San Bernardino, a city rich in history and a vital hub in Southern California’s Inland Empire, offers travelers a unique gateway to the broader U.S. rail network. For those looking to escape the notorious California traffic and embark on a more leisurely journey, the Amtrak station in San Bernardino (SNB) serves as a crucial starting point or destination.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the San Bernardino Amtrak station, from its historic charm to its connections to key cities and airports.
The San Bernardino Santa Fe Depot: A Historic Gateway
The Amtrak station in San Bernardino is more than just a place to catch a train; it’s a piece of local history. Housed within the magnificent San Bernardino Santa Fe Depot, a grand Spanish Colonial Revival-style building completed in 1918, the station offers a glimpse into a bygone era of rail travel.
Location:
- Address: 1170 W 3rd St, San Bernardino, CA 92410
- General Area: Located just west of downtown San Bernardino, easily accessible from major freeways (I-215, I-10, CA-210) and adjacent to the Metrolink station.
Station Amenities & Features:
- Historic Architecture: Take a moment to appreciate the stunning architecture, intricate tile work, and spacious waiting areas.
- Waiting Area: Comfortable seating is available.
- Restrooms: Public restrooms are accessible.
- Ticket Services: While a traditional staffed ticket counter may have limited hours or be unstaffed, a Quik-Trak self-service ticketing kiosk is usually available for printing tickets. It’s always best to purchase tickets online or via the Amtrak app in advance.
- Accessibility: The station is generally accessible for passengers with disabilities, including ramps and accessible restrooms.
- Parking: Ample paid parking is typically available in the Metrolink lots adjacent to the station, serving both Metrolink and Amtrak passengers.
Amtrak & Metrolink Services at SNB
The San Bernardino Santa Fe Depot is a bustling intermodal center, serving both regional commuters and long-distance travelers.
Amtrak Routes:
The primary Amtrak service at San Bernardino (SNB) is the legendary:
- The Southwest Chief: This iconic train offers daily service between Los Angeles and Chicago, traversing through the stunning landscapes of the American Southwest. From San Bernardino, you can head westbound to Los Angeles Union Station or eastbound towards destinations like Kingman (AZ), Albuquerque (NM), Kansas City (MO), and ultimately Chicago (IL).
- Important Note: The Pacific Surfliner does not serve San Bernardino directly. The Surfliner runs along the coast. If you wish to connect to the Surfliner, your best option is to take the Southwest Chief westbound to Los Angeles Union Station, where you can easily transfer.
Metrolink Connections:
The San Bernardino Santa Fe Depot is a major hub for Metrolink, Southern California’s commuter rail system. This makes it incredibly convenient for connecting to various parts of the region:
- San Bernardino Line: Direct service to Los Angeles Union Station.
- Inland Empire-Orange County Line: Connects to cities like Riverside, Corona, Orange, Santa Ana, and Oceanside.
- 91/Perris Valley Line: Connects to Riverside and Perris.
This co-location of Amtrak and Metrolink makes SNB an excellent multimodal transit point for travel within and beyond Southern California.
Getting To & From the San Bernardino Station
Whether you’re arriving by train or heading out, here’s how to navigate your way:
- Driving: The station is easily accessible from multiple freeways. Parking in the Metrolink lots is convenient for both short and long stays.
- Ride-Sharing & Taxis: Services like Uber and Lyft, as well as local taxi companies, frequently serve the station.
- Local Bus (Omnitrans): Omnitrans provides local bus service throughout San Bernardino and the surrounding areas, with several routes stopping near the depot. Check the Omnitrans website for schedules and routes.
- Metrolink: As mentioned, Metrolink offers extensive regional connections, making it easy to reach San Bernardino from neighboring cities like Riverside, Anaheim, or Los Angeles.
Distances to Key Southern California Cities & Airports
For those planning their journey, understanding the proximity of San Bernardino to major regional destinations is key. Please note that driving times are approximate and heavily dependent on traffic conditions, which can be significant in Southern California.
Airports:
- Ontario International Airport (ONT):
- Distance: Approximately 15-20 miles
- Driving Time: 20-30 minutes (closest and most convenient)
- Notes: Excellent choice for domestic flights, much less congestion than LAX.
- John Wayne Airport (SNA) – Orange County:
- Distance: Approximately 55-65 miles
- Driving Time: 1 hour 10 minutes – 1 hour 45 minutes+ (can be very traffic-dependent)
- Notes: Good for coastal Orange County access, often serves as an alternative to LAX.
- Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR):
- Distance: Approximately 60-70 miles
- Driving Time: 1 hour 15 minutes – 2 hours+ (prone to LA traffic)
- Notes: Smaller, more relaxed airport, good for connecting to the San Fernando Valley or parts of LA.
- Los Angeles International Airport (LAX):
- Distance: Approximately 60-70 miles
- Driving Time: 1 hour 15 minutes – 2 hours 30 minutes+ (highly variable, can be much longer with severe traffic)
- Notes: Major international hub. Allow significant extra time for travel to/from LAX, especially during peak hours. Consider taking Metrolink to LA Union Station and then a FlyAway bus or shuttle to LAX.
Key Cities & Destinations:
- Riverside (Downtown):
- Distance: Approximately 15 miles
- Driving Time: 20-30 minutes
- Notes: Direct Metrolink connections available.
- Los Angeles (Union Station):
- Distance: Approximately 55-60 miles
- Driving Time: 1 hour – 1 hour 30 minutes+
- Notes: Direct Amtrak Southwest Chief and Metrolink connections. Union Station is a major transit hub.
- Anaheim (Disneyland Resort):
- Distance: Approximately 45-50 miles
- Driving Time: 50 minutes – 1 hour 30 minutes+
- Notes: Metrolink’s Inland Empire-Orange County Line offers service to the Anaheim Regional Transportation Intermodal Center (ARTIC), which is a short shuttle ride to Disneyland.
- Palm Springs:
- Distance: Approximately 55-60 miles
- Driving Time: 1 hour – 1 hour 15 minutes
- Notes: A popular desert resort city, easy drive via I-10 East.
- Big Bear Lake / Lake Arrowhead (Mountain Resorts):
- Distance: Approximately 35-45 miles
- Driving Time: 1 hour – 1 hour 15 minutes (mountain roads, can be affected by snow in winter)
- Notes: Popular mountain getaways, but require navigating winding mountain roads.
Tips for a Smooth Trip
- Book in Advance: Especially for the Southwest Chief, Amtrak tickets can sell out or increase in price closer to departure.
- Check Status: Always check your train’s status on the Amtrak app or website before heading to the station, as delays can occur.
- Arrive Early: Give yourself ample time to find parking, locate your platform, and admire the historic station.
- Consider Metrolink for Local Connections: If traveling within Southern California, Metrolink can be a convenient and cost-effective option to reach the Amtrak station.
The San Bernardino Amtrak station (SNB) offers a blend of historic charm and modern convenience for travelers. Whether you’re embarking on a cross-country adventure on the Southwest Chief or simply connecting to regional Metrolink services, SNB is your gateway to exploring Southern California and beyond. Happy travels!
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