Planning a train journey from the beautiful foothills of La Crescenta-Montrose? Many residents often wonder if there’s a local Amtrak station to hop on a scenic route. Let’s delve into the reality and provide a comprehensive guide to your closest Amtrak gateways, complete with distances to key destinations and airports.
The Reality: No Amtrak Station In La Crescenta-Montrose
First things first: While La Crescenta-Montrose offers charming neighborhoods and stunning mountain views, it does not have its own dedicated Amtrak station. Amtrak’s network primarily serves larger urban centers, making nearby metropolitan hubs your go-to for train travel.
Don’t let this deter your travel plans! You’re still within easy reach of major Amtrak stations that connect you to California and beyond. Your primary options will be the Glendale Transit Center and the iconic Los Angeles Union Station.
Your Closest Amtrak Gateways: Glendale & Los Angeles
Let’s break down your best bets for catching an Amtrak train:
1. Glendale Amtrak Station (GLD)
The closest and often most convenient Amtrak station for La Crescenta-Montrose residents is the Glendale Transportation Center. It’s a charming, historic station offering a more suburban boarding experience compared to the bustling Union Station.
- Distance from La Crescenta-Montrose: Approximately 5-8 miles, depending on your exact location within La Crescenta-Montrose. Drive time is typically 15-25 minutes.
- Getting There from La Crescenta-Montrose:
- Driving: The easiest method. Parking is available at the station (check for daily rates and availability).
- Rideshare/Taxi: A convenient option for door-to-station service.
- Public Transit: Limited direct options; may involve transfers via Metro Local buses. Driving or rideshare is generally recommended.
Key Amtrak Routes Served from Glendale:
Glendale is a stop on the popular Pacific Surfliner route, connecting you to:
- Los Angeles Union Station (LAU): A quick ~15-minute ride.
- San Diego (SAN): Approximately 2.5-3 hours south.
- Santa Barbara (SBA): Approximately 1.5-2 hours north.
- San Luis Obispo (SLO): Approximately 4.5-5 hours north.
Distances to Key Cities (via Amtrak from Glendale):
- Los Angeles (Union Station): ~7 miles (train journey ~15 mins)
- San Diego: ~130 miles (train journey ~2.5 – 3 hours)
- Santa Barbara: ~95 miles (train journey ~1.5 – 2 hours)
- San Luis Obispo: ~220 miles (train journey ~4.5 – 5 hours)
- Bakersfield: To reach the San Joaquin route (for connections to Central Valley and Bay Area), you’d typically connect at LA Union Station or drive directly to Bakersfield (~90 miles).
Distances to Local Airports (from Glendale Station):
- Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR): Approximately 5-6 miles (15-20 min drive).
- Los Angeles International Airport (LAX): Approximately 20-25 miles (35-60 min drive, depending on traffic).
- Long Beach Airport (LGB): Approximately 25-30 miles (35-55 min drive).
2. Los Angeles Union Station (LAU)
For broader connections, longer routes, or if your preferred train schedule isn’t available from Glendale, Los Angeles Union Station is your ultimate gateway. This grand, historic station is a major transportation hub for all of Southern California.
- Distance from La Crescenta-Montrose: Approximately 15-20 miles. Drive time can range from 30 minutes to an hour (or more) depending on traffic conditions.
- Getting There from La Crescenta-Montrose:
- Driving: Ample parking available, but can be expensive for long durations.
- Rideshare/Taxi: A convenient option, especially for avoiding parking hassles.
- Public Transit: You can take a Metro Local bus from La Crescenta-Montrose to connect with the Metro L Line (Gold) in Pasadena, which then takes you directly to Union Station. This is a more time-consuming but cost-effective option.
Key Amtrak Routes Served from Los Angeles Union Station:
Union Station is a hub for multiple Amtrak routes, including:
- Pacific Surfliner: (South to San Diego, North to Goleta/Santa Barbara/San Luis Obispo)
- Coast Starlight: (North to San Francisco Bay Area, Portland, Seattle)
- Southwest Chief: (East to Albuquerque, Kansas City, Chicago)
- Sunset Limited: (Southeast to San Antonio, New Orleans)
- San Joaquin: (North to Bakersfield, connecting to bus service for Central Valley and Bay Area cities like San Francisco, Oakland, Sacramento)
Distances to Key Cities (via Amtrak from LA Union Station):
- San Diego: ~130 miles (train journey ~2.5 – 3 hours)
- Santa Barbara: ~95 miles (train journey ~2 – 2.5 hours)
- San Luis Obispo: ~220 miles (train journey ~4.5 – 5 hours)
- Bakersfield: ~110 miles (train journey ~2.5 hours, for San Joaquin connections)
- San Francisco (Emeryville): ~470 miles (train journey ~11 hours on Coast Starlight, or ~6 hours for San Joaquin to Bakersfield + bus transfer)
- Chicago: ~2260 miles (train journey ~43 hours on Southwest Chief)
- New Orleans: ~2000 miles (train journey ~48 hours on Sunset Limited)
Distances to Local Airports (from LA Union Station):
- Los Angeles International Airport (LAX): Approximately 18-20 miles. The FlyAway bus service departs directly from Union Station, offering a convenient, non-stop connection to LAX.
- Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR): Approximately 15 miles (25-40 min drive).
- Long Beach Airport (LGB): Approximately 25-30 miles (35-55 min drive).
Tips for La Crescenta-Montrose Travelers
- Plan Ahead: Always check Amtrak.com for the most current schedules, fares, and station information.
- Consider Traffic: Southern California traffic can be unpredictable. Always factor in extra travel time when driving to either Glendale or Union Station, especially during peak hours.
- Parking: If driving, research parking options and costs at your chosen station in advance.
- Arrive Early: Especially at Union Station, give yourself plenty of time to navigate the station, find your platform, and relax before departure.
- Enjoy the Journey: Once you’re on board, sit back, relax, and enjoy the unique experience of train travel, free from the hassles of driving.
While La Crescenta-Montrose may not have its own Amtrak stop, the convenience of the Glendale Transportation Center and the extensive network of Los Angeles Union Station mean your train adventure is never far away. Happy travels!
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