Tips for a Successful Thanksgiving Trip on the Train

Start your holiday celebrations with a trip on the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner. Sink into your seat and enjoy the diverse scenery of Southern California while traveling to top destinations, including San Diego, Orange County, Los Angeles, Ventura, Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, and more. Onboard amenities such as a Café Car, Wi-Fi, power outlets and spacious seating offer a comfortable ride that will have you arriving refreshed and ready for holiday celebrations.

Thanksgiving week is a busy time onboard all Pacific Surfliner trains as travelers make their way to family and friends throughout Southern California, so reservations are required from Wednesday, November 21 through Sunday, November 25, 2018. Additionally, the Rail 2 Rail program will be suspended from Wednesday, November 21 through Monday, November 26, 2018 (resuming on Tuesday, November 27, 2018). During this time, Metrolink and COASTER passes will not be accepted. Amtrak monthly and 10-ride passes may be used.

Here are some helpful tips when traveling during the week of Thanksgiving:

• Book your tickets beforehand – visit PacificSurfliner.com, call 1-800-USA-Rail, or use the Amtrak app.
• Take up to two bags (each weighing 50 pounds or less) for free. We have space on the first level of the train for larger and heavier luggage, and there is also room above each seat.
• If you are traveling between stations with luggage service, you can check your bags. Stations are marked on the schedule with a suitcase icon.
• Arrive early, especially on holiday weekends since the train stations might be busier than usual.
• Consider upgrading to Business Class for a little extra legroom, free snacks and drinks, and other perks.
• Bring valid photo identification with you, as the conductor could request it.

Consider taking the train to one of these events:

O’Side Turkey Trot Oceanside	Pumpkin Smash at the Zoo Santa Barbara	Thanksgiving Brunch Del Mar Race Track
Holiday Shopping Downtown San Diego	Turkey Trot 5K Solvang	A Charlie Brown Christmas Camino Real Playhouse
Central Coast Craft Fair San Luis Obispo	Wine Tasting San Luis Obispo	Surfin’ Santa Arrives Seaport Village, San Diego
Downtown Tasting Tour Ventura	Hollywood Christmas Parade Hollywood	Enjoy Delicious Pies Philippe’s, Los Angeles

Traveling by train is fun – spend time with loved ones, enjoy the beautiful scenery, and experience the nostalgia of rail first-hand. You might enjoy it so much that it will become one of your new Thanksgiving traditions.

Upcoming Track Work will Affect Pacific Surfliner Service

Ongoing construction projects along our corridor keep the tracks in top condition and contribute to overall improvements in rail travel. Upcoming projects will require temporary track closures so crews can perform necessary work.

Visit pacificsurfliner.com/alerts to get the latest information on scheduled track closures.

Why are the closures needed?

Track closures allow for construction crews to perform work on multiple improvement projects. This includes constructing additional rail track, improving or replacing bridges, and more. Thank you for your patience as we work to improve rail service in Southern California.

We appreciate your patronage and apologize for any inconvenience. For schedules and information, visit PacificSurfliner.com, use the free Amtrak mobile app, speak with station personnel or call 1-800-USA-RAIL (1-800-872-7245).

California Operation Lifesaver Volunteer Honored for his Dedication to Rail Safety

Minutes before the San Diego Padres faced the Los Angeles Dodgers at Petco Park on September 3, Chris Ranford walked onto the field in his bright red Operation Lifesaver shirt. He never thought his work as a rail safety volunteer would bring him here, but as a life-long baseball fan, he was thrilled to have the honor of throwing the ceremonial first pitch. As his name was announced over the loudspeaker and the fans cheered, Chris wound up his arm and launched the ball as fast as he could, kicking off the Labor Day Weekend matchup.

The Amtrak Pacific Surfliner selected Chris as the representative for the first pitch to recognize his dedication as an Authorized California Operation Lifesaver volunteer and kick off September Rail Safety Month. His extensive outreach efforts have educated thousands of people across Southern California about the importance of staying safe around train tracks.

Chris and other volunteers educate the public about rail safety at the San Clemente Earth Day event.

As a former railroad engineer and conductor, Chris has been involved in several incidents and has seen firsthand the tragic consequences of trespassing on the railroad tracks. He’s channeled these difficult experiences into important lessons for the public, speaking directly from his heart about staying safe around railroad tracks, including those used by the Pacific Surfliner between San Diego, Orange County, Los Angeles, Ventura, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo.

