Train or drive from LA to SD?
Feb 19, 2025 | 12:14 am
#16
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Feb 19, 2025 | 9:54 am
#17
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After some Googling, the custom specific to SoCal (this happens all over, apparently 
) originated at the Mugs Away Saloon. If Googling "mugs away Amtrak" the AI summary says usually 2nd Saturday in July.
) originated at the Mugs Away Saloon. If Googling "mugs away Amtrak" the AI summary says usually 2nd Saturday in July.
Feb 25, 2025 | 9:08 am
#19
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The SJC <=> SD ride is quite iconic (as parts of the ride from Ventura <=> Vanderberg AFB) and one shoudl try it at least once as the tracks on the former section may no longer be viable before long (lots of shoring up work as portions of the track keep getting eroded away).
Mid-May last year, quite busy. Was surprised as I made a last-minute (<24 hr) award redemption. Was pretty full (80%+) in the BC carriage out of LAX and it might have been SRO in coach by the time it got to Anaheim (lots of people boarding there for some reason, baseball games, theme parks?) in late mid afternoon.
We had just gotten of a cruise ship at San Pedro and had some suggestions that it's be better to take the train from ARTIC transit hub. Glad we didn't listen.
Anyone know how busy the train is on Sundays these days? As others have already said, I took it once pre-COVID on a weekend and it was jam-packed; people were standing in the vestibules and sitting on the stairs. So the modest upcharge for business class is a good deal for guaranteed seating. People boarding at origin stations have less of a problem finding seats, but it's still nicer to have fewer people standing around in the car.
We had just gotten of a cruise ship at San Pedro and had some suggestions that it's be better to take the train from ARTIC transit hub. Glad we didn't listen.
Last edited by YVR Cockroach; Feb 25, 2025 at 9:15 am