These Stunningly Scenic Amtrak Routes Are the Best Way to Travel Through California
Take the scenic route aboard these Amtrak trains.
Thomas J. Story
There is certainly a list of limitations or worries when it comes to traveling by car, including a flat tire on the side of the highway, scarce parking options (with the risk of a $300 parking ticket), high gas prices, and heavy traffic. If you’re looking for a way to travel car-free around California while still seeing as much of the Golden State as possible, Amtrak has a number of train routes to connect you from the city, to the mountains, to the coast, and back again.
Amtrak boasts three California-specific routes: Capitol Corridor, Pacific Surfliner, and San Joaquins. The three connect Northern, Central, and Southern California, all with amenities like WiFi and Cafe cars. Whatever your destination, plan your next trip using one of the following routes.
Capitol Corridor
The Capitol Corridor route runs for just over three hours and takes passengers through Northern California, specifically 18 stops between Auburn and San Jose. The route also includes stops in Santa Clara, Berkeley, and Davis, allowing for easy access to university areas. With stops in Emeryville and Oakland that allow for ferry connections to downtown San Francisco, riders heading into the Bay Area can have peace of mind knowing they’ll save time not having to drive in circles for hours looking for a parking spot. According to the Amtrak website, advanced booking is not necessary for Capitol Corridor trains, but you can still purchase tickets. Find the train schedule here.
Pacific Surfliner
The Pacific Surfliner covers 29 stations and 351 miles of California coastline from San Luis Obispo and San Diego in approximately nine hours. It also offers select round-trip services between Los Angeles and San Diego, as well as Los Angeles and Santa Barbara. The full route runs twice daily, with more information about partial routes available on the schedule. Travelling the Pacific Surfliner can make sense for a number of trips given the variety of stops along the route. You could do a city trip with stops in downtown Los Angeles and San Diego, a surf day in Oceanside, Carpinteria, or Ventura, a charming day trip in Santa Barbara or San Juan Capistrano, a wine tasting in San Luis Obispo, and so much more. Plan your trip and purchase tickets here.
San Joaquins
The San Joaquins route is a great way of connecting from California’s cities to its unbelievable natural geography and landscapes. Trains run between Sacramento or the Bay Area to Bakersfield, with options to connect to go further into Southern California. San Joaquins trains run approximately six times daily for a trip of around six hours. One of the highlights of the route is Yosemite, which has included admission and a shuttle ride when you travel there using the San Joaquins train, according to the Amtrak website. Book your tickets here.
