I was headed from Oceanside to Ventura for a three (3) day conference, and had to take the Amtrak since my boss was already going to be there. Figured I can do some work in the peace and quiet of the train. First you need to decide between coach ($32) and business class ($48) seating. While I was going to get reimbursed, I also wanted to have access to an electrical outlet, and the web page stated that business class had outlets. You also get one drink, a snack pack of nuts, chips, a cookie and more leg space to work with than coach. I paid online on their website and just needed to use a kiosk at the Amtrak station to get my boarding pass. When I got to the station, both of the Amtrak kiosks were broken down and I had to go to the teller inside. Only problem was that there was three people in front of me and the train was going to arrive in 5 minutes. The lady in front took forever and the train showed up. Had to board the train WITHOUT a boarding pass, but the conductor was able to take care of me since I had a receipt that I paid. Beyond that hiccup, the ride was fairly quick, and I was able to get a little bit of work done and also get 30 minutes of zzz's. Glad I went business class, as the coach area was about 95% full, and business class was about 75% full. Sure, you need to pay extra but it is completely worth it on a 4 hour trip. If it was a little bit less, I would probably take it up north as much as I take the Coaster to downtown. read more

This review is about the Oceanside train station, and not about Amtrak. For my review of the Pacific Surfliner, see here: http://www.yelp.com/biz/amtrak-pacific-surfliner-los-angeles?hrid=WIwY-5iUtdysB9V_DMzIKQ&utm_campaign=www_review_share_popup&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=(direct), and for Metrolink, see here: http://www.yelp.com/biz/metrolink-los-angeles?hrid=tjCKsPywTjislyTV0yKB_w&utm_campaign=www_review_share_popup&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=(direct). This station serves its purpose: getting you parked for free near the train and giving you a way to get on board. This isn't one of the old Union Pacific cathedrals like in San Diego or LA, or even the mini version in Glendale. It's a cobbled-together mass of 1990's-teal-painted cinder block buildings that functionally links together the Amtrak, Coaster, Metrolink and Sprinter trains, and adds a NCTD bus depot and Greyhound station just to make sure someone interesting is always wandering around. The lot that sprawls to the south of the station always has open spots. I've left my car in that lot for several days to go on trips without a problem. The Amtrak office has some benches and some occasionally friendly employees. I recommend using the Amtrak app or printing tickets from home in order to avoid the line in the office. The restroom in the station is *the* see-and-be-seen place for the local homeless population to take morning showers in the sinks. The Burger King is pretty sad, even by Burger King standards. Get in, get on board, get out: that's what this station is all about. And if you find your Amtrak is delayed by an hour, as Amtrak is known to do, head over to Breakwater Brewing or Masters or something. read more

Once again I went to the Amtrak office in Oceanside for a question regarding veterans and the guy behind the counter today at 9am was so rude as if I was bothering him and he was using a derogatory tone. Very unprofessional and horrible customer service. I hope a supervisor reads this. read more

Ok let me start out by saying- this is a train your taking @ about .20 per mile cost. It's not first class airfare..so don't expect it to be. That said, I love it & it's a STEAL for travel if u have the time. I used to take Amtrak to LA every week for work & just recently took it to Santa Barbara and back. The coaster offers less convince's since it's meant to be a shorter ride but all the lines are clean, friendly staffed, and beautiful rides. Amtrak has comfortable, reclining seats with fold out tray tables & flip down foot rests. Each area has a charging port, free wifi, and curtains that can be drawn over the Windows if need be. The cars get full btwn commuter stops like LA-San Diego. Just keep walking thru the cars...you'll find a seat. There is dining at the bottom of car #2. Some of the items include: $7 small wine bottles (decent selection of Chardonnay and champagne), Stone Brewery Beer, and some good salads,sandwiches, fruit, yogurts, trail mix, frozen mini pizzas, and sweets. It's amazing how much you can get done on a smooth riding train to LA with free wifi while watching the ocean go by on your right and the stalled traffic on your left. read more

