Metrolink, COASTER, and Pacific Surfliner riders can choose from more departure options through the Rail 2 Rail® Program. Metrolink and NCTD Monthly Pass holders can travel on Pacific Surfliner trains, within the station pairs of their pass, at no additional charge. Similarly, Pacific Surfliner Monthly Pass holders may also ride any Metrolink or COASTER train, within the station pairs on their pass, at no additional charge.
Blackout Dates
The program was started to complement Metrolink's and the North County Transit District’s (NCTD’s) schedule options using Pacific Surfliner trains that had additional capacity. Because there are certain dates when travel demand increases, the program is suspended around major holidays and special events.
Blackout dates apply on the following dates:
- Memorial Day weekend: Friday through Tuesday
- Independence Day weekend: Friday through Tuesday
- Comic-Con and the first weekend of Del Mar horse racing season
- Labor Day weekend: Friday through Tuesday
- Week of Thanksgiving: Wednesday through Monday
Additional dates may be added if needed.
Shared Service Trains on Metrolink’s Ventura County Line
We are expanding the shared service program with Metrolink to provide additional departure options for travelers.
Effective November 1, 2023:
- Pacific Surfliner trains 761, 765, 769, 770, 774, 777, 784, 785, 790, and 794 will accept Metrolink tickets (one-way, round-trip, 7-day and monthly passes) between Los Angeles and Oxnard.
- Pacific Surfliner tickets will also accepted on any Metrolink train traveling between Los Angeles and Oxnard.
Please note: The shared service program is subject to the same blackout dates as the Rail 2 Rail Program. Metrolink customers must print or activate their ticket before boarding the train. Shared service trains are not available on Pacific Surfliner trains south of Los Angeles.
Frequently Asked Questions
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The Pacific Surfliner is an intercity route that travels between San Diego and San Luis Obispo. Onboard amenities include free Wi-Fi, power outlets, reclining seats, restrooms, and an onboard café selling snacks, light meals, soft drinks, and alcoholic beverages. The schedules are the same for weekday and weekend service. Metrolink and COASTER trains are considered commuter services, and they travel shorter distances, but serve more stops. Onboard amenities include power outlets, restrooms, quiet cars, and bike storage. Schedules are more geared towards commuters, with peak service in the morning and afternoons, and less frequent service on weekends.
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As an intercity route, the Pacific Surfliner has limited stops, so it does not serve all of the same stations as Metrolink trains or COASTER trains do. Please refer to the schedule to make sure your stations are available via Pacific Surfliner trains.
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No, Rail 2 Rail is not valid on other Amtrak services, including the Coast Starlight, Southwest Chief, or Sunset Limited/Texas Eagle.
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- Metrolink Passengers Riding the Pacific Surfliner:
- Metrolink monthly passes: Pacific Surfliner trains traveling to stations between Oxnard Station and Oceanside Station (valid for travel between the station pairs listed on the pass)
- All valid Metrolink ticket types: Pacific Surfliner trains 765, 774, 785, and 794 traveling to stations between Los Angeles Union Station and Hollywood Burbank Airport Station, and Pacific Surfliner trains 761, 765, 769, 770, 774, 777, 784, 785, 790, and 794 traveling to stations between Los Angeles Union Station and Oxnard Station (valid for travel between the station pairs listed on the ticket)
- COASTER Passengers Riding the Pacific Surfliner:
- COASTER Regional Day or Monthly/30-Day Passes: Pacific Surfliner trains traveling to stations between Oceanside Station and Santa Fe Depot (valid for travel between the station pairs listed on the pass)
- Pacific Surfliner Passengers Riding COASTER:
- Pacific Surfliner monthly passes: COASTER trains traveling to stations between Santa Fe Depot and Oceanside Station (valid for travel between the station pairs listed on the pass)
- Pacific Surfliner Passengers Riding Metrolink
- Pacific Surfliner monthly passes: Metrolink trains traveling to stations between Oceanside Station and Oxnard Station (valid for travel between the station pairs listed on the pass)
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Riders who travel outside of station pairs identified on their pass are required to purchase a ticket for the portion of the trip not within the monthly pass station pairs. For example, a Metrolink monthly pass holder for Oceanside to Irvine would need to purchase a Pacific Surfliner ticket from Irvine to Los Angeles when riding the Pacific Surfliner from Oceanside to Los Angeles.
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You may board and exit the train at stations within the station pairs shown on your pass. For example, a monthly pass holder for Oceanside to Irvine may get off the train or board in San Juan Capistrano.
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Pacific Surfliner trains have limited space for bikes onboard, so an advance bike reservation (available at no extra cost when booking an Amtrak ticket) is required. Bike reservations are not required on Metrolink and COASTER trains.
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There are certain times of year (generally around major holidays and special events), when there is high travel demand on Pacific Surfliner trains. The program is suspended on those dates to manage capacity. Riders who want to travel on the Pacific Surfliner on blackout dates must have a valid Amtrak ticket.
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Amtrak monthly passholders who want to use the Pacific Surfliner are not subject to Rail 2 Rail blackout dates and can continue to use both services year round. Bike reservations can be tied to a monthly Amtrak ticket – just call in advance of the trip to book a bike space at no cost. Amtrak Guest Rewards can also be earned when booking Pacific Surfliner travel – points can be redeemed for future trips, gift cards, and more.
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Yes, you can ride Pacific Surfliner codeshare trains (761, 765, 769, 770, 774, 777, 784, 785, 790, and 794 between Los Angeles and Oxnard) with a promotional Metrolink ticket. Please note that you must print or activate your free Metrolink ticket before boarding the train. Only monthly Metrolink passes are valid on Pacific Surfliner trains between San Diego and Los Angeles.
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Amtrak policies must be followed when riding Pacific Surfliner trains
Learn more about Metrolink: metrolinktrains.com
Learn more about COASTER: gonctd.com
