summer trip idea - Amtrak train
🩷So about a week ago, my family and I took the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner from San Diego to Anaheim and back. I thought it was a really unique, fun experience and hope I get to do it again!
💲PRICING:💲
💲Business class, round-trip ticket for 1 person: $88 ($44 one-way cost)
*Note: Business class was about $15 more expensive than Coach class. I booked my ticket about 3 weeks before the trip. The earlier you book, the less it costs.
💭How much it would've costed to drive:
💲A tank of gas for my car is about $70 and would've gotten me to LA.
💲However, if I didn't have a car (I was traveling, my car broke down), I would've had to rent one. Rental cars cost an avg of $160 for one day, plus gas (+$70).
💲Parking in downtown Anaheim and a 2 hour drive (stopping for snacks, stress of traffic) is another cost that should be considered.
💵Business class benefits:
-wider seats, more leg room, more updated seating area (the seats were really comfortable)
-complimentary snacks and drinks
-all passengers (Coach and Business class) are allowed 2 Carry-On items (<50lbs), and a personal item (<25lbs). At some Amtrak stations, you can check additional baggage for a cost, but the Old Town San Diego location does not offer checked baggage.
👤MY RECOMMENDATIONS:
•Don't arrive TOO early. I arrived an hour early, thinking the process would be like an airport- it's not (at least at Old Town it's not). Really, you just need to get there early enough to park your car in the lot, find your train, and have the conductor scan your ticket as you walk in.
•If you're going to spend all this time and money going down to LA, make a day or weekend out of it! It was definitely a fun afternoon trip, but I wish I could've spent longer in the area.
•Book early, use military/city worker discounts.
•Bring earbuds to listen to your music, or go with friends/family. It's a beautiful trip and too cool to waste.
#summerdiary #lemon8contest #california #travel #train #sandiego #losangeles #amtrak #summertrip #traveldestination
After my recent Amtrak Pacific Surfliner journey from San Diego to Anaheim, I've got even more insights to share for anyone considering this fantastic train trip! While the original post covered the basics, I wanted to dive deeper into what truly made it a memorable experience and offer some extra practical tips you might not find elsewhere. First off, let’s talk about the booking process. The advice to 'book early' is gold, but what does that really mean? For popular routes like San Diego to Anaheim, especially during peak season or holidays, aiming for at least 3-4 weeks out can secure you the best prices and ensure you get your preferred class (like Business class, which I found so worth it!). Keep an eye on Amtrak's website for promotions or sign up for their emails. I learned that even a few days can make a big difference in ticket cost. Getting to the station, specifically the Old Town San Diego location, was a breeze. Unlike an airport, it’s far less stressful. However, don’t take the 'don't arrive TOO early' advice to mean arriving last minute either! The OCR captured it perfectly: the train truly 'boards for 60 seconds!' This means being ready a good 15-20 minutes before departure is ideal. You want enough time to locate your platform, maybe grab a coffee, and be relaxed, not rushing. They scan your ticket quickly, whether it's printed or on your phone app, and then you're on your way to find your seat. Once on board, the Business class experience truly shines. The 'roomier and nicer seating' highlighted in the OCR is no exaggeration – those wider seats and extra legroom made a huge difference for comfort during the roughly two-hour ride to Anaheim. Plus, having a tray table and a power outlet means you can actually get some work done, read, or just keep your devices charged for photos of the stunning views. And speaking of views, trust me on this: if you're traveling from San Diego to Anaheim, try to 'sit on the left side' of the train. You’ll be rewarded with uninterrupted, breathtaking vistas of the Pacific Ocean, sweeping past iconic spots like La Jolla and various beautiful beaches. It’s absolutely mesmerizing and makes the journey part of the destination. The 'complimentary snack box' I received in Business class was a pleasant surprise – definitely more substantial than I expected, with a fig bar, pretzels, cheese, trail mix, almonds, and even beef jerky. Paired with a complimentary drink, it kept me satisfied. But if you’re craving more, or perhaps something warmer, don't miss the 'cafe in the lower level.' I popped down there and found a good selection of drinks, candy, and even alcoholic beverages at 'pretty fair' prices. It’s a nice option to stretch your legs and grab a little extra something. Arriving in Anaheim was smooth. The 'massive transportation center' near downtown makes connections easy. I hopped into a Lyft (as the OCR noted) to my final destination without any fuss. Choosing the Pacific Surfliner wasn't just about getting from point A to B; it was about enjoying the journey. Avoiding the stress of California traffic, the constant worry about gas prices and parking, and instead, just relaxing and watching the world go by from a comfortable seat – that’s an unbeatable perk. It’s a unique way to experience the California coast, perfect for a day trip or kickstarting a weekend adventure. I definitely recommend it for a truly enjoyable, stress-free travel experience!
