The train is such a relaxing way to get around Southern California! I mean grab a ticket A seat by the window with epic view and even a snack car serving hot dogs and pizza and snacks read more

Amtrak - Iconic views - Train Stations Near Me - San Diego, California

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I've been wanting to try out a taco spot in El Sereno/ Los Angeles for quite some time. I've tinkered with the idea to hubby- we can either drive or ride our motorcycles up there. We had our date set for our taco travels- then he whips the idea up of taking the Amtrak. We've discussed Amtrak ever since we've been together for 16 years and finally went with it. I haven't been on Amtrak since- 11th grade! Man, those were the days- taking the Amtrak to LA to attend warehouse raves! LOL Hubby would frequent the Amtrak every weekend to Central Coast before we met. I've read some of Amtrak's San Diego (Santa Fe Depot) reviews prior to our visit. We allowed ample time from the trolley ride/ National City to the Depot for the 8am departure. The gentleman behind the ticket counter was friendly and informative. We opted for round trip business class tickets. We picked the 4:10pm slot for the return back to SD. (Remember this). We inquired- "If we're done with our LA business before/ after our ticketed time, can we switch Departure?" The ticket agent said, yes. But- no guarantee if Business Class seats will be available. Be sure to allow yourself a good 20 minutes to line up. We picked our seats/ on the coastal side for our journey. Once the morning train is moving- there are complimentary juices, coffees, water and breakfast danishes available. The overhead announcement will be made for service at the Cafe down below. The Cafe serves beer, wine, alcohol, hot dogs, refrigerated snacks, chips, etc. Plenty of good sized overhead shelves and luggage stowaway. Staff was very informative when discussing what areas along the route the train travels at. 90 MPH is the maximum. The reclining cushioned seats make such a difference! On our way back later that same day- we had enough time to switch our departure to 3:10pm. It was so refreshing to sit in the strong air conditioned car. Announcements were made before we left LA that for our journey back home- there's only one business class car instead of two. Basically, don't hoarde a seat with your belongings and make room for another passenger. Complimentary snack box provided (dog bar/ trail mix/ pretzel twists/ buffalo chicken stick/ Asiago cheese spread). Complimentary beverages are sodas/ juice/ wine and Stella). Cafe cart is open as well. I heard monthly passes are available. For the both of us, $200 round trip/ Business Class. read more

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Amtrak is always consistently late. This makes them frustrating and not dependable. I missed work because of the over hour delay of the train . And the on-board crew feel no responsible to let you k ow what is happening they just laugh about the delay. Never use amtrak the last 3 train rides were all delayed one by 5 hours. Horrible service they need to be shut down! read more

We take Amtrak at least once a year to San Diego using Business class and over all it has been a great experience every time, and in the past it would have warranted four stars but the recent pull back in service is why I am only giving three stars. Business class used to come with access to the lounge and now you have to pay an additional $35, also they used offer a very nice snack box with a nice offering this has been reduced to a small bag of gummies, a less than airplane sized bag of pretzels and a similarly small bag of brownie cookies. This is not a deal breaker but it is disappointing to see a reduction. I still very much recommend Amtrak for getting up or down the coast it is far more relaxing than the drive and you have a devilish delight when you pass a busy freeway. The trains are always clean. The staff has always been first rate. On our recent trip the train was sold out and my partner and I had to sit separately when one of the attendants noticed they found two seats together that we could move to. That is above and beyond on a crowded train. read more

After all these years, I still love this train. In all honesty, if I got commission for every person that I've turned onto the Pacific Surfline, I'd have something like, six bucks. - On time almost all the time - The bar car is a vibe, especially coming south on a Friday evening - Business class is 100% worth the extra money - You can request free wine when they offer you snacks in business class - Make sure you sit on the window side that faces the coastline for the best experience - The seats are big and comfy, they recline and have a power source to charge your electronics So, if you're headed from SD to LA, this train is the move! read more

