Nestled in the northwest corner of the San Fernando Valley, the Chatsworth Amtrak station serves as a convenient gateway for residents and visitors looking to explore Southern California without the hassle of freeway traffic. While often referred to simply as “Chatsworth,” the station officially goes by Northridge / Chatsworth (NRD), a nod to its proximity to both vibrant communities.
If you’re planning a trip or considering a car-free commute, this guide will provide you with everything you need to know about the Chatsworth Amtrak station, including its amenities, key destinations, and crucial distances to major cities and airports.
Understanding the Chatsworth Amtrak Station (NRD)
The Chatsworth station is a stop on the popular Pacific Surfliner route, connecting San Luis Obispo in the north to San Diego in the south. Unlike major hubs like L.A. Union Station, Chatsworth is a smaller, unstaffed platform designed for convenient local access.
What to Expect at the Station:
- Location: 10040 Old Depot Plaza Rd, Chatsworth, CA 91311
- Platform: A single ground-level platform serving both northbound and southbound trains.
- Shelter: A covered waiting area provides protection from the elements.
- Ticketing: An Amtrak Quik-Trak kiosk is available for purchasing tickets or printing e-tickets. It’s always advisable to purchase tickets online or via the Amtrak app in advance.
- Restrooms: Available on-site.
- Parking: Ample, free parking is a significant advantage of this station, making it a popular choice for commuters.
- Accessibility: The station is ADA compliant, with accessible ramps and platform access.
Popular Destinations & Distances from Chatsworth (by Train)
The Pacific Surfliner offers a scenic and relaxing way to travel to many of Southern California’s iconic destinations. Here are some key cities accessible directly or indirectly from Chatsworth:
Southbound Routes:
- Los Angeles Union Station (LAX):
- Distance: Approximately 30-35 miles
- Travel Time: ~45-60 minutes
- Why go? This is the major hub for all Southern California regional connections. From Union Station, you can easily transfer to:
- Metro Rail: Red Line (Hollywood, Universal Studios, Downtown LA), Purple Line (Koreatown, Miracle Mile), Gold Line (Pasadena), Expo Line (USC, Santa Monica).
- Metrolink: Regional commuter rail to Orange County, San Bernardino, Riverside, and Ventura County.
- FlyAway Bus: Direct service to LAX (see Airports section).
- Local Buses: Extensive network throughout LA.
- Anaheim (ARTIC – Anaheim Regional Transportation Intermodal Center):
- Distance: Approximately 50-55 miles
- Travel Time: ~1 hour 45 minutes – 2 hours 15 minutes (via Union Station transfer)
- Why go? Gateway to Disneyland, Anaheim Convention Center, Honda Center. From ARTIC, local shuttles (like ART – Anaheim Resort Transportation) can take you directly to the Disneyland Resort and other attractions.
- San Juan Capistrano:
- Distance: Approximately 70-75 miles
- Travel Time: ~2 hours 30 minutes – 3 hours (via Union Station transfer)
- Why go? Famous for the historic Mission San Juan Capistrano, charming downtown, and annual swallows return.
- San Diego (Santa Fe Depot):
- Distance: Approximately 130-135 miles
- Travel Time: ~4 hours 30 minutes – 5 hours 15 minutes (via Union Station transfer)
- Why go? Beaches, Balboa Park, San Diego Zoo, Gaslamp Quarter, USS Midway Museum. The Santa Fe Depot is centrally located, offering easy access to the city’s highlights via trolley or a short walk.
Northbound Routes:
- Simi Valley:
- Distance: Approximately 10-12 miles
- Travel Time: ~15-20 minutes
- Why go? Ronald Reagan Presidential Library & Museum, local parks.
- Ventura (Downtown / Beach):
- Distance: Approximately 45-50 miles
- Travel Time: ~1 hour – 1 hour 15 minutes
- Why go? Charming downtown, Ventura Pier, beaches, Channel Islands National Park visitor center.
- Santa Barbara (Downtown):
- Distance: Approximately 80-85 miles
- Travel Time: ~1 hour 45 minutes – 2 hours 15 minutes
- Why go? Beautiful beaches, State Street shopping and dining, historic Mission Santa Barbara, Funk Zone wineries. The station is conveniently located near downtown.
- San Luis Obispo:
- Distance: Approximately 160-165 miles
- Travel Time: ~4 hours – 4 hours 30 minutes
- Why go? Quaint college town, close to Morro Bay, Pismo Beach, and wine country.
Distances to Key Airports from Chatsworth Amtrak
Connecting to airports from the Chatsworth Amtrak station requires a bit of planning, but some options are much more convenient than others.
- Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR):
- Distance: Approximately 12-15 miles (by road)
- Train Connection: Highly Recommended! The Pacific Surfliner makes a direct stop at the Burbank Airport-South (BUR) station. From there, a free shuttle service takes you directly to the airport terminals. This is by far the easiest and most eco-friendly way to get to Burbank Airport from Chatsworth.
- Travel Time (Train + Shuttle): ~30-45 minutes (total, including shuttle wait time)
- Los Angeles International Airport (LAX):
- Distance: Approximately 30-35 miles (by road)
- Train Connection: No direct train.
- Take the Pacific Surfliner to Los Angeles Union Station (LAX).
- From Union Station, board the FlyAway Bus service which offers direct, non-stop transportation to LAX terminals. The FlyAway operates frequently and is generally the most efficient public transport option.
- Estimated Travel Time (Train + FlyAway): ~1 hour 30 minutes – 2 hours (total, depending on connections and traffic to LAX).
- Van Nuys Airport (VNY):
- Distance: Approximately 8-10 miles (by road)
- Train Connection: No direct train. VNY is a general aviation airport, not typically used for commercial passenger flights. If flying privately, a ride-share service (Uber/Lyft) or taxi would be necessary from the Chatsworth Amtrak station.
Tips for Travelers from Chatsworth
- Book in Advance: Especially for popular routes and peak times, booking your Pacific Surfliner tickets ahead of time is recommended.
- Download the Amtrak App: Manage your tickets, check train status, and get real-time updates.
- Arrive Early: Although unstaffed, arriving 15-20 minutes before departure gives you time to find parking, use the kiosk, and get to the platform comfortably.
- Check Connections: If traveling beyond a direct Surfliner stop (e.g., to Santa Monica, Hollywood, or LAX), plan your onward journey from Union Station carefully using Metro’s website or app.
- Enjoy the Ride: The Pacific Surfliner offers comfortable seating, a Cafe Car for snacks, beverages (including adult beverages), and often free Wi-Fi.
The Chatsworth Amtrak station might be a small stop, but it plays a significant role in connecting the San Fernando Valley to the wider Southern California network. Whether you’re commuting to downtown LA, heading to the beach in Santa Barbara, or embarking on a Disneyland adventure, the train from Chatsworth offers a convenient, scenic, and stress-free alternative to gridlocked freeways. Happy travels!
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