Amtrak Enhances Pacific Surfliner Services with New Round-Trip

News Summary

Amtrak will introduce a 12th daily round-trip service on the Pacific Surfliner route between Los Angeles and San Diego, effective June 16, 2025. This move aims to provide travelers with increased flexibility and improve connectivity along this busy corridor. The new southbound service will leave Los Angeles at 4:10 p.m. and the northbound train will depart San Diego at 8:10 p.m. With the busiest state-supported intercity passenger rail corridor, this expansion responds to the growing demand for rail travel in Southern California.

Los Angeles, CA

Amtrak is set to enhance its services on the Pacific Surfliner route by introducing a 12th daily round-trip between Los Angeles and San Diego, effective June 16, 2025. This expansion, announced by the Los Angeles – San Diego – San Luis Obispo (LOSSAN) Rail Corridor Agency, is designed to provide passengers with increased flexibility and convenience while traveling along this popular route.

The new southbound service, designated as Train 582, will depart from Los Angeles Union Station at 4:10 p.m. and is expected to reach San Diego Santa Fe Depot at 7:04 p.m. In contrast, the northbound Train 593 will leave San Diego at 8:10 p.m., arriving back at Los Angeles Union Station at 10:57 p.m. This expanded schedule aims to fill crucial gaps in the existing timetable, ultimately improving travel options for customers and catering to the anticipated surge in summer travel.

The Pacific Surfliner is currently regarded as the busiest state-supported intercity passenger rail corridor in the United States, serving approximately 3 million riders annually. With the introduction of this additional service, the Pacific Surfliner will now operate 12 daily round-trips between Los Angeles and San Diego, alongside 5 daily round-trips between San Diego and Goleta, and 3 full-corridor round-trips that extend to San Luis Obispo.

Commitment to Rail Accessibility

This service expansion highlights the LOSSAN Agency’s ongoing commitment to improving passenger rail access across Southern California. The increased number of daily trips is aimed at enhancing connectivity and ensuring that travelers have more options when planning their journeys. Moreover, the expansion coincides with the return to pre-pandemic service levels, as tracks from San Diego to San Luis Obispo are now fully operational.

Route Details

The Pacific Surfliner route stretches 351 miles through six counties, connecting a total of 29 stations. In addition to the new train services, the Amtrak Thruway Bus Service guarantees seamless connections to Pacific Surfliner trains. This allows travelers to extend their journeys north to Oakland or southeast to Indio, further enhancing the overall travel experience.

Amenities and Ticket Information

All Pacific Surfliner trains are equipped with various amenities that enhance passenger comfort. These include comfortable, reclining seats, power outlets, complimentary Wi-Fi, bike and luggage racks, and a Market Café that offers a selection of beverages and food, including local craft beer. Customers can purchase tickets through multiple channels, such as PacificSurfliner.com, Amtrak.com, the Amtrak mobile app, or by calling 800-USA-RAIL.

Conclusion

As travel demand continues to rise, the addition of a 12th daily round-trip between Los Angeles and San Diego aims to not only meet passenger needs but also promote the use of rail travel in Southern California. The Pacific Surfliner remains a vital transportation link within the region, and this service enhancement is part of its ongoing efforts to serve the community effectively.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Coastal Rail Service between Orange and San Diego to Resume
San Clemente Rail Service Temporarily Suspended for Repairs
California Secures Nearly $10 Million for Coastal Rail Improvements

Additional Resources

• San Diego Union-Tribune
• Herald Journal
• Travel and Tour World
• Fox 5 San Diego
• Wikipedia: Pacific Surfliner