Nestled at the base of the San Gabriel Mountains, the charming city of Claremont, California, offers more than just academic prestige and tree-lined streets. It’s also a convenient gateway to Southern California and beyond, thanks to its well-situated Amtrak station. Whether you’re a student heading home for the holidays, a local embarking on a scenic day trip, or a visitor exploring the region, Claremont’s Amtrak station provides a relaxed alternative to freeway traffic.
This guide will give you everything you need to know about navigating the Claremont Amtrak station, including its features, services, and crucial distances to key cities and airports.
The Claremont Amtrak Station: A Hub of Convenience
Claremont’s Amtrak station (officially known as Claremont, CA – Code: CLT) isn’t a grand, bustling terminal, and that’s part of its charm. It’s a historic, Spanish Colonial Revival-style building that shares its platform with Metrolink commuter rail, making it a true multimodal transportation hub for the foothills.
Location:
- Address: 101 N. College Ave, Claremont, CA 91711
- Downtown Proximity: The station is ideally located in the heart of downtown Claremont, just steps away from the Claremont Village’s shops, restaurants, and the iconic Claremont Colleges. This means you can arrive, grab a coffee, do some last-minute shopping, or easily walk to your campus destination.
Station Amenities:
- Unstaffed Station: Unlike larger stations, Claremont’s Amtrak station does not have a staffed ticket office.
- Quik-Trak Kiosk: You can purchase tickets and print existing reservations at the self-service Quik-Trak kiosk located on the platform.
- Waiting Area: A small, enclosed waiting area is available.
- Restrooms: Available on-site.
- Platform: A single platform serves both Amtrak and Metrolink trains.
- Accessibility: The station is generally accessible, with a level platform for easy boarding.
- Parking: Paid parking is available in the adjacent lot, typically shared with Metrolink users. Be sure to check posted signs for rates and enforcement times.
Trains Served: The Pacific Surfliner
The primary Amtrak service calling at Claremont is the popular Pacific Surfliner. This scenic route connects San Luis Obispo in the north to San Diego in the south, offering stunning coastal views and convenient stops in major Southern California cities.
Service Highlights:
- Direction: Trains run multiple times daily in both northbound (towards Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo) and southbound (towards Anaheim, Irvine, San Diego) directions.
- Class of Service: Coach Class, Business Class (offering more space and complimentary refreshments), and usually a Cafe Car for snacks, beverages, and light meals.
- Baggage: Carry-on personal items are standard. Checked baggage service is generally not available at unstaffed stations like Claremont, so pack accordingly (unless you’re transferring to a long-distance route at a staffed station like LA Union Station).
Distances to Key Cities & Airports from Claremont
One of the biggest advantages of taking Amtrak from Claremont is avoiding the notorious Southern California traffic. Here’s a breakdown of approximate distances and estimated travel times to popular destinations:
Key Cities (via Amtrak Pacific Surfliner)
These times are estimated train travel times and can vary based on specific train schedules, dwell times at stations, and potential delays.
- Los Angeles (Union Station – LAX):
- Driving Distance: ~35 miles
- Estimated Train Travel: ~1 hour
- Why take the train? Direct into the heart of downtown LA, easy access to Metro Rail, avoids intense freeway traffic.
- Anaheim (ARTIC – Disneyland Resort):
- Driving Distance: ~30 miles
- Estimated Train Travel: ~1 hour 15 minutes – 1 hour 30 minutes
- Why take the train? Drops you right at the Anaheim Regional Transportation Intermodal Center (ARTIC), with shuttle connections to Disneyland.
- Santa Ana (SNA):
- Driving Distance: ~40 miles
- Estimated Train Travel: ~1 hour 45 minutes – 2 hours
- San Diego (Santa Fe Depot – SAN):
- Driving Distance: ~120 miles
- Estimated Train Travel: ~3 hours – 3 hours 15 minutes
- Why take the train? Incredible coastal scenery south of Orange County, arrives directly in downtown San Diego near the Gaslamp Quarter and bay.
- Santa Barbara (SBA):
- Driving Distance: ~100 miles
- Estimated Train Travel: ~3 hours – 3 hours 15 minutes
- Why take the train? The journey north of LA is exceptionally scenic, hugging the coastline.
- San Luis Obispo (SLO):
- Driving Distance: ~180 miles
- Estimated Train Travel: ~5 hours 30 minutes – 5 hours 45 minutes
- Why take the train? The full Pacific Surfliner experience, ideal for a longer, relaxing journey.
Key Airports (via Car/Ride-Share from Claremont Station)
For airports, train travel isn’t typically direct, so these distances reflect driving times. Always factor in potential traffic!
- LA/Ontario International Airport (ONT):
- Driving Distance: ~10 miles
- Estimated Driving Time: 15-25 minutes (closest and most convenient airport for Claremont)
- Los Angeles International Airport (LAX):
- Driving Distance: ~45-50 miles
- Estimated Driving Time: 1 hour 15 minutes – 2+ hours (highly dependent on traffic)
- Note: You can take Amtrak to LA Union Station, then connect to the FlyAway bus service to LAX, which can be a good option to avoid driving into the airport.
- John Wayne Airport, Orange County (SNA):
- Driving Distance: ~40 miles
- Estimated Driving Time: 45 minutes – 1 hour 15 minutes (dependent on traffic)
- Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR):
- Driving Distance: ~40 miles
- Estimated Driving Time: 50 minutes – 1 hour 30 minutes (dependent on traffic)
- Long Beach Airport (LGB):
- Driving Distance: ~35 miles
- Estimated Driving Time: 45 minutes – 1 hour 15 minutes (dependent on traffic)
Connecting Services & Future Developments
- Metrolink: Claremont shares its station with Metrolink’s San Bernardino Line, offering commuter rail service to Los Angeles Union Station and eastward into the Inland Empire. Your Amtrak ticket may not be valid on Metrolink, so purchase separate tickets if needed.
- Foothill Transit: Local bus service is available throughout Claremont and the surrounding San Gabriel Valley, with stops conveniently located near the station.
- Upcoming A Line (formerly Gold Line) Extension: Exciting news for Claremont! The Metro A Line light rail extension is under construction and will eventually connect directly to the Claremont Station, providing a seamless light rail connection all the way to downtown Los Angeles and Long Beach. This will significantly enhance public transit options.
Tips for a Smooth Journey
- Book in Advance: Especially for popular times or Business Class, book your tickets online (amtrak.com) or via the Amtrak app. You can also use the Quik-Trak kiosk.
- Check Schedules: Always verify train schedules on the Amtrak website or app, as times can change, and some trains may not run daily.
- Arrive Early: Although unstaffed, give yourself enough time to park, get your bearings, and be safely on the platform before the train arrives.
- Stay Hydrated: Grab any snacks or drinks from local Claremont Village shops before boarding, as the Cafe Car might be a walk or busy on the train.
- Enjoy the Ride: Relax, watch the scenery, read a book, or get some work done. It’s a far more pleasant experience than battling freeway gridlock.
Claremont’s Amtrak station is more than just a place to catch a train; it’s a gateway to discovery, offering a comfortable and convenient way to explore the diverse landscapes and vibrant cities of Southern California. So next time you’re planning a trip, consider starting your adventure right here in Claremont!
Leave a Reply