train tours from los angeles

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The best train trips from Los Angeles

All aboard these scenic train trips up and down the coast from L.A.

When it comes to wanderlust, it’s tough to compete with the call of the open road in Southern California. But road trips aren’t your only option: If you’re willing to put in a little bit of extra time and planning, there are a few train trips from Los Angeles that are even more spectacular than their car-based counterparts.

As with standout automobile excursions, we think the journey is just as key as the destination when it comes to train trips. So the routes we’ve selected below all feature pretty stunning coastal scenery, as well as worthwhile cities waiting for you at the end. They also all rely on  Amtrak , and we’ve started each itinerary at Union Station in DTLA (though we’ve noted when additional departure stations are available, as well).

We’ll admit, though, that Southern California’s train trip options are relatively limited—at least using our pretty particular criteria. Just because you  can take a train somewhere doesn’t mean you  should : A route that only runs at night, takes hours more than a car ride and costs more than a flight isn’t really something we can recommend. Therefore, we’ve limited our picks below to the very best of the best—and outlined why a couple of notable destinations didn’t make the cut.

Also, there are a number of nearby cities reachable by Metrolink  (Ventura, Oxnard, Claremont, Orange, San Juan Capistrano, San Clemente and Solana Beach) that we consider commutes more than proper trips; while they may offer an afternoon diversion and a change of pace, you haven’t really left the L.A. megalopolis. We think they’re still worth exploring, though, which is why we’ve covered many of them in our day trips guide.

🌲  The best secluded Airbnbs near L.A. 🌵 The best desert Airbnbs near L.A.

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Santa Barbara

2hrs 40mins from Union Station

You’ll hug the Central Coast on the final quarter of this easy Pacific Surfliner trip to arguably California’s most scenic coastal city. Once in Santa Barbara , you’ll be let off only a couple blocks from the beach and Stearns Wharf, and even closer to the southern end of State Street, the city’s Spanish-Colonial shopping district. For slightly farther destinations, you can take advantage of bike rentals , bus connections and Zipcar spots, all right at the station.

The Amtrak station also puts you right next to the Funk Zone, a dense cluster of winery tasting rooms best tackled when you don’t have to worry about driving home (you can sample all 24 of them for $200, though you probably shouldn’t in a single day).

Both directions of the Pacific Surfliner schedule offer morning, afternoon and evening trains, though there’s a slightly larger gap in deparatures between the latter two.

Round-trip Amtrak fare from $62; alternative departures available from Glendale, Burbank, Van Nuys and Northridge

3hrs from Union Station

If there’s one “seriously, don’t bother with a car” nearby trip, it’s this one: You can reach San Diego and many of its closer beachfront neighbors in notably less time than driving sometimes, with about 10 departures a day and no need to worry about the persistent traffic getting past Camp Pendleton or the parking prices in San Diego. 

The train follows the 5 for much of the way with one scenic advantage: Once you pass San Juan Capistrano, you’ll travel right on the beach for much of the journey, or at most mere blocks from it (until you reach Torrey Pines, when it heads back inland). If you’re looking for a beachy pit stop along the way, scope out the sand in Oceanside or Solana Beach.

On the San Diego end, you can opt to get off in Old Town, steps from the state’s first European settlement, or—more likely—at Santa Fe Depot, situated right along the Embarcadero. From there, it’s a quick trolley ride ($2.50, day pass $6) to Little Italy, Petco Park and the Gaslamp Quarter or a short bus ride to Balboa Park and the San Diego Zoo, or you can walk across the street to Broadway Pier and take the ferry to beachy Coronado ($8 each way).

Round-trip Amtrak fare $72; three alternative departures available per day from Glendale, Burbank, Van Nuys and Northridge

A quick note: Amid 2023’s very wet winter and spring, a pair of landslides limited rail service through Orange County for a number of weeks—so let this be a reminder to check the train status before you make any plans.

San Luis Obispo

5hrs 30mins from Union Station

The Central Coast city of San Luis Obispo is the farthest destination where we think taking the train is still a competitively practical option. Yes, it’ll take you about an hour and a half longer than driving, but that comes with a pretty remarkable perk: an ocean-hugging ride along the Gaviota Coast, a 76-mile-long undeveloped stretch of rugged shores just past Santa Barbara that’s otherwise largely inaccessible by car.

When you pull into SLO, the train will drop you off just outside of town, about a half-mile walk (or a few-minute bus ride) from the utterly charming tree-lined Higuera Street. Though you could easily spend all of your time there hopping between the farmers’ market and brewpubs, you can use  SLO Transit  ($1.50) to venture off the main drag and to spots like the Bishop Peak trailhead and the delightfully kitsch Madonna Inn .

The Coast Starlight is the quickest (and cheapest, if you book it early) option, though it only has one morning departure per day from Union Station, Burbank and Van Nuys. The Pacific Surfliner takes an extra 20 minutes or so from DTLA but—in addition to the stops above—includes two departures a day from Glendale and Northridge. Both lines take the same amount of time on the way back.

Round-trip Amtrak fare from $68; three alternative departures available per day from Burbank and Van Nuys, two from Glendale and Northridge

What about San Francisco? Palm Springs? Or the Grand Canyon?

We’ll cut right to it: There’s no train from Los Angeles to San Francisco . Amtrak offers a mash-up of train and bus combinations to get there, but they’re simply not worth your time or money. You  could take a train directly to Oakland , but it’s an 11-and-a-half-hour ride that’s mostly boring past SLO and, well, see above about time and money. We’d say the same of the eight-hour FlixBus ride, which often isn’t any cheaper than the hour-and-a-half flight. Eventually, California’s high-speed rail project will provide a one-seat link between the two cities that’s under three hours, but that’s—optimistically—another decade or more away. 

Palm Springs  also doesn’t quite make sense by train. The two-and-a-half-hour trip actually sounds pretty tempting—until you notice that it only runs three days a week and will drop you off just after midnight at a station surrounded by desert sand that’s about five miles north of downtown. Plus, you’re probably going to want a car anyway to explore the sprawling, often-scorching city. 

Similarly, the Grand Canyon would earn a spot on our list if not for the timing. There’s only one Southwest Chief train that runs to the nearby city of Flagstaff each day, and given that the 10-hour-plus trip (with an extra hour on the way back) is an overnight route, there’s not much to see along the way. If you don’t want to take the desert drive, consider an hour-and-a-half flight to Flagstaff and then a  scenic train ride  from neighboring Williams to Grand Canyon Village.

And as for even farther flung destinations? Though the stretches near Mount Shasta and Upper Klamath Lake are scenic, the 34-hour trip to Seattle isn’t nearly exciting enough to tackle by train. And the 43-hour journey to Chicago ? Those are two days much better spent  in Chicago.

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7 Best Train Rides Leaving From Los Angeles

There is nothing like riding the rails. Train rides are enjoyable experiences for everyone, no matter what age they are. With the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles traffic, you may not realize there are many day trips and vacations you can access by train while getting to experience the Southern California scenery like never before.  

Trains are a great option to leave the stress and worry behind for a while, whether you make a date out of it, go as a family, or treat yourself to some alone time. Here are the seven best train trips from Los Angeles!

1. Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara is a great trip for anyone wanting to enjoy a train ride and explore the city. 

It’s around a three-hour ride from LA, making it a great option for anyone who wants a quick getaway. There are many things to do, including visiting the harbor, zoo, coastal park, maritime museum, and wineries. There are also several tour options.

Hike along the Cold Spring Tavern to experience a piece of history while enjoying nature. Ride along the beach on the Cabrillo Bike Path or enjoy the sand and greenery at Shoreline Park. The Museum of Natural History has various artifacts and specimens from several fields of science, from paleontology to astronomy. 

You can choose between Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner or Coast Starlight Trains to get there. Both have daily routes from LA to Santa Barbara that allow you to enjoy a day and night in the city before returning home the next morning. 

This is a great option for anyone who wants to try out a train trip, as the Starlight can get you to Santa Barbara in under two hours. 

Photo By – Hotels.com

2. San Diego

There’s so much to do in San Diego, and it is just a train ride away. 

You can ride a Pacific Surfliner train from Los Angeles, which provides an inexpensive option to enjoy the harbor, San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park, the USS Midway Museum, and the shops at Seaport Village. The city is also known for concerts and festivals you can plan your trip around. 

Your train experience doesn’t end when you arrive in San Diego. You can view the county through the COASTER commuter rail line. Take the ferry to Coronado Island or visit SeaWorld to view Mission Bay’s watersports activities. 

Expand your knowledge by visiting the hands-on exhibits during an Old Town San Diego tour. Walk along Point Lorna to get great views of the Pacific Ocean and San Diego Bay. 

The commute is around four hours one way, allowing you to relax and enjoy the views before exploring the city. 

Photo By – Times of San Diego

3. San Luis Obispo

San Luis Obispo is a charming town you can easily access via the Pacific Surfliner, making it an ideal Los Angeles train ride.

Enjoy the beautiful scenery on the five-hour journey before dinner at Tacos de Acapulco or the Big Sky Cafe, which provides world-famous farm-to-table cuisine. 

You can take a car along the scenic coastline via Route 1 before enjoying old-school entertainment at the Sunset Drive-In movie theater. 

Something you won’t find anywhere else is Bubblegum Alley. This unique walkway takes chewing gum litter and turns it into art pieces you can admire even if you get a little grossed out. 

