Onboard Experience

Onboard FAQs

• Can I bring my pet?

  Yes, small cats and dogs up to 20 pounds (combined weight of pet and carrier) are welcome onboard Pacific Surfliner trains with advanced reservations. It costs $29 each way to add a pet to your trip. There are limited spaces available on each train, so book early. Learn more on our pets page.

• Can I bring my service animal?

  Yes, service animals are welcome onboard at no charge. Service animals have been trained to perform a specific task for a person with a disability and can be booked when selecting "Passenger with Disability" as the traveler. Animals that are strictly for emotional support or security are not considered service animals, but they may be added to a trip under our pet program. Visit the Service Animals page on Amtrak’s website for more information on the policy.

• Can I bring my bike?

  Absolutely, but you’ll need to make a free bike reservation when you book your ticket, since there is limited bike space available on each train. A bike can also be added to an existing trip by calling 1-800-USA-RAIL. Bikes are stored in the train car at the end of the train opposite from the engine. Learn more.

• Does the train accommodate wheelchairs?

  Yes, the train can accommodate standard manual or battery-powered wheelchairs. The dimensions must not exceed 30" wide by 48" long, and the combined weight of the wheelchair and the occupant must not exceed 600 pounds. Accessible seating and restrooms are located on the lower level of our bi-level cars. All of the details are available on Amtrak.com. A discount is available for passengers with disabilities, and the customer can request assistance during the booking process, if needed.

• How much luggage can I bring?

  Checked baggage service is currently suspended on Pacific Surfliner trains. However, you may still bring up to four bags on board without being charged, including the following:
  • Two personal items: For example, large purses, briefcases, computer backpacks. These bags can measure up to 14” x 11” x 7” each, and weigh up to 25 pounds each.
  • Two carry-on bags: These bags can measure up to 28" x 22" x 11" each, and weigh up to 50 pounds each.
  
  You may bring more bags and/or larger bags, but you will be charged for them.
  Baby gear such as strollers, diaper bags, and car seats do not count towards this limit, and you will not be charged extra for bringing any of these items.
  Required medical devices will also not count towards the limit and is accepted free of charge if the passenger has a ticket issued at a mobility impaired fare.

• Can I bring a specialty item with me such as golf clubs or a surfboard?

  Yes, certain specialty items, including general sporting equipment, musical instruments, surfboards and more, are allowed to be carried on or checked in lieu of a piece of baggage (size and weight limits, as well as other restrictions apply). View a comprehensive list and more details for each type of item on the Baggage Policy page on Amtrak’s website.

• Is there anything that’s prohibited from bringing on board?

  Yes, there are a few prohibited items for obvious safety reasons. See a complete and detailed list of prohibited items on the Baggage Information page on Amtrak’s website.

• Is there Wi-Fi on board?

  Yes, and it’s free. Look for AmtrakConnect in your device’s list of available hot spots. Keep in mind that the onboard Wi-Fi does not support high-bandwidth activities such as streaming movies and music, playing online games, or downloading large files.

• Can I buy food and drinks on board?

  Yes, the onboard Market Café (located in Car 3, between Business Class and Unreserved Coach cars) offers a variety of snacks, sweets, light meals and beverages, including wine and craft beers. Many products are locally sourced from along the Pacific Surfliner route. Visit our Market Café page to learn more.

• Can I consume food and drinks that I brought myself?

  Yes, passengers may bring their own food and drinks (excluding alcohol) and enjoy them at their seat. Food and drinks brought on board may not be consumed in the Market Café. Alcohol may not be brought on board for consumption. However, passengers ages 21 and older may drink alcoholic beverages that are purchased on board from the Market Café.

• Can I move seats if I decide I want to sit somewhere else mid-trip?

  Yes, you are welcome to switch seats – just make sure to take the little slip of paper the conductor puts above your seat after he or she scans your ticket. Place that paper slip in the same area above your new seat. Please note that the sections of four seats are reserved for groups of three or more.

• What if I encounter a problem during my trip?

  Please speak with the conductor for assistance. If you suspect criminal or suspicious activity, you can send a text message to APD11 (or 27311) to alert the Amtrak Police Department, and they will send an officer to respond.

• What side of the train do I sit on for ocean views?

  Our route offers beautiful ocean views between San Diego and San Clemente on the south end, and between Ventura and Grover Beach on the north end. Simply sit on the west-side of the train to enjoy the ocean views. If you are traveling through Los Angeles, the train switches direction after departing the station. So if you are sitting on the west-side of the train approaching Los Angeles, you will be sitting on the east-side after departing Los Angeles! So an insider tip – sit on the side opposite of the ocean views north of Los Angeles if you want an ocean seat upon departing Los Angeles! It has to do with the nature of the station – a train may “pull” into the station but then has to “push” out of it.

• What if I lose any of my possessions?

  If your destination has an Amtrak ticket window inside the station, please check there first by talking with the station agent. If not, remember your train number, the date you traveled, and your departure and arrival stations, and call 1-800-USA-RAIL. You can also complete a lost item report on Amtrak’s website.