California ranks No. 1 in the nation in incidents involving trespassers on the railroad tracks, with 191 incidents in 2016, a 38.4 percent increase from the prior year, according to the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA). California ranks No. 2 in incidents at highway-rail grade crossings, with 167 incidents in 2016, an 11.3 percent increase from the prior year, according to FRA.

These types of incidents are easily preventable by following a few simple safety rules.

Here are some tips from Operation Lifesaver: Never walk on or along train tracks; it’s illegal trespassing and highly dangerous. It takes the average freight train traveling at 55 mph more than a mile — the length of 18 football fields — to stop. Trains can move in either direction at any time, and there may be multiple train tracks. Remember to cross train tracks only at designated pedestrian or roadway crossings, and obey all warning signs and signals posted there. Stay alert around railroad tracks. No texting, headphones or other distractions that would prevent you from hearing an approaching train; never mix rails and recreation. When boarding the Pacific Surfliner, remember to stay behind the marked safety line on the station platform and use handholds as you board. Report suspicious items, persons, or activity immediately to the Amtrak Police Department by approaching a uniformed officer, calling (800) 331-0008, sending a text to APD11 (27311), or by calling 911. Enter these numbers in your cellphone.

Learn more at pacificsurfliner.com/safety. For additional rail safety tips or to become an Authorized Volunteer like Chris, please visit Operation Lifesaver at www.oli.org or California Operation Lifesaver at www.caol.us.

Guide to SoCal Labor Day Weekend Escapes by Train

Need to getaway for the long weekend? Travel by train on the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner to top destinations including San Diego, Orange County, Los Angeles, Ventura, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo.

Check out our picks for Southern California attractions including outdoor adventures, picturesque beach towns, and special events.

	Hit the Beach Enjoy beautiful ocean views from the train and step off at one of the coastal cities along the Pacific Surfliner route. Sandy beaches are just a short walk away from the stations in Oceanside, San Clemente, Ventura, Carpinteria and Santa Barbara. Bring a picnic, stroll along the promenade, watch surfers or join a whale watching excursion!
	Head to the Races Experience the excitement at the Del Mar Race Track before the summer season comes to an end. Ride to Solana Beach Wednesday through Sunday and on Labor Day (Sept. 3), and catch the free shuttle to the track. On weekends, there are activities for kids, concerts, and other special events.
	Explore the Channel Islands Connect with nature by visiting Channel Islands National Park, a chain of islands off the coast that offers plenty of opportunities to hike, kayak, birdwatch, and more. This day trip is the perfect addition to a weekend in Ventura. Start by taking the free trolley over to the harbor, then join an Island Packers cruise to one of five stunning islands.
	Ride the Dunes Located just south of the Grover Beach Station, the Oceano Dunes is a very popular place to rent a dune buggy and cruise on the sand. It can get very busy on holidays, so book your rental early and follow the rules and regulations for your safety and others.

Follow These Tips for a Successful Ride

The Pacific Surfliner trains can become busy during the summer, especially over holiday weekends. Plan ahead to avoid the crowds and make the most of your Pacific Surfliner trip with these Tips for Summer Train Travel, including information on upgrading to Business Class, receiving train status alerts, and what to do with your ticket if your travel plans change.

 
Attention Metrolink and COASTER Riders

Due to holiday travel demand, the Rail 2 Rail Program will be partially suspended from Friday, August 31 through Tuesday, September 4, 2018. During this time, COASTER and Metrolink Rail 2 Rail passes will not be accepted on Pacific Surfliner trains. The program will resume on Wednesday, September 5, 2018.

The Rail2Rail Program was started to complement Metrolink and COASTER schedule options using Pacific Surfliner trains that had additional capacity. This blackout ensures that there is sufficient capacity available on the most popular trains for our Amtrak ticketed riders while maintaining the greatest number of transit options possible for those traveling over the holiday weekend. Rail 2 Rail riders can view Metrolink schedules here and COASTER schedules here. To purchase an Amtrak ticket, visit pacificsurfliner.com.

Sneak Peek into the Fall

There is a lot to look forward to in the coming months. September is Rail Safety Month, the California Avocado Festival is coming to Carpinteria in October, the Del Mar Race Track will re-open for the fall season, and more. Subscribe to our blog or follow us on social media for updates. You can also visit pacificsurfliner.com/promotions for the latest deals and events.

A Day of Fun at the Del Mar Race Track

The summer season at the Del Mar Race Track runs from July 17 through September 2, 2019. Get to the fun with a coastal trip on the Pacific Surfliner.