You can walk around the quaint town and indulge in a glass of wine before hitting the open trails to walk or bike. 

Photo By – Winetraveler

4. Travel Town Railroad/Griffith Park & Southern Railroad

The Travel Town Railroad is one of two miniature railroads in Griffith Park. This tiny train takes riders around the perimeter of the Travel Town Museum twice and is a fun activity for families. 

The 45-year tradition provides an enjoyable ride through scenery before allowing you to explore dozens of historic train cars. 

The Griffith Park & Southern Railroad is a similar locomotive at the museum that takes riders along a one-mile route through a forest in an old western town. The museum also hosts a T-6 simulator for all ages to try. 

Both trains operate through a holiday light festival each year, allowing you to ride the rails and get into the holiday spirit. 

You can access this train ride without leaving LA, as the museum is located right outside Glendale.

Photo By – Discover Los Angeles

5. Grover Beach

The best train trips in Los Angeles offer something for everyone. Grover Beach is an excellent community for families, with a great beach, nature preserve, and ATV rentals for riding the dunes. Head over to the Locked Inn escape room for some indoor entertainment. If you’re looking for a thrill, Skydive Prisma Beach is an opportunity to freefall with amazing views. 

Grover Beach is a stone’s throw away from San Luis Obispo, and you can access it via an Amtrak train that makes daily stops in the area from LA. 

Check out the Monarch Butterfly Grove to see these winged beauties from late October through February. Afterward, visit the Monarch Grove Winery for a toast. 

Be sure to stop by Doc Burstein’s Ice Cream Lab, where you can enjoy traditional and unique flavors. You can also learn about the ice cream-making process through its creamery tour. 

The trip is around four hours one way, and you should plan to stay at least one night, as the return train to Los Angeles departs around 7:15 AM.

Photo By – California Beaches

6. Paso Robles

Wine lovers should consider taking a relaxing train ride to Paso Robles. The city is home to over 200 wineries and offers shuttles and tours, making it a great destination for couples. 

When the sun goes down, you can enjoy a romantic walk through the Field of Light at Sensorio, a breathtaking outdoor art experience.

There are several museums throughout the area where you can learn about its rich history. Paso Robles is also home to various farms that offer tours and workshops, allowing you to embrace local agriculture. 

Margarita Adventures offers many outdoor activities, including horseback riding, zip lining, wildlife excursions, and kayaking tours. To enjoy the local vineyards and other sites, consider renting a car and seeing the sights along Route 46 East. 

If you enjoy time on the green, visit the Hunter Ranch Golf Course to play a relaxing round. 

You can take the 6 ½ hour trip from LA via the Coast Starlight train, and you should plan to stay at least one night as there is no same-day return trip.

Photo By – Travel Lens

7. Bay Area

If you want to indulge in the state’s landscape, you can enjoy a 12-hour ride north on the Coast Starlight to the San Francisco Bay Area. 

Once you travel from LA to Oakland, you can visit the Oakland Zoo, Children’s Fairyland, and the Chabot Space & Science Center. You can catch the ferry from Oakland to San Francisco, which offers almost limitless activities. 

You can visit and observe various art forms throughout the city. Head to the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art or the Exploratorium for interactive exhibits. See sights like the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island, or take a photography tour to capture amazing images to remember. 

You can also stroll through the botanical gardens or ride cable cars through the city. Visit Twin Peaks to get an excellent view of the entire city.

Photo By – Visit California

For more staycation and trip ideas, check out our travel page to find your next destination!

Beth is the Managing Editor and content manager at Body+Mind. She is a well-respected writer in the personal wellness space and shares knowledge on a variety of topics related to travel, fitness, and nutrition. In her spare time, Beth enjoys trying out new recipes and going for runs with her dog. Subscribe to Body+Mind for more posts by Beth Rush!

Best Train Trips From Los Angeles – Where Can You Go?

The City of Angels may be known as a city where nobody walks, the very definition of a sprawling metropolis where you spend hours per day in your car. Its big population boom happened during the age of the automobile, after all. It does have a commuter rail system though, plus it’s blessed by having a major Amtrak hub, so there are probably more train trips from Los Angeles than you think.

The Los Angeles Union station is a quite pleasant place to spend some time too. Renovated several times over the years but still retaining its historic character, the 1939 building is an inviting place you’ll want to get to early and grab a bite or a drink. It’s in the oldest part of downtown Los Angeles, with a Spanish mission from 1822 nearby. It has a mouthful of a name: La Iglesia de Nuestra Señora la Reina de los Ángeles .

It’s best to check current information and schedules before making getaway plans via a train trip and in some cases you might be better off just taking a bus instead. U.S. Amtrak trains are not known for being speedy. It’s not as romantic or environmentally friendly to take the faster option and the seating won’t be as roomy, but sometimes it’s cheaper also to settle for wheels on a road. The best place to check all the options in one place is Rome2Rio .

Here are some travel options to consider through for different kinds of train trips from Los Angeles: long ones, weekend getaways, and day trips by rail.

Long Train Trips From Los Angeles

In the grand glory days of train travel, business travelers and upscale vacationers with time on their hands would travel by train from Los Angeles all the way to Chicago or New York City. While the trips may not be as glamorous now, you can still travel from coast to coast on Amtrak, complete with a sleeping berth in a sleeping car, but these days you won’t be expected to dress up for dinner and put on your finest jewelry.

These long trips do tend to be more interesting than the short ones because you get a dining car, an observation car, and the best views along the way. You’ll have enough time to get to know some fellow passengers: you don’t take these trips to cut down on travel time compared to flying. You book these for the experience and joy of travel.

Starting with ones you could get to with a long day or overnight trip, then branching out to grand journeys that can take you all the way across the USA, here are some options for long Amtrak trips from L.A.

Oakland/San Francisco

It can take the whole of a day or an overnight trip to get up to the San Francisco Bay area from Los Angeles, so this is best done when you’re going to have some time to spend there after arrival. You can get from Oakland to San Francisco on another train or a ferry and then explore the city by streetcar. Spend some time hiking or on the Stairmaster to get ready though: the hills are quite steep!

Portland, Oregon

The Amtrak Coast Starlight train route keeps chugging north through Northern California, parallel to the Pacific Ocean, and brings you right to Portland, which just might be the best USA city for indulging. You’ve got one of the best craft beer scenes, the best coffee scenes, and wine bars serving from what comes from the nearby Willamette Valley. This was one of the first destinations to really push the locavore movement and vegetarians are in heaven here. It’s also the birthplace of Voodoo Doughnut though and plenty of other great sweets shops.

Seattle, Washington

You can take a train ride from Los Angeles along the Amtrak route to Seattle and settle in for a wealth of sightseeing options in the city. This is also the jumping-off point for a long list of adventure activities, hiking options, and nearby islands to explore. This is a city of nearly four million people, so plan enough time here to go beyond Pike Place Market .

Vancouver, BC and Beyond

Yes, there’s an international option by train from Los Angeles. Assuming the borders are open again, you can ride Amtrak all the way up to the gorgeous and cosmopolitan city of Vancouver. After that you could hop on the Rocky Mountaineer and head up to Banff and Jasper, or connect to Via Rail and make your way across Canada. You might want to break this trip up with one of the above options though: it’s close to 40 hours of travel to go all the way up the west coast from L.A to Vancouver.

Albuquerque, NM

You can book a berth on the Southwest Chief train that leaves L.A. in the early evening and arrives in Albuquerque around 17 hours later. There’s plenty to do in Albuquerque itself and it’s got the energy of a big university city. You can hop on another local train though and get two destinations out of it: the Rio Metro rail runner travels between Albuquerque and Santa Fe . It takes less than two hours and tickets are under $10.

Chicago, IL

Keep going on the Southwest Chief and you’ll pass through the heartland, eventually arriving in Chicago, IL. You’ll leave the USA’s second-largest city and end up in its third-largest by population. You could spend weeks here exploring this city rich with history and museums, plus you can get around much of it without a car by using the elevated rail system for the city.

New Orleans, LA

Head across the southern USA, through Texas, to arrive in New Orleans on the Sunset Limited. Go back to the pre-Louisiana-Purchase days to see a pocket of the new world that was under French influence until the USA struck a deal. Listen to some great jazz bands , indulge in some great food, and ride the local street car routes to see the garden district mansions.

New York City, NY

It’ll take a few days, but you can travel between the USA’s two entertainment capitals and then see all the iconic buildings and scenes that you’ve watched on TV and movie screens your whole life. You can eat food from any corner of the globe here, see a Broadway show, find your perfect skyscraper lookout spot, or just hang out in Central Park with a picnic lunch. Since this is such a major transportation hub, it’s easy to get elsewhere by train from New York City as well, so the city can be a good launching point for other excursions.

Take the Grand Rail Experience and Hit Them All

If you’re a real rail enthusiast that doesn’t mind spending more time on the trains than you do off them, then Amtrak has a route meant for you. The Grand Rail Experience is a giant loop across the USA, hitting five destinations in 14 days. You go from L.A. to New Orleans, from there to D.C., then to NYC, to Chicago, all the way to Seattle, and back to Los Angeles. Some of those stretches have some great scenery, but you’d better load up the Kindle before this adventure.

California Weekend Train Getaways From Los Angeles

California is a big state with a lot to see. Fortunately, the major population centers are linked by rail, so you can use the biggest city as a base and strike out from there to other great places for a short exploration vacation.

