Discover the Best Scenic Train Routes from Los Angeles

Traveling by train offers a unique and relaxing way to explore California’s diverse landscapes, making a railroad journey from Los Angeles an ideal choice for both locals and tourists. Unlike the stress of driving or the hustle of airports, a train trip in Los Angeles allows you to sit back, enjoy the comfort of spacious seating, free Wi-Fi, and dining options, while taking in the breathtaking scenery through panoramic windows. Whether you’re gazing at the Pacific coastline, passing through rolling vineyards, or admiring towering mountains, train travel in Los Angeles provides an unbeatable scenic experience. Moreover, the Los Angeles railway system is an eco-friendly alternative, reducing your carbon footprint compared to driving or flying. California's railroads, particularly Amtrak, are well-known for their convenience and comfort, making them a great option for exploring the state's natural beauty.

The railway system in Los Angeles has a rich history, with the iconic Los Angeles Union Station being a key hub. Opened in 1939, Union Station is often referred to as the "Last of the Great Railway Stations" built in the U.S., combining Mission Revival and Art Deco architectural styles. It remains a bustling transit center today, serving as the starting point for many scenic train routes. Over the decades, Los Angeles’ railways have played a vital role in connecting the city to other parts of California and beyond. A fun fact: Union Station has been featured in numerous films and TV shows, symbolizing both the city’s heritage and its continued importance in modern transit.

Currently, there are only few train routes available from Los Angeles: Pacific Surfliner, Coast Starlight, Southwest Chief, Sunset Limited, Texas Eagle, each offering unique journeys through California and beyond. However, plans to expand the rail network are in motion. The most notable project is the California High-Speed Rail, which will connect Los Angeles to San Francisco in under three hours, traveling at speeds over 200 mph. This high-speed rail system will eventually extend to Sacramento and San Diego, creating an 800-mile network with 24 stations. You can learn more about these upcoming routes on the CALIFORNIA HIGH SPEED RAIL. These expansions could significantly enhance travel options, making it even easier and faster to explore California by train. Keep an eye out for future announcements on additional routes!

Now, let’s explore the most scenic and unforgettable train routes from Los Angeles!

1. Los Angeles to San Diego: A Coastal Escape

Duration: ~3 hours

Tickets: $35-$55 (one way). You can buy tickets for the Pacific Surfliner directly from the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner website or through the Amtrak app.

Alternative Transport: Car (~2.5 hours), bus, or short flight

Why Take the Train? The Amtrak Pacific Surfliner route from Los Angeles to San Diego is one of California’s most scenic train journeys, traveling along the stunning Pacific coast. Picture yourself seated by the window, watching golden beaches, rolling waves, and surfers catching the perfect swell as you glide southward. Unlike car travel, you can fully relax and enjoy unobstructed views.

Onboard Amenities: The Pacific Surfliner offers Wi-Fi, power outlets, a café car, and spacious seating. The lounge car provides panoramic windows ideal for sightseeing, making the journey feel like a true adventure.

Highlights Along the Route: From Long Beach’s coastal beauty to Laguna’s cliffs, each moment showcases something new. Keep an eye out for surfers in San Clemente and the Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve near Del Mar.

Why Visit San Diego? San Diego offers gorgeous beaches, the historic Gaslamp Quarter, Balboa Park’s museums, and even whale watching. This vibrant city is perfect for beach lovers, foodies, and history buffs alike!

2. Los Angeles to Santa Barbara: Wine Country Wonders

Duration: ~2 hours

Tickets: $25-$45 (one way), to buy the tickets visit Amtrak Pacific Surfliner website or the Amtrak app.

Alternative Transport: Car (~1.5 hours)

Why Take the Train? This shorter but stunning train ride along the Pacific Surfliner route reveals beautiful coastline views and hills draped in vineyards as you travel to Santa Barbara, often referred to as the "American Riviera."

Onboard Amenities: With Wi-Fi, power outlets, and a comfortable seating arrangement, the train allows you to relax and experience wine country views without worrying about the road.

Highlights Along the Route: You’ll pass through Ventura’s beaches, Oxnard’s farmland, and lush vineyards of the Santa Ynez Valley.

Why Visit Santa Barbara? Known for its beaches, Spanish colonial architecture, and wineries, Santa Barbara is a favorite for wine lovers and those looking to relax in a charming coastal town.

