Amtrak Pacific Surfliner Expands Service Between San Diego and Los Angeles
In a significant enhancement to intercity travel in Southern California, Amtrak Pacific Surfliner is introducing new daily round trips between San Diego and Los Angeles, with the first service starting on January 26, 2026. This addition constitutes a vital milestone for the LOSSAN (Los Angeles-San Diego-San Luis Obispo) Corridor Agency, which oversees one of the busiest and most scenic intercity rail routes in the nation.
As the commuting trends shift with workers spending increased time traveling, now is an ideal moment for southern Californians to embrace train travel for both business and leisure. In the bustling urban landscape of California, the Pacific Surfliner promises more flexibility and convenience for passengers as it enhances its offerings.
Increased Service Frequency
With the new round trip, travelers will now have
13 daily services running between Los Angeles and San Diego, which matches the service levels provided before the pandemic. This frequency not only meets the demand but also enables easy access for commuting, business trips, and leisure travel. Following the adjustments, other service frequencies include five daily round trips between San Diego and Goleta, and three full corridor round trips between San Diego and San Luis Obispo per day.
Fred Jung, Chair of the LOSSAN Agency and Mayor of Fullerton, commented on the importance of this service expansion. He emphasized that the new round trip represents a significant step forward in improving travel for Southern Californians. This expansion is part of a broader endeavor to enhance accessibility and stability in transport options across the region.
Furthermore, to encourage ridership during the launch period from January 26 to March 13, 2026, passengers can use the promotional code V526 for a
20% discount on fares, making train travel an even more appealing option.
Improved Passenger Experience
Additionally, the Pacific Surfliner will adjust its timetable to facilitate quicker connections, minimizing the waiting time between trains on the corridor. Regular commuters will now be able to preview updated schedules, making it easier to plan their journeys with confidence.
Each train offers comfortable seating with reclining capabilities, power outlets, free Wi-Fi, and provisions for bicycles and luggage. For those craving refreshments, the onboard café provides a selection of fresh food, California wines, and locally crafted beers, ensuring that the travel experience is both pleasant and fulfilling.
The Pacific Surfliner route stretches
351 miles, covering
29 stations between San Diego and San Luis Obispo, reinforcing its stature as one of the busiest government-supported intercity rail services in the country. The expansion was made possible by a generous grant of
$27.1 million through the Federal Railroad Administration’s Recovery and Enhancement Program, showcasing the commitment to revitalizing rail travel in the region.
Connection Services
Passengers will continue to benefit from connecting bus services, allowing for seamless travel not just to other major destinations such as Oakland, but also to smaller towns like Solvang, Paso Robles, Riverside, Palm Springs, and Palm Desert. With an effective collaboration aimed at enhancing service quality, the LOSSAN Agency drives forward a renewed focus on improving rail traffic, increasing revenue, and ensuring timely services.
For more information on the Pacific Surfliner and to plan your next trip, be sure to visit
PacificSurfliner.com or download the Amtrak mobile app for easy booking. With the integration of enhanced services and connections, the rail journey across the Southern Californian coastline promises to be a revitalizing experience for all travelers.