Some of the places are really too far for a weekend getaway by train: it’ll take 10-12 hours to get to Oakland for example and then a ferry ride or another train to actually reach San Francisco. So that’s in the section above. Same for San Jose: if you really want to rub shoulders with Silicon Valley geeks, it’s a long ride to get there.

Many other prime California destinations are closer though, especially if you’re a wine lover. Most are on the Pacific Surfliner route that travels the west coast of California. Here are a just a few places where you could leave before the weekend and return to L.A. two or three days later.

It’ll only take you two or three hours to get to San Diego by train from Los Angeles and there are multiple options per day from early morning to the evening. There’s plenty to do once you get to the southernmost city in Southern California and the center is more compact than L.A.’s, with options to get around without a car by trollies, commuter rail, and a ferry to Coronado Island. You’re also on the doorstep to Mexico here, with a walkway crossing the border to the Tijuana airport, which has hundreds of flights to the rest of the country.

By Hari Panicker on Unsplash

Palm Springs

Long a favored getaway for celebrities and wealthy Los Angeles residents, this oasis in the desert is also a prime place to visit for those who love Mid-century Modern architecture and design. The place is like a living museum, but one that is also filled with terrific restaurants and lounges. It takes around 2.5 hours to get here by train, making it an easy destination for a weekend getaway.

San Luis Obispo

It’s going to take you 5.5 hours to get to this San Luis Obispo Amtrak station by train from Los Angeles, so this destination works better for a three-day weekend or longer. It has plenty of museums and attractions, but the main draw is the wealth of surrounding wineries. Many companies offer wine tours of the region so you don’t have to get behind the wheel. Two Amtrak routes stop here so there are multiple options for going and coming.

Day Trips From L.A. by Train

One Amtrak line runs along the Pacific Coast of California, opening up some nearby day trip options by rail. There are also commuter lines that will take you to different parts of this major metropolis. Here are some of the standout places you can reach for a day trip from Union Station or even one of the commuter rail stops in a neighborhood.

The home of Disneyland theme parks is less than an hour by train from Los Angeles and there’s a shuttle bus to the park entrance from the station. Look for the Route 14 or 15 bus and according to Disney’s website, “You can transfer to either service for free by presenting your valid Amtrak paper ticket or e-Ticket to the bus driver when you board.” You can also get to Anaheim via various commuter rail services from other L.A. suburbs such as Riverside, Ventura, and other parts of Orange County.

San Juan Capistrano

While U.S. history may be limited to the last century in this area, the Spanish came much earlier. Head to San Juan Capistrano, about an hour and a half by train, to see the 1776 mission building and the historic district. You’ll get off at a train station that dates back to 1894.

San Clemente and Ventura

If you want to hit some different beaches while you’re in Los Angeles, hop on Amtrak and head to one of these two beach towns to spend the day. In San Clemente to the south, the train station is right by the pier, so you won’t have to haul your beach blanket and sunscreen very far. You could bring a surfboard (and wetsuit) to Ventura up north of the city: the train stops at Surfer’s Point Beach.

Santa Barbara

You’ll have to get an early start to make this a day trip as it can take three hours to get to Santa Barbara from L.A. by train on the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner. Rent a bike, take a trolley tour, see the historic mission, or explore the harbor. End up with an urban wine tour that samples what’s produced nearby and get an Amtrak roomette for the return trip to take a nap on the way.

These aren’t the only train trips from Los Angeles, of course. With multiple lines heading north, south, and west of the city, there are plenty of options if you want to explore some other towns or break up your trip into more chunks. Know that just because you’re in car-obsessed L.A., however, there are plenty of options to stretch your legs and leave the navigation to someone else by riding the rails to explore other parts of America. Check the ticket prices and you may be pleasantly surprised at how reasonable a train trip from L.A. can be.

Related posts:

About the author.

Tim Leffel is author of five travel books, including Travel Writing 2.0 (now in its 2nd edition), and A Better Life for Half the Price , on living abroad. He is editor of Perceptive Travel online magazine and this blog. He splits his time between Guanajuato, Mexico and Tampa Bay. See his writing portfolio, awards, and links to his books at TimLeffel.com .

One Response

These are great ideas, Tim. That Grand Rail Experience really sounds like a trip that’d be fun. Hamish Napier’s album The Railway could be an interesting soundtrack to take along too, in addition to loading up that Kindle. It’s music inspired by/based on work and travel on the rails in Highland Scotland. Here’s a bit of what I had to say about it https://musicroad.blogspot.com/2019/05/scotlands-music-hamish-napier-railway.html

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10 Scenic Train Trips To Take From Los Angeles

Looking to get away from the city but do not want to fight traffic? Consider taking the train to relax and see the sights along the way.

• Taking a train from Los Angeles to various destinations offers scenic views and avoids traffic and gas expenses.
• Short trips to San Juan Capistrano, Santa Barbara, and San Diego are affordable and provide beautiful coastal views.
• Longer trips to Grover Beach, San Luis Obispo, Paso Robles, and beyond offer stunning ocean, hill, and vineyard scenery.

With road trips becoming more expensive these days due to the cost of gas, alternatives are being searched for at a higher rate than ever. One popular option is taking a trip via the rails. Not only does it relieve the headache of fighting traffic or stopping for gas, but taking a train from Los Angeles to the final destination can be incredibly scenic as well.

From the ocean overlooks and their views , the desert landscapes, or the rolling foothills with their grass blowing in the wind, taking a train can be a fantastic option to see the Golden State in a way that has never been seen before. Better still, if the final destination is a state or more away, travelers can experience the beauty of a significant portion of the United States that they would have otherwise bypassed on the interstate. This can inspire them to plan future trips to explore these scenic routes further. Here are 10 scenic train trips to take from Los Angeles.

RELATED: These Are 12 Of The Most Historic Train Rides To Enjoy In America

10 Train To San Juan Capistrano: Pacific Surfliner

Urban landscapes that open up into rolling hillsides and the mission views.

For those who want to take a short trip from Los Angeles to San Juan Capistrano, taking the Surfliner will not disappoint, both in the cost and the time it takes from departure to arrival.

On the way to San Juan Capistrano, passengers will see a lot of urban landscapes. However, as the train gets closer to San Juan Capistrano, the cities seem to melt away, leaving only views of the hillsides and the San Juan Capistrano mission that appears seemingly out of nowhere.

The train depot is located in the heart of San Juan Capistrano. As such, many of the activities are within walking distance of where the train arrives.

Things to do in San Juan Capistrano include:

• Tour of Mission San Juan Capistrano
• Tour of the Los Rios Historic District
• Zoomars at River Street Ranch
• Old Barn Antique Mall

For those who want to get out and explore the hills that surround San Juan Capistrano, the Ronald W. Caspers Wilderness Park will need to arrange for alternate transportation for the destination located 8 miles outside San Juan Capistrano.

• Distance: 51 miles
• Train Trip Length: 1 hour and 14 minutes
• Ticket Cost: Starts at $21 for a roundtrip ticket

9 Train To Santa Barbara: Pacific Surfliner

Views of the pacific ocean and coastal towns.

Taking a trip up the coast to Santa Barbara, travelers will take the Surfliner out of Union Station and will end at the Santa Barbara Train Station. Along the way, beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean can be seen out the window while passing through the towns of Carpinteria and Moorpark.

Once in Santa Barbara, there is quite a bit to get to by foot, given that the train station is located at the foot of downtown. From there, travelers can:

• Go to the beach
• See art from local artists
• Explore the Funk Zone
• Explore Sterns Wharf

For those who want to travel to areas outside of downtown, there are buses available at the train station. But if the buses do not go to the desired location, Uber, Lyft, and the like are available as well.

• Distance: 84 miles
• Train Trip Length: 2 hours and 36 minutes
• Ticket Cost: Starts at $31 for a roundtrip ticket

8 Train To San Diego: Pacific Surfliner

Views of the pacific ocean and ocean towns.

Taking a trip to San Diego by train is as easy as jumping on the Pacific Surfliner out of Union Station in Los Angeles and taking the train to the southernmost end of its route.

During the two-hour and 40-minute ride that covers 113 miles , the Pacific Surfliner will go through several coastal towns complete with ocean views on its way to the historic Santa Fe Depot , which is located in downtown San Diego in the historic Gaslamp District.

Once in San Diego, the traveler has a variety of options for entertainment. While many are within walking distance from the Depot, for those who want to get away from the city, there are buses that can be taken directly from the Depot to the desired location.

Some sights to catch while in town include:

• A baseball game at Petco Park
• A beach along the miles of coastline that make up San Diego
• The San Diego Zoo
• Touring USS Midway
• Taking a tour of Old Town San Diego
• Museums at Balboa Park
• Exploring the Gaslamp District

The problem with San Diego is that there is so much to do, some of which is free , that there simply is not time to do it all. Regardless of what is chosen, the trip down the coast will be made just that much more fun, having taken the trip by rail.

• Distance: 113 miles
• Train Trip Length: 2 hours and 40 minutes
• Ticket Cost: Starts at $36 for a roundtrip ticket

RELATED: 10 Scenic Amtrak Trains, Rated By Visitor Reviews

7 Train To Grover Beach: Pacific Surfliner

Expansive views of the pacific ocean.

For those who want to explore a coastal beach town, Grover Beach is just the ticket.

