Anaheim isn’t just home to theme park magic and sports excitement; it’s also a vital hub for rail travel in Southern California. If you’re planning a trip to the Happiest Place on Earth, catching an Angels game, or simply exploring the region, understanding Anaheim’s Amtrak station – the Anaheim Regional Transportation Intermodal Center (ARTIC) – is key.
This guide will give you everything you need to know about ARTIC, including its services, connections, and crucial distances to major cities and airports.
Welcome to ARTIC: Anaheim’s Architectural Marvel
First, let’s get acquainted with the station itself. ARTIC isn’t your average train station; it’s an award-winning, architecturally striking facility that opened in 2014. Resembling a giant, gleaming “space helmet” or an elegant seashell, its unique design with a massive curved glass and steel roof makes it a landmark in its own right. It’s also LEED Platinum certified, making it one of the most sustainable transportation centers in the world.
Location: 2626 E Katella Ave, Anaheim, CA 92806
Services & Amenities at ARTIC:
- Ticketing & Waiting Areas: Spacious and comfortable, with digital displays for train information.
- Restrooms: Clean and modern facilities.
- Food & Beverage: A small selection of cafes and quick-service restaurants (options may vary).
- Free Wi-Fi: Stay connected while you wait.
- Charging Stations: Keep your devices powered up.
- Bicycle Storage: Racks available for cyclists.
- Customer Service: Staff are usually on hand to assist with inquiries.
Amtrak Services from ARTIC
ARTIC primarily serves one of Amtrak’s most popular routes: the Pacific Surfliner.
The Pacific Surfliner is a scenic coastal route connecting San Luis Obispo in the north to San Diego in the south, passing through major cities like Santa Barbara, Los Angeles, and of course, Anaheim. It’s renowned for its comfortable double-decker cars, ocean views, and convenient service.
Key Destinations & Travel Times from ARTIC (via Amtrak Pacific Surfliner)
When planning your rail journey from Anaheim, here are approximate travel times to popular cities along the Pacific Surfliner route. Note: Times can vary based on specific train schedules, track work, and unforeseen delays.
- Los Angeles (Union Station – LAX FlyAway Bus connections available):
- Approx. Travel Time: 45 – 55 minutes
- Why go? Connect to other Amtrak routes (Coast Starlight, Southwest Chief, Sunset Limited), explore Downtown LA, Hollywood, or Pasadena.
- San Diego (Santa Fe Depot):
- Approx. Travel Time: 2 hours 10 minutes – 2 hours 30 minutes
- Why go? Enjoy San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter, Balboa Park, Coronado Island, and beautiful beaches.
- Oceanside (Transportation Center):
- Approx. Travel Time: 1 hour – 1 hour 15 minutes
- Why go? Access to Camp Pendleton, Oceanside Pier, and a hub for North County Transit District (NCTD).
- Irvine (Irvine Transportation Center):
- Approx. Travel Time: 15 – 20 minutes
- Why go? Connect to Orange County’s business centers and UCI.
- Santa Barbara (Santa Barbara Station):
- Approx. Travel Time: 2 hours 45 minutes – 3 hours 15 minutes
- Why go? Explore the “American Riviera” with its Spanish colonial architecture, beaches, and wine country.
- San Luis Obispo (San Luis Obispo Station):
- Approx. Travel Time: 5 hours 30 minutes – 6 hours
- Why go? Gateway to Central Coast wine regions, Cal Poly SLO, and scenic outdoor activities.
Getting to Key Anaheim Attractions from ARTIC
ARTIC’s location is incredibly convenient for Anaheim’s biggest draws:
- Disneyland Resort (Disneyland Park & Disney California Adventure):
- Distance: Approximately 1.5 – 2 miles
- How to get there: The Anaheim Resort Transit (ART) offers frequent shuttle service directly from ARTIC to the Disneyland parks. Rideshare services (Uber/Lyft) and taxis are also readily available.
- Angel Stadium of Anaheim (Home of the Angels Baseball Team):
- Distance: Approximately 0.5 miles (a short walk!)
- How to get there: Easily walkable or a very quick shuttle/rideshare.
- Honda Center (Home of the Anaheim Ducks Hockey Team & Concert Venue):
- Distance: Approximately 0.7 miles (a short walk!)
- How to get there: Also easily walkable or a very quick shuttle/rideshare.
- Anaheim Convention Center:
- Distance: Approximately 2.5 – 3 miles
- How to get there: Served by the Anaheim Resort Transit (ART) shuttles, rideshare, or taxi.
Distances & Travel Times to Major Airports from ARTIC
While Amtrak doesn’t go directly to airports, ARTIC offers great connections to local ground transportation that can get you there efficiently. Note: These are driving distances and estimated times; traffic in Southern California can significantly impact travel duration.
- John Wayne Airport (SNA) – Santa Ana:
- Distance: Approximately 10 miles
- Estimated Travel Time (Car/Rideshare): 15 – 25 minutes (often the quickest and easiest)
- Transportation: Taxis, rideshare, or OCTA bus routes can connect you.
- Los Angeles International Airport (LAX):
- Distance: Approximately 35 miles
- Estimated Travel Time (Car/Rideshare): 45 – 90+ minutes (highly dependent on traffic, which can be severe)
- Transportation: Amtrak to LA Union Station, then the LAX FlyAway Bus is a popular option. Direct shuttle services, rideshare, and taxis are also available.
- Long Beach Airport (LGB):
- Distance: Approximately 18 miles
- Estimated Travel Time (Car/Rideshare): 25 – 45 minutes
- Transportation: Taxis, rideshare, or local bus routes.
- Ontario International Airport (ONT):
- Distance: Approximately 30 miles
- Estimated Travel Time (Car/Rideshare): 35 – 60 minutes
- Transportation: Taxis, rideshare, or a combination of Metrolink/bus services.
Tips for a Smooth Journey through ARTIC
- Check Schedules: Always verify Amtrak and Metrolink schedules directly on their official websites (Amtrak.com, MetrolinkTrains.com) as times can change.
- Arrive Early: Especially if you need to purchase tickets or are unfamiliar with the station.
- Luggage: Be aware of Amtrak’s luggage policies.
- Accessibility: ARTIC is fully ADA compliant, offering elevators, ramps, and accessible restrooms.
- Parking: Paid parking is available at ARTIC for both short-term and long-term stays.
Whether you’re visiting the Magic Kingdom, catching a game, or embarking on a scenic train journey, Anaheim’s ARTIC station provides a convenient and impressive gateway to Southern California. Enjoy your trip!
Leave a Reply