Nestled in the picturesque hills of Ventura County, Moorpark offers a charming escape and a surprisingly convenient gateway to Southern California and beyond. For travelers looking to avoid freeway traffic and embrace a more relaxed journey, the Moorpark Amtrak station is an excellent starting point.
Whether you’re visiting local attractions, commuting to the city, or embarking on a long-distance adventure, this guide will provide you with everything you need to know about Moorpark’s Amtrak hub, including crucial distances to key cities and airports.
The Moorpark Station Experience (MPK)
Moorpark’s Amtrak station is a quaint, commuter-friendly stop, reflecting the town’s quieter, suburban vibe. Don’t expect a bustling Grand Central Terminal; instead, you’ll find a clean, accessible platform designed for efficiency and convenience.
- Location: Located at the intersection of High Street and Moorpark Avenue.
- Amenities: Typically features an open-air platform with shelters, benches, and often an automated ticket kiosk. Restrooms may be available, but it’s always good to check Amtrak’s official website for the latest station details.
- Parking: Ample, free parking is usually available, making it a popular choice for those who prefer to drive to the station and then take the train.
- Accessibility: Amtrak stations are generally ADA compliant, offering accessible platforms and boarding assistance.
- Connections: The Moorpark station is also a stop for Metrolink’s Ventura County Line, offering additional commuter options to Los Angeles.
Amtrak Routes Serving Moorpark
Moorpark is primarily served by one of Amtrak’s most scenic and popular routes:
- Pacific Surfliner: This iconic route stretches from San Luis Obispo in the north to San Diego in the south, hugging the Southern California coastline for much of its journey. It offers multiple daily departures, making it ideal for day trips, weekend getaways, and business travel within the region.
- Coast Starlight (Limited Service): While the Moorpark station is technically on the Coast Starlight route, Moorpark is not a regular stop for this long-distance train. The Coast Starlight typically bypasses Moorpark, with its nearest Ventura County stop being Oxnard. If you’re looking to take the Coast Starlight, you’d most likely need to connect via Los Angeles Union Station or Oxnard.
Key Distances & Travel Times from Moorpark (by Train)
One of the biggest advantages of train travel from Moorpark is bypassing the infamous Southern California freeway traffic. Here’s a look at approximate distances and travel times to popular destinations by train:
Southbound Destinations:
- Simi Valley:
- Distance: Approx. 8 miles
- Travel Time: ~10-15 minutes
- Chatsworth:
- Distance: Approx. 15 miles
- Travel Time: ~20-25 minutes
- Van Nuys:
- Distance: Approx. 25 miles
- Travel Time: ~35-40 minutes
- Glendale:
- Distance: Approx. 40 miles
- Travel Time: ~50-60 minutes
- Los Angeles – Union Station (LAX):
- Distance: Approx. 48 miles
- Travel Time: ~1 hour 10 minutes – 1 hour 20 minutes
- Anaheim – ARTIC (Disneyland Resort):
- Distance: Approx. 85 miles (via LA Union Station)
- Travel Time: ~2 hours – 2 hours 30 minutes (including transfer at LAX)
- San Juan Capistrano:
- Distance: Approx. 105 miles (via LA Union Station)
- Travel Time: ~3 hours – 3 hours 30 minutes (including transfer at LAX)
- San Diego – Santa Fe Depot:
- Distance: Approx. 145 miles (via LA Union Station)
- Travel Time: ~3 hours 45 minutes – 4 hours 30 minutes (including transfer at LAX)
Northbound Destinations:
- Camarillo:
- Distance: Approx. 13 miles
- Travel Time: ~15-20 minutes
- Oxnard:
- Distance: Approx. 19 miles
- Travel Time: ~25-30 minutes
- Ventura:
- Distance: Approx. 26 miles
- Travel Time: ~35-40 minutes
- Santa Barbara:
- Distance: Approx. 58 miles
- Travel Time: ~1 hour 20 minutes – 1 hour 30 minutes
- Goleta:
- Distance: Approx. 65 miles
- Travel Time: ~1 hour 35 minutes – 1 hour 45 minutes
- San Luis Obispo:
- Distance: Approx. 145 miles
- Travel Time: ~3 hours 30 minutes – 3 hours 45 minutes
Distances to Major Airports from Moorpark
Getting to the airport from Moorpark using Amtrak often involves a combination of train and shuttle/ride-share, offering a viable alternative to driving the entire way.
- Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR):
- Driving Distance: Approx. 30-35 miles
- Train/Shuttle Option: Take the Pacific Surfliner or Metrolink southbound to the Burbank Airport-South (BUR) Metrolink station. From there, a free shuttle connects directly to the airport terminals.
- Total Travel Time: ~1 hour 15 minutes – 1 hour 45 minutes (including transfers)
- Los Angeles International Airport (LAX):
- Driving Distance: Approx. 45-50 miles
- Train/Shuttle Option: Take the Pacific Surfliner or Metrolink southbound to Los Angeles Union Station. From Union Station, use the LAX FlyAway bus service (a dedicated direct shuttle service) to the airport terminals.
- Total Travel Time: ~2 hours – 2 hours 45 minutes (including transfers)
- Santa Barbara Airport (SBA):
- Driving Distance: Approx. 55-60 miles
- Train/Shuttle Option: Take the Pacific Surfliner northbound to the Goleta station. From Goleta, a short taxi or ride-share (approx. 5-10 minutes) will get you to SBA.
- Total Travel Time: ~1 hour 50 minutes – 2 hours 15 minutes (including transfers)
- John Wayne Airport (SNA) – Orange County:
- Driving Distance: Approx. 80-85 miles
- Train/Shuttle Option: Take the Pacific Surfliner southbound to Santa Ana station. From Santa Ana, a short taxi or ride-share (approx. 10-15 minutes) will get you to SNA.
- Total Travel Time: ~2 hours 45 minutes – 3 hours 15 minutes (including transfers)
- Ontario International Airport (ONT):
- Driving Distance: Approx. 60-65 miles
- Train Option: ONT is less directly connected by Amtrak. While you can take Amtrak to LA Union Station and then connect to Metrolink’s San Bernardino Line, a dedicated train-to-airport solution like FlyAway isn’t as seamless. Driving or an airport shuttle service will likely be the most straightforward option from Moorpark.
Why Choose Moorpark Amtrak?
- Avoid Traffic: The most compelling reason! Enjoy the scenery instead of bumper-to-bumper frustrations.
- Relaxation: Recline, read, work, or simply watch the landscape glide by.
- Convenience: Ample parking and a simple station layout make for easy boarding.
- Cost-Effective: Often competitive with gas, tolls, and parking when you factor in the peace of mind.
- Scenic Route: The Pacific Surfliner offers stunning coastal views, especially north of Ventura.
Tips for Travelers
- Book in Advance: Especially for peak travel times, booking your Amtrak tickets online is recommended to secure your seat and potentially better fares.
- Arrive Early: Give yourself at least 15-20 minutes before departure, especially if you need to purchase tickets or check luggage (though Moorpark is generally a carry-on friendly station).
- Check Schedules: Always verify current schedules on Amtrak’s official website (amtrak.com) as times can change, and delays can occur.
- Luggage: Amtrak has generous luggage policies, but be mindful of what you can comfortably carry.
- Enjoy the Ride: Bring a book, download a podcast, or simply take in the views.
Whether you’re heading to the beaches of San Diego, the vibrant culture of Los Angeles, or the charming coast of Santa Barbara, the Moorpark Amtrak station provides a stress-free and scenic journey. Embrace the ease of train travel and discover a new way to explore Southern California!
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