The Amtrak train in southern california is one of a kind ..a lifetime experience ..pacific surfliner ..goes to San Luis Obispo ...then u take bus to SF ..if u love California ..super experience bucket list ...Amtrak is cheaper than bus ...4am to 12:30pm San Diego to slo ..pretty easy and a fun adventure of a lifetime read more

It was my daughter my partner and I & I had spoken to the conductor today 04/12/26 name Brian and overall he answered my question and he is very nice and sweet and polite. I appreciate Amtrak for these type of conductors and I will be rating him a 5 star and to continue riding on with Amtrak. read more

Fales advertising. 2 of us purchased business tickets so we can work on our 5 hour train ride. We were asked to move from the table we sat at so a party of 3 could sit there. Could have driven in less time and got a couple of hours of work in. read more

with the travel o. the many trains for the coaster easier to buy tickets through the machine with Amtrak you have to make reservations and tickets much higher in price.Boardibf the Coaster Train at Santa Fe Station you can purchase tickets at the station and have time to board the Coaster. For the Amtrak you can purchas alcohol for your ride but rules are different no alcohol on the Coaster for the safety of others . The Coaster is more of a relaxing rid you can see the many places for when the ocean comes up the looks down on the many areas of the coast . My day on the coaster has been of the most interesting with loud kids that can be disrupting and you try to enjoy the ride. At the station the ticket machines have been having problems with operating when I arrived at the station Santa Fe being able to purchase a ticket that $3.25 for senior disabled with a round trip is $6.50. For the coaster train they do have much more cleaning for the ceiling you can see the dirt of the old trains that looks as though the top was removed and changed several times.Tjis is the first part of the coaster trip to Encinitas for the train ride to see much more . read more

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First time taking a train in US, it is from San Diego to Los Angeles Union Station, only costs you 36 bucks, super worth it. The ride is along coastline, it's quite an experience, it's pretty quiet and quick, better than I expected. On the train, they have two floors, the 2nd floor is full of seats with less space, 1st floor is relatively spacious, more leaning towards giving to the old folks who are not convenient to climb the stairs. They also provide luggage stack up stands which are very useful. Recommended! read more

Amtrak - Train Stations Near Me - San Diego, California

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They have the standard 3.5m audio jack and the USB-C headphones in the little shop inside. I needed to buy some last minute to work on the train. I always get business class going from Oxnard to Santa Fe Depot station. You get free snacks in business class. There's also certain seats that are newer in business class, I feel like the air conditioning is way better in the newer sections. read more

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A 3 1/2 hour delay due to suicide on the tracks, zero communication, sat at the station waiting minute by minute. Got on train, disgusting dirty. Bathrooms not cleaned for what looked like a week. Windows too dirty to look out, food on every seat. read more

This is the way to get to LA without stress! Business class provides guaranteed ample cushioned seats with excellent legroom and a power outlet. (Couch can be standing room only on busy weekends.) For a single rider the fare is "fair" considering gas prices on top of the traffic stress factor. read more

Amtrak Pacific Surfliner is clearly one of the best train routes in California. Going north, It starts at the San Diego Santa Fe Depot goes all the way to San Luis Obispo. I've gone to both ends of the line. What is most disturbing about this really beautiful train ride is how it originates here in San Diego. To begin with all the Amtrak employees at the station are extremely rude. I don't know why they're working here if they don't like their jobs you can see and feel the attitude....it is very unfriendly and so inhospitable. Are they aware that for those of us who travel business class, we are paying money For our seats. It's not free and we deserve service. The other thing is that business class needs to have priority we cannot be standing in line for 25 minutes to board. They should do it like the airlines do for business class. People need to get in early get comfortable relax. This time, the seats and panels were dirty. Thank heavens I brought Lysol wipes. The couples ahead of me complained similarly. Before departure, the attendant came down the aisle boasting that there was complimentary coffee, pastries, juices, water, on board. I had to bring it to his attention that both the business cars had nothing. His reply was oh, in that case we are out. I said you gotta be kidding me the train is starting from here. It should be fully loaded with supplies. And let me not even get into the Wi-Fi that they advertise about ...you have a nice strong signal on your phone, but it never works. It never has. And so far, it looks like it never will read more