The seaside Del Mar Race Track opened in 1937 with Bing Crosby (one of the founding members) personally greeting guests as they arrived. It’s also the site of a famously close Seabiscuit race. During the season, there are generally races from Thursday to Sunday, with special activities scheduled for the weekends.

Getting to the track is easy on the Pacific Surfliner. Hop onboard for a beautiful trip along the coast to Solana Beach. Riders ages 21 and older can enjoy a craft beer, Mimosa, Bloody Mary or specialty cocktail from our market-style café. After arriving at the station, catch the shuttle – it’s free for train riders and is offered on days when there are races or concerts.

Follow These Tips for a Successful Ride

Saturday and Sunday are popular days to head to the racetrack on the Pacific Surfliner, and, at times, trains can be busy. 

Here are some helpful tips to make the most of your trip:

	Upgrade to Business Class Consider upgrading to Business Class to have a guaranteed seat and other perks, such as a fully refundable ticket if canceled prior to departure, bonus points for Amtrak Guest Rewards members; complimentary beverages and light snacks; and more.
	Choose to Ride Other Trains with Your Unreserved Ticket If the train you were planning to take is expected to be crowded, consider taking an earlier or later train without having to make any changes to your Unreserved Coach ticket. There is service almost hourly between Los Angeles and San Diego, providing many options. Follow @PacSurfliners on Twitter for status updates.
	Be at the Station Early Give yourself plenty of time to park, gather your belongings, and make your way to the station platform. For southbound trains, Business Class is located at the front of the train.
	Check Your Luggage If Possible If you are traveling from a station with luggage service, you can check your bags instead of carrying them onboard. Stations are marked on the schedule with a suitcase.
	Purchase Your Ticket Beforehand It’s best to book your tickets in advance at PacificSurfliner.com, 1-800-USA-Rail, or the Amtrak app.

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Panoramic Views of the California Coast from the Great Dome

Amtrak’s Great Dome car has returned to the Pacific Surfliner for a limited time, offering spectacular views of the breathtaking Southern California scenery along our route.

With upper-level windows on all sides, including facing forward and reverse, riders in this vintage rail car can enjoy 360-degree views of rolling hills, sun-drenched beaches and picturesque seaside towns. The large, domed windows allow riders to appreciate scenery that isn’t as visible from a car, such as the rugged bluffs of the Torrey Pines State Park, the coastal wetlands of the San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve, the rocky hillsides of the Santa Susanna Pass and the roadless, pastoral backcountry near the Vandenberg Air Force Base.

As the last rail car of its kind still operated by Amtrak, the Great Dome represents a piece of history. It is a rare opportunity for Southern California residents to get a glimpse into the past while also enjoying the views along the Pacific Surfliner route from a different perspective.

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Savor 360-Degree Views and More With Your Business Class Ticket

Business Class tickets are required to sit in the Great Dome car, and seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Purchase tickets at PacificSurfliner.com and select “Business Class” in Step 2 of the booking process. Business Class riders also receive complimentary snacks, drinks and other perks.

The Great Dome car will be part of our single-level Horizon trainset for a limited time. When planning your trip, refer to the table below to see which trains are expected to use this equipment. We’ll update the information as it becomes available.

Monday, April 23	Trains 565, 572, 583
Tuesday, April 24	Not in Service
Wednesday, April 25	Not in Service
Thursday, April 26	Trains 759, 782
Friday, April 27	Trains 565, 572, 583
Saturday, April 28	Trains 564, 573, 1588
Saturday, April 29	Trains 565, 572, 583

Dates and availability are subject to change. Follow us on Twitter (@PacSurfliners) for train status updates, including any changes to the information above. If you need to change your Business Class reservation to a different train or day, call 800-USA-RAIL prior to the start of your trip.

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History of the Great Dome Car

The Great Dome car was built in 1955 for the Great Northern Railway and was brought to Amtrak in the early 1970s. After being renovated in 1985, it traveled as part of the Amtrak Auto Train between Washington, D.C. and Orlando. Since then, it has been once again refurbished, traveling across the country with various Amtrak trains.

Stay Connected

We’ll share updates about the Great Dome and other train status information on our @PacSurfliners Twitter account during its time with us. Don’t forget to share your photos with us using the hashtag #PacificSurfliner!

Bring Your Bike Onboard the Train

Here’s everything you need to know about adding a bike to your Pacific Surfliner trip!

