It’s a common misconception, and one we’re here to clear up! If you’ve been searching for an “Amtrak station in San Marino (SNO)” or planning a train trip directly to this beautiful city, you’re not alone in thinking there might be a direct stop.
Let’s get straight to the point:
There is no Amtrak station with the code “SNO,” and there is no direct Amtrak station in San Marino, California.
San Marino, a charming and affluent residential city nestled in Los Angeles County, is known for its stunning architecture, lush gardens, and quiet neighborhoods, rather than a busy train hub. It does not have its own Amtrak passenger rail service.
However, that absolutely doesn’t mean you can’t reach San Marino by train! You’ll simply need to plan your journey to one of the nearby major Amtrak stations and then connect to San Marino via local transportation. This guide will walk you through your best options.
Your Closest Amtrak Hubs to San Marino, California
To reach San Marino by Amtrak, you’ll be aiming for one of the larger regional stations that serve the greater Los Angeles area. Here are your top choices, along with their distances and estimated travel times to San Marino:
1. Los Angeles Union Station (LAX) – The Primary Hub
- Location: 800 North Alameda Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012
- About: As the largest railway station in the Western United States, Union Station is the main gateway for all Amtrak services into Southern California. It’s a stunning historic landmark and a major transit hub for local and regional connections.
- Amtrak Lines Served:
- Pacific Surfliner: Connects San Diego, Orange County, Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo.
- Coast Starlight: Travels between Los Angeles and Seattle.
- Southwest Chief: Connects Los Angeles and Chicago.
- Sunset Limited: Travels between Los Angeles and New Orleans.
- Texas Eagle: Travels between Los Angeles and Chicago (via San Antonio).
- Distance to San Marino: Approximately 12-15 miles
- Estimated Travel Time to San Marino (by car/rideshare): 25-45 minutes (depending heavily on traffic)
- Connecting to San Marino from Union Station:
- Metro L Line (Gold Line): This is often your most efficient public transport option. Take the L Line (formerly Gold Line) northbound towards Azusa. The nearest stations to San Marino would be South Pasadena, Lake Pasadena, or Allen Pasadena. From these stations, you would need to use a short rideshare, taxi, or local bus connection to reach your specific destination in San Marino.
- Rideshare/Taxi: Uber, Lyft, and traditional taxis are readily available at Union Station. This is the most direct and convenient option if you’re not on a strict budget.
2. Glendale Station (GDL) – A Closer Option
- Location: 400 W Cerritos Ave, Glendale, CA 91204
- About: A historic and charming station that serves as a regional stop, often less bustling than Union Station. It’s a good alternative if your Amtrak route allows.
- Amtrak Lines Served:
- Pacific Surfliner: (Select services)
- Coast Starlight: (Select services)
- Distance to San Marino: Approximately 10-12 miles
- Estimated Travel Time to San Marino (by car/rideshare): 20-40 minutes (depending on traffic)
- Connecting to San Marino from Glendale Station:
- Rideshare/Taxi: This is generally the most practical option from Glendale Station directly to San Marino.
- Local Bus: Metro bus connections are available but will likely require transfers and take significantly longer.
3. Fullerton Transportation Center (FUL) – Southern Orange County Gateway
- Location: 120 E Santa Fe Ave, Fullerton, CA 92832
- About: While further south, Fullerton is a significant regional Amtrak hub, especially useful if you’re coming from San Diego or other points south of Orange County.
- Amtrak Lines Served:
- Pacific Surfliner
- Southwest Chief (select services)
- Sunset Limited (select services)
- Texas Eagle (select services)
- Distance to San Marino: Approximately 30-35 miles
- Estimated Travel Time to San Marino (by car/rideshare): 45-75 minutes (depending heavily on traffic)
- Connecting to San Marino from Fullerton:
- Rideshare/Taxi: This will be your primary connection method.
- Metrolink + Metro L Line: You could take Metrolink from Fullerton to Union Station, then transfer to the Metro L Line (Gold Line) towards San Marino-adjacent stops. This will be a multi-hour journey.
Getting to San Marino, CA from Nearby Stations
Once you arrive at one of the above Amtrak stations, here are your best options to complete your journey to San Marino:
- Ridesharing Services (Uber/Lyft): The most convenient and direct option. Simply call a ride from the station entrance.
- Taxi Services: Available at major stations like Union Station.
- Public Transit (from Union Station): The Metro L Line (Gold Line) is your best bet, though you’ll still need a last-mile connection from the nearest L Line stop to your specific destination in San Marino.
- Rental Car: If you plan to explore the broader Southern California area, renting a car from the airport or a rental agency near Union Station might be a good idea.
Why Visit San Marino, California?
Despite its lack of an Amtrak station, San Marino is a highly desirable destination for its unique attractions, including:
- The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens: This world-renowned institution features over a dozen themed gardens, an impressive art collection (including “Blue Boy”), and rare books and manuscripts. It’s the crown jewel of San Marino.
- Lacy Park: A beautiful 30-acre park perfect for walking, jogging, and picnicking.
- Historic Architecture: San Marino boasts stunning examples of Spanish Colonial Revival, Mediterranean, and traditional American architecture.
Distances to Key Cities and Airports from San Marino, CA
To help you plan your overall trip, here are approximate driving distances and times from San Marino to other significant locations (note: traffic in Los Angeles can drastically affect travel times):
- Downtown Los Angeles: ~12-15 miles (25-45 minutes)
- Pasadena: ~3-5 miles (10-20 minutes)
- Los Angeles International Airport (LAX): ~25-30 miles (45-90 minutes)
- Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR): ~15-20 miles (30-60 minutes)
- Long Beach Airport (LGB): ~30-35 miles (45-75 minutes)
- John Wayne Airport (SNA) – Orange County: ~45-50 miles (60-90 minutes)
- Anaheim (Disneyland Resort): ~30-35 miles (45-75 minutes)
- Santa Monica Pier: ~25-30 miles (45-90 minutes)
Planning Your Amtrak Journey
- Book Your Amtrak Ticket: Visit Amtrak.com or use the Amtrak app to book your tickets to Los Angeles Union Station (LAX) or Glendale (GDL).
- Plan Your Final Connection: Decide whether you’ll use rideshare, taxi, or public transit for the last leg of your journey from the Amtrak station to San Marino.
- Check Traffic: Especially in Los Angeles, traffic can be unpredictable. Use real-time navigation apps (Google Maps, Waze) to get the most accurate travel time estimates for your connections.
While San Marino (SNO) isn’t an Amtrak station, with a little planning, you can easily incorporate train travel into your visit to this beautiful Southern California city. Enjoy your journey to the Huntington Library and beyond!
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