What is the difference between Coast Starlight and Pacific Surfliner?

Both provide stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and stop in Los Angeles and Santa Barbara. But that's where the similarities end. The Pacific Surfliner route is much shorter than the Coast Starlight and can be used to commute between cities in Southern California (and to reach Disneyland).



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Management responsibility for the Pacific Surfliner service was assumed by the LOSSAN Agency in July 2015, following the execution of an interagency transfer agreement with the state of California. Amtrak is the contracted operator of the Pacific Surfliner service.

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Fridays and Sundays are typically the busiest travel days on the Pacific Surfliner, especially on the 700-series trains between Los Angeles and San Diego. Consider choosing one of the 500-series trains instead, which are typically less busy, or if your travel plans allow, ride midweek or mid-day when it's less crowded.

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Widely regarded as one of the most spectacular of all train routes, the Coast Starlight links the greatest cities on the West Coast.

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Experienced travelers say the California Zephyr is one of the most beautiful train trips in all of North America. As you climb through the heart of the Rockies, and further west through the snow-capped Sierra Nevadas, you may find it hard to disagree.

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While not nearly as expensive, taking an Amtrak train across the US is also largely the domain of rail enthusiasts as it takes multiple days and costs significantly more than flying. In countries like Japan, South Korea and much of Europe, the opposite is true as the train is simply a way to travel larger distances.

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Are meals included? Yes, most trains offer one or more dining options ranging from casual dining to full sit-down meals. If you have a private sleeper all meals in the dining car are included in your price (gratuities...

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The Pacific Surfliner provides daily service to 29 stations between San Diego and San Luis Obispo. Many of these stations are staffed, meaning that there is an Amtrak ticket window with a representative that passengers can speak with.

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