Traveling along California’s stunning coastline is set to improve with the introduction of a new daily roundtrip service connecting Los Angeles to the Central Coast, scheduled to begin this Spring.
Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner will launch an additional daily roundtrip service between Los Angeles and San Luis Obispo (SLO) for both leisure and business travelers starting May 4.
This expansion will enable more passengers to travel daily between LA, Ventura, and Santa Barbara, and the Central Coast of SLO.
Jason Jewell, Managing Director of the LOSSAN Rail Corridor Agency, stated in a press release, “Expanding Pacific Surfliner service helps strengthen regional mobility and provides travelers with more convenient options along the Central Coast.”
“This new roundtrip improves connectivity across the corridor and offers riders a comfortable alternative to driving.”
The updated schedule includes six daily trips to Goleta, west of Santa Barbara, and three daily trips to San Luis Obispo, providing more travel flexibility for both work and leisure.
According to Martin Erickson, Executive Director of the Ventura County Transportation Commission, 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.”
Santa Barbara county leaders highlighted that “more rail service means more flexibility” for entering and exiting the area, attributing the additional trips to Measure A, a half-cent sales tax dedicated to transportation in the 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 of the Pacific Surfliner connects passengers across San Diego, LA, Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo counties, promising comfortable travel with free onboard Wi-Fi, according to the announcement.
The new daily trips will provide commuters with both productive travel time and scenic views, allowing them to avoid congested freeways.
The updated schedule can be accessed here for those interested in planning or updating their travel plans.
This expansion by Amtrak arrives at an opportune moment as California residents seek alternative travel options amid high gas prices in the state.
