Pasadena, California, is a city steeped in history, famed for its beautiful architecture, the Rose Bowl, and a vibrant cultural scene. When you think of historic travel, trains often come to mind, and Pasadena certainly has a rich railway past. However, if you’re looking to hop on an Amtrak train directly from a Pasadena station today, you might be in for a surprise.
The Reality: There Is No Active Amtrak Station in Pasadena (Currently)
Let’s clarify upfront: While Pasadena boasts a magnificent, historic train station (the former Santa Fe Railway station), it does not currently serve Amtrak’s intercity passenger rail routes. That iconic station is now primarily a hub for Metro’s A Line (formerly Gold Line) light rail, connecting Pasadena to Downtown Los Angeles and points beyond.
Don’t despair, train enthusiasts! Pasadena is incredibly well-connected to the true gateway for Amtrak services in Southern California: Los Angeles Union Station (LAX). This magnificent terminal is your starting point for nearly all Amtrak journeys originating from or passing through the greater Los Angeles area.
This guide will walk you through how to access Amtrak from Pasadena, what routes are available, and the key distances to cities and airports.
Step 1: Getting from Pasadena to Los Angeles Union Station (LAX)
Your first and most crucial step for any Amtrak journey from Pasadena is reaching Los Angeles Union Station. Thankfully, it’s a straightforward and convenient trip.
- By Metro A Line (Light Rail): This is by far the most recommended method. The A Line runs directly from numerous stations in Pasadena (such as Memorial Park, Del Mar, Fillmore, South Pasadena) right to Union Station.
- Distance: Approximately 9-10 miles
- Travel Time: ~25-35 minutes (depending on your starting station in Pasadena)
- Cost: Standard Metro fare (check current rates)
- Frequency: Trains run frequently throughout the day.
- Pro Tip: Union Station is a beautiful architectural marvel; give yourself a few extra minutes to explore!
- By Car/Rideshare: Driving or taking a rideshare service is also an option, but traffic can be unpredictable, especially during peak hours.
- Distance: Approximately 9-10 miles
- Travel Time: ~15-30 minutes (without traffic), ~45-75+ minutes (with heavy traffic)
- Parking: Parking is available at Union Station (paid), but it can be pricey for extended trips.
Step 2: Your Amtrak Journey Begins at Los Angeles Union Station
Once you’re at Los Angeles Union Station, a world of Amtrak travel opens up! Union Station serves as a vital hub for several long-distance routes and the popular Pacific Surfliner corridor.
Key Amtrak Routes from Los Angeles Union Station:
- Pacific Surfliner: This is Amtrak’s most frequent and popular route in Southern California, offering stunning coastal views. It connects San Luis Obispo to San Diego, with multiple stops in between.
- Destinations: Santa Barbara, Ventura, Orange County (Anaheim, Irvine), San Diego, and many more.
- Coast Starlight: A legendary long-distance route that travels along the Pacific Coast, connecting Los Angeles all the way to Seattle, Washington.
- Destinations: Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Oakland/Emeryville (for San Francisco connections), Portland, Seattle.
- Southwest Chief: Experience the historic route of the Santa Fe Railway, traveling through deserts, mountains, and prairies to the Midwest.
- Destinations: Flagstaff, Albuquerque, Kansas City, Chicago.
- Sunset Limited: Amtrak’s southernmost transcontinental route, connecting Los Angeles to New Orleans.
- Destinations: Tucson, El Paso, San Antonio, Houston, New Orleans.
Distances & Travel Times from Los Angeles Union Station
Now that you know how to get to Union Station, let’s look at approximate distances and travel times for popular destinations, as requested. Remember, these are from Los Angeles Union Station.
To Other Key Southern California Cities (via Pacific Surfliner):
- To Anaheim (Disneyland):
- Distance: ~26 miles
- Train Time: ~40-45 minutes
- To San Juan Capistrano:
- Distance: ~58 miles
- Train Time: ~1 hour 15 minutes
- To Oceanside:
- Distance: ~85 miles
- Train Time: ~1 hour 45 minutes
- To San Diego (Santa Fe Depot):
- Distance: ~126 miles
- Train Time: ~2 hours 45 minutes – 3 hours
- To Santa Barbara:
- Distance: ~95 miles
- Train Time: ~2 hours 30 minutes
- To San Luis Obispo:
- Distance: ~224 miles
- Train Time: ~5 hours 30 minutes
To Key Airports (from Los Angeles Union Station):
- Los Angeles International Airport (LAX):
- Distance: ~18 miles
- Travel: FlyAway bus is the most convenient option, departing frequently from Union Station directly to LAX terminals. (~30-60 min travel time, depending on traffic). No direct train connection.
- Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR):
- Distance: ~14 miles
- Travel: Metrolink (commuter rail) offers a direct connection to the Burbank Airport-South Metrolink station, where a free shuttle takes you to the terminals. (~20-25 min train ride).
- Long Beach Airport (LGB):
- Distance: ~25 miles
- Travel: No direct train connection. Metro A Line to Willowbrook/Rosa Parks Station, then transfer to Metro C Line (Green) to Aviation/LAX station, then bus/rideshare. Or, simply a rideshare/taxi from Union Station (~30-60 min, depending on traffic).
- Ontario International Airport (ONT):
- Distance: ~50 miles
- Travel: No direct train connection. Metrolink provides service on the San Bernardino Line to Rancho Cucamonga, where you could then take a taxi/rideshare. Alternatively, a rideshare/taxi directly from Union Station (~50-90 min, depending on traffic).
To Major Cities (Long-Distance Amtrak Routes):
- To Oakland/Emeryville (for San Francisco):
- Distance: ~450 miles
- Train Time: ~10-12 hours (Coast Starlight). Emeryville station has dedicated bus connections to San Francisco.
- To Portland, OR:
- Distance: ~960 miles
- Train Time: ~29-30 hours (Coast Starlight)
- To Seattle, WA:
- Distance: ~1140 miles
- Train Time: ~33-35 hours (Coast Starlight)
- To Chicago, IL:
- Distance: ~2250 miles
- Train Time: ~43 hours (Southwest Chief)
- To New Orleans, LA:
- Distance: ~1990 miles
- Train Time: ~49 hours (Sunset Limited)
Why No Amtrak in Pasadena?
The absence of Amtrak in Pasadena is largely due to historical shifts in passenger rail focus. After Amtrak took over passenger services in the early 1970s, many routes were consolidated, and Los Angeles Union Station was established as the primary hub for Southern California. The historic Pasadena station now efficiently serves the region’s robust commuter and light rail system, which is optimized for local and regional travel within the greater Los Angeles megalopolis.
Conclusion
While you can’t board an Amtrak train directly in Pasadena, the city’s excellent Metro A Line connection to Los Angeles Union Station makes it incredibly easy to access the broader Amtrak network. From Pasadena, a quick and scenic light rail ride puts you at the doorstep of intercity and long-distance train adventures across the country.
So, while “Pasadena Amtrak” might not be a direct pairing, your journey truly does begin in Pasadena, with Union Station as your seamless gateway to explorations near and far!
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