Tuesday 19 July 2022

The Amtrak Pacific Surfliner train travels through iconic Southern California landscapes

The Amtrak Pacific Surfliner train
The Amtrak Pacific Surfliner train travels through iconic Southern California landscapes, with daily service that connects world renowned destinations and attractions, including downtown Los Angeles. Onboard amenities offer a comfortable ride, including reclining seats, complimentary Wi-Fi, power outlets, restrooms, an onboard Market Café, and an optional Business Class upgrade.

Trade car rentals, break lights, and driving directions for a scenic train ride along the coast that arrives steps from the best shopping and dining districts, beaches, events, and more. Enjoy the journey with the Pacific Surfliner.

We sat down with Puja Thomas-Patel, Marketing and Communications Director from LOSSAN Rail Corridor Agency, which oversees the Pacific Surfliner, to discuss the many benefits of booking your clients on a rail journey along the Southern California coast.

1. Puja, what makes the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner unique?

The Pacific Surfliner is one of the most scenic train routes in America. Portions of the route hug the coast, offering panoramic views of Southern California’s expansive beaches. Riders can also enjoy views of rocky terrain in the Santa Susana Pass, bluffs that overlook the ocean, lush farmland, rolling hills, and more. It’s truly a perfect way to enjoy the range of beauty that Southern California has to offer.

2. Why would you recommend travel advisors include this rail experience in their clients' southern California vacation?

A trip on the Pacific Surfliner transforms the journey into a memorable experience by offering exceptional views alongside a relaxing ride. Visitors can explore destinations without renting cars, navigating the roads, and sitting in traffic. The route connects top destinations, many of which are easily walkable from train stations. There are a few stations that are even accessible from the region’s airports and cruise terminals. Visit a few of Southern California’s top destinations, using the train as an adventure in between.

3. With AMTRAK, what day trip destinations from LA can a travel advisor book for their clients?

One of our most popular day trips from Los Angeles is Santa Barbara. The train station is centrally located in downtown, not far from the beach. San Diego is another great option – half of the trip from Los Angeles is along the beach, offering some of the best ocean views. Both trips take a little under three hours each way. Families love to travel to Anaheim to go to the Happiest Place on Earth, which can be reached via a simple shuttle connection.

4. What train stations in Los Angeles County does the AMTRAK Pacific Surfliner serve?

Los Angeles Union Station is one of our most popular stations, connecting the Pacific Surfliner and long-distance Amtrak routes, Los Angeles International Airport (via a shuttle), and local transit. Other stations in the county include Glendale, Downtown Burbank, Burbank Airport, Van Nuys, Northridge, and Chatsworth.

5. Can a travel advisor book tickets on the AMTRAK Pacific Surfliner to take their clients from LA to Disneyland?

Yes, and it’s a great trip, too. From Los Angeles, it is around a 40-minute train ride to Anaheim. From there, riders can take a free bus connection to the front gates of the park, which takes around 20 minutes – the same amount of time as it would take to park and ride the tram over. Even better, Amtrak riders can save five percent on Theme Park admission when they buy their tickets at pacificsurfliner.com/Disney.

6. Which seat on AMTRAK Pacific Surfliner would you recommend someone chooses for the best viewpoints on the journey?

The Amtrak Pacific Surfliner train
Our seats are open, meaning that you can step onto the train and then choose where you’d like to sit. The west-facing side of the train is the best for enjoying views of the ocean. Our seats are set up in pairs, meaning there is a window seat and an aisle seat. We also have a few tables with four seats that are reserved for groups of three or more. Here’s a tip: The train changes direction after passing through Los Angeles Union Station, so if you are on the west-facing side before entering Los Angeles, you’ll be on the reverse side after departing Los Angeles!

7. What are the key destination highlights that guests will see on the Pacific Surfliner?

The Pacific Surfliner carries visitors to more than 30 destinations across Southern California, and there are trips for all kinds of travelers – enjoy a quiet escape of wine tasting and hiking in San Luis Obispo, family time at the beaches of Ventura, whale watching adventures from Oceanside Harbor, and more. Our route travels Southern California’s diverse landscapes, offering our riders panoramic views of sparkling beaches, rolling hills, cityscapes, and more, depending on which stations they are traveling to.

8. What types of tickets are available for the Pacific Surfliner?

We offer two classes of tickets – coach and Business Class. Coach offers flexibility in that riders can choose to ride a train at a later time or day if their plans change, without having to make any updates to their ticket. Business Class offers an upgraded experience (that would need to be modified in advance) – riders are treated to complimentary snacks and drinks (including wine for those ages 21+), a guaranteed seat, newly reupholstered seats, and other perks. Most of our riders book one-way or round-trip tickets, but we do offer a multi-city ticket for riders who want to stop at multiple destinations during their trip.

9. Where should travel advisors book AMTRAK tickets for their clients?

We suggest starting at Amtrak’s Travel Agent Resource Center: amtrak.com/travel-agent-resource-center There is information about booking channels available to travel professionals, as well as information on how travel agents can book a discounted trip to get familiar with the Amtrak system. To learn more about the Pacific Surfliner service, including trip ideas, schedules, special offers, and more, visit pacificsurfliner.com.

10. What's new or coming soon to the AMTRAK Pacific Surfliner?

The Amtrak Pacific Surfliner train
Right now, we’re working on refreshing the food and beverage selection in our onboard Market Café. We currently offer a selection of fresh sandwiches, local craft beer, snacks, treats, and quick meals, but are looking to take it to the next level with more options to accommodate different diets, including plant-based, low-sugar, low-carb, and organic foods. We’re also looking to bring new locally brewed craft beers on board. Other than that, keep an eye out for special promotions. We’re working on one right now that will offer “wild” savings in San Diego. Make sure to follow us on social media for trip ideas and special announcements.

Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board
633 West 5th Street, Suite 1800, Los Angeles, CA 90071, USA
https://www.discoverlosangeles.com/

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