Taking the Surfliner from Union Station to Grover Beach Station, passengers will enjoy views of the Pacific Ocean as the train runs parallel to Highway 1 down the coastline.

Once in Grover Beach, it is a short walk for those who immediately want to enjoy the sand beneath their toes at the beach. Adventures to enjoy at the beach include:

• Horseback riding
• Dune buggy riding

For those who want to explore the town or just outside it, activities to enjoy include:

• Wine tasting
• Monarch Butterfly Grove
• Art from local artists

It should be noted that Grover Beach is just down the way from San Luis Obispo. As such, if time allows, both can be explored in a day or two when traveling the California coast.

• Distance: 175 miles
• Train Trip Length: 4 hours and 55 minutes
• Ticket Cost: Starts at $43 for a roundtrip ticket

6 Train To San Luis Obispo: Coast Starlight or Surfliner

Views of the pacific ocean and rolling hills.

To get to San Luis Obispo, train passengers will board the Coast Starlight or the Surfliner at Union Station and will end their journey at the Amtrak Station. Along the way, an observation car is recommended to ride in to see panoramic views from the Coast Starlight of not only the blue skies and the expansive ocean but the rolling hills when the train goes inland as well.

When walking off the train, those who enjoy all things railroad can stroll over to the train museum and take in the history of the rail line in San Luis Obispo.

Other activities in San Luis Obispo to enjoy include:

• Walking through Bubblegum Alley
• Touring Mission San Luis Obispo
• Enjoying food and local art in the Creamery Marketplace
• Wine tasting at local downtown wineries
• Learning more about San Luis Obispo at the History Museum
• Walking through downtown to tour historic properties that still exist today

For those who want to see the beach, a quick bus ride (or other choices of transportation) is available to see Pismo Beach, Morro Bay, Avila Beach, and more.

• Distance: 162 miles
• Train Trip Length: Approximately 5 hours and 30 minutes
• Ticket Cost: Starts at $54 for a roundtrip ticket

5 Train To Paso Robles: Coast Starlight

Views of the pacific ocean, rolling hills, and vineyards.

Traveling from Los Angeles to Paso Robles via the train may not be the fastest way, but for those who have the time, the train trip is vastly more scenic than it is by car.

Passengers will board the Coast Starlight train at Union Station and will enjoy views of the Pacific Ocean, rolling hills, and vineyards scattered across the region.

Once disembarked, passengers will want to take the bus for a short drive into downtown Paso Robles. Once there, things to enjoy include:

• Boutique shopping
• Antique shopping
• Tour of historic buildings

Just outside of downtown, guests can take a short bus ride to places like the Estrella Warbird Museum, Sensorio Art Center, or the Pioneer Museum.

• Distance: 177 miles
• Train Trip Length: 6 hours and 22 minutes
• Ticket Cost: Starts at $71 for a roundtrip ticket

RELATED: 10 U.S. Train Rides That Offer Beautiful Snow-Covered Scenery To Passengers

4 Train To Oakland/San Francisco: Coast Starlight

Views of the pacific ocean, farmland, rolling hills, and vineyards.

Traveling from Los Angeles to San Francisco by train is possible, but it means departing from Oakland and taking a bus into San Francisco to reach the final destination.

To get to San Francisco, the Coast Starlight will be boarded in the morning, and it will take until evening to reach the Bay Area. However, along the way, views of the Pacific Ocean, farmland, rolling hills, and vineyards can be seen, making for an exceptionally scenic trip from Southern to Northern California.

Once in Oakland, a taxi or rideshare can be taken to get to San Francisco.

The number of sights to see in San Francisco is vast. Some of the most popular include:

• Walking the Golden Gate Bridge
• Fisherman's Wharf
• Alcatraz Island
• Palace of Fine Arts
• Golden Gate Park

Please note that transportation will be needed to get to most attractions.

• Distance: Nearly 400 miles
• Train Trip Length: 12 hours
• Ticket Cost: Starts at $52 for a roundtrip ticket

3 Train To Portland, Oregon: Coast Starlight

Views of the pacific ocean, farmland, vineyards, mountain ranges, and riverbeds.

For those who want to get out of state and enjoy the sights while doing so onboard a train, the Coast Starlight can get passengers from Los Angeles to Portland, Oregon. Passengers just need to be aware that the trip takes over a day to arrive and that while it is possible to find a direct train ride, transfers may be a possibility.

While the train ride from Los Angeles to Portland is long, it is filled with beauty from Mother Nature. For those who do not opt for a roomette, it is highly recommended to spend time in the observation car to see the views from the best vantage point along the way.

Once the train stops at Portland Union Station, alternate transportation must be found to enjoy the sites the city has to offer. Some of the most popular include:

• Tom McCall Waterfront Park
• Hoyt Arboretum
• Portland Art Museum
• Powell's City of Books
• Visit craft breweries

Of course, there is plenty more to do. It all depends on how long travelers have to stay and enjoy.

• Distance: 825 miles
• Train Trip Length: 32 hours and 15 minutes
• Ticket Cost: Starts at $242 for a roundtrip ticket

2 Train To Seattle, Washington: Coast Starlight

Views of the pacific ocean, farmlands, rolling hills, mountains, rivers, and vineyards.

Taking a trip from Los Angeles to Seattle, Washington , is something that most people do via airplane. But, for those who want a slower pace and to see a scenic view of the Pacific Northwest, a trip on the Coast Starlight will do just that.

Most of the trains from Union Station to the Seattle King Street Station can make a direct trip. However, some fares include transfers, so it is recommended to look at the travel details before booking. Better still, an Amtrak tip when booking a trip is to download the app . This way, any changes made to the trip will be known immediately, including how many transfers to expect as the trip gets closer.

Along the way from Southern California to Washington, passengers will see the Pacific Ocean, rolling hillsides, mountains, vineyards, rivers, and farmland. It truly is a sight to behold. All of these are best seen from the observation car if a roomette is not booked.

Once in Seattle, alternate transportation will be needed to see the sights. Some of the best worth seeing include:

• Space Needle
• Pike Place Market
• Museum of Pop Culture
• The Seattle Great Wheel
• The Museum of Flight

There is much more to see and explore in Seattle. How much of it can be seen in one trip depends on how long is spent in the Emerald City.

• Distance: 959 miles
• Train Trip Length: 34 hours
• Ticket Cost: Starts at $247 for a roundtrip ticket

1 Train To Chicago, Illinois: Coast Starlight & California Zephyr

Views of the sierra nevada mountains, grand canyon, rocky mountains, utah plains, and san pablo bay.

While it is possible to take the Coast Starlight from Los Angeles to Chicago, Illinois, those who have made the journey recommend taking a bit more time and taking the Coast Starlight up to Emeryville in Northern California and then taking the California Zephyr from Emeryville to Chicago . This is because the ride is more comfortable, and the sights are incredible.

Those traveling this distance will want to get a roomette. Sitting up for 43 or more hours, depending on any delays, can be miserable. As such, having a place to sleep at night is much more enjoyable and makes for a more relaxing trip.

On the Zephyr, amazing sites can be seen . Some include the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Grand Canyon, Rocky Mountains, plains in Utah, and more. There are stops along the way in major cities if passengers would like to get off and stretch their legs.

Once in Chicago, alternate transportation will need to be used to see the sights. Some of the most popular include:

• Millennium Park
• Wrigley Field
• Skydeck Chicago
• Shedd Aquarium
• Lincoln Park Zoo

The experience of taking a train cross-country is one that will not be forgotten. With countryside that otherwise would not have been seen and cities that may have never been visited, a trip from Los Angeles is highly recommended for those who have the time to see the states and the wonder of nature found in each.

• Distance: 2,438 miles
• Train Trip Length: 51 hours and 20 minutes
• Ticket Cost: Starts at $1,550 for a roundtrip ticket

LAist is part of Southern California Public Radio, a member-supported public media network.

This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here .

The Best Train Trips From Los Angeles

Planes and cars are so commonplace for taking trips that we forget about the historical, OG mode of transportation: trains. What better way to get sweeping views of the country, and up and down the coast than to sit leisurely on a cushioned seat by the window? There are day trips to oceanside cities, and longer journeys that will take you all the way to Chicago. One of the trains is even equipped with a movie theater! Here are our favorite train trips from Los Angeles, and as always, let us know yours in the comments.

DAY AND WEEKEND TRIPS

That beautiful beach view you get going on Amtrak's Pacific Surfliner to San Diego ( Photo by Alba via the Creative Commons on Flickr ) San Diego

One of our favorite day-trips (weekend even) is taking the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner from L.A.'s Union Station all the way down to San Diego. Without having to sit through all that 5 Freeway traffic, which can be hellish sometimes on the weekends, you get a stunning and peaceful view of the ocean as you roll down Pacific Coast Highway in about two hours. Plus each of the seats (yes, even the coach ones!) come with individual plugs so you can charge your phone while you use their free WiFi (though spotty at times) to catch up on...Facebook and stuff.

You can have two very different adventures depending on which stop you take in San Diego. There's Solana Beach, the much chiller bro of San Diegan life, and then the Sante Fe stop, which can get you into the city's much more metropolitan-meets-nightlife downtown scene. They cost about $30 to $40 a ticket each way.

