It was such a fun little train ride! The trip lasted about two hours, and there was a cute bar downstairs serving sandwiches, alcohol, and sodas, which was perfect for the journey. It was a busy weekend, and most of the trains were sold out, so we were lucky to get tickets. We forgot to purchase our return tickets and ended up taking an Uber back, but everything worked out. The ride itself was incredibly relaxing--almost like being separated from the rest of the world, even though there were plenty of people on board. This time, we went to Santa Barbara, but I'd definitely ride the train again to see where the next stop takes us. Next time, I want to go all the way to the last stop! read more

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Staff is polite here and assist people with questions, tickets, etc. large parking lot and dash bus comes by as well. Train was a bit delayed when I took my trip to SD but nonetheless, made it out to SD for a short vacation. They have restrooms inside as well. read more

Amtrak - Train Stations Near Me - Van Nuys, California

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I live in Los Angeles, California. My experience with Amtrak has not been too good. Both times actually, 4 times that I road , it was always a problem with the train .the train broke down, making time being on the train. A long time had my dog on a train with me. Dog was very good, but it was a lot for him. The last time I rode, I rode in the disability section with my dog. And one of the conductors came up to me with the police and told me, I cannot have my dog on the train barking. I told him my dog was not barking. Everybody in the disability section agreed. And he just kept on saying, no, we can't have your dog barking him, and the police was there around me. And it was like they were treating me like I caused a scene or problem and I and my dog was sitting there quietly waiting for the train to take off. One of the other people that worked there, he was sitting in the seat beside me. And the person kept bothering me and kept saying, you can't be on the train with the dog barking. And no matter what I said, he would not listen, he would not listen to Nobody now. The other worker finally said the dog was not parking. The conductor didn't listen to him either. And the police was still there. The other person that worked there, He stood up and said the dog wasn't barking, which you can clearly hear another woman's dog barking very loud in the next cart, you can clearly hear it. And he would not leave me alone until the other worker stood up, and saying that the dog was not barking police walked away and left and the conductor walked away. I feel like he was trying to put me off the train, and I feel like he pointed me out for whatever reason, and I don't appreciate it, and I really don't wanna dont want to ride Amtrak again, cause I'm angry about that happening. When I was doing nothing work . And my dog was not doing nothing. Just sitting there quietly waiting and for him to bring the police like I did something wrong. Yeah, I'm not happy with Amtrak And i'm gonna tell everybody that I can to watch out for that. What if my dog had to bark, when or if I had a seizure, can, that's what he's there? For so we're gonna be put off the train. Cause he's warning me. Then, I'm about to have a seizure, just terrible experience. And before I got on the train, when it was time to board the train wanted workers, there would not let me on the train, I can't barely walk that well. And had me stand there on my bad leg for 20 minutes. Until that same conductor told me I was allowed to get on the train Yes, I feel like they singled me out. And I don't appreciate it. I got the handicapped section not for fun. Because I am disabled read more

Quaint little station. Not really busy. Easy to find. Ample parking. It didn't look like there was a worker there and I got worried because I had no idea how to navigate (we don't have trains in Hawaii). Thank God The worker there (Justin? I'm sorry if I forgot your name) popped on out, probably saw that I was lost! He was so friendly and helpful--he drove me to the platform since this was my very first time taking the train (we don't have these in Hawaii) and gave me a quick overview. I bought my tickets online so no interaction purchasing here. read more

Amtrak - Train Stations Near Me - Van Nuys, California

First time taking the Amtrak in a long time and it was a seamless experience. The gentleman in the station was so friendly and helpful. He was making sure anyone who needed a lift to the train via golf cart got it and was able to get accessible seats if needed. I asked where to go to get on the train, and he walked me outside and gave me detailed directions. Station is clean and I felt safe. It's a short walk from the station to where you board the train, but as mentioned before, they offer golf cart rides to those who need help. Now that I've had this experience, I am looking forward to taking the train more often! I bought my ticket online prior to my departure and they scanned it on board. Easy peasy! read more

Amtrak - Train Stations Near Me - Van Nuys, California

Excellent here. Helpful and polite staff, felt safe even during evening hours. The station is clean and has vending machines. My little nephew loves riding amtrak and was given a little train craft activity by the station agent while we waited for our train. I appreciate this place, my preferred station. read more

