Amtrak Pacific Surfliner Will Require Reservations for Labor Day Weekend

Image: Amtrak Pacific Surfliner (photo via Amtrak)
Image: Amtrak Pacific Surfliner (photo via Amtrak)
TravelPulse Staff
by TravelPulse Staff
Last updated: 12:56 PM ET, Thu August 26, 2021

WHY IT RATES: The reservation requirement has been implemented to control capacity over the busy holiday weekend. -Codie Liermann, Senior Editor


To safely manage capacity during periods when more travelers are anticipated, reservations will be required September 3 - 7 during Labor Day Weekend for Amtrak Pacific Surfliner trains that travel between San Diego, Orange County, Los Angeles, Ventura, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties.

Additional train cars are being added when possible to increase the number of available seats on select trains. However, the number of seats onboard each Pacific Surfliner train is limited. More dates may be added where a reservation is required, depending on travel demand.

Additionally, the Rail 2 Rail program will be suspended from Friday, September 3 through Tuesday, September 7, resuming Wednesday, September 8, 2021. During this time, monthly Metrolink and COASTER passes will not be accepted onboard Pacific Surfliner trains.

Amtrak monthly and 10-ride passes may still be used. However, multi-ride ticket holders will be required to confirm each trip (train and date) through the Amtrak RideReserve program on Amtrak.com, the Amtrak app or an Amtrak agent prior to traveling during the reservation period; thus, ensuring travelers have the safest and most comfortable journey possible.

Passengers are encouraged to follow safety measures and any important public health orders in place during their trip and at their destination. This includes wearing a mask at stations and onboard trains at all times, washing hands or using sanitizer often, and staying home if they are feeling sick. Per federal law and Amtrak policy, all customers and employees must wear a face mask or covering that fully covers the entire mouth and nose, fits snugly against the side of the face and secures under the chin at all times while onboard and in stations.


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