I'm about to travel from gallup NM to San Diego California on the amtrak, i have to change trains in LA?

how big is the train station? And also its my first time traveling by train whats some good advice? i'm a 22 year old female. thanks for your help

Best advice is to talk with the conductor and have his assist you while you’re in transit. They will often tell you which platform and how long of a walk it is from one to the next. This information may also be on the Amtrak web site. It's been a long time since I traveled by train and I wish I had the opportunity to do it more.

The train is a good choice, I have never traveled that far but it is way better than the bus. Bring snacks, The food is decent but can get pricey. If you have a lap top or dvd player it would be good to bring a few movies etc. The trains I have ridden on all had power outlets in them and I had a Verizon network card that kept me on-line threw most of the trip. Just watch your stuff and have a great trip, Welcome to SoCal

well do you plan this trip
what date? is weekday or weekend
amtrak will sub motorcoach bus service


Service Alert: Pacific Surfliner Los Angeles-Irvine-San Diego Service Change April 11 - May 4

On Friday, Saturday and Sunday of each week beginning April 11 through May 4, track work being performed west of Oceanside by San Diego Northern Railway will affect Pacific Surfliner service, as described below:

Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays: Los Angeles to San Diego Service Changes

Train 796: Motorcoach Service Between Los Angeles and San Diego

Train 796, which normally operates between Goleta and San Diego, will terminate in Los Angeles. Passengers continuing south will be provided motorcoach service to San Diego and intermediate stations.

Train 597 will be replaced with motorcoach service between San Diego and Los Angeles.

Saturdays and Sundays Only: Service Cancellation Between Los Angeles and San Diego

The following trains will be cancelled between Los Angeles and San Diego, and alternate transportation will not be provided:

*
Southbound: Trains 564, 572, 578, 582 and 590
*
Northbound: Trains 565, 571, 583 and 587

Saturdays and Sundays Only: Motorcoach Service Between Irvine and San Diego

Passengers traveling on the trains shown below will be provided limited motorcoach service between Irvine, San Juan Capistrano, Oceanside, Solana Beach and San Diego:

* Southbound: Trains 566, 580, 592, 768, 774, and 784
* Northbound: Trains 577, 591, 595, 763, 769, 775 and 785

Please note: These motorcoaches will not stop at San Diego Old Town or San Clemente Pier. Passengers traveling to San Diego Old Town may travel to San Diego and take the S.D. Trolley to Old Town, or take Train 796. For service to and from San Clemente Pier and San Juan Capistrano, passengers may also contact Metrolink.

Motorcoach service will vary. For details, please refer to schedules posted at stations, consult a ticket agent, call 1-800-USA-RAIL or visit Amtrak.com. We apologize for any inconvenience you may experience during this period.

PSN 408-247b
if a weekday (other then friday) you should be okay to go
also the southwest cheif also stops in Fullerton you can
transfer here instead of Los Angeles if you wanted too
fo the train to San Diego

Yes, you will change trains in LA., but it will be a simple transfer.

You will have a blast, especially if you are an outgoing type.

As suggested, bring snacks, 'cause the Amtrak food is only so-so. Bring puzzles, or other things you may like to do along the way.

Tha station in Los Angeles is not too overwhelming - you'll feel pretty comfortable there pretty quick. If you have some extra time there, you can even walk across the road to Olvera Street, to the mini-Mexican marketplace for trinkets.

Have a great time!!