Nestled in the northern reaches of Los Angeles’ San Fernando Valley, the Sylmar/San Fernando Amtrak station (SYL) offers a convenient, often-overlooked gateway for travelers looking to escape the notorious LA traffic. Whether you’re commuting to downtown, heading south for a coastal adventure, or connecting to further destinations, this station provides a stress-free alternative to driving.
This complete guide will help you navigate SYL, detailing its services, amenities, and crucial distances to key cities and airports.
The Sylmar/San Fernando Station (SYL): Your Valley Connection
While often referred to as “Sylmar/San Fernando,” the station is technically located within the Sylmar neighborhood, serving both communities and the broader northern San Fernando Valley. It’s a key stop for the popular Pacific Surfliner route, connecting you to destinations throughout Southern and Central California.
- Official Address: 11219 Frank Modugno Rd, Sylmar, CA 91342
- Station Code: SYL
What to Expect at SYL: Station Amenities
The Sylmar/San Fernando station is a smaller, unstaffed platform, typical of many suburban Amtrak stops. It’s designed for quick boarding and disembarking, so plan accordingly.
- Station Building: There is no traditional station building. It’s an outdoor platform environment.
- Waiting Area: A simple covered shelter with benches is available for passengers waiting for their train.
- Ticketing: There are no ticketing services or kiosks at the station. Tickets must be purchased in advance online (Amtrak.com), via the Amtrak mobile app, or by phone.
- Restrooms: No public restrooms are available at the station.
- Parking: Ample free parking is available directly adjacent to the platform. This is a major advantage for those driving to the station.
- Accessibility: The station is wheelchair accessible, with a level platform for easy boarding.
- Food & Drink: No concessions are available, so bring any snacks or beverages you might want for your journey.
Getting To & From the Station
- By Car: With its dedicated parking lot, driving to SYL is straightforward. It’s located just off San Fernando Road, easily accessible from the 5 and 210 freeways.
- Ride-Sharing: Uber, Lyft, and other ride-sharing services can pick up and drop off directly at the station.
- Public Transit: Metro Local Line 224 operates along San Fernando Road, a short walk from the station, connecting to various points within the San Fernando Valley. Check Metro schedules for specific routes and times.
Amtrak Services from Sylmar/San Fernando (SYL)
The primary service operating out of SYL is the Pacific Surfliner. This popular route offers multiple daily trains, connecting Sylmar/San Fernando to:
- Southbound: Glendale, Burbank, Los Angeles (Union Station), Fullerton, Anaheim, Orange, Santa Ana, Irvine, San Juan Capistrano, Oceanside, Solana Beach, Old Town San Diego, and San Diego (Santa Fe Depot).
- Northbound: Simi Valley, Moorpark, Oxnard, Ventura, Carpinteria, Santa Barbara, Goleta, Lompoc-Surf, Guadalupe-Santa Maria, Grover Beach, San Luis Obispo.
From Los Angeles Union Station, you can connect to other Amtrak services like the Coast Starlight, Southwest Chief, Sunset Limited, and Texas Eagle, as well as Metrolink commuter rail and various Metro Rail lines.
Distances & Travel Times to Key Cities and Airports from SYL
Here’s an overview of approximate distances and typical travel times (driving, highly subject to traffic) from the Sylmar/San Fernando Amtrak station, plus train travel times where applicable:
Major Los Angeles Destinations:
- Downtown Los Angeles (Union Station):
- Driving: Approx. 25-30 miles (40-60 minutes, highly traffic-dependent).
- Train (Pacific Surfliner): Approx. 40-50 minutes (direct, stress-free). Union Station is a major transit hub.
- Hollywood (Walk of Fame/Highland Ave):
- Driving: Approx. 20-25 miles (40-70 minutes).
- Santa Monica Pier:
- Driving: Approx. 35-40 miles (60-90+ minutes).
- Universal Studios Hollywood:
- Driving: Approx. 18-22 miles (35-65 minutes).
- Pasadena (Old Town):
- Driving: Approx. 25 miles (40-70 minutes).
San Fernando Valley & Beyond:
- Burbank (Downtown/Media City):
- Driving: Approx. 10-15 miles (20-40 minutes).
- Train (Pacific Surfliner): Approx. 20-25 minutes.
- Six Flags Magic Mountain (Valencia/Santa Clarita):
- Driving: Approx. 15-20 miles (25-40 minutes).
- Northridge (CSUN):
- Driving: Approx. 10-12 miles (20-35 minutes).
- Glendale:
- Driving: Approx. 15-20 miles (30-50 minutes).
- Train (Pacific Surfliner): Approx. 30-35 minutes.
Airports:
- Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR):
- Driving: Approx. 10-15 miles (20-40 minutes).
- Train: One stop south to the “Burbank Airport-South” station (BUR), then a short shuttle or walk to the terminal. Total train journey ~20 minutes.
- Los Angeles International Airport (LAX):
- Driving: Approx. 35-40 miles (60-90+ minutes, easily longer).
- Train + Shuttle: Take the Pacific Surfliner to LA Union Station (approx. 40-50 min). From Union Station, connect to the FlyAway bus service directly to LAX (approx. 45-60 min, every 30 min) or use Metro Rail (Red Line to Green Line to airport shuttle). This is a multi-modal journey, but avoids driving congestion to LAX.
- Ontario International Airport (ONT):
- Driving: Approx. 55-60 miles (60-90+ minutes). Less convenient by train from SYL.
- Long Beach Airport (LGB):
- Driving: Approx. 50 miles (60-90+ minutes). Less convenient by train from SYL.
Why Choose Train Travel from Sylmar/San Fernando?
- Beat the Traffic: This is the #1 reason. Enjoy the journey without the stress of LA’s infamous congestion.
- Convenient Parking: Ample free parking directly at the station.
- Relaxing & Productive: Work, read, enjoy the views, or simply relax without worrying about the road.
- Direct to Downtown: A direct, comfortable ride to the heart of Los Angeles (Union Station), where you can connect to virtually anywhere in the city via public transit.
- Scenic Views: Enjoy sections of the Pacific Surfliner route with stunning ocean views, especially as you head south of Orange County.
Tips for Travelers from SYL
- Book in Advance: Especially for popular times or routes, booking your Amtrak tickets online or via the app ahead of time is recommended.
- Arrive Early: Since it’s an unstaffed station, give yourself enough time to park, find the platform, and be ready before the train arrives.
- Check Schedules: Always verify train schedules on Amtrak.com or the app, as times can occasionally change.
- Pack Essentials: Remember there are no restrooms or concessions, so bring your own water, snacks, and plan for restroom breaks before or after your journey.
- Utilize the Amtrak App: It’s excellent for checking real-time train status, e-tickets, and booking.
- Accessibility: If you require assistance, notify Amtrak when booking or at least 48 hours in advance.
The Sylmar/San Fernando Amtrak station (SYL) may be small, but it’s a mighty convenient option for residents and visitors alike looking to experience the joys of train travel in Southern California. Next time you’re planning a trip, consider Sylmar as your starting point for a smoother, more enjoyable journey!
Leave a Reply