Traveling Southern California by Train with GoTravelDaily

These days, freeways aren’t the only way to get around LA. Ever-worsening gridlock and major public investments in public transport mean that exploring much of Los Angeles and Southern California via rail is an appealing option. An ever-improving network of train tracks allows you to enjoy the region without the stress of traffic.

Direct train service will take you to many of SoCal’s top sights plus an array of equally worthy yet lesser-known places. You can lie out on the beach, explore historically rich neighborhoods, see world-class art, get a dose of Hollywood glamour, or even travel to Mexico. Moreover, including short bus transfers opens up even more of the region, including LAX and Disneyland.

Another benefit of seeing Southern California by train is the low cost. Train fares range from only $1.75 for Metro to $36 for the Amtrak Surfliner from LA to San Diego.

When people ask how you coped with the infamous Southern California traffic, you can casually reply, “We didn’t. We took the train.” From north to south, here are some of the ways to get around Southern California by rail.

Follow the Coast to Grover Beach

Far north from the crowded beaches of LA, Grover Beach along the Central Coast makes for an excellent day trip. The journey includes a ride along one of California’s most beautiful stretches of shoreline, some of which you can only see from the train. Just south of the quaint beach town of Pismo Beach, Grover Beach is part of a long swath of sand backed by dunes that run for over 10 miles. A short walk is all it takes to leave the hustle of civilization behind.

From LA, Grover Beach is a nearly 5-hour ride, but it’s only 2 hours north of Santa Barbara, including one of the most beautiful stretches of coast. Catch the morning Amtrak Surfliner train north and the late-afternoon one south; you’ll have about 4 hours on the sand.

Walk from the Station to the Beach in Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara’s train station is a short, equidistant walk from the beautiful Mission-style architecture of downtown, and the sunny beach and pier. There’s so much to see and do here that a day trip from LA can easily turn into an overnight trip. Fortunately, with up to four Amtrak Surfliner round-trips each day, you have options. A one-way ride takes about 2.5 hours.

Take the Metro to Get Arty in Pasadena

Take the Metro L/Gold Line train to Del Mar stop and explore downtown Pasadena, which is lined with shops, cafes, and restaurants. Wander through lush Central and Memorial Parks, then walk west to the Norton Simon Museum, one of Southern California’s best, featuring works by renowned artists such as Rembrandt, Rodin, Renoir, Van Gogh, and Picasso. The sculpture-filled gardens are modeled on Monet’s Giverny.

Avoid the Parking Madness and Reach the Theme Parks by Rail

Metro’s B/Red Line subway goes directly to Universal Studios Hollywood, where movies were first made in 1915 — and still are today. Next to the back lots, you can explore movie and TV lore and thrill at rides inspired by Jurassic World, Harry Potter, and The Simpsons. Above the Metro station and outside the park, a multitude of shops, restaurants, and movie theaters await.

If you want to continue your theme park adventures, you can also get to Disneyland by train — almost. Take an Amtrak Surfliner or Metrolink train to Anaheim station, then enjoy a free transfer on one of the frequent buses that make the 20-minute run to the main gates of the Magic Kingdom.

Emerge in Glamorous Style in Hollywood

When the subway stop reads Hollywood/Vine, there can be little doubt about what awaits. Frequent Metro trains on the B/Red Line serve the heart of Hollywood; hop off at Hollywood and Vine to stroll west along the Walk of Fame. At Hollywood/Highland, you’ll find the famous celebrity hand, foot, and paw prints in front of Grauman’s Chinese Theatre. Nearby, the Hollywood Museum is a storehouse of Old Hollywood memorabilia.

Avoid the Santa Monica Freeway and Reach the Ocean via Light Rail

Enjoy pristine beaches in Santa Monica, the last stop on Metro’s E/Expo light-rail line. Open-air cafes provide a delightful atmosphere, where you can observe beachgoers enjoying the sun.

Just a half-mile west of the train stop, the glorious Santa Monica beaches await. Spread out your towel on the sand or head to the iconic Pier, known for its amusement-park rides and arcades. Take the palm-tree-shaded waterfront walk a little over a mile south to Venice Beach, where colorful characters fill the Boardwalk.