I feel as Amtrak is the best way to ride along the california coast line if you don't want to drive. I mean sure you've got to have someone pick you up, but I've gotten off at many locations and boarded the train at only one location. I board the train from the Oceanside station and have gotten off at Anaheim, Fullerton, and LA Union Station. The conductor here is super nice and friend. the person running the food station is super nice and friendly. I totally recommend traveling with someone. if you are traveling by yourself, bring your ipod with you or something to keep yourself entertained. read more

It fucking hit someone. I'm only giving this a two star because they serve alcohol on the train for emotional damages like this. Also the girl that works here is really nice read more

Bottom line: If you have all day to waste, by all means, take Amtrak. If you have a schedule to keep to, you're better off driving. Trains are constantly breaking down, trespassers, congestion on the tracks. It is nice because it runs by the ocean but when your 3 hour ride (from SD to LA) turns into a 6 hour ride you start to question yourself as to why you didn't drive in the first place. read more

I'm writing this as the train is 45 mins late from Union station to San Diego. I thought Amtrak was always on time ? But we pulled over 3x for "logistical problems". The cabin itself is moderately clean, a bit dusty. If you're not really on a schedule and you want to leisurely go down the coast this is a good bet. A little on the pricey side, considering the cleanliness and amenities, but they do offer various discounts. I've ridden Amtrak a few times, with delays here and there but this is definitely the longest delays I've experienced. read more

This is the station I always use when heading up to Fullerton. There is some seating inside as well as seating outside the station. The station is well lit at night. This station is relatively safe since they do have armed security around as well as cameras all around. Amtrak now has eTicket. With eTicket, you can purchase an Amtrak ticket on your smartphone and walk on the train. No need to go into the station to get a ticket. Don't have a smartphone, you can still buy a ticket from the self-serve kiosk or from the Amtrak agent in the station. read more

Nice train station customer service fast and friendly burger king in the station convenient read more

Amtrak - Train Stations Near Me - Oceanside, California

A great option!!! Had the kids this weekend. Instead of driving from Carlsbad to LA, I thought it would be nice to take Amtrak for a change. The ride was quite pleasant and enjoyable. They gave us AAA discounts, which was pretty cool to save some money. It was just fun to sit there and relax with my kids and watch the gorgeous sunset by the beach. The alternative is to sit in traffic on Friday evening, which would take double the time and frustration. There are a couple of drawbacks. One is being the cost (however, with increase gas prices, it might not be an issue soon) and two is being flexibility of the time schedules. If you miss a train, you might have to wait an hour or so. Overall, it was a nice experience to for the kids and it gave me time to bond with them. read more

Clean trains, on time and great staff!! The Amtrak conductors were extremely friendly. read more

Amtrak - Surfliner - Train Stations Near Me - Oceanside, California

I love this Amtrak station! I have been very blessed to meet interesting and amazing people. I have taken this 5 times now and I have had the opportunity to make great conversations with others and even though this is used as transport, it has given me the ability to make connections and to learn about others lives that is so different than my own. It's a pretty cool and exciting adventure each time. read more

Amtrak - Cool breeze out tonight - Train Stations Near Me - Oceanside, California

This train station is normally pretty easy to get information about where you want to go. Seems that on this day there was some miscommunication. Coming from downtown San Diego we had to take a bus here. Upon arrival no one was sure which platform was heading North. The young lady behind the glass seemed to get a little frustrated about being asked which platform the train was coming in and out of. They did give us ample time to be able to get to the correct side though. read more

AMTRAK LEFT BEHIND MY 6 YEAR OLD GIRL !!!! What was suppose to be a relaxing train ride out of Van Nuys to Oceanside to go to Lego Land with my kiddos turned into a Mother's worst nightmare ! My 6 year old little girl was getting off the train with me and her twin brother - we had a ton of luggage- we were on the second level carrying it all down and as soon as she stepped off the train the door nearly closed on her and closed on me and my son trapping my daughter outside alone - with the help of some passengers we called on their inside call phone during the next 30 seconds before the train moved - no answer! Five passengers banging on the window with me to tell the outside worker there is a child outside the train and to get the door open. He threw his hands up in the air and does nothing . Passengers who exited prior see what's happening start banging on the train - no help! Train starts moving with me and my son leaving my 6 year old daughter ALONE looking through the window helpless as we leave her! Shame on Amtrak ! Safety is not their concern - Thank God with outside help, my daughter is finally back with me safe. I am astonished and shocked that this could even happen - These kids, especially my daughter are so very traumatized ! They are now petrified of trains ! This is disturbing to say the least and so disappointing ! read more

