Nestled in the charming San Gabriel Valley, the city of La Verne might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of major transportation hubs. However, for those in the know, the Amtrak La Verne (LVN) station offers a surprisingly convenient and scenic gateway to Southern California and beyond.
Whether you’re a University of La Verne student heading home for the weekend, a local looking for a stress-free trip to the beach, or a visitor eager to explore the region without the hassle of traffic, this guide will provide you with everything you need to know about starting your train adventure from La Verne.
What to Expect at the La Verne Amtrak Station
Let’s manage expectations upfront: the La Verne Amtrak station is a quaint, unstaffed platform, not a grand terminal.
- Location: The station is centrally located, making it easily accessible, especially for those in and around the University of La Verne campus and Old Town La Verne.
- Address: 2333 San Dimas Ave, La Verne, CA 91750 (approximate, often listed as near Arrow Hwy & D St).
- Amenities: Don’t expect ticketing agents, waiting rooms, or concessions. This is a basic platform with benches and a shelter from the elements.
- Services: La Verne is served exclusively by the Pacific Surfliner train route, one of the most popular and picturesque train journeys in the United States. It connects San Luis Obispo in the north to San Diego in the south, hugging the stunning California coastline for much of its journey.
- Ticketing: Since there’s no station agent, all tickets must be purchased in advance online at Amtrak.com, via the Amtrak mobile app, or by calling 1-800-USA-RAIL. You can print your ticket or use the e-ticket on your phone.
- Parking: There is usually ample free parking available in the adjacent lot, making it an easy park-and-ride option.
- Accessibility: The station platform is at ground level, offering easy access for passengers with disabilities.
Why Choose Amtrak from La Verne?
Before we dive into destinations, consider the perks of train travel from La Verne:
- Avoid Traffic: Southern California traffic is legendary. Amtrak allows you to sit back, relax, and let someone else do the driving while you enjoy the scenery.
- Scenic Vistas: Especially south of Orange County, the Pacific Surfliner offers breathtaking ocean views.
- Comfort: More legroom than an airplane or car, comfortable seats, and the ability to get up and walk around.
- Sustainability: Train travel is generally more environmentally friendly than driving or flying.
- Convenience: Drop off right in the heart of many major cities and attractions.
Key Destinations & Travel Times from La Verne
The Pacific Surfliner offers routes both northbound towards Los Angeles and points north, and southbound towards Orange County and San Diego. Here’s a look at popular destinations, estimated travel times, and approximate distances:
Northbound Destinations
| Destination | Approx. Travel Time | Approx. Distance | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pomona | 10-15 min | ~5 miles | Closest stop, for Cal Poly Pomona, Fairplex |
| Claremont | 15-20 min | ~8 miles | Access to Claremont Colleges, Old Town Claremont |
| LA Union Station (LAX) | 45-60 min | ~35 miles | Major hub for connections (Metro Rail, FlyAway to LAX, etc.) |
| Glendale | 1 hr 10 min | ~45 miles | The Americana at Brand, Forest Lawn Memorial Park |
| Burbank Airport-South | 1 hr 20 min | ~50 miles | Directly serves Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) |
| Simi Valley | 1 hr 45 min | ~70 miles | Ronald Reagan Presidential Library |
| Oxnard | 2 hr | ~85 miles | Gateway to Channel Islands, beaches |
| Ventura | 2 hr 15 min | ~95 miles | Historic downtown, pier, beaches |
| Santa Barbara | 3 hr – 3 hr 30 min | ~125 miles | Stunning coastline, Spanish architecture, wine country |
| San Luis Obispo | 5 hr – 5 hr 30 min | ~200 miles | End of the line for Pacific Surfliner, Cal Poly SLO |
Southbound Destinations
| Destination | Approx. Travel Time | Approx. Distance | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fullerton | 30-35 min | ~25 miles | Historic downtown, Cal State Fullerton |
| Anaheim | 40-45 min | ~30 miles | Disneyland Resort (short shuttle/ride-share from station) |
| Santa Ana | 50-60 min | ~35 miles | Historic core, Artists Village |
| Irvine | 1 hr 10 min | ~45 miles | UC Irvine, Spectrum Center |
| San Juan Capistrano | 1 hr 30 min | ~60 miles | Mission San Juan Capistrano, historic town |
| Oceanside | 2 hr – 2 hr 15 min | ~80 miles | Oceanside Pier, harbor, gateway to Camp Pendleton |
| Solana Beach | 2 hr 30 min | ~95 miles | Cedros Design District, beautiful beaches |
| San Diego (Old Town) | 3 hr – 3 hr 15 min | ~110 miles | Historic Park, easy connections throughout San Diego |
| San Diego (Santa Fe Depot) | 3 hr 15 min – 3 hr 30 min | ~115 miles | Downtown hub for Gaslamp Quarter, USS Midway, Coronado Ferry |
Please note: Travel times are estimates and can vary based on track conditions, scheduled maintenance, and specific train stops. Always check current schedules on Amtrak.com.
Connecting to Airports from La Verne Amtrak
While La Verne doesn’t have its own airport, you can connect to several major Southern California airports via Amtrak with a bit of planning.
- Ontario International Airport (ONT):
- Distance: Approximately 10-12 miles.
- Connection: The closest major airport. Take a short ride-share service (Uber/Lyft) or taxi directly from the La Verne Amtrak station to ONT. This is often the most convenient option for flights.
- Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR):
- Distance: Approximately 50 miles.
- Connection: Take the Pacific Surfliner northbound directly to the Burbank Airport-South station (BUR). From there, it’s a very short walk to the terminal.
- Los Angeles International Airport (LAX):
- Distance: Approximately 45-50 miles from La Verne Amtrak.
- Connection: Take the Pacific Surfliner northbound to LA Union Station (LAX). From Union Station, you can board the FlyAway bus service (a dedicated bus service directly to LAX terminals, runs frequently) or connect to Metro Rail for other options. Allow ample time for this connection.
- John Wayne Airport (SNA) – Orange County:
- Distance: Approximately 35-40 miles from La Verne Amtrak.
- Connection: Take the Pacific Surfliner southbound to the Santa Ana (SNA) station or the Anaheim (ANA) station. From either station, you’ll need to take a ride-share service, taxi, or local bus to John Wayne Airport.
Crucial Tip for Airport Connections: Always allow plenty of buffer time when connecting to or from airports via Amtrak, as train schedules can sometimes be subject to delays.
Getting To and From the La Verne Station
- Walking: If you’re staying near Old Town La Verne or the University of La Verne, the station is within comfortable walking distance.
- Ride-Share: Uber and Lyft services are readily available in La Verne, offering a convenient way to get to or from the station.
- Local Transit: Foothill Transit operates bus routes in the La Verne area, some of which may connect near the Amtrak station. Check their website or app for current schedules and routes.
Exploring La Verne Itself
While you’re waiting for your train, or if you’re visiting La Verne, take a moment to explore!
- Old Town La Verne: Just a short walk from the station, Old Town boasts charming shops, local restaurants, and a true small-town feel.
- University of La Verne: The vibrant campus is also very close by, offering a lively atmosphere.
Ready to Ride?
The Amtrak La Verne station, though small, is a fantastic asset for the community, offering a relaxed and efficient way to explore the diverse landscapes and vibrant cities of Southern California. So next time you’re planning a trip, consider skipping the freeway frenzy and hopping aboard the Pacific Surfliner from La Verne.
Book your next adventure from La Verne at Amtrak.com!
Leave a Reply