Best way to take the train from fullerton to Santa Barbara?

Question

I want to take my BF on a little day trip or weekend trip and I thought it would be nice if we could do something different and take the train up instead of drive.

Is it necessary to get a reservation for a better seat or do you think if we just wing it, we'll get tickets to ride. I'm not familiar at all with this and I need to be educated about it.

Answer 1

The train is indeed slow.  You might be better off driving a little closer to SB, then taking the train from there.  But once you're past Oxnard, it's a really pretty ride.  Plus the SB train station is right near downtown.

Answer 2

Just get tickets or call them and ask. You can catch the train off harbor blvd  

BTW, it will probably be a little long that a day trip. the train is slow.

Answer 3

you only need reservations if you want to sit in the business class section of the train (its not much to talk about) the regular seating is unreserved.. so

you dont really need reservations for the pacific surfliner would  be the train you would take

(there is an exception to this rule thats the week of Thanksgiving week

then all Amtrak trains must be reserved.)

and you can just walk up to the ticket counter to buy your tickets

enjoy your trip

Answer 4

You need to have a look at the Amtrak website, (www.amtrak.com), to check the service stops.

Amtrak may not service Fullerton on some of the routes, I think this is true with the Coast Starlight Schedule, and yes I would be correct, this particular train does not service Fullerton, but does service Santa Barbara.

Here is a nice trip for you two.

How about Santa Barbara to Seattle and back?

You might consider doing this over about 5 days so you can spend a little time in Seattle enjoying the area before getting back on the train to head home.

Just a thought.

Its a really nice trip.  My wife and I have family that live in Seattle, and we take the Coast Starlight out of San Jose and back.  Its really nice.  Recommend you get a sleeper if you are going to make that trip, Coach may not be as comfortable.

Have Fun!

Answer 5

I'd suggest you get reservations on Amtrak.  You will get a better price.  It works just like the airlines.  You show up at the gate at the last minute, they'll charge you full fare.