The Solana Beach stop is in walking distance from a bunch of restaurants, coffee shops, bars and stores. There's SoCal fave Pizza Port , right across the street where you can grab a delicious slice of pizza (may we suggest The Carlsbad with pesto, grilled chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, artichoke hearts and feta?) and wash that down with a pint of cold beer that they brew themselves. Walk east and you'll hit the adorable Cedros Street, that has another outstanding brewery, Culture Brewing Co. ; and a homey and sustainable brunch hotspot, Claire's on Cedros , where you can get a variety of egg benedicts to chilaquiles and specials, like a haunting shrimp 'n' grits dish with chorizo. You can even get a rocking concert under your belt at the iconic Belly Up , where you can see musical acts from the likes of The Psychedelic Furs to Twin Shadow. During the summer months, you'll find lots of people visiting this Solana Beach station to make their way over to the Del Mar Races and San Diego Fair, held at the Del Mar Fairgrounds , which is just a short Uber ride away. Fair warning though, it gets crowded during this time and you might just want to spring for a Business-Class seat.

Santa Fe Depot station in San Diego ( Photo by Prayitno via the Creative Commons on Flickr ) SD's Union Station (aka Santa Fe Depot) is a charming, historical, Spanish Colonial Revival-style station that's centrally located in the city's downtown area. The best part is that it's close by to the trolley station, which can take you to the Gaslamp Quarter for restaurants (French spot Cafe Chloe's a great place for a romantic dinner), bars (enter Prohibition bar through a lawyer's office facade, The Field Irish Pub for an Irish coffee and a boxty, and Vin De Syrah for an Alice in Wonderland -type experience), or Petco Park for a ball game. Suffice to say, you can stay pretty entertained while you're out there. —Jean Trinh

SLO from atop San Luis Mountain. (Photo by Julia Burge via Facebook ) San Luis Obispo

San Luis Obispo (aka SLO) is a smallish, charming college town about 200 miles up the coast from Los Angeles—an approximate 5 to 5 1/2 hour journey from Union Station on Amtrak's Pacific Surfliner (you'll probably want to make this a weekend getaway). It costs about $40 one way. The trip in itself is a delight; the train weaves through the jagged Old West desert of Simi Valley and the sprawling fields of Ventura County, before reaching the Pacific Ocean, where it'll stay for a large part of the rest of the trip. The train tracks are laid atop cliffs that tower above the sea, dramatically hugging the jagged coastline. Last time I was on this route, it was so clear I saw a school of dolphins.

Your first stop in SLO is less than two miles from the train station: the best restaurant in the world (this native isn't biased) is Tacos de Acapulco . Get the carne asada burrito—you won't be sorry. The train station is pretty much on the outskirts of what's considered "downtown" SLO, and a short walk to all the places you could possibly want to go to eat, drink, and amble about over the course of a weekend. For an incredible selection of local wines and an always fantastic, ever-changing catch-of-the-day, check out Big Sky Cafe —it's a great spot for breakfast, too. Cafe Roma , right across the street from the train station, has the best lasagna my dad's ever had (and the man knows lasagna). The pappardelle, pizza, and yes, more local wine, is excellent, too. If you need a break from eating, check out Boo Boo Records for music—old, new and weird. Pop into Phoenix Books next door and meander through the stacks of used books (there's even an entire section devoted to 'Smut'). After all this eating and shopping, you've damned well earned a drink. Sidecar has a ridiculous cocktail list with a solid happy hour, and the Frog and Peach Pub , while it can have a slightly college bro vibe sometimes, is a lovely spot to sip a pint on a sunny patio by the creek.

We'd be remiss not to include the infamous Madonna Inn , a decadent paradise of kitsch. If you can get a room, absolutely make it your lodgings for the weekend—you can even specifically search for and book rooms with features like rock wall showers and waterfalls. But if you come up against a cruel "No Vacancy" sign, you can still pay the inn's dining room a visit, and sit at the bakery for a slice of pink champagne cake . —Devon McReynolds

A spread at La Super-Rica (Photo by Julian Cassaday via Facebook ) Santa Barbara

The trip to Santa Barbara, also via the gorgeous scenery of Amtrak's Pacific Surfliner route, takes about 2 1/2 hours from Union Station, with one-way tickets running at about $30. You could potentially make this into a day trip, but if you want to keep things leisurely, stretch it into a weekend.

Let's cut right to the chase: if you don't eat at La Super-Rica ; a favorite restaurant of Julia Child (and probably everyone who's ever been there), there's no hope for you here on this earth. Sorry. (The best part is that it's only about 1.5 miles away from the Amtrak stop.) However, there's no shortage of amazing Mexican restaurants in Santa Barbara, and Rudy's Restaurant No. 1 is another classic choice, and nearby.

Despite its cringe-inducing name, another part of town you should check out is the The Funk Zone , the "arts, business, and industrial district" directly adjacent to the Santa Barbara train station. There are dozens of galleries, restaurants, bars, and fancy coffee shops, not to mention local microbreweries, wineries, and even a craft distillery . Hot local tip: there's also gym in the Funk Zone where NBA players have been known to work out in the off-season. If you want to get physical yourself while you're in Santa Barbara, the Funk Zone is also host to a number of surf-related rentals, like Stand Up Paddle Sports . Here's a handy directory of everything included within the Funk Zone.

Speaking of the beach, there's obviously some fantastic seafood to be had in Santa Barbara. It's not hard to find upscale places to get your fish fix; there's Bouchon and of course Tydes Restaurant , located right on the beach in the Four Seasons. But if you're looking for something casual, but just as fresh and delicious, the Santa Barbara Shellfish Company located right on the pier, can't be beat when it comes to shrimp, oysters, and crab.

While laying on the beach and eating shrimp all day personally sounds like my idea of a good weekend, if you want to actually "do" something else, the Santa Barbara Zoo is an option, and has been ranked among the nation's best small zoos. —Devon McReynolds

LONG JOURNEY

Bright Angel Trail at the Grand Canyon (Photo by Jean Trinh/LAist) Grand Canyon

There's something kind of magical about taking a train to see one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. We highly recommend choo-choosing to take a long trip from L.A. to the Grand Canyon via train, which includes riding on an Amtrak and the historic Grand Canyon Railway, plus making a stop in a town along Route 66. It doesn't get more Americana than this!

You would start your trip at L.A.'s Union Station and then take a 9.5-hour ride on Amtrak's Southwest Chief train to Williams Junction in Arizona. A one-way coach seat will cost you $70. It's mostly an overnight ride so you can get some shuteye (we suggest upgrading to a roomette if you can so you can get a bed), but you might get some views of different cities if there's still light out in the early evening and early morning. And the best part is that depending on what time you go, you can grab a meal (I got a delicious steak for dinner with beer when I went) in their dining cars. If you're not a group of four, they might pair you up with strangers at the table, which can make for some fun conversations.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Jean Trinh 鄭淑吟 (@jeanstrinh)

When you arrive at Williams Junction, you'll get shuttled over to Williams, where you can connect onto the Grand Canyon Railway . It's a gorgeous black retro train that will take to you the South Rim of the Grand Canyon on a ride that will take a little over two hours. The cheapest tickets cost around $65 round trip plus $15 to enter Grand Canyon National Park. Here you can go on hikes, have some California condor sightings, check out a cheesy but enjoyable screening about the Grand Canyon at an IMAX Theater, and go on tours. If you'd like a little more guidance, the Grand Canyon Railway website also offers packages for tours and hotel stays.

If you have some time to spare, spend half a day in Williams before you head back to L.A. There's a delightful Bearizona wild animal park where you can go on a bus tour to see bears, rams, goats and all sorts of animals in the wild. You'll also find Route 66-type restaurants that would make Guy Fieri proud, like the Grand Canyon Coffee & Cafe , where you can diner food as well as Chinese and Mexican dishes.

We suggest reserving tickets for everything ahead of time since this trip requires many different destinations. Hey, and if you'd rather someone put together this whole train trip for you, Amtrak offers this trip and then some as a package vacation deal . —Jean Trinh

DESTINATION TRAIN

(Photo by Jen Carlson/LAist)

Seattle and San Francisco

Amtrak's Coast Starlight is the gem of their fleet, and luckily, you can catch it right at Union Station. The route runs from L.A. to Seattle, or vice versa, but you can hop on and off as you please, and the sweetest sections come right after boarding on the California end. This train trip is more about the journey than the destination, as it should be. But it's also about the views and complimentary wine tastings.

After rolling inland for a bit after leaving Union Station, you'll pop out right at the coastline, and continue to ride along the waterfront on what is essentially PCH for trains. Seriously, you will practically be in the ocean:

While you can take shorter trips (to Santa Barbara or San Luis Obispo), if you want to splurge and have some more time, we recommend heading all the way to San Francisco, and getting a roomette in the sleeper car. Even though the trip is only 11 hours, the sleeper car ticket (which ranges in price, usually anywhere from $100 to $170 one way) will get you the benefits you'll want. On top of getting your own room, which includes two seats (and when transformed: two beds) you'll have your own window. But (and this is a huge downside) they don't let you reserve which room (or which side of the car) so you may not be on the ocean side.

With a sleeper car ticket you'll also get access to the special dining car, where you are not forced to sit with strangers, as you are in all of Amtrak's other dining cars. It also has a bar, and better food than the other routes we've been on. With your sleeper car ticket you'll also get free meals, and complimentary wine tastings, so expect to spend a lot of time here (though you can also have meals served in your roomette). This dining car, by the way, is one of Amtrak's last remaining mid-century Parlour Cars , and there is a movie theater downstairs! Elsewhere, you'll even find an old arcade room.

