RAILforum: Pacific Surfliner question

This is topic Pacific Surfliner question in forum Amtrak at RAILforum.

To visit this topic, use this URL:
http://www.railforum.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi/topic/11/5937.html

Posted by TheBriz09 (Member # 3166) on :

Hey all - quick question. We were thinking about daytripping to Los Angeles from Oceanside on a Saturday in late July. How crowded does the Surfliner usually get? I'm especially concerned about the Oceanside-LA leg since we won't be getting on at the origin. The only reason I would spend the extra $ for business class is for the reserved seats - is it worth it, or is it typically easy to find seats in coach on the Surfliner on Saturday?

Thanks for your advice!

Posted by chrisg (Member # 2488) on :

Take either 564 566 or 572 south as those are too bad in the morning. Stay away from 768/

Afternoon take 577 or 583 home.
Stay away from 775 and 785.

Chris

Posted by Railroad Bob (Member # 3508) on :

What Chris said...generally trains beginning with "5's" are less busy, but that's not always true. Should be no problem getting seats; just walk through the cars. How many in your group? Condrs. try to save the "foursomes" for 3 or more. Whatchagonna do in LA? Post that as a question topic and watch the responses come in! Personally, I'd walk over to Chinatown from LA Union Station and eat over there, but that's just me...
Lots of other stuff to do...you could ride the Gold Line out to Pasadena, and pretend you are on the old Super Chief (well, it IS the ancestral route!) <smile> [Smile]

Posted by railrev (Member # 2640) on :

I wouldn't spend the extra money for Business Class. In mid July, the crowd will be coming the other way, on their way to Del Mar.

I would second the motion to take the Gold Line. Ride the whole line, but stop off at Old Pasadena for a little while. Not for lunch, though. You can't go to LA and not stop at Philippe on Alameda across from LAUPT.