Amtrak - Train Stations Near Me - Oceanside, California

I would only use Amtrak if I had no other option. What a waste of money. I went from Solana Beach to LA Union. Took over 4 hours each way due to train problems. Terrible at communicating the issues for the delay. Then the return train wasn't even on the board at Union Station so I went to the ticket counter and they said it was at the station. The train was not there and no one knew when it was going to arrive. Finally it showed up, we boarded then sat there for over an hour with engine issues. Took off 2 hours late. So to sum it up over 8 hours on a train in 1 day to go from Solana Beach to LA and back. Now I know why everyone drives in CA because the train service is terrible! read more

We recently discovered how wonderful it is to take the Pacific Surfliner from the valley to Anaheim. So good that we took another trip from LA to SD. No traffic, eco-friendly and fun for kids read more

Oceanside is a cool city with a great pier and local restaurants. It is way better to get here by Amtrak train due to heavy traffic, the counter associates are always helpful if you can't use the kiosk. Even when I'm running late and pressed, they are understanding. If you live in OC like me, this is the way to visit Oceanside. Plus don't forget the best benefit to taking Amtrak, the Cafe Car!!! read more

We took the amtrack from Oceanside to Santa Barbara for a weekend trip. Super easy to get a ticket from the kiosk or from the ticket office. Took our road bikes on the train for free (with a reservation). Staff was friendly and helpful. Get on quick to get a good seat because it filled up quick..... The staff on the train was REALLY nice and friendly (T. Turner was really helpful and funny). The seats were comfortable and roomy. Much better than an airplane. read more

Amtrak - Nice little drawing from T. Turner - Train Stations Near Me - Oceanside, California

Cops were on the train real quick for a drunk girl from the Angels game. She won't get off the train and it's giving us a huge delay. Just get off the train miss..... Please, it's midnight. read more

Amtrak - Police - Train Stations Near Me - Oceanside, California

Business Class Tried to kick us out of the bottom level and there were no seats together upstairs Terrible service No snacks just a few bottles of cheap wine What a waste Better next time to drive Waste of money Don't spend your money ever on Business Class read more

Went to go pick up some boxes. The guy at the window dismisses me and tells me he'll be back in 15 minutes because he has to go on his lunch break. It's 8:30 right now! And why isn't there someone else at the station so that the guy can go take his lunch without inconveniencing customers? He then proceeded to tell me that the process of getting me my boxes would take about 15 minutes and thus use up his entire lunch break. However, the last time I was here picking up boxes it took 5 minutes max. Ridiculous. read more

First and last time will I use Amtrak. Not kid friendly AT ALL! I had my grandson with me going from Oceanside to San Juan Capistrano today. I had a stroller, backpack with his food etc.. and a diaper bag. When the train arrived, it was a train that you have to climb up several stairs to get on the train. I asked the Porter, not sure what their title is, if there was a boarding area for strollers. He told me in a very unfriendly manner to collapse the stroller and go up with it!!!! I have an 18 mos that I need to hang on to, bags and a stroller with only two hands. The dude did not even offer to help. I called Amtrak to complain, and they told on my return to Oceanside they would put in the notes that I need assistance. Well the train arrived and no one was around to help. When I arrived in Oceanside the staff was congregating and talking to each other. If it wasn't for a nice male passenger offering to help, I don't know how I would have gotten off. What's the point in making requests for assistance if no one is alerted, available and busy chit chatting. I pray they don't treat wheelchair passenger like this. read more