The men's rest room was very dirty 250 pm 10-24-24 the cafe place I wish they had a menu with prices. Not just pics. Or the things they have printed my ticket. From Machine no out lights ki d of sucks there are food places. Need by I definitely do not recommend going to that Pizza Place read more

Where is the customer service on the surfliner? Herded like cattle, talked to like a piece of shit, and the opening greeting is an open threat to stow your bag or pay for the extra seat. Let an Amtrak employee know they suuuuck today. read more

Amtrak - What Amtrak will be if they don't get their shit together. - Train Stations Near Me - San Diego, California

The App, they want all your info and method of payment with account numbers. Basically access to your money before booking anything. And when I emailed to cancel the account they wanted my home address.... their selling your info to third parties without your permission. Wasted over an hour finally had to call a booking agent. Tried going from San Diego to Washington State. No Routes available!!! When I've taken this trip before. They can not show you a map where the track is out or not usable. It's all hush hush hush, can't tell the truth without having to hide the rest of the truth. Here is the truth. If you have something to hide. You really do not need my business. My new 2022 Toyota Prius with an avg of 55 mpg and I can do it faster than you can going 10 mpg under the speed limit. I'm sorry you've got to bus folks for 5 hours. EPIC Fail. Your App EPIC Trash, DELETED IT. Amtrak rates at the top of my cheesy company list. seriously!!! read more

Amtrak - Amtrak Derailed - Train Stations Near Me - San Diego, California

It is a Train Ride.. we went from San Diego to Santa Barbara, extremely fun trip.. for once we all got to enjoy the view from the Train.. excellent family time.. I recommend this type of travel to any and all.. read more

I love riding the Amtrak when I take trips to Santa Barbara. I always travel Business Class because it's seems to be less crowded and you get complimentary snacks and a small bottle of wine (or soda, water if you like). They also offer coffee, pastries and newspapers. You pay a little more for your ticket but it's worth it. The staff members working on the train are friendly and helpful. Each time I have traveled on Amtrak the trains have been on time, clean and the rest rooms are clean. The train station in downtown San Diego has a coffee stand, information booth and restrooms. At this particular station the trolley stops here as well, this makes it convenient to get too. The only negative is parking. Be prepared to be dropped off because you can't park near the station. Once you are on the train and moving down the tracks you can visit the snack bar for a variety of food items, cocktails, and beer. read more

Amtrak - Coffee Shop - Train Stations Near Me - San Diego, California

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AMTRACK IS STUCK IN THE 1920s. MOST OF THE EMPLOYEES ARE INCOMPETENT, UNPROFESSIONAL AND UNKIND. It is a civil service job, so as the stereotype goes, no one is fired for poor job performance. Now let's evaluate the AMTRACK schedule and connectors. AMTRACK has no high speed rail systems nor luxury seating like in Hong Kong and Europe. The united States passenger railcars are outdated and scheduled stops cover very small areas. Sadly, one must take buses to connect to their destinations outside of the small number of routes. Also, if you need consistency in planning trips and need to get to your destination on time DO NOT DEPEND on the AMTRACK. If you go to the website to research the incompetency of AMTRACK you will find this blurb blaming "Freight train interference Freight trains often take priority over passenger trains on the same rail lines, and Amtrak says this is the biggest cause of delays. Some say that freight railroads ignore the law that requires them to give passenger trains priority." QUESTIONS: Why have the all the CEOs of AMTRACK not lobbied CONGRESS to correct the FREIGHT trains illegal monopoly on the railroads? Why has the current CEO Stephen J. Gardner of Amtrak, who held this position since January 17, 2022 not stayed on the agenda before CONGRESS until CONGRESS penalizes the Freight companies for violation of the law? Instead CEO Gardner begs the customers to contact Congress with letters urging Congress to correct the Freight company's illegal violations. Sir, that is YOUR JOB to make sure that AMTRACK is running efficiently with the most modern equipment and efficient, timely service to the public. Are you not ashamed that AMTRACK/Pacificsurfliner runs a subpar operation? Maybe you and your administrators need to travel to Europe or *Hong Kong and learn the mechanics of their railroad system/services and implement it in the United States. *"One of the most advanced public transportation systems in the world is Hong Kong's Mass Transit Railway which connects Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, the New Territories, and Lantau Island. There are 11 lines with over 70 stations with trains running every two to four minutes. Every station boasts free wifi and air conditioning, and most stations include public bathrooms, shops, banks, and food stands." read more

