Amtrak Pacific Surfliner Adds 13th Daily Roundtrip Along Coast

Southern Californians are being encouraged to rediscover rail travel as commuting times rose in 2025 compared with the previous two years, making trains an increasingly attractive option for both work and leisure journeys.

The Los Angeles – San Diego – San Luis Obispo Rail Corridor Agency has announced the introduction of an additional daily Amtrak Pacific Surfliner roundtrip between Los Angeles and San Diego, describing it as a key milestone for one of the country’s busiest intercity rail routes. The extra service is intended to give passengers greater choice and flexibility along the popular coastal corridor.

From January 26, 2026, the Pacific Surfliner timetable will be adjusted to shorten gaps between services throughout the route. Regular users will be able to review the revised schedule in advance, while a promotional discount will also be available. Passengers can use the code V526 to receive 20% off Pacific Surfliner journeys taken between January 26 and March 13, 2026.

With the new timetable in place, the service will operate 13 daily roundtrips between Los Angeles and San Diego, alongside five daily roundtrips between San Diego and Goleta and three full-length roundtrips each day running between San Diego and San Luis Obispo. This restores service to pre-pandemic levels across the corridor.

The return to full operations has been supported by a $27.1 million grant awarded through the Federal Railroad Administration’s Restoration and Enhancement Grant Program. Passengers will also continue to benefit from Amtrak Connection bus services, which provide guaranteed onward links north to Oakland and southeast to Indio, connecting destinations such as Solvang, Paso Robles, Riverside, Palm Springs and Palm Desert.

LOSSAN Agency Chair and City of Fullerton Mayor Fred Jung said:

“This added service represents a significant step forward for mobility in Southern California. With the 13th roundtrip, riders have more options for commuting, business travel, and leisure trips along our coast.”

LOSSAN Managing Director Jason Jewell said:

“Adding the 13th roundtrip between Los Angeles and San Diego marks a significant milestone in fully restoring pre-pandemic service levels. This additional roundtrip provides travelers with more options to choose the travel times that work best for them.”

Image: Amtrak