Me and my family have been at this station a few times, and the service is not bad. The station is also a good place to railfan while you wait for your train, a good amount of yard switching action there too. read more

Amtrak - Train Stations Near Me - Van Nuys, California

If you desire to buy a California rail pass, you will need to physically go to an Amtrak station, to pay and get the pass. They state that you will need hardcopy tickets for every leg of your journey. This can only be accomplished at a train station. On top of that, if you decide to upgrade your segments to business class, you will also need to go to a train station (will you believe that non of this stuff can be done on line?) Problem is that the majority of train stations are not manned, and Van Nuys is one of those very few that is. But all is not hunky-dory. At Van Nuys, there's only one person there ....who has to issue tickets, provide advice, and also meet every train to pick up and drop off people who need assistance. So the waits are long, because that person is not always at the ticket window !! However, all is not lost if you have the time. The one person who was there during my visit to the Van Nuys station is the smartest Amtrak employee I have interacted with to date. His name is Travis. Apart from being courteous, helpful and professional, he is very knowledgeable about all rail passes and provides meaningful guidance. I have talked on the phone with countless Amtrak employees and they are all clueless. In fact, I am the one who had to educate them on the little I knew about rail passes. And I could not get a straight answer to several of my questions from anyone. So thank you, Travis. You definitely are the man. read more

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Clean facility and the train to Monterey was on time. The attendant gave us a ride to the train so we wouldn't have to make the long walk to the boarding area. read more

This station is a no frills station.Often times there seems to be only 1 employee working who is out helping another customer/whatever so the small indoor station/restroom area is just empty. That'd definitely backfired on my family a few times as we have small children who are often needing to go to the restroom 'immediately' without warning & they keep the restrooms here locked at all times. Because it's often empty, I would also recommend just buying tickets online before you come to the station. However, beyond that the station/platforms are kept clean, it's easy to navigate, and there is plenty of free parking. It's definitely a commuter station but for people who either don't want to fly or deal with Southern California freeways, this is a great option to get in and out of the western part of the San Fernando Valley. read more

Bakersfield to Van Nuys bus 5910 Bus 43501 on August 13th .. I was denied handicapped seating by Driven Monique. I asked why, and she said, "I don't like random people coughing on me." Wow I wasn't coughing.. no one was. I proceeded to take a picture of the seats blocked by her belongings and outdated social distancing signage. I am allowed to take pics in a public place. I also reviewed amtak photo policies. She saw me taking pics and went to tell "steve" (worker in Bakersfield ) that she just didn't want me on her bus..and to escort me off the bus. I began crying and asked her, "Really? Why?" She didn't answer except to say get off. I explained that I needed to be on this bus bc my sister was sick & I needed to go to her. With anxiety and tears, I explained I was taking pics of the seat, not her... She then MADE me show her that no pics of her were on my camera roll... and said she eiukd let this go... this time.. Then Steve further intimidated and threatened. Saying if I didn't comply (?) That CHP would be notified to escort me off the bus. This induced anxiety, fear, and intimidation... They were bullies, and I felt extremely uncomfortable as well as in pain because of seating. I initially told her I was disabled and get nauseous if not in front I also have spondyosis and need room Others needed to sit there in handicapped, including an older Hispanic. Monique knew she was fragile and even put away her walker. I am seeking recompense for the last 2 rides I endured that were both unsafe and extremely painful because I was denied handicapped seating. And recompense for upcoming trip because of all the fear induced anxiety..I already have anxieties she made it worse read more

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I found this to be very safe and easy. It was fairly easy for me to bring my dog. I carried him in a soft, regulation bag - I bought the taller bag for my dog at Pet Co, it's 17" high. The Amtrak website says that animals and other carry ons go under the seat but - no, they do not. Nothing fits under those seats. My carry on luggage barely fit in the overhead area but there is a large luggage storage area in each car. My dog stayed in the seat next to me and none of the conductors seemed to mind at all. Everyone was very friendly. You can buy a pet ticket online while you're purchasing your own ticket, the site gives you the option to buy a pet or a bicycle ticket when you are checking out to buy your own ticket. Those tickets are limited and do sell out. Passengers with pets have to ride upstairs in the coach car. It was impossible for me to carry all of this up those stairs inside of the car but friendly passengers helped me! The trains were not crowded, even when I traveled on a holiday weekend. The seats are comfortable and clean. The parking at Van Nuys station is close by, it's right outside of the station, there is no long walk to take. The lot seemed safe and does have some security. Parking is free overnight. read more