The views on this train remain pretty spectacular all the way up to Seattle, but if you're just looking for a short trip, we really can't recommend this one enough, even if just for a few hours. —Jen Carlson

New Orleans

The Sunset Limited is Amtrak's Southernmost U.S. route, taking you three days a week from Union Station all the way to New Orleans with stops in Arizona, New Mexico and Texas. This ride lasts about 48 hours and travels 1,995 miles, and a one-way coach ticket will cost around $300.

A lot of this route is through the vast desert, with views including the infamous Salton Sea and the Rio Grande. The train makes stops in Alpine, Texas—home of Big Bend National Park—and Tucson. There's also a longer stop in San Antonio, where you can grab some Tex-Mex and a cold beer before crossing the Sabine River and pulling into Louisiana, where your scenery becomes decidedly more swampy.

As part of Trails & Rails, a partnership with the National Park Service, you can also download and listen to podcasts that correspond with your trip, acting as a guide.

It's a long trip, though you will have access to the dining car, which serves a variety of American food—nothing particularly fancy—beverages, snacks and alcohol.

When you get off in New Orleans, you'll find yourself not too far from the Mercedes-Benz Superdome , and only about two miles from the French Quarter and Jackson Square , accessible via a 20 minute bus ride. —Juliet Bennett Rylah

Chicago's Union Station (Photo by Michael Perry via the Chicagoist Featured Photos pool on Flickr) Chicago

Amtrak's Southwest Chief runs daily from Union Station in downtown L.A. to Union Station in downtown Chicago. Take everything we said about the Amtrak train to the Grand Canyon, and go further. This is a beautiful trip where you'll see those amber waves of grain, mountains, a little desert and the Mississippi River. From the train's observation car, you'll be able to see some of the more scenic legs of your journey and vendors often set up shop along the route in Albuquerque—where the train has its longest stop—to sell goods.

This trip takes over 40 hours, costing about $170 for a one-way coach ticket, with access to the dining car. Arriving in Chicago, you'll be able to see the Chicago River, and you'll be near the "L" to whisk you to your accommodations. Depending one the season, you may find yourself leaving sunny L.A. for the wintry Midwest, so pack accordingly. —Juliet Bennett Rylah

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How to Travel from Los Angeles to the Grand Canyon by Train, Bus, Car, and Plane

TripSavvy / Alisha McDarris

• What to See
• Frequently Asked Questions

At 480 miles away, the Grand Canyon—one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the world—is no small side trip from Los Angeles. The least stressful way to get to the national park from LA is to sign up with a tour company that includes transportation. However, planning a DIY trip is also doable, and there are many ways to get there by driving, flying, or taking the bus or train.

Unless you're driving there, all other modes of transportation will probably mean passing through Flagstaff, Arizona , the city closest to the park. Remember that you may ultimately need to rent a car in Flagstaff and drive the rest of the way to the park yourself.

If time is a factor, having a car will give you the most freedom to navigate and explore the 1.2 million-acre park, but it's up to you whether you want to drive your own car or hop on a direct flight to Flagstaff and rent a car when you get there. Neither option is costly, with many one-way flights starting a little above $100, which is about the same amount you'd spend on gas and other road trip expenses .

If money is a factor, you might assume the bus would be a more cost-effective option, but even at its cheapest, it's almost as expensive as flying, takes 13 hours, and is not a direct route. You could also take an overnight train directly from Los Angeles to Flagstaff, but this tends to be just as expensive as the bus and takes about 10 hours. Not to mention, once you arrive in Flagstaff by train, bus, or plane, you will still have to find a way to get to the park, 82 miles to the north.

How to Get From Los Angeles to the Grand Canyon

• Train: 13 hours, 30 minutes, from $65
• Plane: 1 hour, 30 minutes, from $100
• Bus: 13 hours, from $55
• Car: 8 hours, 486 miles

If your heart is set on train travel, Amtrak runs a nightly train service from Los Angeles' Union Station to Flagstaff on their Southwest Chief Route . It leaves L.A. around 6 p.m. and enters Flagstaff around 5:30 a.m. the following day. Many people prefer traveling by train as it allows them to enjoy the scenery rolling past their window, but remember that this is an overnight journey and you probably won't be seeing much.

You can book an economical coach seat or pay a higher rate for a Superliner Roomette that accommodates two passengers with fold-down beds and meals. The return train departs Flagstaff at about 9:30 p.m. and returns to LA shortly after 8 a.m. the next day.

The closest airport to the Grand Canyon is the Flagstaff Pulliam Airport, which you can fly direct to from Los Angeles via multiple airlines, including American, Alaska, and United Airlines.

Direct flights run all week and are available throughout the day from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., so you shouldn't have trouble finding a flight that meets your itinerary's needs.

Greyhound offers bus service to Flagstaff, with buses departing at various times. Some routes require a transfer in Phoenix or Las Vegas, and some are direct. It's a long journey that takes 13 hours, but free Wi-Fi is available to stay connected and keep yourself entertained.

If you are considering the bus, it's worth looking into tour packages from various companies that can shuttle you there for a price that's not that much more expensive than the bus and often include meals and transportation around the park.

If you have your own car or rent one in LA , driving is still the most economical way to see the Grand Canyon. Most first-time visitors explore the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, as Grand Canyon Village provides various lodging, camping, and eating options. Also, it's closer to LA. However, if you've already toured the South Rim or want to escape the crowds, the North Rim is your better bet. Remember that the North Rim is not accessible in the winter when route 67 is closed for the season.

Driving directly to the South Rim takes about eight hours, barring traffic. Start traveling east on Interstate 10 if you're coming from downtown L.A., on Interstate 210 if you're coming from the Valley, or on State Route 91 if you're coming from southern beach towns or Orange County. Then, take Interstate 15 north toward Las Vegas. In Barstow, take Interstate 40 east to Flagstaff. Arizona State Route 64 (just before you get to Flagstaff) takes you to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.

To get to the North Rim , depart L.A. as you would for the South Rim, then stay on Interstate 15 until you get to Washington, Utah (about an hour and a half north of Las Vegas). Exit on Route 9 East (State Street) and take it to Utah State Route 59 South, which will become Arizona State Route 389 South when you hit the border. In Fredonia, turn right onto Arizona State Route 89A South. Then, at the Kaibab Plateau Visitor Center, turn right on Route 67 south (Grand Canyon Highway). You'll find the Jacob Lake Inn and Restaurant and the last gas station before you hit the North Rim.

What to See in the Grand Canyon

There's so much to see and do in the Grand Canyon that one day is really not enough time to take it all in. There are many ways to see the canyon , from helicopter tours that will give you the best aerial views of the park to camping tours, which will let you immerse yourself in its wonder.

If you're working with a short timeframe and want the best views for a photo-op, prioritize the Mather Point Overlook on the South Rim and the Coconino Overlook on the North Rim.

There are many ways to get to the Grand Canyon, including driving, flying, or taking the bus or train. Driving is the most economical way to see the Grand Canyon. 

The Grand Canyon is 480 miles away from L.A. The drive takes about eight hours, depending on traffic.

The flight is about 1 hour, 15 minutes and lands at the Flagstaff Pulliam Airport.

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Add These Scenic Train Rides In The US To Your Bucket List

Posted: November 21, 2023 | Last updated: November 22, 2023

Every day, over 87,000 passengers ride an Amtrak train in the U.S. Because the popularity of trains is only growing, they aren't going anywhere. Trains don't only get you to your destination quickly, but they also provide stunning views of the landscape that car drivers can't see.

If you want to explore America, board a train that provides one-of-a-kind views of the natural habitat. From the Grand Canyon to the glaciers of Alaska, these trains give you a relaxing and exciting peak of the country. Definitely add these U.S. train rides to your bucket list!

The Coast Starlight From Los Angeles To Seattle

Since 1971, the Coast Starlight has sent people from southern California through Oregon and Washington. The train glides next to the Pacific Ocean for 30 to 35 hours. Passengers can see Los Angeles, San Francisco, Portland, Mount Shasta, and the Cascade Range.

Along with great views, the Coast Starlight offers dining and large, comfortable seats. The train offers four menu options, and some passengers can even bring their pets. If you want to see the major cities of the West Coast, travel on the Coast Starlight .

The Summit Excursion Across Alaska

The Summit Excursion travels down the White Pass Yukon Railroad, which rises 2,865 feet through the mountains of Alaska. Passengers ride in old cars that date back to the Klondike Gold Rush, and they see glaciers, waterfalls, tunnels, and historical sites throughout the state.

Since Alaska gets so cold, you can sightsee within the warm train. But if you want some outside activity too, you can book a train ride and bike ride package, or a train ride and bus trip. The Summit Excursion is a well-rounded view of Alaska.

Cape Cod Central Railroad In Massachusetts

The Cape Cod Central Railroad sends tourists across the natural wonders of Cape Cod, Massachusetts. For two hours, passengers can see cranberry bogs, salt marshes, and sand dunes. The train stops for a Sunday brunch or a five-course dinner meal, depending on which ride people book.

Throughout the 27-mile train ride, a narration plays that guides passengers along the route. Tourists can learn about the natural habitat and history of Massachusetts, with views that you can only see from the tracks. If you're interested, remember that Cape Code Central Railroad only runs on certain dates.

