Trains San Diego, CA to Los Angeles, CA: Times, Prices and Tickets

The journey from San Diego, CA to Los Angeles, CA

The journey from San Diego to Los Angeles is a scenic coastal journey that hugs the Pacific as you head north. Taking in some 112 miles of southern Californian scenery, it’s a convenient trip that’s particularly special at sunset. There are several ways to take this popular route. You can grab regional trains with many connections or opt for the quick and easy Pacific Surfliner. This train connects San Diego to San Luis Obispo in the north with no changes en route. What’s more, you can enjoy spacious seats, free Wi-Fi and café services onboard.

Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner first launched in 2000, replacing the San Diegan service. While considerably faster than the original San Diegan which launched in the 1930s, the route remains identical. The entire journey north into Los Angeles is completed well within 3 hours. Trains depart from San Diego’s Santa Fe station, built in 1915 in a Spanish Colonial style. The station is perfectly placed in the heart of downtown San Diego with easy links throughout the city. Make sure you arrive 30 minutes before your stated departure. Upon leaving, you’ll stop at the following major stations en route:

• Solana Beach Station
• San Juan Capistrano Station
• Irvine Station
• Anaheim Regional Transportation Intermodal Center
• Los Angeles Union Station

Skirting the Pacific coast

Leaving San Diego, you’ll pull into the Old Town neighborhood before setting off north along the coast. You then cross the famed Torrey Pines Golf Course for Del Mar. For the best views, head to the left-hand side of the carriage as the train hugs the Pacific coast. At times at sea-level, at others soaring along cliff edges, this is among the most scenic stretches of Amtrak railway. From Del Mar, you head north to Solana Beach and Cardiff, bustling surfer communities with sandy beaches.

Look out for bobbing surfers as you pass into Encinitas via the serene San Elijo Lagoon. Idyllic at sunset, you’ll find cactus groves and swaying palms lining the sandy shoreline. Spectacular surfing beaches continue until Oceanside when you’ll catch glimpses of hilly landscapes to your right. From here, your train hops over into Orange County.

From Orange County to Los Angeles

Ocean County’s waterfront is just as scenic, offering grand views across the Pacific behind pretty beach houses. Passing the popular Doheny Beach, the Pacific Surfliner heads north away from the coast. Your train now passes through affluent suburban neighborhoods and the historic San Juan Capistrano for Orange County’s big towns. You’ll pass Irvine, Anaheim, and Fullerton before pulling into the outskirts of Los Angeles

Heading northwest into Los Angeles, you’ll follow the namesake river north into Union Station. Union Station is the largest station in California and among the busiest rail hubs on the West Coast. Built in the 1920s, it combines art deco, Spanish colonial, and Mission styles, and features gorgeous, open-beam interiors. Its doors open directly onto Father Serra Park with excellent links throughout the city.

Welcome to Los Angeles, CA, City of Angels

The entertainment capital of the world, Los Angeles boasts an energetic downtown and fabulous dining. Bursting with museums, attractions, and activities, your adventure starts as soon as you leave Union Station. What’s more, you’re never far from a beautiful beach.

Hollywood glitz and glamor

Los Angeles' movie-making heritage is written into its streets. You'll find iconic studios, world-famous locations, and more throughout the metropolitan area. The best of these is Warner Bros, the largest set-construction studio in the world. You can visit the studios for excellent tours and enjoy exciting views behind the scenes. Universal Studios and Paramount provide deeper dives into the Hollywood scene.

Heading deeper into Hollywood, look for iconic attractions like the Walk of Fame. You can also visit the famed Hollywood sign nestled on the slopes of Mount Lee in Griffith Park. Griffith Park's best attraction, however, is its observatory, perfect for star watching of both kinds. Grab a seat in the delightful Samuel Oschin Planetarium for realistic intergalactic shows. On Hollywood Boulevard itself, you'll find the famed Chinese Theater and Madame Tussauds.

World-class museums and galleries

Los Angeles boasts an impressive cultural heritage. Leaving the movie-making lineage for a moment, you'll discover cutting-edge art spaces and iconic rock venues. Top museums include the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. It’s home to impressive European masters, famed American photographers, and captivating outdoor installations. Other highlights include the Getty Center, Los Angeles’ premier art institution, with live concerts and unmissable tours.

 Many of Los Angeles' premier contemporary art centers can be found in the heart of downtown. The Broad, in particular, is an impressive gallery constructed by Diller Scofidio + Renfro. The museum's collection consists of everything from Ed Ruscha and Andy Warhol to Cindy Sherman and Jeff Koons. For something completely different, head on over to the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County. Located in the corner of Exposition Park, you can catch alluring T. rex skeletons among 3.5 million other artifacts.

Chowdown in LA town

Come prepared to chow down in Los Angeles, one of the US’ most creative and delicious cities. Aside from its wide range of Michelin-awarded fine dining haunts, LA boasts an impressive food truck culture. Nothing says Los Angeles quite like these roaming feasts. While locations change often, keep your eyes peeled at Roaming Hunger and Instagram to keep in the know. Local favorites to look out for include Yeasty Boys, Kogi BBQ, Guerilla Tacos, and Free Range. From vegan eats to farm-fresh organic meats, Los Angeles knows how to dine.