3. Los Angeles to San Luis Obispo: A Picturesque Journey Through California

Duration: ~6 hours

Tickets: $45-$80 (one way), buy tickets online on Amtrak Pacific Surfliner website.

Alternative Transport: Car (~3.5 hours), bus, or short flight to San Luis Obispo

Why Take the Train? Continuing our exploration of the scenic railroad routes from Los Angeles, our next stop is San Luis Obispo. This charming town adds yet another layer of beauty and adventure to your California train travels after visiting San Diego and Santa Barbara. As you embark on your train journey from Los Angeles to San Luis Obispo, you’ll be treated to breathtaking ocean views, rolling hills, and quaint coastal towns. This train journey provides a comfortable and relaxing experience, allowing you to soak in the stunning scenery without the stress of navigating traffic and experience the best of California’s coastal charm and highlights the allure of railway routes from Los Angeles!

Onboard Amenities: The Pacific Surfliner features spacious seating, power outlets, and a café car serving snacks and drinks. The observation car, with its large windows, is perfect for sightseeing and ensures you won’t miss any of the beautiful landscapes along the way.

Highlights Along the Route

• Santa Monica Mountains: As you leave Los Angeles, you’ll traverse the stunning Santa Monica Mountains, characterized by their rugged beauty and lush vegetation.
• Malibu Coastline: Enjoy breathtaking views of Malibu's beaches, where surfers ride the waves and beachgoers bask in the sun.
• Ventura and Oxnard: The train stops in these charming coastal towns, offering glimpses of beautiful beaches and local culture.
• Central Coast Vineyards: As you near San Luis Obispo, watch for the rolling vineyards that showcase California's rich wine country.

Why Visit San Luis Obispo? San Luis Obispo, often referred to as SLO, is renowned for its vibrant downtown area, farm-to-table dining, and stunning natural surroundings. Explore the iconic Bubblegum Alley, visit the historic Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, or hike up to Bishop Peak for panoramic views of the city and its landscape. The area also features nearby beaches like Pismo Beach and Avila Beach, perfect for sunbathing and water activities. Whether you’re a foodie, outdoor enthusiast, or culture lover, San Luis Obispo promises an enriching experience.

4. Los Angeles to Grand Canyon: A Scenic Desert Adventure

Duration: ~12 hours to Williams, Arizona, followed by a 2-hour ride on the Grand Canyon Railway

Tickets: $85-$160 (one way), Tickets for the Amtrak Southwest Chief, tickets for the Grand Canyon Railway.

Alternative Transport: Car (~7 hours), bus, or flight (to Flagstaff + shuttle)

Tickets:

Why Take the Train? While the entire Southwest Chief route spans from Los Angeles to Chicago, not everyone wants to spend 40 hours on a train. However, the journey from Los Angeles to the Grand Canyon offers an exciting and scenic adventure. You’ll travel through the deserts of the American Southwest, catching glimpses of rugged mountain ranges, expansive plains, and even historic Route 66. The train provides a stress-free way to see these breathtaking landscapes, avoiding the long hours of driving and allowing you to relax and take in the views.

Onboard Amenities: The Southwest Chief offers comfortable reclining seats, power outlets, Wi-Fi, and a café car for snacks and drinks. For longer journeys or more privacy, you can book a sleeper cabin, which includes meals in the dining car. The observation lounge offers panoramic windows, perfect for sightseeing as the train travels through the deserts and rugged terrains of Arizona.

Highlights Along the Route

• Mojave Desert: As you leave Los Angeles, you’ll cross the vast and dramatic Mojave Desert, with its unique desert vegetation and wide-open spaces.
• Colorado River: Crossing the mighty Colorado River, you’ll get a glimpse of this iconic waterway that carved out the Grand Canyon itself.
• Route 66: The train follows parts of the historic Route 66, adding a nostalgic touch to your journey.
• Red Rock Cliffs: The closer you get to Arizona, the more striking the red rock formations become, leading up to the Grand Canyon's impressive vistas.

Why Visit the Grand Canyon? Upon arriving in Williams, Arizona, you can transfer to the Grand Canyon Railway, which takes you on a scenic 2-hour ride directly to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. This historic train journey offers beautiful views of the high desert as you approach one of the world's most famous natural wonders. The Grand Canyon itself is a must-see destination, with awe-inspiring views, hiking trails like Bright Angel Trail, and exciting activities such as helicopter tours. It's a perfect adventure for nature lovers, photographers, and anyone looking to experience one of the most iconic landscapes in the United States.

