Which side should I sit on my Pacific Surfliner?

Simply sit on the west-side of the train to enjoy the ocean views. If you are traveling through Los Angeles, the train switches direction after departing the station. So if you are sitting on the west-side of the train approaching Los Angeles, you will be sitting on the east-side after departing Los Angeles!



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If you're traveling West, you'll experience the best views on the right side of the train. Traveling East? Be sure to sit on the left side.

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For the smoothest ride, get a seat equidistant between the trucks (wheels). This way a hard bump will be only half as bad. If you want to watch the train ahead going through curves, get a window seat near the rear of the coach.

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In almost all cases, Amtrak seats are not assigned. The exception is Acela Express Route seats and business class seating on the Northeast Regional , Carolinian , Palmetto and Vermonter. Otherwise, Amtrak has a first-come, first-serve seating policy for coach seats.

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The safer seat direction and position within the car will depend entirely on what kind of accident happens. If your train derails and hits a bridge, you want to be in the back, facing rearwards. If it is stopped and gets rammed from behind, you want to be in the front facing forwards.

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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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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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Being on the lower level is indeed closer to the restrooms, and you'll have less foot traffic going by. There will be less sway, but more noise from the track, since you're closer to the track. The view will be better from the upper level and you must be on the upper level to pass from one car to the next.

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Storing Items Carry-on and personal items must be kept with you, stored in overhead racks, under seats or designated baggage areas. Most buses have baggage storage bins under the bus floor, and the bus driver will assist you.

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You may bring your own food and beverages onboard for consumption at your seat or private Sleeping Car accommodations. However, you can only consume food and beverages purchased in Dining and Lounge Cars in those cars. Personal food and beverages are allowed in the upper level of Superliner Sightseer Lounges.

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In October of 2021, I spent two nights on overnight Amtrak trains traveling between Miami and NYC. I stayed in a 20-square-foot roomette for $500 and a 40-square-foot bedroom for $1,000. The extra space in the bedroom was more comfortable for the long journey and worth the price.

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Two personal items: For example, large purses, briefcases, computer backpacks. These bags can measure up to 14” x 11” x 7” each, and weigh up to 25 pounds each. Two carry-on bags: These bags can measure up to 28 x 22 x 11 each, and weigh up to 50 pounds each.

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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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Trains for which you can reserve seats are marked with an R (meaning a reservation is possible) or an R in a rectangular frame (meaning a reservation is compulsory) in the timetable.

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Room to Roam Instead of being confined to a cramped, uncomfortable seat for your entire trip, a train lets you get up to stretch your legs and walk around to other parts of the train. That's not even an option when you fly, ride a bus or drive a car.

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