Azusa, a charming city nestled in the heart of the San Gabriel Valley, might not have a direct Amtrak station, but don’t let that deter your rail travel dreams! Its well-connected Metrolink and Metro L Line (formerly Gold Line) station serves as an excellent gateway to accessing Amtrak’s extensive network via the iconic Los Angeles Union Station (LAUS).
This guide will break down how to utilize Azusa’s rail hub, connect to Amtrak, and navigate distances to key cities and airports in Southern California.
The Azusa Downtown Station: Your Local Rail Gateway
The Azusa Downtown Station is a modern, convenient transportation hub, serving both local commuters and those looking to venture further.
- Location: 240 W. Pomona Ave, Azusa, CA 91702
- Lines Served:
- Metrolink San Bernardino Line: Provides direct service to Los Angeles Union Station (LAUS) to the west and San Bernardino to the east. This is your primary connection for Amtrak.
- Metro L Line (Light Rail): Offers light rail service connecting Azusa to Pasadena, Downtown Los Angeles, and beyond, also providing a route to LAUS.
- Amenities: The station typically includes ticket vending machines, shelters, and accessible platforms. Parking is usually available, often with a fee.
Connecting to Amtrak from Azusa: Your Route to National Rail
The key to unlocking Amtrak travel from Azusa is a seamless transfer at Los Angeles Union Station (LAUS).
Step 1: Get to Los Angeles Union Station (LAUS)
You have two excellent public transportation options from Azusa to LAUS:
- Via Metrolink San Bernardino Line:
- This is often the most direct and fastest option if your schedule aligns.
- Simply board a westbound Metrolink train from Azusa Downtown Station heading towards LAUS.
- Travel Time: Approximately 35-50 minutes, depending on the train.
- Tickets: You can purchase a Metrolink ticket at the Azusa station. Consider a combination ticket or “Rail2Rail” options if you’re frequently using both services.
- Via Metro L Line (Light Rail):
- Board an eastbound Metro L Line train from Azusa Downtown Station heading towards Union Station. Union Station is the final stop on this line.
- Travel Time: Approximately 50-60 minutes.
- Tickets: Purchase a TAP card and load fare at the Azusa station.
Step 2: Board Your Amtrak Train at LAUS
Once at LAUS, simply follow the signs to the Amtrak platforms. LAUS is a major transportation hub, so allow ample time to navigate, especially if you have luggage.
Amtrak Routes Available from LAUS:
- Pacific Surfliner: The most popular regional route, connecting San Luis Obispo to San Diego, with many stops in between (Santa Barbara, Ventura, Orange County, etc.).
- Coast Starlight: A scenic long-distance route connecting Los Angeles to Seattle.
- Southwest Chief: A cross-country journey from Los Angeles to Chicago.
- Sunset Limited: Another long-distance route, connecting Los Angeles to New Orleans.
Distances to Key Cities from Azusa (Driving & Rail Considerations)
While Azusa is your rail connection point, it’s also strategically located for driving to many Southern California destinations. Distances and times below are approximate and highly dependent on traffic.
- Los Angeles (Downtown LA / LAUS):
- Driving: ~20-25 miles, 30-60 minutes (without traffic)
- Rail (Metrolink/Metro L Line): ~35-60 minutes (as detailed above)
- Your primary hub for onward Amtrak travel.
- Pasadena (Old Town/Rose Bowl):
- Driving: ~10-12 miles, 20-35 minutes
- Rail (Metro L Line): ~20-30 minutes
- Glendale (Americana at Brand):
- Driving: ~20-25 miles, 35-65 minutes
- Rail: Connect via LAUS
- Anaheim (Disneyland Resort):
- Driving: ~30-35 miles, 45-75 minutes
- Rail: Metrolink to LAUS, then Pacific Surfliner to Anaheim ARTIC station. Total travel time significantly longer than driving.
- Riverside (UCR, Downtown):
- Driving: ~30-35 miles, 40-70 minutes
- Rail: Metrolink from Azusa to LAUS, then Metrolink Inland Empire-Orange County Line to Riverside. Or drive to a closer Metrolink Riverside station.
- San Bernardino (Cal State SB):
- Driving: ~25-30 miles, 35-60 minutes
- Rail (Metrolink San Bernardino Line): ~35-45 minutes direct from Azusa.
- Santa Monica (Pier, Beaches):
- Driving: ~35-40 miles, 60-120+ minutes (heavy traffic)
- Rail: Metro L Line to LAUS, then Metro B Line to 7th St/Metro Center, then Metro E Line to Santa Monica Pier. Long journey, but avoids traffic.
- Long Beach (Aquarium, Queen Mary):
- Driving: ~35-40 miles, 50-90 minutes
- Rail: Metro L Line to LAUS, then Metro A Line to Long Beach. Also a longer rail journey.
Distances to Key Airports from Azusa (Driving Focus)
Driving is generally the most practical way to reach these airports from Azusa, though public transit combinations are possible for LAX and BUR via LAUS.
- Ontario International Airport (ONT): The closest and often most convenient.
- Driving: ~15-20 miles, 25-45 minutes
- Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR):
- Driving: ~25-30 miles, 40-70 minutes
- Rail: Metro L Line to LAUS, then Metrolink Ventura County Line or Amtrak Pacific Surfliner to Burbank Airport-South Station.
- Los Angeles International Airport (LAX): The largest but furthest with the most traffic.
- Driving: ~35-40 miles, 60-120+ minutes (expect heavy traffic, especially during peak hours)
- Rail/Shuttle: Metro L Line to LAUS, then Metro B Line/D Line to connect to the LAX FlyAway bus service, or other Metro connections to LAX shuttle lines. A long, multi-transfer journey.
- John Wayne Airport (SNA) – Orange County:
- Driving: ~40-45 miles, 60-90 minutes
Tips for Travelers from Azusa
- Check Schedules: Always verify Metrolink, Metro L Line, and Amtrak schedules in advance, especially on weekends or holidays, as they can differ.
- Allow Buffer Time: Especially when connecting to Amtrak at LAUS, build in extra time for potential delays, navigating the station, and purchasing tickets.
- Ticket Options: Explore Metrolink’s “Rail2Rail” program or combo tickets if you plan on frequent Metrolink/Amtrak transfers.
- Parking: If driving to the Azusa station, check parking availability and fees.
- Traffic Matters: For driving distances, prepare for Southern California’s notorious traffic. Use GPS apps (Google Maps, Waze) for real-time traffic updates.
Azusa’s Downtown Station is more than just a local stop; it’s a vital link that connects you to the broader world of rail travel and the diverse destinations of Southern California. With a bit of planning, your journey from Azusa can be smooth and enjoyable. Happy travel
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