You can plan a memoir-worthy adventure around this $61 train ride
If you’ve ever dreamed of driving the Pacific Coast Highway with the California sun kissing your cheek. but aren’t one to love dead-stop traffic, then today may be your lucky day. Thanks to Amtrak, you can take the Pacific Surfliner up the Southern California coast and it won’t break the bank.
The train runs from San Diego to San Luis Obispo, a total of 351 miles, with stops along the way. And with 11 round-trip services and five stops between Santa Barbara and San Diego each day, we suggest you pack your bags ASAP. The only way you’ll get a better view is on a surfboard, which you can bring on the train (along with bicycles) so it’s the best of both worlds!
Taking the Pacific Surfliner from San Diego to San Luis Obispo will take you just under six hours. But with so many stops to see, like Anaheim (hello Disney), Santa Barber and Oxnard, you’re going to want to space out your trip and make some stops along the way! Start in San Diego, exploring downtown and the Gaslamp Quarter, and make your way up the coast, finishing up in San Luis Obispo, one of the state’s oldest cities. Here, you’ll find everything from the iconic Madonna Inn to hot springs and theaters galore.
If you’re thinking about making the trek from San Diego to San Luis Obispo, it will cost you around $61. If you want to add in Los Angeles and Santa Barbara, the rate jumps to $103. But with no traffic, a perfect view of the ocean and the fun of a train ride, this really does seem like a small price to pay!
See you on the Pacific Surfliner!
