Train to L. A?

Question

does anybody know where to take the train, im trying to go to L. A from san francisco ????

Answer 1

You can take the Amtrak Coast Starlight #14 into the San Jose Diridon Station, then pick up the Cal-Train directly into SFO.  The only deal is that when the #14 gets into San Jose, you may have a layover until Cal-Train Operations start at 05:00.

There are several choices on the Cal-Train.  My advice would be to take the Baby Bullet into SFO.  It will get you there from San Jose in about 45 minutes, which is about 90 Minutes by car with traffic.

Then you take the return Baby Bullet from SFO into SJC, (San Jose), and take the #11 Coast Starlight the following morning.

Amtrak only runs one Northbound and one Southbound train daily out of this station.

I hope that helps.

Answer 2

yup, wolf and mobile are both right, you have 2 route choices.  some additional notes that may or may not matter to you -

the coast starlight is deluxe train, does often run late, but has a beautiful scenic trip, and involves only 1 transfer between s.f. and l.a.  it also operates 1 time per day, dep in the morning, and it takes longer.  but again, only 1 transfer, and you get deluxe services such as dining car, lounge car, you can reserve private rooms for extra charges, and stuff like that.

the "san joaquin" route does require 2 transfer, bus-train-bus, but since it is all amtrak's services the schedules and stop locations are coordinated.  it is actually 4-5 hrs faster to do this bus-train-bus combo.  you also get multiple departure times, right now they go 4 times per day, so you can leave early morning, late morning, afternoons, so much more flexibility.  generally lower fares too.

all the trains/buses require reservations, so you have to either call 1.800.usa.rail or go to www.amtrak.com to make your reservation.  prices will depend on your desired train itinerary, what type of passenger you are (ie, adult, senior, aaa member, military, etc etc), and when you reserve.

Answer 3

well Amtrak has a station in Oakland and they provide

bus service from there to the station then you can take

the starlight to Los Angel es Or you can

take the San Joaquin trains to Bakersfield then another bus to Los Angel es

another option is that you could also take Amtrak bus to either

San Luis Obispo or Santa Barbara then the Pacific surfliner service to Los Angeles

lots of choices!

Answer 4

sorry - no way to do a train directly from LA to San Fran

see sources.

You can train to San Luis Obispo and then get bussed to Bakersfield and the train to bay area.

Answer 5

Amtrak has a station in the Ferry Terminal of San Francisco, or call 1-800-USA-RAIL.  

Amtrak has two kinds of trains to L.A.

- San Joaquin service.  For this, you take an Amtrak shuttle bus from several locations in San Francisco.  The bus takes you over the bridge to Emeryville.  From there you take the train to Bakersfield.  From Bakersfield you take an Amtrak shuttle bus over the hill into L.A.  They have many routes going to many destinations around L.A....  including L.A. Union Station.   Travel time is about 8 hours.

- The Coast Starlight.  This is a first class deluxe train, so it is much harder to get seats.  Seats are also $20+ more, but it is much more luxurious with a lounge and full dining car.  The view is fantastic as it follows the California coast.  You can get to this train through the same shuttle buses, or you can take CalTrain to San Jose and meet the Coast Starlight there.  This is about a 13 hour ride.  This train often runs very, very late -- since it starts in Seattle, it often arrives in Emeryville late.

Now if you want the San Joaquin service and you live near BART, you can take BART clear to Richmond and take the San Joaquin train there.  Note that this is the actual "Richmond" stop at the end of the line - not "Del Norte".