1. Plan Ahead

Each Pacific Surfliner train has room for seven bicycles. Reserve a spot for free while booking a ticket online or at 1-800-USA-RAIL. A bike can also be added to an existing trip by calling the 800-number. Space is limited, so book a spot for your bike early.

2. Learn Which Bikes Are Allowed Onboard

Standard bicycles up to 50 pounds (with a maximum tire width of 2” and no larger than 70″ x 41″ x 8.5″) can be carried onboard Pacific Surfliner trains with a bike reservation. Tandem, recumbent, cargo and fat-tire bikes, as well as trikes and trailers, do not fit in the bike racks, and are not allowed onboard. .

Electric bicycles under 50 lbs. and no larger than 70″ x 41″ x 8.5″ may be carried onboard (with an advanced bike reservation). You can also box and check your electric bike (under 50 pounds and within the allowed size dimensions) if traveling to and from stations that offer checked baggage service. Gas-powered motorized bicycles are prohibited both onboard and in checked baggage.

Folding bikes under the dimensions of 34″ x 15″ x 48″ are permitted onboard without a bike reservation in lieu of a piece of carry-on luggage

3. Know Where To Go

The designated bicycle storage area is located in the cab car (the end of the train opposite from the engine). It is either the first or last car of the train depending on the direction of travel. Arrive at the station at least 30 minutes prior to the departure to give yourself time to prepare for boarding. Once the train arrives, roll your bike onboard to the designated storage area in the lower-level of the car.

4. Prepare For A Quick Loading/Unloading Process

Oversized seats and storage should be removed from your bike prior to boarding to make it easier and faster to load. Bring your own cords and locks to secure your bike in the rack. Trains do not stop at the stations for long, so give yourself enough time to gather your belongings and bike before arriving at your destination.

5. Have Fun Enjoying Destinations With Your Bike

Traveling with a bike makes it possible to experience your favorite areas in a new way. From popular beaches to tranquil nature trails, here are some stations that are even better with a bike.

Photo Credit: City of San Luis Obispo	San Luis Obispo The city of San Luis Obispo has been designated as a Bicycle Friendly Community by the League of American Bicyclists since 2007. There is an extensive bike network with more than 75 miles of bike paths and lanes. The Thursday night Farmers Market, one of the best and largest of its kind, even has a dedicated bike valet area, making it easy to ride to the popular event.
Photo Credit: CaliforniaBeaches.com	Santa Barbara The options for biking throughout Santa Barbara are endless, but perhaps one of the most popular is the Cabrillo Bike Path. This paved, 5-mile route parallels the beach, offering beautiful ocean views. Pedal to Santa Barbara Harbor, Stearns Wharf, the Santa Barbara Zoo and around the Andree Clark Bird Refuge.
Photo Credit: Green Traveler Guides	Ventura The 15-mile paved bike path from Ventura to Ojai starts in downtown, not far from the station. Following the former Ventura and Ojai Railroad, this trail provides a very comfortable ride with only a few slight hills. The scenery is beautiful, with a river, trees and vast open spaces. Even better, it ends in Ojai, a small and serene town with citrus orchards, Spanish Revival architecture, hiking trails and boutiques. The trail along the oceanfront promenade is also great for a shorter ride!
	San Juan Capistrano A 20-minute bike ride takes you from Downtown San Juan Capistrano to the charming harbor village of Dana Point. Pedal along the San Juan Creek trail, with views of the creek and a golf course as you make your way to the ocean. Relax at Doheny State Beach, California’s first state beach, and explore the unique shops of the harbor. Don’t miss the educational exhibits at the Ocean Institute and the tall ship!
Photo Credit: Visit Oceanside	Oceanside The beach town of Oceanside is one of the best destinations for bicyclists, with scenic trails for all rider levels. Enjoy views of the wide, sandy beaches while cruising along The Strand, and continue over the bridge to visit the Cape Cod-style Harbor Village. For a longer trip, head inland on the San Luis Rey Bike Trail and ride 7.5 miles to one of the largest Missions in California.
Photo Credit: Flagship Cruises	San Diego Take your bike on the ferry for a 15-minute cruise across the bay to Coronado Island. Coronado is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the country, and there are 30 miles of dedicated bike paths offering amazing views. A six-mile loop will take you along the beachfront boardwalk, under the Coronado Bridge and through a few grassy parks.

Remember to observe all local traffic and safety laws when bicycling. Visit Amtrak.com/bikes to learn about bringing your bike on other Amtrak trains. Each route has different equipment and services available for bikes.

