Dreaming of a scenic train journey, leaving the Southern California traffic behind? If you’re in Arcadia, you might be wondering, “Where’s my nearest Amtrak station?”
Here’s the essential truth: Arcadia, California, does not have its own dedicated Amtrak station.
However, don’t let that derail your travel plans! Arcadia is exceptionally well-situated to access two of Southern California’s most vital Amtrak hubs: the iconic Los Angeles Union Station (LAUS) and the bustling Fullerton Transportation Center. This guide will show you how to get to these stations and what train travel possibilities await you.
Your Primary Gateway: Los Angeles Union Station (LAUS)
Without a doubt, LA Union Station is your most direct and comprehensive connection to the Amtrak network from Arcadia. It’s a grand, historic terminal that serves as a major intermodal hub for Amtrak, Metrolink, and Los Angeles Metro Rail.
Getting to LA Union Station from Arcadia:
This is where Arcadia’s location truly shines!
- Metro A Line (Light Rail): This is your easiest and most convenient option. You can hop on the Metro A Line (formerly the Gold Line) directly from multiple stations in Arcadia (e.g., Arcadia Station, 1st Avenue Station). The A Line runs straight to Union Station, offering a stress-free ride without traffic.
- Travel Time: Approximately 30-40 minutes by A Line.
- Driving/Ride-Share: If you prefer to drive, Union Station is approximately 15-20 miles west of Arcadia.
- Travel Time: 25-45 minutes, depending heavily on traffic conditions (which can be significant during peak hours). Parking is available at Union Station.
Amtrak Routes from LA Union Station:
From LAUS, you can connect to a wide array of Amtrak services:
- Pacific Surfliner: Southern California’s popular coastal route, heading south to San Diego or north to Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo.
- Coast Starlight: A legendary long-distance route traveling north to Seattle, with stops in Santa Barbara, Oakland (for San Francisco), Portland, and more.
- Southwest Chief: Heading east through the desert to Chicago, with stops in Arizona, New Mexico, Kansas, and Missouri.
- Sunset Limited: The southernmost transcontinental route, traveling east to New Orleans, with stops in Arizona, Texas, and Louisiana.
- Texas Eagle: Connects to the Sunset Limited in San Antonio, offering service further north into Texas and through Arkansas to Chicago.
Key City Distances & Estimated Travel Times (from LA Union Station):
- To San Diego (via Pacific Surfliner):
- Distance: ~125 miles
- Train Travel Time: 2 hours 45 minutes – 3 hours
- To Santa Barbara (via Pacific Surfliner/Coast Starlight):
- Distance: ~95 miles
- Train Travel Time: 2 hours 30 minutes – 3 hours
- To San Luis Obispo (via Pacific Surfliner):
- Distance: ~225 miles
- Train Travel Time: 5 hours 30 minutes – 6 hours
- To Oakland/San Francisco (via Coast Starlight + Thruway Bus):
- Distance: ~400 miles (to Oakland)
- Train Travel Time: 10-12 hours (includes bus connection to SF)
- To Chicago (via Southwest Chief):
- Distance: ~2250 miles
- Train Travel Time: Approximately 40-43 hours
- To New Orleans (via Sunset Limited):
- Distance: ~2000 miles
- Train Travel Time: Approximately 48-50 hours
Airport Distances & Estimated Travel Times (from LA Union Station):
- Los Angeles International Airport (LAX):
- Distance: ~18 miles
- Travel Time: 30-60 minutes by car/ride-share. LAX FlyAway Bus from Union Station is a convenient option (~45-60 min).
- Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR):
- Distance: ~12 miles
- Travel Time: 20-40 minutes by car/ride-share. Metrolink and Amtrak offer connections with a short shuttle ride to the terminal (~30-45 min total).
- Long Beach Airport (LGB):
- Distance: ~25 miles
- Travel Time: 40-70 minutes by car/ride-share. Public transit involves multiple transfers.
