Transport by Train

Rev. 03-Jul-1999

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Chaz Boston Baden, anaheim@99.nasfic.org

See also:

To Anaheim By Bus
Shuttles
Amtrak [www], Amtrak Intercity [www]
- Amtrak California [www] San Diegans and other Amtrak services within California
- Amtrak Coast Starlight [www] from Seattle to Los Angeles
- Amtrak Southwest Chief [www] from Chicago to Los Angeles
- Amtrak Sunset Limited [www] from Orlando to Los Angeles
Metrolink [www]
SCAG Bus/Rail Travel Planner [www]

The American passenger railroad, Amtrak [www] (no 'c' in Amtrak) offers short and long-distance service. It is important to note that taking the train will not necessarily be cheaper than flying or faster than driving/taking the bus, but it may be less stressful, and probably more scenic. You will need to educate yourself on how Amtrak works, and/or get yourself a travel agent that is experienced in booking train tickets.

Anaheim-area Train Stations

If you call Amtrak, (800-USA-RAIL, or 800-762-7245) and ask how to get to Disneyland, they will tell you to take the train to Fullerton. The Anaheim Stadium (Edison Field) station is actually closer to Disneyland, but getting off at Fullerton may save you a dollar on the railfare. Both stations are served by Amtrak (also known as the National Rail Passenger Corporation) and Metrolink [www] (aka the Southern California Regional Rail Authority).

The Anaheim Stadium (Edison Field) Amtrak/Metrolink Station is at 2150 E. Katella Ave., Anaheim CA, at St. College. The Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) bus route 50 runs down Katella Avenue outside the stadium parking lot, and will take you straight to the hotel for $1.

The Fullerton Amtrak/Metrolink Station is at 120 E. Santa Fe Ave., Fullerton CA, one block south of Harbor & Commonwealth. Again, one $1 OCTA bus (Route 43) will take you down Harbor Blvd. to the hotel (but it will be a longer bus ride).

Shuttle Service to Anaheim Hilton/Disneyland area is available from either train station, but it's not a regular run. See our Shuttles page for shuttle service phone numbers.

A taxi ride from the Anaheim Stadium (Edison Field) Station would be a short one, so that's an option to consider. Or if you're renting a car in Anaheim, ask the agency if they'll pick you up at Amtrak. (The hotel won't - it's too far out.) Also the OCTA bus routes - route 43 (Harbor Blvd., for Fullerton) and route 50 (Katella Ave., for Anaheim) might be the way to go, if you don't have too much luggage. Their phone number is 714-636-7433 (RIDE), or see the OCTA web page [www].

What trains run to Anaheim/Fullerton?

Fullerton: San Diegan, Southwest Chief (also Metrolink trains)
Anaheim: San Diegan (also Metrolink trains)
Los Angeles: San Diegan, Coast Starlight, Southwest Chief, Sunset Limited

There are no long-distance trains to Anaheim. All short-distance trains through Anaheim originate at either Santa Barbara, Los Angeles, Oceanside, or San Diego.

The long-distance trains through Fullerton originate in Chicago (the Desert Wind and the Southwest Chief) and running through to Los Angeles. Long-distance service to Los Angeles is available on trains originating in Miami, Chicago, and Seattle.

Rail Pass

Amtrak offers a "USA Rail Pass" to foreigners visiting the USA, much the same way an American tourist may buy a Eurailpass when visiting Europe. You have to buy it before you leave home; they're not for sale in America. Check at your local American Consulate, or go to the web site and ask them to send you the USA Rail Pass order form.

Amtrak and Rail Canada offers a combined "North America Rail Pass" for $895, unlimited stopovers over a 30-day period, all over the USA and Canada. See their web site for more details.

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