Get to East LA by Train and Explore the Neighborhood on Foot

Start your visit to East LA at the Mariachi Plaza stop on Metro’s L/Gold light rail line. As the name suggests, you’ll often find mariachi musicians performing in the area. Request a favorite ballad and tip well.

The surrounding Boyle Heights neighborhood is a hub of Latinx culture; consider downloading one of the excellent walking tours from the Boyle Heights Museum. This self-guided tour allows you to explore panaderias (bakeries), taco joints, top restaurants, historic churches, and more.

Take the Blue Line to Visit Watts Towers

For decades, one of the must-see sights in South LA has been Watts Towers, the soaring masterpiece of “found” folk art that first began construction over 100 years ago. Today, it anchors a vibrant community cultural center that celebrates African American creativity, from music to art. Metro’s A/Blue Line trains conveniently stop at the 103rd St/Watts Towers Station, just steps away from this artistic landmark.

Hug the Pacific as You Train it to San Clemente Pier

In coastal San Clemente, the only thing between your train and the Pacific Ocean is the beach. The historic railroad line continues south to San Diego along a spectacularly scenic route.

Amtrak Surfliner and Metrolink trains pause at the San Clemente Pier stop, which is conveniently located at the base of the town’s pier extending into the Pacific. Enjoy one of the many casual seafood shacks and cafes, relax on the beach, watch the surfers, await sunset, and embrace the quintessential Southern California beach vibe.

Sail Towards Long Beach via Light Rail

Numerous container ships can be spotted just off the harbors at Long Beach, waiting to offload delayed cargo. Additionally, the iconic 1930s trans-Atlantic steamship, the Queen Mary, is permanently moored near downtown, with its vintage cabins open for tours. For something more vibrant, visit the Aquarium of the Pacific.

Metro’s A/Blue Line trains circulate through the heart of Long Beach, close to the shore and featuring numerous cafes and bars with inviting patios. The ride from Downtown LA takes under an hour.

Consider California’s Mission Past at San Juan Capistrano

Step off your train into the heart of colonial California in San Juan Capistrano, along the Orange County coast. This area is famous for its swallows that return every year around March 19. The compact center revolves around the 18th-century mission. Here, you can reflect on the legacy of Spanish colonization and its impact on Indigenous cultures. Spend time in the tranquil gardens, then explore the surrounding historic district.

Regular Amtrak Surfliner and Metrolink trains service San Juan Cap from LA in about 2 hours.

Final Stop: The Border at Tijuana, Mexico

Believe it or not, you can reach Mexico by train: the San Diego Trolley’s Blue Line ends right at a pedestrian border crossing in San Ysidro. From there, it’s a short walk to Plaza Santa Cecilia, one of Tijuana’s oldest public squares.

Once in the plaza, stroll down Avenida Revolución, which is lined with restaurants, bars, shops, and more. Explore the pasajes (passages or alleys) for galleries and artsy cafes. Head east for the craft beer bars of Plaza Fiesta, then walk back to the border crossing or use a rideshare service.

Amtrak Surfliner trains serve San Diego’s Santa Fe Depot from LA in about 3 hours. The trolley to the border takes 45 minutes from there.

Your Guide to Los Angeles and Southern California Train Service

Historic and beautiful Union Station in Downtown LA is the hub for much of the region’s rail service. You might recognize it from the many film and TV shows shot there, including classic films.

• Amtrak Surfliner: The national train operator runs comfortable trains between San Luis Obispo in the north to San Diego in the south, with many scenic beachfront stretches, particularly between LA and San Diego.
• Metrolink: The LA region’s commuter rail system connects to major destinations and other transit systems, including Palmdale, Oxnard, Burbank, and Anaheim.
• Metro: Centered around LA, Metro features a mix of light rail and subways serving must-see places, including Hollywood, Santa Monica, Pasadena, and Long Beach.
• Coaster: San Diego’s coastal commuter train service connects beach towns from Oceanside to San Diego.
• San Diego Trolley Light Rail: Trains radiate across San Diego from a hub at the Santa Fe Depot.