Suggestion for traveling from LA to San Diego? Safe to take train alone?
You're Missing the Rest of the Conversation
This community has even more stories, questions, tips, and plans being shared. Join Couchsurfing to read every thread and be part of the conversation.
Absolutely!! It's a beautiful train. And the route is easy. I've done it alone and had no issues. Enjoy!
Definitely safe. I've done it from Orange County and it was fun. Not sure of the routes from Union Station (or if any transfers needed) but I know people who go from OC to LA everyday for work. Either way I think you'd find it an easy way to go from LA to SD.
From union station. To san diego is a safe ride! No homless or danger!
I make the trip from LA to San Diego and back every so often. If I have the option, I prefer to drive. But I've taken Amtrak and Metrolink dozens of times and they are perfectly safe (and relatively clean, hah. This isn't Tokyo). Be mindful that Amtrak costs about double than Metrolink (in my opinion, it's not worth the extra cost: the only benefit is an [EXTREMELY OVERPRICED] food car on Amtrak; maybe it's easier to find an electric outlet on Amtrak; a tiny bit cleaner and more comfortable seats on Amtrak.) However, their schedules vary so that could be the deciding factor. You can search online.
Also, one troublesome thing for me with Metrolink is that, if you are leaving from North of LA Union Station, on the Ventura Line, you have to always do a transfer at LA Union Station to continue the trip to San Diego on the Orange County Line. It's really not a big deal, but they don't list the platform number anywhere on the screen with the schedule, so I always have to call and ask. I call from the green phones that are found next to the train track. Again, this is for Metrolink only.
Oh, last thing! (if it helps). You can only buy the Metrolink tickets on-location at the train station from the machine (and the machines are kind of flaky so I suggest leaving early). Amtrak can be purchased online (and printed out, or you can just show the ticket electronically on your phone.)
In all cases, just get to the train station early!! Especially if you are new to using the trains. There is a lot that could go wrong. (just to add to that list, sometimes they'll change the track at the last minute and you have to rush madly through the underground tunnel to get to the other side of the tracks, with your luggage and everything.)
Carpools are also safe, I would say. You can post or check on Craigslist. It would probably be more fun than the train unless you have a huge assignment or if you're okay reading for 2 hours. Just talk with the person beforehand to make sure you're comfortable riding with them, but really it's extremely rare for anything to go wrong.
Thank you so so much for your detailed information. That helps a lot with planning and decision making. I will have to check my flight schedule and see which is the best option.
So safe and a beautiful ride like everyone above said!! Enjoy!
Yup, nice and safe going by Amtrak. You can get on the train in Fullerton, CA, Orange, CA, and Downtown Los Angeles, CA. It is expensive though. Sit on the top floor. You can carry a bike for free on the train.
Absolutely safe, beautiful ride...and Metrolink has $10 Sat/Sun unlimited day passes!!!
https://www.metrolinktrains.com/ticketsOverview/discounts/metrolink-$10-weekends/
PURCHASING $10 WEEKEND DAY PASS: Visit a Metrolink station with weekend service. Use the ticket machines and select "Weekend Day Pass" on the home screen*. You can also buy tickets with our mobile app.
Monthly passholders ride free on weekends systemwide.
*The $10 Weekend Day Pass is available for purchase on Saturday and Sunday only.
A great ride. Sit on the RIGHT SIDE of the Car (headed south)....for the best views of the Ocean.