Let us know if you have any other tips or favorite destinations. Happy trails!

A Weekend of Fun at Fullerton Railroad Days

Despite the weather, thousands of people visited the Fullerton Station on May 6 and 7 for Railroad Days. This free, family-friendly event celebrated all things train with special equipment on display, exhibits, tours, vendor booths, and more.

Amtrak joined in on the fun by offering a special Railroad Days deal, where one child (ages 2-12) could ride the Pacific Surfliner to and from the event for free with a paid adult.

Special Attractions at Railroad Days 2017

	Historic Santa Fe 3751 Steam Locomotive: Originally built in the 1920s, this 874,346-pound steam locomotive has been beautifully restored. The crowd favorite made a special trip from Los Angeles for the event.
	Vintage Train Cars: The Fullerton Train Museum had five railcars from as early as 1929 on display.
	C.K. Holliday Locomotive #1: This 23,000 pound steam locomotive was modeled after Walt Disney’s own Lilly Belle, a one-eighth scale locomotive kept in his backyard. It was there back in 1955 when the Disneyland Railroad debuted!
	Model Train Layouts: Attendees browsed more than 13,000 square feet of model train displays from a dozen organizations.

Learn more about the event at fullertontrainmuseum.org. We hope to see you there in 2018! Be sure to follow us on Facebook or subscribe to our blog to learn about other fun events.

Let Us Take You Out to the Ball Game

Traffic – Strike one. Crowded parking lots – Strike two. No time to relax – Strike three. Driving is OUT! Take the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner to Southern California’s baseball stadiums instead. Join us for an easy and comfortable ride with stunning scenery, onboard amenities and other perks on your way to and from the game.

	Anaheim The state-of-the-art transportation center in Anaheim is a short walk from the stadium, located at the far edge of the parking lot. Late-night service makes the Pacific Surfliner a great option for any game time in Anaheim, including weekends!
	Los Angeles Upon arriving at beautiful Union Station, connect to the Dodger Stadium Express for free with your game ticket. Buses depart every 10 minutes. The train is a great option for earlier games or an overnight trip in the big city.
	San Diego Downtown San Diego is the southernmost point on the Pacific Surfliner route. The stadium is a few trolley stops away or an easy 25-minute walk. The ocean views on this segment of the route are amazing. The last northbound train leaves at 8:59 p.m., making this a good option for earlier games or an overnight trip.

What Can I Expect Onboard?

Onboard Power & Wi-Fi	Food and Drinks	Free Bike Reservations	Scenic Views	Business Class

Countless Destinations Await.

The train is more than just a way to get to the game. With daily service between San Diego and San Luis Obispo, the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner can whisk you away for a fun day trip or weekend getaway. The big city, a beautiful beach town, somewhere completely new – most of the popular destinations are in reach.

To travel even further, connect to one of Amtrak’s long-distance trains in Los Angeles. The Bay Area, Portland, Seattle, San Antonio, Chicago and hundreds of other cities are served by the train.

Explore The Options.

Find the station that is closest to you, browse available discounts and start planning a trip on PacificSurfliner.com.

Try These Delicious Sandwiches, Snacks and Drinks in the Café Car

Visit our onboard Café car to enjoy a variety of snacks, sweets, light meals and beverages. Many products are locally sourced from along the Pacific Surfliner route! Check out some of the popular items we offer onboard.

DiGiorno® Pizza – $5.00
Everyone likes pizza, and you can get one for yourself from the Café car.

Premium Sandwiches – $7.00
Sandwich selections rotate, and may include roasted turkey pesto, tomato and mozzarella with basil, the Santa Fe chicken panini and others. For $3 more, make it a combo with a 12 oz. can of soda (or water), and your choice of chips!

Tasty Snacks – Prices vary
In addition to our hummus and pretzel kit, we also offer a guacamole and rolled tortilla chip kit, roasted pistachios, and almonds.

Beverages – Prices vary
Need a pick-me-up? We offer Starbucks® Iced Black Coffee, Monster® Energy Drinks, and Blue Machine Naked® Smoothies, in addition to soft drinks, sparkling water, hot chocolate, tea and more.

Craft Beers – Prices vary
We’re proud to partner with top breweries to offer delicious, local craft beers onboard. Selections rotate. Also check out our selection of California wines and mixed drinks.

View the full menu of snacks, food and drinks here, or stop by the Café car to browse our selection. Keep an eye out for new products as we continue expanding our menu.