Amtrak Pacific Surfliner announces holiday travel schedule changes 

By SDCN Editor

Orange, CA–In anticipation of increased holiday travel, Amtrak Pacific Surfliner announces advance reservations for travelers during the Thanksgiving holiday period and adjustments to their travel schedule during the December holiday season.

During the Thanksgiving holiday period, advance reservations will be required on Amtrak Pacific Surfliner trains and connecting Thruway buses from Nov. 22 through Nov. 27. While extra train cars and buses will be deployed to increase seating capacity, customers are strongly encouraged to plan ahead, and book early to guarantee available tickets. 

Checked baggage will be reinstated for travelers from Nov. 18 through Nov. 28 at staffed Pacific Surfliner stations in San Diego, Fullerton, Los Angeles, Van Nuys, Oxnard, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo. 

During the reservation period, the Rail 2 Rail and Metrolink code-share programs will be temporarily suspended, and Metrolink and Coaster passes will not be accepted on these dates. The programs will resume on Nov. 28. 

Amtrak monthly and 10-ride passes may still be used. However, Amtrak monthly pass or 10-trip ticket holders will be required to confirm each trip (train and date) in advance through the Amtrak RideReserve program when traveling between Nov. 22 through Nov. 27. During this time, 10-trip tickets can only be used by a single rider at a time.

While reservations are required, passengers must ride the train listed on their tickets. If travel plans change, customers must adjust the reservation in advance of the scheduled departure. This can be done online at Amtrak.com, by phone at 800-USA-RAIL, or at a staffed Amtrak station.

Los Angeles Union Station will temporarily close for track and signal upgrades from Dec. 26 through Dec. 29. During this time, for the first time ever, the Pacific Surfliner will bypass Union Station to journey along the east bank of the Los Angeles River and through part of the Alameda Corridor. This will be a historic week for the service, providing passengers with a one-of-a-kind travel experience along a rarely traveled route. 

The train schedule during this period will be modified to provide alternate travel accommodations to passengers. 

Shuttle bus connections to and from LA Union Station and Glendale Station will be provided for all 700 series trains. 

Shuttle bus connections to and from LA Union Station and Fullerton Station will be provided for trains 562, 564, 572, 586, 573, 581, 589, and 595.

Trains 580 and 591 will be suspended. Train 587 will also be suspended and replaced with a special train, 589, which will operate one hour later.

Pacific Surfliner tickets can be canceled with a full refund to the original form of payment with no fees if canceled before departure. 

Bring no more than two carry-on bags per passenger, measuring up to 28″ x 22″ x 11″ and weighing 50 pounds or less, on board for free. Two personal items may also be brought on board. Checked baggage is only available from Nov. 18 to 28 at staffed stations. No checked baggage will be available outside these dates. 

The busiest travel days are typically the Tuesday, Wednesday, and Sunday of Thanksgiving week. Morning trains typically have more availability than later trains. Customers are encouraged to arrive at the station 45 minutes before departure. 

Visit PacificSurfliner.com/holiday to learn more and book a trip. Learn more about these travel advisories at pacificsurfliner.com/alerts.