Save your gas money. Take the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner along the California coast.

I recently found myself in a pickle flying standby from San Francisco to San Diego. When I couldn’t make a single flight to SD for a family reunion in Carlsbad, I changed course to Los Angeles.

I thought I’d take a shuttle south. Then I discovered the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner. Two hours of beautiful views and one very affordable ticket later, I wound up enjoying a side of the state I had never experienced before. I had a front-row view of the Southern California coast.

The Amtrak runs through cities, including Anaheim near Disneyland. It’s a great way to get around California with the kiddos or solo. Driving can be incredibly frustrating and time-consuming, especially during rush hour in crowded Cali areas. The Amtrak erases the stress of bumper-to-bumper traffic and erratic freeway drivers.

Whether you’re commuting from city to city, beach hopping, or taking a weekend getaway in California, the coastal train is a great way to see the state in a new way.

Here’s why I think taking the train is the best way to see the Southern California Coast.

A Cheaper Option than Driving or Flying

I booked my southbound Amtrak ticket online. The website was a bit disorganized, so I recommend downloading the app for ease of use. It was much more user-friendly and made me feel extra prepared for my journey.

It cost $28 to go from Union Station in LA to Oceanside, which was only an 8-minute drive north of my destination in Carlsbad. The trip wound up taking a little over two hours from station to station.

I took the FlyAway bus from arrivals at LAX to the train station. This option is monumentally cheaper than an Uber or Lyft. I only paid $9.75 for a 40-minute bus ride to Union Station in a fancy recliner seat. It was easy, breezy, and stress-free.

When I arrived at Union Station, I followed the electronic signs to my platform and waited less than 30 minutes before boarding. There were plenty of helpful station employees willing to direct passengers, too. It was virtually impossible to get lost (which I frequently do).

Ocean Views From the Train

Sit on the east side of the train when you board in LA. This is the ocean side, and it’s a sight to behold. The train turns around shortly after leaving Union Station, so you’ll probably sit on the west side if you board at other stations down the line. Ask the attendants on board which is seaside if you’re unsure.

The coastal views don’t appear until after the San Juan Capistrano stop, but the wait is worthwhile. Lose yourself in a blur of sparkling waves, picturesque houses, and swaying palm trees along the way. The views are nothing short of spectacular.

Parts of the route rolled along the very edge of the cliff sides, making me feel like we were zooming right over the sea. I got that giddy, kid-in-a-candy-store feeling in my chest. It was so wonderfully thrilling.

I’ve driven along the California coast many times, and I thought I’d seen the best of it. But the second story of the Pacific Surfliner brought me a brand-new, beautiful perspective. I definitely had a few dramatic music video moments. I felt ✨existential✨ as I stared out the window with my headphones in.

Comfortable Seating

The train was more comfortable than I anticipated. The whole operation far exceeded my expectations, but the spacious seats especially surprised me.

I had a group of four plush recliners to myself and got to spread out for two hours on my own. Now, of course, this would be different on a busier day. But even if every space was filled, each seat offered room to stretch out and keep to oneself. It was totally pleasant and comfortable.

Quick Tips for Taking the Train

Arrive Early

An obvious tip, but a necessary reminder. Running late is the greatest proponent of travel anxiety for me. With so many moving parts, give yourself plenty of wiggle room to get from the airport to the bus stop to the train station. You’ll thank yourself when you’re relaxed and ready to go on time.

Bring Snacks

There are snacks and drinks for purchase on the train, but you’ll undoubtedly save money if you bring your own. Just something to tide you over during your commute. Not too much for a boredom binge, though (my MO).

Don’t Fall Asleep!

If you’re anything like me, motion rocks you into the deepest of slumbers. You don’t want to wake up drooling in Tijuana. Set an alarm for your arrival time just in case you catch some accidental zzzs on the train.

Bring a Wall Charger

There are no USB outlets on the train. If you need a charge, make sure your cord is accompanied by a charging block.

Bring Headphones or a Book

Though the views are entertaining, a little something extra will help pass the time from station to station. I listened to one of my travel playlists and caught up on some reading throughout the ride.

Wear a Jacket

Like airplanes, it can be sweltering outside but totally freezing inside the train. Bring a light jacket just in case you get chilly on the ride.

If you’re not crunched for time, take the train next time you travel the California coast. I promise you’ll enjoy the views and the leisurely feeling of seeing America the old-school way. And with the way California traffic works, you might get to your destination faster than a car anyway. Plus, you’ll spend less money on the ticket than you would on gas!

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I’d love to know your thoughts on this lesser-used mode of transportation. Maybe one day we’ll have a feasible public transportation system on the West Coast and live like the Europeans (check out my solo Europe article while you’re at it)! One can dream.

Interested in more US train travel? Read about Rachel’s experience taking the Borealis train from Milwaukee to Minneapolis.