I've been traveling on Amtrak for over 20 years . Also use Business class also perfect trip

I've always felt cautious being in Van Nuys, and I have to admit that I was expecting to return to a cracked window after my trip. I can tell you that this was not the case despite being parked farther and away from the main building. There is regular traffic from pickups and dropoffs, and I never once felt unsafe here. Navigating the parking lot wasn't too difficult, and thankfully I made my train... 30 seconds prior departure - no cap! For where it is located, the station itself was cleaner than expected, and I wish I knew about this station sooner. read more

This is so confusing for elderly people like my bf's mom who is 87 years old and refuses to fly (at all, EVER) from San Jose, 10 hours on the train. Luckily there's a nice attendant who found her. There NO signage at all so how the heck is supposed to know where to go when they are left at the tiny station?! read more

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My sweetheart and I recently took the Pacific Surfliner from Van Nuys Station to Klamath Falls, OR. Neither of us have taken the train anywhere and thought it would be nice... it was! But I want to acknowledge a exceptional employee there at the Van Nuys Station... Monique is incredible!!! She is professional, courteous, helpful, cheerful, etc... I can not say enough about this delightful lady!!! She is a asset to Amtrack and we can not praise her enough!!! She runs a tight ship out there, she took such good care of us and others! She is a people-person and a treasure! She was the beginning of a great experience and we will be using the train to travel in the future!!! PS- We thank you for the free parking, 6 days... and the sights of the Central California Coast is breathtaking! We highly recommend it! read more

It seems like the same trains that start in or go through downtown LA stop here, I cousin the daily one up to the Bay Area. This is much more convenient if you're in the west side--less traffic, easy to get to, less hectic in the station, plenty of parking. You go into the little station house and an agent will tell you how to walk to the actual platform to catch the train. The platform signage and messaging could be better, given that it's nonexistent. An agent came along and i asked which platform the train would arrive at and where to stand, and it would have been fine either way, but signs and announcements would streamline things. I didn't see restrooms at the platform so I'm guessing you should use one in the station house if you need it before the train arrives. read more

Amtrak - Train Stations Near Me - Van Nuys, California

I find Amtrak - Van Nuys an excellent alternative to start and finish travel on Amtrak and Metrolink for the following reasons plenty of available free parking, clean station facilities, helpful friendly station agents which all contribute to making boarding trains at Van Nuys a stress free experience. read more

My flight out of LAX was cancelled, which I was able to reschedule, but it messed with my connecting rail reservations. I popped by the Van Nuys Amtrak station to see if they could advise. The clerk working the counter, Daniel, was awesome. He walked me through the options, times, and then rebooked. No fuss, no mess, no addtl. cost, and all with a smile. I'm sure he deals with crap all day long so his good natured attitude was surprising, and so welcomed. Thanks, Daniel! read more

Travis was the best! Always has been here whenever I use the station and he goes beyond for customer service. Thank you Travis!

They are so helpful at this station. I got driven up to wait for my train. The customer service is really nice. I would definitely come back again. The parking lot also looks very safe and secure. read more

It's my son and I first amtrak experience. We checked in at the ticket booth, the man behind the counter was very friendly and easy going as I explained this is our first train ride going to San Diego. He directed us kindly to where we were boarding. The train itself is divided in two sections. First floor is for business class while second floor is for coach, unreserved seating. There's a bunch of one passengers hogging up the two seaters so it wasn't until the 4th cart a nice lady offered her seat as she was exciting at the next stop. Thank you miss! The ride itself is smooth. Passengers are in and out. Including one smelly guy that keeps walking up and down the aisle and seems to be lost and out of it. He keeps stopping and pausing right by where my son and I are at. Hello ticket conductor, please assist. On a another note, I was considering flying or driving into mentioned destination but this one thing I haven't done with my son yet so I thought to make an adventure out of it. We are enjoying the new sights and sprawling landscapes this state and cities have to offer. I wouldn't be able to ooooh and ahhhh and relax this much if I was driving and I didn't want to pay an unnecessary amount for ticket prices. I'd recommend the train but make sure you pack smart to keep you entertained, snacks for in between meals, a journal and good vibes. read more

