Coastal Liner Train: A Journey Along the Pacific Coast

The Pacific Coast is a stunning stretch of coastline that's home to some of the most beautiful and diverse landscapes in the country. The Coastal Liner Train is a great way to experience it.

The train route spans over 1,000 miles, passing through six states and numerous national parks and forests. This allows passengers to take in breathtaking views of the ocean, mountains, and forests.

One of the highlights of the journey is the iconic Big Sur section, where the train hugs the coastline and offers stunning views of the rocky cliffs and rugged shoreline. The train also passes through the picturesque towns and villages along the way.

The Coastal Liner Train typically takes around 72 hours to complete the entire route, allowing passengers to relax and enjoy the scenery.

You might enjoy: Train Horns for Semi Trucks

The Pacific Surfliner's route is a scenic one, spanning 350 miles from San Luis Obispo to San Diego. It takes approximately 8 hours and 52 minutes to complete the trip at an average speed of 38.9 miles per hour.

Much of the train's route follows the Pacific coast, often being just 100 feet from the ocean. This offers breathtaking views for passengers.

Trains travel inland through expansive farmlands in Ventura County and industrial areas in the Los Angeles Basin and parts of Orange County.

The Pacific Surfliner has a rich history dating back to 1938 when the Santa Fe Railway first operated the San Diegan service between Los Angeles and San Diego. This iconic train has been a staple of the West Coast for over 85 years.

The route was initially operated by the Santa Fe Railway, but it was taken over by Amtrak in 1971. Initially, there were only three daily trips, but the schedule was expanded to six round trips in the 1970s with funding from the state of California.

The Pacific Surfliner has undergone many changes over the years, including the addition of new stops and the extension of the route to Santa Barbara in 1988. In 1995, the train began making a daily trip to San Luis Obispo, further expanding its reach.

Here's a breakdown of the railroads that own the track used by the Pacific Surfliner:

The Coastal Pacific train operates a four-day-a-week service from September 19, 2024, until January 1, 2025.

During this time, the train runs from Thursday to Sunday inclusive, giving passengers a consistent schedule to plan around.

From January 1, 2025, to April 27, 2025, the train will operate daily, providing a more frequent service for those traveling during this period.

This change in schedule is a great opportunity for travelers to explore the route on a daily basis, taking in all the sights and attractions along the way.

Here's an interesting read: Train from Munich to Hamburg Germany

The Pacific Surfliner route has a rich history that spans over eight decades. It was initially known as the San Diegan, a service operated by the Santa Fe Railway since 1938.

The route was one of the Santa Fe's premier routes until Amtrak took over operations in 1971. Initially, there were three daily trips, but the schedule was expanded to six round trips during the 1970s with funding from the state of California.

In 1988, the service was extended to Santa Barbara to provide the Central Coast with an additional train to Los Angeles. This extension marked a significant milestone in the route's history.

The route was renamed the Pacific Surfliner in 2000 to better reflect its extent. Today, it's one of the busiest sections of the route, running from Los Angeles to San Diego.

A stop at Old Town Transit Center was added in 2004, providing passengers with easier access to the city. The route has continued to evolve over the years, with stops added and removed to meet the changing needs of passengers.

On October 7, 2013, stops were added at Coaster stations at Carlsbad Village, Carlsbad Poinsettia, Encinitas, and Sorrento Valley. However, some of these stops were later dropped due to low ridership or changes in cross-ticketing arrangements.

In 2023, the Pacific Surfliner route faced significant disruptions due to coastal erosion under the track in San Clemente. Emergency repairs were made, and full service resumed on April 17, 2023.

However, service was suspended again in 2024 due to further erosion and a landslide at San Clemente. Limited service resumed on March 6, 2024, followed by full service on March 25.

The Pacific Surfliner route is a complex network of tracks owned by various private railroads and public agencies.

The train runs from San Luis Obispo to San Diego, passing through several key cities and counties.

Union Pacific Railroad owns the tracks from San Luis Obispo to Moorpark.

The Southern California Regional Rail Authority takes over from Moorpark to Los Angeles and again from Fullerton to the Orange County/San Diego County line.

BNSF Railway is responsible for the tracks from Los Angeles to Fullerton.

The North County Transit District completes the route from the Orange County/San Diego County line to San Diego.

Here's a breakdown of the route segments and their respective owners:

Discovering the authentic Aotearoa experience is as easy as hopping on the Coastal Pacific train, which starts from just $219 NZD.

The train journey offers more than just breathtaking views of South Island's coastline, it's an intimate experience that lets you in on the people, places, and history that make this region so special.

The train journey takes you through the Pacific coast, showcasing the unique culture and scenery that Aotearoa has to offer.

California is a state so complex that it easily tops lists of places to visit for travelers globally.

The state offers diverse landscapes, from the ever-changing terrain of the Sierra Nevadas to the sparkling Pacific coastline.

Travelers can explore the Golden State by train, venturing through the ever-changing terrain and presenting the very best from the Sierra Nevadas to seaside harbors.

The Amtrak trains, including the Coast Starlight and Pacific Surfliner, offer scenic routes that take you to cities like San Diego and Los Angeles, and through the Paso Robles wine region's varietals.

A ride through the vineyards and small towns of Napa Valley on the wine train is truly an experience to remember.

California tour packages come in all shapes and sizes, from 8- or 9-day rail expeditions that traverse multiple regions of the state to quick getaways that include a full day of travel up the California coastline.

The coastal liner train is a convenient way to travel, with a journey time of around 4 hours from station A to station B.

You'll be able to enjoy the scenic views of the coastline during your trip.

The train departs from station A at 9:00 AM sharp, so be sure to arrive early to get a good seat.

Each train has 10 coaches, including a first-class carriage with comfortable seating and large windows for optimal viewing.

The train makes 5 stops along the way, allowing you to stretch your legs and grab a snack or drink.

The train's average speed is 60 km/h, making it a relatively quick way to travel this distance.