Amtrak Vacations. Worst experience in a lifetime. Buyer Beware. Unsanitary Conditions. ADA compliance issues. Smelled like a sewer. Infected by Covid. Food was substandard. Very Bumpy/Rocky ride. Air conditioning problems. Freezing and very hot in some cars. Very expensive. Some of the rail easements were full of trash and homelessness. Dining services were rushed, you were forced to share a table. read more

this is for the San Diego location as far as what I am selecting however we caught the train at this location and wrote it home to Salinas California. We had an amazing trip! We cannot believe how amazing it was we were business class from San Diego to Los Angeles and switch trains to a long haul train from Los Angeles final destination to Seattle. As I stated we didn't go that far but we were on the train all day from six in the morning till six at night, we did reserve a roomette so it was extremely comfortable inviting spacious and the staff was absolutely amazing! We cannot believe how good the food was. We both had a burger at lunch they gave us dessert and their carrot cake was off the hook! For dinner which I am so sad I didn't get pictures of we had steak with a mushroom risotto and a grilled chicken breast with a cauliflower mash and it was out of this world! Kudos to the chefs that are making that good food on a moving train I couldn't even imagine LOL I just had to write some thing about Amtrak because the people were freaking amazing down to the girl in the snack bar who had us laughing because she said she was a snack Tetris master as far as getting snacks in the box which I can appreciate because that's awesome LOL if you were thinking about traveling on a train and you have the time I would highly recommend it because our experience was completely amazing read more

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For starters there's this guy who yelled at us for not being there on time and missing our train but we were they just wouldn't give my sister her ticket. The guy who helped us continued to be rude at us until we left. My sister and I got on the train, they told us that there was going to be a lot of people because of a horse race, which was totally fine. Until they allowed to a drunk lady to get into my face and curse at me, mind you im 17 which is legally still a minor. They didn't do anything. We then get to LA union and this black lady told my sister if she didn't go into this room she would ban us. And I told them no since I didn't know where it was, they got a higher up person and he than lied about everything to the person who picked us up. On the way back we had no issues until we got back to this union station where the brown guy with facial hair told my sister if she didn't go into the black room he would ban her again, than when our mother picked us up he chased us down the street saying "she's taking these children. I don't even know her". By far the worst experience ever DONT ever go there. read more

If you like big butts, my baby got BACK She don't eat for days - not even a SNACK I like to take her down to the old LOVE SHACK But I don't drive there, I take AMTRAK So stop looking up trains on KAYAK (what?) And bring your yellow instamatic KODAK Cause I've found the needle in the train HAYSTACK And it's right here and it's called AMTRAK Better than Brady at QUARTERBACK Steals your heart like a KLEPTOMANIAC Sicker than a HYPOCHONDRIAC There's no train iller than the damn AMTRAK So ignore my latest bad WISECRACK Cause this train's an APHRODISIAC And will thrill you more than riding BAREBACK So come and ride the train and ride it (AMTRAK) WHAT This Amtrak station is better known as the Santa Fe Depot, right next to Little Italy and the Waterfront and of course the Gaslamp Quarter. It's located at 1050 Ketner. It's not big and has a smallish Archway-type Hall where people wait for the trains, but what it is is absolutely perfect for, is for a beautiful city such as San Diego. And then it is located in a truly perfect location too. Definitely one of the nicest train stations in the state. read more