5. Los Angeles to Tucson: A Scenic Journey Through the Desert Southwest

Duration: ~9 hours

Tickets: $60-$120 (one way), Sunset Limited Website

Alternative Transport: Car (~7 hours), flight (~1.5 hours)

Why Take the Train? While the Sunset Limited train route travels all the way from Los Angeles to New Orleans, taking this train to Tucson offers a more manageable and scenic journey. This rail line allows passengers to enjoy stunning desert vistas without the hassle of long driving hours. The train is an ideal choice for those who prefer a relaxing, immersive experience through the American Southwest. You can sit back, watch the landscapes change, and avoid the stress of air travel or car journeys.

Onboard AmenitiesThe Sunset Limited offers Wi-Fi, power outlets, and reclining seats for a comfortable ride. For longer journeys, private sleeper cabins with meals are available, and the train’s observation car features wide windows to enhance your sightseeing experience. The café car provides drinks and snacks, making the journey even more convenient.

Highlights Along the Route

1. Mojave Desert: Early in the trip, the train cuts through the vast Mojave Desert, offering striking views of sand dunes, Joshua trees, and rugged mountain backdrops.
2. Colorado River Crossing: As you cross into Arizona, you’ll pass the impressive Colorado River, marking a key point in the journey’s scenic appeal.
3. Sonoran Desert: Once in Arizona, the train traverses the beautiful Sonoran Desert, known for its towering saguaro cacti and sweeping desert views.

Why Visit Tucson? Tucson, a gem in Southern Arizona, boasts a unique blend of Native American, Spanish, and Mexican cultures. It’s known for its vibrant food scene, with authentic southwestern cuisine, and is home to the stunning Saguaro National Park, where you can explore desert landscapes filled with the iconic saguaro cacti. Other highlights include the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, a combination zoo, botanical garden, and natural history museum, and the historic Mission San Xavier del Bac, a Spanish colonial church. This sun-soaked city is a must-visit for history enthusiasts, nature lovers, and anyone looking to experience the charm of the Southwest.

6. Los Angeles to Seattle: An Epic West Coast Journey

Duration: ~35 hours

Tickets: $100-$250 (one way), can be purchased on the Amtrak Coast Starlight website or via theAmtrak app.

Alternative Transport: Flight (~2.5 hours), car (~17 hours)

Why Take the Train? The Coast Starlight allows you to relax in spacious seating with the option of private sleeper cabins, ensuring comfort throughout your journey. As you glide along the West Coast, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, majestic mountains, and picturesque valleys through panoramic windows. Unlike the hurried pace of air travel, the train's leisurely journey invites you to savor every moment, socialize with fellow passengers, and indulge in delicious meals from the onboard dining car. Opting for a train journey from Los Angeles not only enhances your travel experience but also creates lasting memories along the way!

Onboard Amenities: The Coast Starlight features spacious seating, power outlets, a café car, and even private sleeper cabins for those seeking extra comfort. The observation car boasts panoramic windows, providing an excellent opportunity for sightseeing during your long journey.

Highlights Along the Route

• Pacific Coastline: Enjoy sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean, including pristine beaches and dramatic cliffs as the train winds along the coast.
• Santa Barbara's Mountains: Take in the stunning contrast of the Santa Ynez Mountains against the coastline as you pass by this beautiful city.
• Monterey Bay: Look out for marine life, including dolphins and sea otters, playing in the waters of this famous bay.
• Redwood Forests: Marvel at the towering ancient redwoods in the Humboldt Redwoods State Park, a breathtaking sight from your window.

• Mount Shasta: Witness the majestic peak of Mount Shasta rise dramatically against the skyline as you approach the Oregon border.
• Willamette Valley: Glide through this picturesque wine region, known for its rolling vineyards and scenic farmlands, particularly stunning in spring and fall.
• Cascade Mountains: As you near Seattle, take in the beauty of the Cascade Mountains, with their snow-capped peaks and lush greenery.

Why Visit Seattle? Seattle, often called the Emerald City, is known for its vibrant culture, coffee scene, and stunning waterfront. Don’t miss the iconic Pike Place Market, where you can watch the famous fish toss and explore local artisan shops. Visit the Space Needle for breathtaking views of the city skyline and Mount Rainier, or immerse yourself in the vibrant music scene that has given rise to legends like Jimi Hendrix and Nirvana. Whether you're a coffee lover, outdoor enthusiast, or culture seeker, Seattle has something for everyone!