Nestled in the heart of the San Gabriel Valley, Covina offers a charming blend of historic downtown appeal and modern suburban living. While many think of Southern California as a car-centric region, a hidden gem for convenient, scenic travel lies right in Covina: its Amtrak station.
Whether you’re a local looking to escape traffic for a day trip, a visitor arriving by rail, or someone planning a longer journey, the Covina Amtrak station (CNA) is your gateway to a more relaxed way of exploring Southern California.
The Covina Amtrak Station Experience
The Covina station is a stop on the renowned Pacific Surfliner route, which stretches from San Luis Obispo down to San Diego. It’s a classic, unstaffed platform station, meaning there are no ticket agents on-site.
- Location: Conveniently located near Covina’s charming downtown, usually within easy walking distance of local shops and eateries. You’ll find it along Metrolink’s San Bernardino Line tracks, which Amtrak shares in this segment.
- Amenities: Typically includes a sheltered waiting area, benches, and often a Quik-Trak ticket kiosk for last-minute purchases if you haven’t bought online. Restrooms are usually not available directly at these smaller, unstaffed stations, so plan accordingly.
- Parking: A small parking lot is usually available, along with street parking in the vicinity. Always check local signage for restrictions.
Why Choose Amtrak from Covina?
- Beat the Traffic: Southern California’s notorious congestion can turn a short drive into a lengthy ordeal. Amtrak allows you to sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenery.
- Scenic Views: The Pacific Surfliner lives up to its name, offering stunning coastal views as it heads south towards San Clemente, Oceanside, and San Diego.
- Convenience: Drop off and pick up right near downtown hubs, avoiding parking hassles at your destination.
- Comfort: Wider seats, more legroom, and the ability to move around in the train.
Key Destinations & Travel Times from Covina (CNA)
The Covina station connects you primarily via the Pacific Surfliner. Here’s a breakdown of popular destinations with estimated travel times and approximate distances:
Towards Los Angeles & Points North/West:
- Los Angeles Union Station (LAX):
- Estimated Train Travel Time: ~40-50 minutes
- Approx. Distance (Rail): ~22 miles
- Note: Union Station is a major hub connecting to METRO Rail (subway/light rail), buses, and long-distance Amtrak routes.
- Glendale (GLN):
- Estimated Train Travel Time: ~1 hour
- Approx. Distance (Rail): ~28 miles
- Burbank – Downtown (BUR):
- Estimated Train Travel Time: ~1 hour 10 minutes
- Approx. Distance (Rail): ~30 miles
- Oxnard (OXN):
- Estimated Train Travel Time: ~2 hours 15 minutes – 2 hours 30 minutes
- Approx. Distance (Rail): ~75 miles
- Santa Barbara (SBA):
- Estimated Train Travel Time: ~3 hours 15 minutes – 3 hours 45 minutes
- Approx. Distance (Rail): ~110 miles
- San Luis Obispo (SLO):
- Estimated Train Travel Time: ~6 hours – 6 hours 30 minutes
- Approx. Distance (Rail): ~220 miles
Towards Orange County & San Diego:
- Pomona (POC):
- Estimated Train Travel Time: ~5-10 minutes
- Approx. Distance (Rail): ~4 miles (very close!)
- Claremont (CLA):
- Estimated Train Travel Time: ~10-15 minutes
- Approx. Distance (Rail): ~6 miles
- Fullerton (FUL):
- Estimated Train Travel Time: ~45-55 minutes
- Approx. Distance (Rail): ~28 miles
- Anaheim – ARTIC (ANA) (for Disneyland!):
- Estimated Train Travel Time: ~50 minutes – 1 hour
- Approx. Distance (Rail): ~30 miles
- Note: The ARTIC station is a modern transit hub with easy connections to Disneyland Resort via bus or rideshare.
- Santa Ana (SNA):
- Estimated Train Travel Time: ~1 hour – 1 hour 10 minutes
- Approx. Distance (Rail): ~35 miles
- San Juan Capistrano (SNC):
- Estimated Train Travel Time: ~1 hour 30 minutes – 1 hour 45 minutes
- Approx. Distance (Rail): ~55 miles
- Oceanside (OSD):
- Estimated Train Travel Time: ~2 hours – 2 hours 15 minutes
- Approx. Distance (Rail): ~70 miles
- San Diego – Santa Fe Depot (SAN):
- Estimated Train Travel Time: ~2 hours 45 minutes – 3 hours 15 minutes
- Approx. Distance (Rail): ~95 miles
- Note: Santa Fe Depot is centrally located in downtown San Diego, close to the Gaslamp Quarter and waterfront.
Connecting to Major Airports from Covina (CNA)
While the Covina station isn’t directly at an airport, it offers convenient connections to several major Southern California airports:
- Ontario International Airport (ONT):
- Approx. Driving Distance from Covina: ~12-15 miles
- Connection: This is the closest major airport. Take Amtrak south to Pomona (POC) or Claremont (CLA), then a short taxi, rideshare, or local bus connection (e.g., Omnitrans) to ONT. Total travel time can be under an hour depending on transfers.
- Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR):
- Approx. Driving Distance from Covina: ~25-30 miles
- Connection: Take Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner north directly to the Burbank – Downtown station (BUR). From there, a short taxi or rideshare can get you to the airport terminal, or use local transit.
- Los Angeles International Airport (LAX):
- Approx. Driving Distance from Covina: ~35-40 miles
- Connection: Take Amtrak north to Los Angeles Union Station (LAX). From Union Station, the LAX FlyAway bus service offers direct, frequent, and affordable transportation to the airport terminals. Allow ample time for this multi-leg journey.
- John Wayne Airport (SNA) – Orange County:
- Approx. Driving Distance from Covina: ~30-35 miles
- Connection: Take Amtrak south to Santa Ana (SNA). From the Santa Ana station, John Wayne Airport is a quick 5-10 minute taxi or rideshare away.
Tips for a Smooth Journey from Covina
- Book in Advance: Especially for peak travel times, booking your tickets online or via the Amtrak app is recommended. You can also use the Quik-Trak kiosk at the station.
- Check Schedules: Always verify train schedules on Amtrak’s website or app, as times can change, and some trains may not stop at Covina on every run.
- Arrive Early: Since it’s an unstaffed station, familiarize yourself with the platform and your boarding gate (usually marked by track signs). Arrive at least 15-20 minutes before departure.
- Baggage: Amtrak has generous baggage policies, but be prepared to carry your own luggage onto the train at unstaffed stations.
- Snacks & Drinks: While some Surfliner trains have a café car, it’s always wise to bring your own snacks and beverages, especially at unstaffed stations without concessions.
The Covina Amtrak station offers a unique and stress-free way to navigate the bustling landscape of Southern California. So, next time you’re planning a trip, consider leaving the car behind and letting the train take the strain. Happy travels!
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