Glendale, California, a vibrant city nestled at the base of the Verdugo Mountains, is a fantastic hub for train travel. Whether you’re commuting to downtown Los Angeles, heading to the beaches of San Diego, or embarking on a scenic journey up the coast, Glendale’s train station offers convenient access.
First things first: While “Amtrak stations in Glendale” might suggest multiple, there is actually only ONE primary train station that serves both Amtrak and Metrolink. This historic and bustling station is your gateway to exploring Southern California and beyond.
The Glendale Station (GDL): A Historic Hub
- Address: 400 W Cerritos Ave, Glendale, CA 91204
- Built: 1923 (originally for the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway)
- Services: Amtrak (Pacific Surfliner) & Metrolink (Ventura County Line, Antelope Valley Line)
This beautifully preserved Spanish Colonial Revival station offers a glimpse into rail travel’s golden age while providing modern conveniences. It’s a co-use facility, meaning you’ll see both Amtrak’s distinctive blue and red trains and Metrolink’s bright blue cars.
Station Amenities:
- Waiting room
- Restrooms
- Ticket kiosks / limited ticket window hours (check Amtrak and Metrolink websites for current staffing)
- Parking (paid/metered – check signage carefully)
- Bike racks
- ADA accessible
Key Destinations by Train from Glendale
Glendale’s station is ideally positioned for connecting to many popular Southern California cities. Please note that travel times are approximate and can vary based on schedule, track conditions, and transfers.
Amtrak Pacific Surfliner Destinations:
The Pacific Surfliner is a scenic coastal route connecting San Diego to San Luis Obispo. From Glendale, you can head north or south.
- Los Angeles Union Station (LAUS):
- Distance: ~9-10 miles
- Travel Time: ~15-20 minutes
- Why Go? Downtown LA attractions, Dodger Stadium, Grand Central Market, Olvera Street, and a major transfer point for other Amtrak routes (Coast Starlight, Southwest Chief, Sunset Limited) and extensive Metro Rail/Bus connections.
- Anaheim Regional Transportation Intermodal Center (ARTIC):
- Distance: ~30-35 miles
- Travel Time: ~45-60 minutes
- Why Go? The closest station to Disneyland Resort, Angels Stadium, and Honda Center.
- Santa Barbara (State Street Station):
- Distance: ~90 miles
- Travel Time: ~2 hours – 2 hours 15 minutes
- Why Go? Beautiful beaches, Stearns Wharf, State Street shopping, historic missions, and wine country access.
- San Diego (Santa Fe Depot):
- Distance: ~140 miles
- Travel Time: ~3 hours – 3 hours 15 minutes
- Why Go? Gaslamp Quarter, Balboa Park (San Diego Zoo), USS Midway Museum, Little Italy, beautiful beaches, and vibrant nightlife.
- San Luis Obispo:
- Distance: ~220 miles
- Travel Time: ~5 hours 30 minutes – 6 hours
- Why Go? Charming downtown, Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, close to Hearst Castle, and a gateway to California’s Central Coast wine region.
Metrolink Destinations:
Metrolink is primarily a commuter rail service, connecting Glendale to surrounding counties with frequent service during peak hours.
- Ventura County Line: Connects Glendale to Burbank, Van Nuys, Simi Valley, Moorpark, Oxnard, and Ventura-Downtown / Beach (the western terminus).
- Antelope Valley Line: Connects Glendale through Burbank, Downtown LA (LAUS), and then north to Palmdale and Lancaster (the northern terminus). This line is particularly useful for connecting to the Antelope Valley.
Connecting to Major Airports from Glendale
While Glendale doesn’t have a direct airport connection, its robust train services make getting to Southern California’s major airports manageable with a bit of planning.
- Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR):
- Distance: ~5 miles
- Method: This is the easiest airport to reach. A short 10-15 minute ride-share/taxi is your best bet. There are also local bus connections (e.g., Metro Bus 94, 169) which can take longer.
- Travel Time: ~10-25 minutes (drive/bus)
- Los Angeles International Airport (LAX):
- Distance: ~20 miles
- Method:
- Take an Amtrak Pacific Surfliner or Metrolink train from Glendale Station to Los Angeles Union Station (LAUS).
- From LAUS, take the LAX FlyAway Bus. This dedicated, non-stop express bus service is the most convenient way to reach LAX from downtown.
- Travel Time: ~1 hour 30 minutes – 2 hours (including transfers)
- John Wayne Airport (SNA) – Orange County:
- Distance: ~40 miles
- Method:
- Take an Amtrak Pacific Surfliner train from Glendale Station south to the Santa Ana Regional Transportation Center (SARTC).
- From SARTC, you can take an OCTA bus (e.g., Route 76) or a short ride-share/taxi directly to SNA.
- Travel Time: ~1 hour 30 minutes – 2 hours (including transfers)
- Ontario International Airport (ONT):
- Distance: ~45 miles
- Method: This is a less direct route by train.
- Take Metrolink or Amtrak from Glendale Station to Los Angeles Union Station (LAUS).
- From LAUS, transfer to a Metrolink San Bernardino Line train, heading east to Rancho Cucamonga Station.
- From Rancho Cucamonga, take an Omnitrans Bus Route 61 or a ride-share/taxi to ONT.
- Travel Time: ~2 hours – 2 hours 30 minutes (including transfers)
Tips for Travelers from Glendale Station
- Book Amtrak in Advance: Especially for popular routes and peak times, booking your Amtrak Pacific Surfliner tickets ahead can save you money and guarantee your seat.
- Metrolink Ticketing: Metrolink tickets are purchased at kiosks at the station or via the Metrolink mobile app. They have different fare structures, including day passes and weekend passes.
- Check Schedules: Always verify current train schedules on the Amtrak and Metrolink websites or apps before your trip, as they can change.
- Arrive Early: Especially if you need to buy tickets, find parking, or familiarize yourself with the station, give yourself ample time.
- Parking: The station has paid parking. Check the signage for rates and time limits.
- Explore Glendale: While waiting for your train, consider exploring nearby eateries or taking a short walk towards Brand Boulevard for shops and restaurants.
Glendale’s train station is more than just a place to catch a ride; it’s a historic landmark connecting you efficiently to the vibrant tapestry of Southern California. All aboard!
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