- John Wayne Airport (SNA) – Orange County:
- Distance: ~40 miles
- Travel Time: 45-90 minutes by car/ride-share. Amtrak (Surfliner) to Santa Ana + ride-share/taxi is an option.
- Ontario International Airport (ONT):
- Distance: ~35 miles
- Travel Time: 40-70 minutes by car/ride-share. Can connect via Metrolink with shuttle transfer.
Your Secondary Option: Fullerton Transportation Center
The Fullerton Transportation Center, while further than LAUS, is another significant Amtrak hub, especially for those primarily interested in the Pacific Surfliner route. It’s a charming, historic station that also serves Metrolink.
Getting to Fullerton Transportation Center from Arcadia:
- Driving/Ride-Share: This is the most practical way to reach Fullerton from Arcadia.
- Distance: Approximately 25-30 miles southeast of Arcadia.
- Travel Time: 35-60 minutes, depending on traffic, especially on the 605 and 91 freeways.
- Public Transit: This would involve multiple transfers via Metro A Line to LAUS, then Metrolink to Fullerton, making it a much longer journey.
Amtrak Routes from Fullerton Transportation Center:
- Pacific Surfliner: North to Santa Barbara/San Luis Obispo, and south to San Diego.
- Southwest Chief: Select trains will stop here on their way to/from Chicago.
- Sunset Limited: Select trains will stop here on their way to/from New Orleans.
Key City Distances & Estimated Travel Times (from Fullerton):
- To San Diego (via Pacific Surfliner):
- Distance: ~90 miles
- Train Travel Time: 1 hour 45 minutes – 2 hours 15 minutes
- To Santa Barbara (via Pacific Surfliner):
- Distance: ~130 miles
- Train Travel Time: 3 hours 30 minutes – 4 hours
- To Los Angeles Union Station (via Pacific Surfliner/Metrolink):
- Distance: ~25 miles
- Train Travel Time: 30-45 minutes
Airport Distances & Estimated Travel Times (from Fullerton):
- John Wayne Airport (SNA) – Orange County:
- Distance: ~15 miles
- Travel Time: 25-45 minutes by car/ride-share. Can also take Amtrak (Surfliner) one stop to Santa Ana + short ride-share/taxi.
- Long Beach Airport (LGB):
- Distance: ~18 miles
- Travel Time: 30-50 minutes by car/ride-share.
- Ontario International Airport (ONT):
- Distance: ~25 miles
- Travel Time: 35-60 minutes by car/ride-share.
Why Choose Train Travel from SoCal?
Even with the initial connection from Arcadia, train travel offers distinct advantages:
- Relaxation: Avoid the stress of freeway traffic, sit back, and enjoy the views.
- Scenery: Especially along the Pacific Surfliner route, the ocean views are breathtaking.
- Space: More legroom and freedom to move around than on an airplane or bus.
- Amenities: Cafe cars, Wi-Fi (on some routes), and comfortable seating.
- Convenience: Arrive in the heart of many cities, often avoiding the need for further airport transfers.
Tips for a Smooth Journey from Arcadia:
- Plan Ahead: Book your Amtrak tickets in advance, especially for popular routes or peak travel times.
- Check Schedules: Always verify Metro A Line, Amtrak, and Metrolink schedules, as they can change.
- Factor in Connection Time: Allow ample time to get from Arcadia to your chosen Amtrak station, particularly during rush hour.
- Luggage: Amtrak has generous luggage allowances compared to airlines, but be mindful of what you can comfortably manage.
- Enjoy the Ride! Once you’re settled on the train, the true relaxation begins.
While Arcadia may not have its own Amtrak platform, its excellent access to Los Angeles Union Station via the Metro A Line, and its reasonable proximity to Fullerton, makes train travel an entirely viable and enjoyable option for residents. So, next time you’re planning a trip, consider the rails – your adventure starts just a short ride away!
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