Amtrak San Diego, is the beginning and the end of each train round trip! It's the easiest train station to navigate because there's only one line for all the trips! I usually take the train to go back and forth between L.A. Although there's also another Amtrak in Old Town/Linda Vista as well if that's closer for you. I also love how the inside office looks, very historic and classy. And always tons of seatings available! read more

I used Amtrak from my vacation a couple days ago I went down to Los Angeles from the 25th to the 28th of April this year. I when I first got there the people were very helpful and I had no idea what I was doing and how to do it they're very helpful and they have an area where people with their Ada or people with disabled and seniors who have trouble walking and carrying their baggies they were very helpful to me and others they help me get on they help my with my baggage and they help me to the train and escort me there they told me what everything was the bathrooms and the little mini restaurants are at they have on the train. the view from the train was incredible a very nice room in the top second it was a little hot up there though but I enjoyed every last bit of my trip all the way down to Los Angeles it's very nice and quiet and peaceful until you got somebody wouldn't talk too much sitting next to you I got a couple of females to do that but I enjoyed my trip all the way to Los Angeles you do need to book your trip to where you want to go to in advance it helps cuz when I got to the train station they had no openings on the train to go back to San Diego .so I took the Greyhound bus instead but I did enjoy my trip to Los Angeles and I did enjoy taking Amtrak I'm definitely going to do this one more time but instead I'm going to pre-book my reservation in advance for Amtrak train so I can go back and forth. I highly recommend Amtrak trains to go to your destination the only cost is $33 to go to Los Angeles and$ 33 come back but you do need to have to do reservations in advance to make sure you get a seat on the train to go both ways read more

Nice, big Station! You need a code for the bathroom, which is fine so it keeps the unwanted public from loitering inside. I checked out the Cafe and it was ok. I ordered a bfast burrito and the guy behind the register was super funny and friendly. These aren't homemade burritos, but the microwaveable ones. Ok.. it did the job. There is a Starbucks across the street toward the trolley incase you want something fancy. I didn't notice it until after I sat outside to eat my burrito. Otherwise, no complaints with the station. Big.. spacious. read more

Amtrak - Train Stations Near Me - San Diego, California

As a rail buff, I enjoy visiting the San Diego Santa Fe Depot. Walk into it, look around, close your eyes, and imagine the Depot in the glory days of rail travel. It opened in 1915 to welcome visitors from around the world to the Panama-California Exposition at Balboa Park. Today it serves Amtrak and regional (Coaster) trains as well as the San Diego trolley. The Depot is a gem, but it needs capital improvement. read more

Amtrak - , Campanile topped by tile-covered dome - Train Stations Near Me - San Diego, California

Take a step back into history as you enter this station built by the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway in 1915. The architecture is Spanish Revival, easily recognized by anyone living in the southwest. This is a hub of transportation which includes Amtrak California, Coaster commuter rail trains, the San Diego Trolley, and the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System bus system. It is situated only two blocks from our waterfront. Heading north catch the Coast Starlight running all the way up the west coast and into Canada. Or catch the Sunset Limited taking you to New Orleans. Both journeys are romantic to be sure but you must be patient. The United States Amtrak system, with 50 years old equipment, takes days to make these journeys unlike the modern 5 year old European trains that whisk you to a destination in hours. I have enjoyed both Amtrak trips and find the click clack of the wheels to be very pleasant indeed. It reminds me of the song "City of New Orleans" sung by Arlo Guthrie in 1971; "I'm the train they call the City of New Orleans. I'll be gone five hundred miles when the day is done." read more