Mount Washington Cog Railway Through New Hampshire

In the middle of New Hampshire, the highest peak in the American Northeast, Mt. Washington, tours 6,288 feet into the air. During the late 1860s, engineers built the first mountain-climbing train in the world, which became Mount Washington Cog Railway .

The three-hour train ride cuts through New Hampshire State Park and panoramic views of five other states. If the weather is clear enough, you can even see Canada! An onboard tour will direct your attention to the prettiest sights. For breathtaking views of the snow, board the train in winter.

Grand Canyon Railway In Arizona

If you want a scenic journey through one of the seven wonders of the world, hop on the Grand Canyon Railway . The train passes centuries-old rail cars that have been restored to reflect the Wild West. The railway partners with the Grand Canyon Hotel, where visitors can stay after the ride.

Since 1901, the Grand Canyon Railway has taken tourists through the deserts, pines, and prairies around the Grand Canyon. You can reserve your car and food ahead of time and enjoy musicians along the ride.

The Southwest Chief Throughout Southern America

There's no better tour of Southwest and Midwestern America than the Southwest Chief. Covering 2,265 miles, the train crosses eight states from Chicago to Los Angeles. Passengers can view the red cliffs of Sedona, the plains of Kansas, the Grand Canyon, and the famous Mississippi River.

The Southwest Chief runs for over 40 hours and provides lounge cars, sleeping cars, and onboard dining. From the train, you can see modern farmers and ancient missions alike. It's no wonder that celebrities have been riding the Southwest Chief since the 1930s!

The Pacific Surfliner, Southern California

As its name suggests, the Pacific Surfliner glides along the California coastline of the Pacific Ocean. The train rides from San Louis Obispo (above Santa Barbara) down to San Diego, and it hugs the coast the entire time. If you travel at sunset, you'll get a show!

If you want to visit California Disneyland in Anaheim, the Surfliner offers deals for anyone who wants to tour the Happiest Place on Earth. If not, you can explore the entirety of southern and mid-California with food and drinks included.

Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad Through Colorado

If you want to explore Colorado through the eyes of 19th-century gold and silver miners, hop on the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad . The locomotive zigzags through 64 miles of forests, the San Juan mountains, and the border of New Mexico. At its highest point, the train climbs 10,015 feet up a mountain! (Don't worry; it's only a 4% rise.)

If you ride in the deluxe parlor car, you'll see that the coach glimmers with Victorian design and a golden shimmer. Keep your eyes out, and you may spot some elk or bears among the aspen trees.

The California Zephyr From Illinois To California

Do you want to see abandoned mining towns from the 1840s Gold Rush? If you buy a ticket for the California Zephyr , you can see all the notable ghost towns from Chicago to Denver to San Francisco. On this train, you can witness seven states' worth of history in under two hours.

The California Zephyr offers four-day packages where you can catch the train leaving from different stations. The cars offer several service rooms, roomy seats, and awe-inspiring views. You can't catch a better view of the Rocky Mountains!

The Empire Builder From Chicago To Portland

Amtrak's Empire Builder Train follows the adventures of Lewis and Clark. Since 1929, the Empire Builder has traveled from Chicago to Portland and Seattle. Passengers explore the Mississippi River, Minneapolis, and the North Dakota plains in the same order as Lewis and Clark did.

The Empire Builder travels north through Minnesota, North Dakota, Montana, and the tip of Idaho. Passengers see forests, mountains, and Montana's Glacier National Park. Plus, the train offers full family bedrooms for those who choose to explore 2,200 miles of the American wilderness.

The Strasburg Railroad In Pennsylvania

The Strasburg Railroad has operated since 1832, making it one of America's oldest railroads. The short, 45-minute train ride takes visitors through the Amish countryside of Pennsylvania. The trains mirror authentic steam locomotives, with pumps cars and conductors dressed as 19th-century employees.

The Strasburg slices through Pennsylvania's industrial heart, filled with rolling hills and farms that once fed the entire state. The trip offers "train robbery" and "murder mystery" rides, complete with full performances that transport passengers back to 1934. At its cheapest, Strasburg Railroad only costs $15!

The Napa Valley Wine Train, Northern California

Hundreds of vineyards dot Napa Valley, an area that stretches north of San Francisco, California. If you're a wine tasting fan, you can explore the most beautiful vineyards in the country through the Napa Valley Wine Train . The train stops by several wineries for passengers to disembark and have some fun!

The Napa Valley Train also offers a unique murder mystery ride. If you sign up, you'll ride on an antique train and solve a "murder" where you may have to hide your identity from fellow dinner guests. It's a unique train ride to be sure!

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News & Reviews News Wire Plans for private San Francisco-Los Angeles overnight sleeping car service revived

Plans for private San Francisco-Los Angeles overnight sleeping car service revived

Dreamstar says service could begin in summer of 2025

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NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. — The company seeking to start a luxury sleeping car train between downtown San Francisco and Los Angeles Union station says it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Union Pacific “formalizing the parties’ negotiations toward a comprehensive final agreement” to begin operations by 2025.

A press release issued by Dreamstar Lines Inc. on March 23 says “the service will feature state-of-the-art sleeping cars with private rooms with lie-flat beds, en-suite showers, high-speed internet connectivity, on-board food, beverage, and hospitality services and “last mile” transportation, ensuring a seamless, peaceful, and hassle-free passenger experience.”

Working with UP

In emailed responses to Trains News Wire questions, Dreamstar co-founders Joshua Dominic and Thomas Eastmond say the company’s discussions with Union Pacific were restarted last year after initial talks in 2018.

“We have provisionally identified terms for track access payments that will work for both of us,” they write. Regarding liability insurance, they say, “UP requires roughly the amount of the statutory cap on passenger rail damages. Our broker has sourced the necessary insurance stack; the premium isn’t cheap but fits within our model.”

Dominic, the company CEO, says in the release, “Dreamstar officials expressed their appreciation towards their counterparts at Union Pacific,” adding, “We’ve been really impressed with their willingness to think creatively about how we can work together for the benefit of both our companies and the public.”

The memorandum of understanding follows UP’s cooperation with another private operator, Rocky Mountaineer, on the Colorado route that also hosts Amtrak’s California Zephyr. Like UP’s Coast Line that Dreamstar would utilize, it is not a main freight corridor, and thus has extra capacity and scheduling flexibility to handle a passenger train making a leisurely trip.

Seeking bilevels

Regarding equipment acquisition, Dominic writes, “We are currently weighing different options, and focused on finding the right cars and right partners to develop train cars designed to provide a relaxing and comfortable environment for sleeping. We intend to remanufacture existing bilevel cars.  We have a couple of potential sources for those that we’re talking with.”

Amtrak‘s Superliners are the only bilevel sleepers currently operating, but from time to time other operators have floated plans for utilizing carbodies and shells of bilevel commuter coaches as a platform for modern sleeping and lounge cars.

The most extensive luxury upgrading of overnight lounge, dining, and sleeping cars began with the American European Express single-level Heritage conversions of 1989, which initially operated on the rear of Amtrak’s Chicago-Washington Capitol Limited. That equipment eventually morphed into American Orient Express and Grand Luxe special trains. Colorado Railcar was working on bilevel designs when the company went bankrupt in 2008. With only a handful of exceptions, most of the Grand Luxe rolling stock has since been gutted or scrapped.

Regarding motive power, Dominic says, “We’re currently exploring different locomotive options. We’ve had some interesting discussions with manufacturers about zero-emissions locomotive technology, and it’s looking like that tech will be ready for our [later] expansion stage. Currently, we’re looking at either leasing or purchasing existing motive power. We like the more environmentally friendly options, but need to make sure it can meet the operational requirements to provide our service. Much of what we have seen so far has focused on much shorter distance routes. Otherwise we’ll use standard diesel-electric locomotives to start the service, either leased or acquired, and rebuilt from passenger operators that are currently in the process of replacing their motive power fleet.”

Overnight history and fares

Dreamstar is also “working toward an agreement” with Metrolink, a tenant at Los Angeles Union Station, and Caltrain, which would afford access directly to downtown San Francisco. This would enable Dreamstar to recreate the overnight “downtown-to-downtown” convenience of Southern Pacific’s Lark that operated until April 1968.

When Amtrak relieved SP of its passenger trains in May 1971, the former Coast Daylight was rerouted east of San Francisco Bay at San Jose, Calif., to Oakland, and extended north to Seattle as the Coast Starlight. California’s state-supported Spirit of California briefly offered a Sacramento-Los Angeles overnight Coast Line alternative between Oct. 25, 1981, and Sept. 30, 1983, with one or two heritage sleepers and Amfleet equipment. But the train was dropped when the state’s new Republican governor pulled the plug on funding.

Today, Dreamstar envisions an attractive market opportunity. “[Fares] will be on the low end of overnight rail travel in North America,” says Dominic. “We are still working on final pricing, but we are aiming for our walk-up fare to be competitive with the cost of an airline ticket bought within the typical business travel window, less than three weeks before departure, or the cost of a flight with advance purchase plus a hotel. We’re also looking at family accommodations that are aimed to be less than airfare for a group of four or more. If demand comes in at the higher end of our projections, we may be able to get pricing even lower,” he suggests.

Asked about the press release’s mention of the company “exploring an auto transport service, allowing passengers to use their vehicles at the end of the overnight journey,” Dominic says, “We’re aiming for a customer experience where you pull up to the station and board the train, and when you exit the train your automobile will be waiting for you in the parking lot.”

