JC98

Hi,
Is it possible to take a train from LA to San Diego? In LA, I'll be staying at the Hilton Universal City. Where is the train station? How often it runs? Do I need advanced reservation?

Thanks!

uclarobin

You can get the information at Amtrak.com. All trains from San Diego end at Los Angeles Union Station, in downtown LA. From downtown Union station, you can transfer to the subway - Red Line. The Red Line has a stop at Universal City. You may be able to walk from the station to your hotel. If can't walk, call the hotel and they will have simple directions for you. It is easy. The San Diego - Los Angeles train runs about twice a day. Reservations are not necessary, but I recommend it. It is possible to sell out all the seats. Sometimes, the line to buy tickets at the station is very long, so you can almost miss your train. If you buy your tickets in advance, you will have no worry. If you are travelling north, from San Diego to Los Angeles, you should SIT ON THE LEFT SIDE of the train. It is the ocean side (rather than the mountain side), and the coastline along the beach is beautiful.

yk

take a look at this:
http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...-san-diego.cfm

Barbara

Yes, it is. The train station in Los Angeles is at 800 Alameda St. Here is the Amtrak page with station information-you'll be able to find San Diego here too:

http://preview.tinyurl.com/yumaxr

This should help you find the train you need:

http://preview.tinyurl.com/5nj9z

Barbara

There are nine trains per day between Los Angeles and San Diego. Travelling from Los Angeles, try to sit on the right side of the train.

tennislvr1

our son takes the trains often from San Diego to LA. Great way to travel to and fro these cities.

If you get to the train station early and you are hungry - walk up the street to Phillippe's. Its a landmark restaurant that sells great pastrami sandwiches.

last time he brought one on the train and he said everyone was "sniffing" the wonderful aroma of his sandwich (he also said he felt like he should have shared it with everyone on board!)

ksucat

Phillipe's is a classic and one of the all time best!!
Make sure you go to Olvera street and eat some great Mex too..
Sit on the right side of the train coming to SD..you get the ocean views..left side going to LA!

www.olvera-street.com

JC98

Thanks, all, for helpful responses! Another question: how to go from the hotel (Hilton Universal City) to Union Station? By taxi? I heard there's a metro. Is it convenient? I'll have a carry on luggage with me.

Thanks!

Dayenu

I think Amtrak's walk-up tickets are more expensive then advance, and they have a 7-days cut-off.

dbdurand

To get from your hotel to Union Station, you can take the subway, as mentioned in uclarobin's post of June 23. It's clean and fast.