posted
I'm flying into the Burbank airport in a couple of weeks and am planning to take the Surfliner to Santa Barbara, instead of renting a car.
Though I've ridden commuter trains in the past, this will be my first Amtrak trip, so I have a few "newbie" questions:
Is it an easy walk from the airport terminal to the train stop?
Do you just stash your luggage in overhead bins on the train?
And finally, is it worth the $13 to upgrade to business class for this trip?
sbalax Member # 2801
posted
Steve--
I've done this trip several times in both directions.
1. For most people, it's an easy walk. You can see the station from the terminal. Depending on your airline (Southwest is the furthest) I would plan on 10-15 minutes. There is supposed to be a shuttle but I have never seen it.
2. Depending on the size of your suitcase you can either put it in the overhead rack or leave it on the lower level. The crew doesn't seem to have a problem with this and I've never heard of any theft problems.
3. The answer to this really depends on what day you travel. If it's a holiday or a weekend I'd go for it. That way you are assured of a seat. Otherwise you might find yourself with SRO. That doesn't happen very often but I have seen it. The Business Class seats have somewhat better leg room, there are curtains on the windows and there are newspapers and muffins, juice and coffee in the morning and snackpacks, drinks and wine or beer in the afternoon. You would probably need to go to the Cafe Car for the latter.
Make sure you give yourself some "wiggle room" in your schedule. I always try to allow at least an hour for the connection. Planes AND trains are sometimes delayed.
Since this is an unmanned station you will need to purchase your ticket in advance or buy it onboard. No penalty for doing the latter.
Have a great trip! If you have questions about Santa Barbara, let me know. I've been luck enough to live here since 1959.
Frank in sunny SBA
smitty195 Member # 5102
posted
I agree that it is an easy walk from the terminal at Burbank Airport to the platform at the Burbank Amtrak stop. I know there is a free shuttle that runs between the two locations, but I have also never seen it. Not sure why this is. Maybe an agent at 1-800-USA-RAIL can give you a schedule with specific pickup times and locations. But if it's nice outside (hey, we're talking LA in the summer!), then it's a very simple and easy walk if you have rolling luggage and no physical limitations.
Regarding the upgrade to biz class for 13 bucks---YES---definitely do it. For your first trip, you don't want to get onto a crowded standing-room-only train. Enjoy the reserved seat in business class, watch the sights go by, and enjoy your free snack and beverage. It's well worth it in my opinion.
For your luggage, since you will probably be sitting on the upper level (lower level is reserved for people with disabilities), there is a small luggage rack at the top of the stairs. You can put it there if you'd prefer to keep an eye on it from your seat, although I've never heard of or experienced any problems with my luggage stored downstairs. There are also enclosed overhead compartments, but the door is somewhat small and might not hold your bag---depending on it's size. Amtrak will not allow you to keep your bag with you, as it is a danger to flying around and hurting people in an accident. It has to be in the overhead compartment or a luggage rack, and not on the floor next to you or on a table.
sbalax Member # 2801
posted
Steve--
I forgot to add that, if possible, you want to score a seat on the LEFT hand side facing the direction of travel. Also, the trains to SBA USUALLY leave from the track closest to the airport terminal.
Don't expect the inseat TV monitors in Business to work. They haven't in several years and I expect they will be removed when/if the seats are redone. No need for them anyhow with the great scenery.
If the selection at the beverage center is picked over try the one on the lower level. Also, the handicapped lav there is available for everyone and much larger than the one upstairs.
Smitty--
I wasn't sure about there being a luggage area on the upper level of the Business Class car. Is it at the same end as the toilet? The other end has the beverage center, etc.
I've never seen enclosed overhead compartments on the Surfliner. Perhaps you are thinking of some other train.
Frank in Chamber of Commerce gorgeous SBA
smitty195 Member # 5102
posted
sbalax,
You are absolutely correct about the overhead luggage area---it's wide open with no doors. I think the reason I thought there were doors on the overheads is because I was thinking of the overheads on the Capitol/San Joaquin trains that I take (although not all of them have the doors, depends on which car you get). Plus, I just took a round-trip Acela trip a few days ago, and of course those have the doors (with a GIGANTIC interior!). Thanks for the correction!
And I'm pretty sure the small upstairs luggage rack is at the restroom end of the car (on the upper level). I don't think it's at the other end....
Andy
Car Foreman Steve Member # 5520
posted
Thanks for the very helpful info, guys!
Glad to hear the station's walkable from the airline terminal in Burbank. Except for being in lousy shape I qualify as "most people", so the walk will do me good. I'll be flying in on JetBlue, so I'm SURE it'll be on time (yeah, right).
And even though I'm a cheap sonofagun I'll book the business class seat. All in all, taking the train is chump change compared to either flying directly into SBA or renting a car in Burbank and driving up.
This will be my third trip out of four planned to Santa Barbara this year, so I'm fairly familiar with the area. That said, I'm on the hunt for some really good Mexican food.
sbalax Member # 2801
posted
Steve--
You want either Cafe del Pueblo in Goleta (Magnolia Shopping Center at Hollister and Magnolia) or Los Arroyos (Montecito or downtown on Figueroa). There are other good places but these are the two we keep going back to. Cafe del Pueblo has some interesting breakfast items. I really like the Chili Verde omelette. Los Arroyos is always busy since it's good food and a small venue. It's pricier than most Mexican places but the quality is there.
Two other non-Mexican favorites are the Beachside Bar and Grill at Goleta Beach and the Paradise Cafe downtown. Years ago it was a Mexican place called La Paloma. To keep the neon sign they had to come up with a name with the same number of letters. That's our quirky Santa Barbara...
I hope this helps.
Frank in sunny SBA. (The "Marine Layer" returned overnight but is gone now.
posted