco-Friendly: A greener way to travel compared to driving or flying for many routes.
- Comfort: More legroom than airplanes and a more spacious experience than a car.
California is served by three primary state-supported Amtrak routes – the Pacific Surfliner, San Joaquins, and Capitol Corridor – collectively known as the “Amtrak California” services. Additionally, two long-distance Amtrak routes, the Coast Starlight and California Zephyr, pass through the state.
1. The Pacific Surfliner: Southern California’s Coastal Journey
Route: San Luis Obispo to San Diego Highlights: Hugs the stunning Southern California coastline, connecting popular beach towns and major metropolitan areas like Los Angeles and San Diego. Frequent service makes it ideal for day trips or longer explorations.
Key Stations & Local Connections:
| Station (Code) | Key Connecting City/Area | Distance to Airport/City Center (Miles) | Notes & Connections |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Diego (SAN) | Downtown San Diego | 3 (to SAN Airport) | Walkable to Gaslamp Quarter; Trolley, Local Buses |
| Old Town San Diego (OLT) | Old Town San Diego | 5 (to SAN Airport) | Walkable to historic Old Town; Trolley, MTS Bus |
| Solana Beach (SOL) | Solana Beach | 18 (to SAN Airport) | Walkable to Cedros Design District; Local Buses |
| Oceanside (OSD) | Camp Pendleton | 4 (to Camp Pendleton main gate) | Connects to COASTER (N. San Diego Co.), SPRINTER |
| Anaheim (ANA) | Disneyland Resort | 1 (to Disneyland main gate) | Anaheim Resort Transit (ART) to Disneyland, ARTIC |
| Los Angeles (LAX) | Downtown LA, Hollywood | 18 (to LAX Airport) | Metro Rail (multiple lines), FlyAway Bus to LAX, Metrolink |
| Burbank Airport-South (BUR) | Hollywood Burbank Airport | ~0.5 (walk) | Walkable to Airport Terminal A & B, Metrolink |
| Ventura (VEC) | Downtown Ventura | 40 (to SBA Airport) | Walkable to downtown, local buses |
| Santa Barbara (SBA) | Downtown Santa Barbara | 10 (to SBA Airport) | Walkable to Stearns Wharf, local buses |
| San Luis Obispo (SLO) | Downtown SLO | 5 (to SBP Airport) | Local buses, easy access to downtown |
2. The San Joaquins: Central Valley’s Lifeline
Route: Bakersfield to Oakland or Sacramento Highlights: Serves California’s vast Central Valley, offering connections to bus services for destinations like Yosemite National Park, Sequoia/Kings Canyon National Parks, Lake Tahoe, and the Monterey Bay Area.
Key Stations & Local Connections:
| Station (Code) | Key Connecting City/Area | Distance to Airport/City Center (Miles) | Notes & Connections |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bakersfield (BFL) | Downtown Bakersfield | 7 (to Meadows Field BFL) | Amtrak Thruway Bus connections to Southern CA, Vegas |
| Fresno (FNO) | Downtown Fresno | 6 (to Fresno Yosemite FAT) | FAX local bus, Amtrak Thruway Buses |
| Merced (MCD) | Yosemite National Park | 80 (to Yosemite Valley by bus) | Amtrak Thruway Bus to Yosemite, local transit |
| Stockton (SKN) | Downtown Stockton | 10 (to Stockton Metro SCK) | RTD local bus, San Joaquin RTD (local + regional bus) |
| Sacramento (SAC) | Downtown Sacramento | 12 (to Sacramento Intl. SMF) | RT light rail, Capitol Corridor transfers, Yolobus |
| Oakland – Jack London Sq (OKJ) | Downtown Oakland, Bay Area | 8 (to Oakland Intl. OAK) | BART shuttle to OAK, AC Transit, Capitol Corridor transfers |
| Emeryville (EMY) | San Francisco, Berkeley | 14 (to SFO Airport via BART) | Amtrak Thruway Bus to San Francisco, AC Transit bus |
3. The Capitol Corridor: Bay Area & Sacramento’s Express
Route: San Jose to Sacramento (with select trains to Auburn) Highlights: High-frequency service in the bustling Northern California Corridor, connecting major Bay Area cities, universities, and the state capital. Often used by commuters and regional travelers.