Amtrak - Amtrak-ing it with my life adventurer! - Train Stations Near Me - Van Nuys, California

I put my Great Granddaughter 15 and her 16 year old Step sister on the train this morning. We got exceptional service by Travis and Monique who went above and beyond giving the best customer service I have ever received at an Amtrak station, read more

The person at the counter was extremely helpful with answering all our questions and making sure we get on the correct bus

Station itself was fine but the woman at the front desk tanked the experience. Our train was two hours late to begin with, and when we asked her about it she started talking over and interrupting our questions, which were pretty reasonable ones, but she acted like we had asked her a thousand stupid questions before that in the way she spoke to us, which was in a very patronizing and annoyed manner. She was so jangling and unnecessarily rude to customers who were just trying to get where they needed to go. Someone like that should not be working in a job involving customer interactions. It could've been just a bad day for her, but it's a train station and everyone was stressed and her attitude did not help anyone in the slightest. I suggest she choose a different vocation that requires little to no interaction with customers, if this is how she treats them on the daily. read more

This is the ideal way to travel to avoid the stress of driving, especially to San Diego on the 405 freeway. The train station is so convenient for me. Easy free parking (lot was empty on a Tuesday) and an air conditioned waiting area. The restroom is locked and the attendant must let you in, which is GREAT... that was my fear... Monique is the "famous" lovely, personable agent that I read yelpers rave about... she has a wonderful inviting demeanor and a delightful person! So happy to have found this station, not sure why I thought had to travel downtown to catch AMTRAK.. read more

Amtrak - Train Stations Near Me - Van Nuys, California

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Staff is always so nice. I missed my train and Arlisha and the other attendant were so nice and I want to thank them for helping me out. Monique is also amazing when I get to see her read more

If you have printed out your ticket in advance and are not checking in luggage, this place is pretty simple. If not, you might have a hard time when either their computer system is down or the attendent is away from his desk. They recently finished a remodel so it looks a little better than before. Indoor & outdoor seating areas or they have a few benches scattered near the tracks. There is lots of free parking & electrical car charging stations! Located right off of Van Nuys Blvd. (Before Living Spaces) it's easy to miss this little entrance ** note: it's before you go under the freeway pass** My big tiff with Amtrak (not necessarily this establishment) is that the trains are always running late. Luckily they scream over the intercom to let you know it's running late, but it's just so damn inconvenient at times. Santa Ana / OC bound - $21.00 - 2 hour ride, thank gofd for the bar carts - they even serve STONE beers, score! (try not to sit next to the toliets, ew) read more

Easy pick up and drop off here. Lots of parking. Clean facility. You can purchase your ticket online, inside the building or they have a few Kiosks outside. No complaints here. I'm not sure about over night or daytime parking, Ive never had to use it. read more

Amtrak - Nice views waiting for the train - Train Stations Near Me - Van Nuys, California

When I arrived at the station, I had to admit, it seemed a bit sketchy because it let you out right in the parking lot and there were some sketchy people in the parking lot. So I was a bit skeptical leaving from that station because it didn't look like there was a Terminal to wait at for the train. But it turns out there is a terminal and when I came back, I had to wait at the terminal for almost an hour because I got there early but it was nice and clean and no sketchy people inside. So I felt safe. And Monique, the woman at the counter, was so nice and friendly and kept me up-to-date on the trains arrival and directed me exactly where I needed to go when the train arrived and told me when I needed to go out and meet the train. Great customer service. read more

I'm checking in. Moniq there is the bomb! She greeted us warmly and knew our names . Made us feel so welcome. We parked our car here for our week long Seattle trip. Took Amtrak there on their sleeper car. All our food was included in our ticket . We booked a roomette which offered us privacy and converted from seats to bunk style beds. They gave us pillows/ bedding also and if you want to shower they gave towels. We had an awesome trip. Thanks Amtrak! Also my girl left her backpack on board and they safely returned it via train by the next day ! Their lost and found service was very efficient . read more

Amtrak - Effective summer 2018 .Prices for food are outrageous . Food is mediocre although the dinner steak was pretty great. - Train Stations Near Me - Van Nuys, California