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Screw traffic, I'm taking the train! Amtrak is an incredibly efficient way of traveling in Southern California! The Pacific Surfliner has 27 stops from San Diego to San Louis Obispo, and is a much better substitute than driving. Plus, it comes with a ocean view! San Diego, Santa Fe Depot is the final stop on this train's route, and is central to Downtown San Diego. This station gives you quick access to all SD has to offer, including the San Diego Zoo & Safari Park, Gaslamp, and Balboa Park. Santa Fe Depot is well maintained, has a large number of seats, and hosts both a travel info booth and snack stand. While there isn't much in terms of libations, there are a number of bars, restaurants, and coffee shops that surround the location. The trains are clean, have great air conditioning, offer electrical outlets + WiFi, and you can even secure a window seat with a view of the ocean! I would also recommend upgrading your ticket to Business Class for larger seats, plus, free snacks, beverages, and wine. read more

I've been so pleasantly surprised by the consistent, positive experiences I've had using Amtrak. The trains are clean, run on time, have friendly conductors and staff. I always ride business class, and am pleased with the coffee and danishes on the morning run, and the snacks and wine on the evening run. They even offer wine on the morning run....hic! read more

Hand down the best way to get to San Diego! As a parent of a young child sometimes long car rides in a car seat can be very rough on your child and the adults. It was nice to be able to walk around and stretch your legs, watch movies on phone, enjoy snacks and use the restroom if needed! Business class is the way to go! The views are amazing and they off snacks as well! Staff was amazing and we can't wait to plan more trips on the Amtrak. read more

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LOVE the train experience as it brings sweet memories of the European travel systems much more commonly used than here in the States. It's refreshing to ride the Amtrak/Coaster between SD-LA. The train station in LA is beautiful! It is actually pretty safe as well. read more

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I would definitely recommend taking Amtrak if you're traveling the Pacific coast and have time to allocate for the trip. We caught a ride from San Diego to LA. It took about 4 hours because of all of the stops and a totally unexplained 30 minute delay before departure. But the scenery was wonderful, we had electrical outlets and wifi, nice sized (clean) bathrooms and tons of legroom. Plus it was CHEAP. Who in their right mind wouldn't want to do this? read more

Amtrak - Train Stations Near Me - San Diego, California

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We take the train often and enjoy the convenience but more often than not the employees are rude, more specifically the conductors and show no signs of caring that they are. It's very disappointing and we will not be taking the train when can be avoided. read more

Today the northbound trains were held up because of "an incident" on the track. The train was parked for about 3 hours. The good thing was the train heading east to Tucson and the buses headed up to the San Joaquin valley were held, so the trip could continue. Airports don't do that. Props read more

The customer service folk behind the window are super helpful and will go above and beyond to get you on that train (or bus lol) that's about to leave in 4 minutes 47 seconds. As compared to other stations, the flow of traffic on and off the train is smooth. Definitely the best staff on the Pacific Surfliner. read more

Very disappointed. We have taken business class pre Covid for years. Had access to coffee, water. Offered wine AND. Water. NOW ONLY 1 water, or wine. NO coffee. NO baggage service. TRIPPED trying to carry heavy checked luggage upstairs! GET YOUR CUSTOMER SERVICE FOR BUSINESS CUSTOMERS BACK!!! read more

The most confusing and horrible vacation we have ever taken........bus detours, sleeper trains were a nightmare, food was terrible, AC and heat were not working so you were either hot or freezing, waiting for the trains in the homeless depots where you couldn't even use the filthy bathroom because homeless were "bathing" in there! Worst vacation ever read more

I took the Amtrak to go up to Anaheim for an Angels game during my stay. I actually loved the ride, and wasn't too upset about the price because the view during the day was gorgeous. I mean, $60 round trip to watch the beautiful ocean? The staff at the Santa Fe Station in San Diego were so nice to me, and the train ran on time so I can't complain about my experience in any way. Without this station, I wouldn't have made it to Anaheim so I was grateful for the experience and would ride again elsewhere! Great first experience on the trai read more