Key Stations & Local Connections:
| Station (Code) | Key Connecting City/Area | Distance to Airport/City Center (Miles) | Notes & Connections |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose – Diridon (SJC) | Downtown San Jose | 3 (to San Jose Intl. SJC) | VTA Light Rail & Bus, Caltrain, ACE, Amtrak Thruway |
| Fremont (FMT) | Fremont | 12 (to San Jose Intl. SJC) | AC Transit, BART (short walk) |
| Oakland – Coliseum (OAC) | Oakland Coliseum | <1 (to OAK Airport via AirBART) | BART directly adjacent, AC Transit |
| Oakland – Jack London Sq (OKJ) | Downtown Oakland, Bay Area | 8 (to Oakland Intl. OAK) | BART shuttle to OAK, AC Transit, San Joaquins transfers |
| Berkeley (BKY) | UC Berkeley | 20 (to SFO Airport via BART) | Walkable to UC Berkeley, AC Transit, BART |
| Richmond (RIC) | Richmond | 25 (to SFO Airport via BART) | BART directly adjacent, AC Transit |
| Davis (DAV) | UC Davis | 15 (to Sacramento Intl. SMF) | Walkable to UC Davis, Unitrans local bus |
| Sacramento (SAC) | Downtown Sacramento | 12 (to Sacramento Intl. SMF) | RT light rail, San Joaquins transfers, Yolobus |
| Roseville (RSV) | Roseville | 20 (to Sacramento Intl. SMF) | Roseville Transit |
| Auburn (AUB) | Gold Country, Lake Tahoe | 40 (to Lake Tahoe via bus) | Amtrak Thruway Bus to Lake Tahoe, Auburn Transit |
4. Long-Distance Amtrak Routes Through California
While the “Amtrak California” services focus on intra-state travel, two iconic long-distance routes offer a grander journey, passing through California on their way across the country.
A. Coast Starlight: The West Coast’s Premier Train
Route: Seattle to Los Angeles Highlights: Renowned for its breathtaking scenery, including dramatic stretches of Pacific coastline, the Cascade Mountains, and fertile valleys. Offers sleeping cars and a popular observation car. Key California Stops: Emeryville, Oakland, San Jose, Salinas, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Oxnard, Simi Valley, Van Nuys, Glendale, Los Angeles (Union Station). (Distances to cities/airports for these stops are similar to the Surfliner/Capitol Corridor tables above).
B. California Zephyr: Through the Rockies and Sierras
Route: Chicago to Emeryville (San Francisco Bay Area) Highlights: A truly epic adventure, traversing the majestic Rocky Mountains, the Nevada desert, and the stunning Sierra Nevada range. Also features sleeping cars and observation car. Key California Stops: Truckee, Colfax, Roseville, Sacramento, Davis, Martinez, Emeryville. (Sacramento, Davis, Emeryville connections detailed in San Joaquins/Capitol Corridor tables).
C. Southwest Chief (Limited California Presence)
Route: Chicago to Los Angeles Highlights: Primarily crosses the Midwest and Southwest, offering views of deserts and canyons. Its California segment is brief, with the only stop in the state being Needles (NDL) in the far southeastern corner, serving as a gateway to the Mojave Desert. Key California Stop:
- Needles (NDL): Very remote, primarily a transit point. Best for serious desert explorers.
- Distance to local airport: 0.5 miles to Needles Airport (EED – small general aviation).
- Distance to larger city/airport: 100+ miles to Laughlin/Bullhead City (IFP).
Essential Tips for Amtrak California Travel
- Book in Advance: Especially for popular routes, holidays, or if you need specific seating (e.g., business class on Surfliner).
- Amtrak App: Great for booking, checking train status, and e-tickets.
- Luggage: Most routes allow carry-on bags. Some stations offer checked baggage service (check specific station/route info).
- Onboard Services: Cafe cars are available on all routes, offering snacks, meals, and beverages. Wi-Fi is often available but can be spotty.
- Connections: Utilize Amtrak Thruway Buses for seamless connections to destinations not directly served by train, including airports and attractions. Check local transit websites for bus, subway (BART, Metro), and light rail connections.
- Accessibility: Amtrak trains are generally ADA compliant. Inquire about specific needs when booking.
California by train offers a unique perspective on the Golden State, allowing you to bypass traffic and truly savor the journey. Whether you’re exploring the coast, the Central Valley, or heading for a grand cross-country adventure, Amtrak provides a comfortable, convenient, and memorable way to travel.
Ready to plan your trip? Visit Amtrak.com or download the Amtrak app to explore schedules, fares, and book your next California train adventure!