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The last time i was here was a pleasant experience, it has an Uber and Lyft or any car designated area-for pick up and i felt safe, looking forward to ride a train again soon! read more

On a recent visit to Los Angeles, my friend Soap Opera Dude talked me into trying out the train again. He's a big train fan and has been working to repair my frazzled relationship with train travel which was mauled by a 22-hour trip across Eastern Canada several decades ago. Anyway, I've had the pleasure of visiting this station twice already: the first time was for a day trip to Santa Barbara and the second was leaving here on the Coast Starlight up to Sacramento. A quick note: the 2-hour ride to Santa Barbara is an excellent primer into comfortable train travel. Santa Barbara itself is a beautiful seaside city and well worth the time. You can take the train there, have lunch, roam around for the afternoon, and take the evening train back to Van Nuys. Back to the Amtrak Van Nuys station - itemized details: 1. Has a lovely sized, clean, and secure parking lot for free parking for those wanting to catch the train here. This is in contrast to downtown's Union Station that offers no free parking for patrons. 2. The bathrooms are very unglamorous but this is par for the course for many train stations. Obviously, you'll want to minimize your time in there. 3. The waiting area is comfortable and air-conditioned. Since this is Southern California, waiting outside is also a viable option to work on your tan. 4. Soap Opera Dude is well-known to the local station manager - she is very helpful, friendly, checks in luggage and passengers, and is largely very hands-on. She also makes the train announcements for arrivals and departures. The train is surprisingly comfortable: economy seats are in the rear cars of any given train but have a lot of legroom and are wide. Trains are generally arranged in this order: engine, baggage car, sleeping cars, dining car, lounge car, and coach cars. Each car is a double-decker: top level is where most passengers are, bottom level has bathrooms, handicap-accessible seating, and hand luggage area. Boarding doors are on the first level. While the train isn't anything on par with their European cousins, I think it makes for a fine method if you have a lot of time to burn, want to see remote parts of the country, and don't want to drive. read more

The stars are for the Van Nuys station staff (Monique and Brandi) who are always happy and friendly. They make us feel like family every time we travel out of Van Nuys. The Coast Starlight staff need improvement on their public relations, they always make us feel like they are not happy with their jobs. The food never changes in the all the years we have traveled the rails. ALWAYS BRING LYSOL wipes, if you are in a sleeper, they are very dirty. read more

I used Amtrak 4 years ago to go to San Diego with a few friends because it was a cheap way to get there, without the whole "your driving there" fight. Cost us about $30 a ticket (one way), which isn't so bad. The ride there was fun, I mean; who doesn't like train rides? Well I'm in the middle of planning a trip to Portland, so I figured why not check out how much tickets cost for the train. I plugged all the info in and its $300+ one way (for two people), if you buy roundtrip, thats more than a flight! These prices are ridiculous, why would anytime take a train ride that almost 4 times as long as a flight, and pay more for it!? Lower your prices damnit! read more

So far, I haven't had any of the issues others have had here, which makes me scared. Other than the trains being constantly late (usually less than 20mins late in my experience), people have been nice and helpful and my travels went without a hitch. Hopefully, I'm not jinxing my upcoming trip by saying the above. I normally buy my tickets through the Amtrak app and use the app or Passbook to check in, no problem. Free parking in this station. Haven't used the bathrooms yet. For now, that's it! read more

Really easy breezy. Clean, not sketchy - great way to get around without traffic for a day trip up or down the coast

Freezing and smelly 2 hr delays. I'm super disappointed. The views Are stunning and the stress level is low when the train is on time. I'd give them another chance thou. read more

Amtrak - When train arrived at SLO. (Late) - Train Stations Near Me - Van Nuys, California

Maricela Sanchez A very clean station, with ample parking. The staff is great always eager to help, thanks Travis for always answering my questions in a great mood. read more

I have to give a shout-out to the woman running the station in Van Nuys today (December 23). She seemed to be the only person on duty, handling the inside ticket area, driving people around on a cart, making needed announcements, and checking with people in the boarding area to make sure that they knew where they were supposed to be. She was so friendly and so helpful. I've taken more trains in Europe than in the U.S., but I've been on Amtrak a few times before, and I've never seen customer service like this anywhere else. She makes me want to ride the trains! I'm sorry I didn't catch her name, but I want to thank her. She really made my day! read more