Pacific Surfliner debuts LA and SLO trips — making Central Coast access easy

Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner will operate additional roundtrip service for passengers hoping to travel between Los Angeles and San Luis Obispo (SLO) for both leisure and business travel starting May 4.

These new routes will connect more riders daily from LA, Ventura, and Santa Barbara to California’s Central Coast of SLO.

“Expanding Pacific Surfliner service helps strengthen regional mobility and provides travelers with more convenient options along the Central Coast,” Jason Jewell, Managing Director of the LOSSAN Rail Corridor Agency said in the press release.

The new daily rail service will connnect LA to the Central Coast. Amtrak

“This new roundtrip improves connectivity across the corridor and offers riders a comfortable alternative to driving.”

The new schedule includes six daily trips to Goleta, just west of Santa Barbara and three daily ones to San Luis Obispo, allowing people more travel flexibility for work or fun.

Martin Erickson, Executive Director of the Ventura County Transportation Commission said the new “roundtrip strengthens Ventura County’s connection to the broader Southern California rail network.”

“By providing more travel options during busy weekday travel periods, we’re making it easier for residents and workers to move throughout the region.”

Leaders in Santa Barbara county said “more rail service means more flexibility” for people to get in and out of the area, noting that the additional trips are part of the passage of Measure A, a half-cent sales tax for transportation in that county.

“With Measure A support, we’re delivering on what voters asked for—more options for commuting, school, and everyday travel.”

The 351-mile coastal corridor that makes up the Pacific Surliner connects passengers in San Diego, LA, Ventura, SB, and SLO counties, allowing for comfortable travel, free onboard Wi-Fi and more, per the announcement.

The Pacific Surfliner will expand daily service starting May 4. Amtrak

The new daily trips will give commuters time to work and those onboard a gorgeous view as they escape long lines of cars on some of the Golden State’s busiest freeways.

The new schedule can be seen here for those interested in planning a trip or updating existing ones.

The move by Amtrak couldn’t come at a better time as CA residents seek an alternative to travel for work and more amid sky high gas prices in the state.