Nestled in the heart of the Inland Empire, the Amtrak Pomona-North (PON) station might not be the flashiest hub, but it’s a strategic gateway for travelers looking to explore Southern California by train. Serving as a vital link on the popular Pacific Surfliner route and offering seamless connections to Metrolink, PON provides a convenient alternative to navigating the region’s notorious freeway traffic.
If you’re planning a trip via this charming historic station, here’s everything you need to know to make your journey smooth and enjoyable.
Finding the Pomona-North (PON) Station
The station is situated within a historic district, known for its classic architecture and proximity to significant landmarks.
- Address: 100 W Commercial St, Pomona, CA 91768
- Key Landmarks Nearby: Located just a few blocks from the heart of Downtown Pomona, and not far from the Fairplex, home of the LA County Fair. Cal Poly Pomona is also a relatively short drive away.
Amtrak Services at PON
The Pomona-North station is primarily served by one of Amtrak’s most scenic and popular routes:
- Pacific Surfliner: This route connects San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Los Angeles, and San Diego, offering frequent daily service with stunning coastal views. Pomona-North is a key inland stop on this line, providing a link between the Inland Empire and the wider Surfliner network.
Important Note: PON is generally an unstaffed station. This means:
- There is no ticket agent on duty. You’ll need to purchase your tickets online, via the Amtrak app, or from the conductor onboard the train.
- Luggage assistance is limited. Be prepared to handle your own bags.
Station Amenities & Accessibility
While a smaller, unstaffed station, PON offers essential facilities:
- Waiting Area: A small, basic waiting area is available at the historic station building.
- Restrooms: Accessible restrooms are usually available during specific hours or when trains are approaching.
- Parking: A dedicated parking lot is available. It is often metered or requires payment, so be sure to check signage upon arrival.
- Accessibility: The station is ADA compliant, with accessible platforms and ramps for easy boarding and deboarding for passengers with disabilities.
Connecting Beyond Amtrak: Intermodal Options
One of Pomona-North’s biggest advantages is its excellent connectivity to other modes of transportation.
- Metrolink: The station is a shared stop with Metrolink, Southern California’s commuter rail system. This is a huge benefit, allowing passengers to seamlessly transfer between Amtrak and Metrolink lines.
- San Bernardino Line: Connects Pomona to cities like Claremont, Covina, El Monte, and Downtown Los Angeles (Union Station).
- Riverside Line: Connects Pomona to cities like Montclair, Ontario, Eastvale, and Riverside.
- Local Bus Services: Foothill Transit and Omnitrans operate routes that serve the Pomona area, with stops relatively close to the station, offering access to broader local destinations. Check their respective websites for schedules and route maps.
- Ride-Hail Services: Uber and Lyft are readily available in the Pomona area, providing convenient door-to-door service to and from the station.
Distances to Key Cities from Pomona-North (PON)
Here’s a look at estimated driving distances and travel times to popular Southern California destinations from the Pomona-North station. Keep in mind that traffic in Southern California can significantly impact travel times.
- Los Angeles (Downtown LA/Union Station):
- Distance: ~30-35 miles
- Estimated Drive Time: 45 minutes – 1.5+ hours (depending on traffic)
- By train (Amtrak/Metrolink): Approximately 45-60 minutes, often a more predictable journey.
- Pasadena:
- Distance: ~20-25 miles
- Estimated Drive Time: 30 minutes – 1 hour
- Riverside:
- Distance: ~20 miles
- Estimated Drive Time: 30 minutes – 45 minutes
- By train (Metrolink): Approximately 30-40 minutes.
- Anaheim (Disneyland Resort):
- Distance: ~25-30 miles
- Estimated Drive Time: 40 minutes – 1.5 hours
- San Bernardino:
- Distance: ~25-30 miles
- Estimated Drive Time: 35 minutes – 1 hour
- Ontario (City of):
- Distance: ~5-7 miles
- Estimated Drive Time: 10-20 minutes
- By train (Metrolink): Approximately 10-15 minutes to the Montclair station, which is very close to Ontario.
- San Diego (Santa Fe Depot):
- Distance: ~100-110 miles
- Estimated Drive Time: 1.5 – 2.5 hours (or more with heavy traffic)
- By train (Amtrak Pacific Surfliner): Approximately 2 hours 15 minutes – 2 hours 45 minutes, a relaxing and scenic option.
Distances to Major Airports from Pomona-North (PON)
Connecting to airports from PON often requires a mix of Metrolink/bus and ride-share/shuttle, as direct train service to most airports isn’t available.
- Ontario International Airport (ONT):
- Distance: ~7-10 miles
- Estimated Drive Time: 15-25 minutes
- This is by far the most convenient airport to PON. You can take Metrolink one stop west to the Montclair station, then a short ride-share or taxi to ONT, or a direct ride-share from PON.
- Los Angeles International Airport (LAX):
- Distance: ~45-50 miles
- Estimated Drive Time: 1 hour – 2.5+ hours (highly dependent on traffic)
- By train/public transit: Take Amtrak/Metrolink to LA Union Station, then connect to the FlyAway bus service or other transit options to LAX. Total travel time can be 2-3+ hours.
- John Wayne Airport (SNA), Orange County:
- Distance: ~35-40 miles
- Estimated Drive Time: 45 minutes – 1.5 hours
- By train/public transit: Take Amtrak to Anaheim and then connect to local transit or a ride-share to SNA.
- Long Beach Airport (LGB):
- Distance: ~35-40 miles
- Estimated Drive Time: 45 minutes – 1.5 hours
Why Choose Pomona-North?
- Avoid LA Traffic: For those coming from or heading to the Inland Empire, PON offers a way to bypass congested freeways around Los Angeles.
- Convenient Metrolink Access: Excellent for connecting to various parts of the Inland Empire and Downtown LA.
- Historic Charm: The station itself is part of Pomona’s rich history, offering a unique travel experience.
- Relatively Easier Parking: Often less stressful than finding parking at larger, busier stations.
Tips for a Smooth Journey
- Buy Tickets in Advance: Especially for the Pacific Surfliner, as trains can sell out, particularly on weekends.
- Check Train Status: Always use the Amtrak app or website to check for any delays before heading to the station.
- Arrive Early: Give yourself ample time, especially if you need to find parking or are unfamiliar with the station.
- Accessibility Needs: If you require assistance, contact Amtrak customer service in advance to arrange help.
Amtrak’s Pomona-North (PON) station is more than just a stop on the line; it’s a strategically located hub offering convenient access to Southern California’s diverse attractions and cities. Whether you’re commuting, exploring the coast, or heading to an airport, PON provides a distinct and often less stressful travel experience. Start planning your Inland Empire adventure by train today!
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