The Dreamstar CEO says a small amount of capital has been raised from private investors. “Following the MOU, we anticipate raising funds with angel investors, early stage funds, and institutional investors. Future expansions may take advantage of public private partnerships. We’re using almost exclusively existing infrastructure so the capital requirements are much lower compared to a project involving new track construction. We are taking a long-term view to building our service and it is important we work with similarly minded financial partners,” says Dominic. He tells News Wire that he cannot speak publicly to the total amount yet, “but it is a number we believe our investors will find compelling versus traditional railroad development costs.”

The original plan the fledgling company floated with an elaborate PowerPoint presentation in 2018 titled, “Go to bed. Wake up there,” suggested all-new equipment would be built with the help of Railroad Rehabilitation and Improvement Financing loans. It also explored the overnight market potential and made assumptions about revenue and expenses that have no doubt been adjusted since then. But the Union Pacific agreement is a necessary first step to finally get the hospitality-oriented overnight venture off the drawing board.

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8 thoughts on “ plans for private san francisco-los angeles overnight sleeping car service revived ”.

They must be dreaming!

These guys can’t see the forest through the trees…a better service would be an overnight version of the Auto-train between the Bay Area and Los Angeles Basin. People want their cars, what better way to get them off the highway in between the two metro areas and still let them have their personal vehicle at destination.

That’s interesting that UP is so willing to support private passenger rail. So how come UP WON’T support Amtrak? These private companies likely have a penalty for poor performance. Amtrak should be entitled to negotiate penalties as well.

Maybe because Amtrak negotiates like a bull in a China closet and they don’t want to pay their FAIR share of the costs. These other folks are putting their money where their mouth is. As the old saying goes, “Talk is cheap, but it takes money to buy Whiskey!” Amtrak wants to buy jug wine or the cheapest of the cheap, except when it comes to capital projects and then they spend money like they are printing their own…

Until real railroading CEO’s are put in charge of all of Amtrak and Amtrak split into two companies, Commuter and Long Distance, and made to accurately account for their costs, it will continue to be the laughing stock of the passenger railroading world…

Maybe because the Coast Line basically has zero service on it and would not interfer with UP freight movement for the most part!

Not too many years ago X Train had an “agreement” with Uncle Pete for service between LA and LV. I asked a UP rep about and he shrugged, “We have a deal with specific terms. If those terms are met the train runs. If not they don’t.”

Let me count the missed opportunities. One existing, another supposedly under construction, and a third proposed in this article today.

One and two are Amtrak and CalHSR. We know their shortcomings. Into this void steps Number Three, chasing a niche market with a proposed stand-alone service.

A certain number of people travel San Fran to LA, as in this article. Without even getting into CalHSR territory in the Central Valley, other huge markets include (obviously) San Jose, Silicon Valley, Burbank, the Van Nuys area, Santa Barbara, the East Bay, Sacramento, Orange County, and San Diego County.

This country doesn’t need premium trains chasing niche markets. Most, not all of them, have failed. We need connectivity, choices, compatible fleets, and multiple frequencies.

Wishing them luck. They will need it. I’ll believe it when I see it.

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Search called off for the night as 6 who plummeted from Baltimore bridge are presumed dead

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The Coast Guard suspended its search Tuesday evening for six missing bridge workers in the aftermath of a crash that brought down a major Baltimore span and sent a construction crew plummeting into the frigid water below.

Citing the cold water temperature and the length of time since the bridge’s collapse, Rear Adm. Shannon Gilreath said at a news conference that the agency did not believe it would “find any of these individuals still alive.”

For the record:

4:25 p.m. March 26, 2024 An earlier version of this article said that a body had been recovered by searchers. The source for that information, a member of the Baltimore City Council, later said she had misspoken.

The search was halted about 7:30 p.m., officials said.

Col. Roland Butler of the Maryland State Police described treacherous conditions for rescuers, including debris and changing currents. Butler said divers would resume the search Wednesday at 6 a.m. to try to retrieve the bodies.

“We do not know where they are,” he said, “but we intend to give it our best effort to help these families find closure.”

Baltimore City Council member Phylicia Porter previously told CNN that one body was recovered during search-and-rescue efforts but later said she misspoke. Butler confirmed that no bodies had been recovered as of Tuesday evening.

“This was so completely unforeseen,” said Jeffrey Pritzker, executive vice president of Brawner Builders, which employed the workers. “We don’t know what else to say. We take such great pride in safety, and we have cones and signs and lights and barriers and flaggers.”

Besides the construction crew, several vehicles were on the bridge when it collapsed; five were found on the bed of the river below. Officials do not yet know whether anyone was trapped inside.

The Dali, a Singaporean ship, was traveling at about 8 knots and lost power before it plowed into one of the pillars supporting the Francis Scott Key Bridge around 1:30 a.m. Tuesday, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore said at a news conference. The impact quickly caused much of the bridge to buckle, dropping major portions into the Patapsco River.

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Experts say the Baltimore collapse does not expose significant vulnerabilities in the major bridges near ports across California. The ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach handle about 40% of U.S. container imports from Asia.

March 26, 2024

The tragedy prompted Moore to declare a state of emergency, saying that the state was “working with an interagency team to quickly deploy federal resources.”

Eight members of the construction crew working on the bridge fell into the water, and two were quickly rescued; one declined treatment, and the other was hospitalized, Maryland Transportation Secretary Paul Wiedefeld said at a news conference.

Those who remain unaccounted for were believed to have been repairing masonry and potholes on the bridge when it collapsed, Wiedefeld said.

Moore said that the bridge was “fully up to code” and that crew members on the Dali issued an emergency distress call shortly before the crash. There wasn’t any credible evidence that terrorism was involved, Moore said.

“Never would you think that you would see — physically see — the Key Bridge tumble down like that. It looked like something out of an action movie,” said Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott, calling it “an unthinkable tragedy.”

The mayday call gave officials enough time to stop traffic on both sides of the bridge and try to evacuate people before the collapse, Moore said.

“By being able to stop cars from coming over the bridge, these people are heroes,” he added. “They saved lives.”

Baltimore Fire Chief James Wallace said in a CNN interview Tuesday morning that sonar had detected five vehicles on the bed of the river— three passenger vehicles, a cement truck and an unknown vehicle.

The water temperature was about 47 degrees Fahrenheit before dawn, according to a buoy that collects data for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Synergy Marine Group, which manages and owns the ship, said in a statement that one or more pilots were operating it when it hit a bridge pillar. The pilots are local specialists who help navigate ships safely into ports. The ship was heading to Colombo, Sri Lanka, at the time of the crash.

All crew members, including the two pilots, were accounted for; no injuries were reported among the crew, according to the company.

The ship’s management and owners are “fully cooperating with federal and state government agencies” as an investigation into the crash begins, the company said in a statement. The Dali is owned by Grace Ocean Private Ltd., also a Singaporean company. The Times could not immediately reach the company.

President Biden said in a Tuesday news briefing at the White House that he intended to have the federal government pay the full cost of rebuilding the bridge and that reconstruction would take “some time.”

Biden also said he planned to visit Baltimore as soon as possible.

“Our prayers are with everyone involved in this terrible accident and all the families — especially those waiting for the news of their loved one right now,” Biden said. “I know every minute in that circumstance feels like a lifetime. You just don’t know. It’s just terrible.”

Ship traffic and the busy Port of Baltimore, which sees around 850,000 service vehicles each year, has been suspended until further notice, Biden said. The bridge also is crucial for travel, the president said, noting that more than 30,000 vehicles cross daily.

“We’re gonna get it up and running again as soon as possible,” Biden said, adding that “15,000 jobs depend on that port, and we’re going to do everything we can to protect those jobs and help those workers.”

Jennifer Homendy, chairwoman of the National Transportation Safety Board, said in a news conference Tuesday that the agency would investigate the cause of the bridge collapse but was “standing back” during search-and-rescue efforts.

The agency will look into the vessel’s maintenance and safety history as well as the construction of the bridge and its design, Homendy said. The NTSB will also verify whether the loss of power to the ship led to the crash, she said.

Kevin Cartwright, director of communications for the Baltimore Fire Department, said that some cargo appeared to be dangling from the bridge, which spans the Patapsco River at the entrance to a busy harbor. The river leads to the Port of Baltimore, a major hub for shipping on the East Coast. Opened in 1977, the bridge is named for the writer of “The Star-Spangled Banner.”

The Dali is chartered by Maersk, a Danish shipping company, and had the Maersk logo on the ship, according to a statement by the company. No Maersk crew members were aboard the vessel, which was about three football fields long and half a field wide.

Rep. Kweisi Mfume (D-Md.), whose congressional district includes the bridge and the Port of Baltimore, said in a statement that he’s spoken with the White House and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.

“They are responding with all of the assets at their disposal,” Mfume said. “Our prayers right now are for the missing individuals and victims of this tragedy. We thank God for the effective service of our first responders.”

The Associated Press and Times staff writer Grace Toohey contributed to this report.

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Summer Lin is a reporter on the Fast Break Desk, the Los Angeles Times’ breaking news team. Before coming to The Times, she covered breaking news for the Mercury News and national politics and California courts for McClatchy’s publications, including the Sacramento Bee. An East Coast native, Lin moved to California after graduating from Boston College and Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism. In her free time, she enjoys hikes, skiing and a good Brooklyn bagel.

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