This is the way to go to LA or points north, from San Diego area. Especially if you take the business class and get the snacks and wine, coffee etc. The staff on the train are so nice. Getting right to downtown LA in such a pleasant manner is a treat. read more

I always have a great experience on the train. It's nice to take from San Diego to Santa Barbara and I can just work and relax. Clean, safe and nice Amtrak people. read more

Amtrak is a great way to avoid traffic and allow you to relax. This is the reason I like taking the train instead of driving from Los Angeles to Oceanside. With this being said I am fed up with the delays. It has become more frequent with one of the four reasons constantly being used: an engine broke down, someone got hit, holiday or weather. With this being a constant problem you would think they would create a system to keep everything on track just like every other public transportation. This obviously has not been fixed because I wouldn't be writing this bad review. This weekend was my boyfriend's parent birthday so I decided after the visits I will take the train back. My departure was at 9:55 Sunday but sadly earlier in the morning someone committed suicide. Instead of reporting a delay everyone at the platform received a notification at 9:30 that there would be a delay. The delay kept pushing back until the arrival time was 2:30 am!!! I had work at 7:30 am so this obviously wouldn't have been ideal. Instead I switched tickets for the next day and called out sick to avoid getting fired. I woke up and arrived at the train. We received no service alerts of another delay... instead the transit center employees told everyone who is going northbound to go to a different platform and wait for a train that could take us. Our current temperature was almost 100 degrees but we all wanted to catch the train so we waited it out for the reward of AC. When the train arrived an hour later everyone was overheating and the conductor stepped out and told everyone waiting that they could not board because it's standing only. We tracked back to the transit center office and they said for us to wait in our original platform. Three hours later I am still waiting for the train with babies crying from the high temperatures next to me and elderly lady fanning her self. read more

The train station is really helpful for navigating up and down the coast, especially for college students because it's affordable and easy. Overall, I enjoy it because it's a quick and smooth ride. They're very easy going if you need to change your ticket etc. However, I have encounters a couple problems. One being that the tickets are oversold in the afternoons which usually just leaves standing room. Second, an unlimited amount of alcohol can be purchased. 2 out of the 5 times I've used the train, I have encountered a drunk fellow disturbing the overall atmosphere. Conductors don't seen to care that this is happening. read more

Yes the tickets to LA from oceanside were more than we thought but the two people working there, Mike and a woman whose name is didnt catch. Were so happy and full of laughter I honestly didnt mind. They were such nice people and I was surprised by how helpful and just happy to help and be there they were. read more

I commute from LA to Oceanside daily. Angelica (Condutor) on the 6:08am train out of Union Station is GREAT!!! But, Tony who works for the Oceanside station is rude, condescending, and belittles you when you have a question. I've personally seen and witnessed Tony giving the worst customer service I've seen in a very long time. Your employee clearly does not enjoy his job. His attitude SUCKS and he's unapproachable. Please do something about his attitude. read more

Very nice experience. Took the train from Oceanside to LA. The train was clean and the seats were comfy. The ticket takers were friendly and I will absolutely ride the train again. Toot Toot!! read more

This review is for the Oceanside train/transit station - the most useful & comprehensive transit station between LA & SD. Having grown up using northern European transit for many years - most of the US has a long way to go in the public transportation arena. Oceanside is an exception to this rule. Trains and buses leave in all directions 7 days a week from 4am - midnight. There is plenty of free parking for up to 72 hours and it is only blocks to the long sandy beaches of OSide! Also the train rides north and south hug the coastline with incredible coastal views of SoCal...enJoy! read more

As of January, 2018, this station has vastly improved and it is no longer a guessing game as to which platform your train will be at and what time it will be there. Homeless are still a problem but there seems to be an increased police presence and an effort being made to keep the station clean. At least construction is coming to an end and there are lighted signs, clear directions, and less chaos now. No last minute running down stairs and through tunnels to try and reach that train on the other side of the barrier. There is a real need for more and better maintained Metrolink ticket vending machines at this station but as far as Amtrak, things have improved. Now, if Amtrak could improve the personalities of the employees manning the ticket office, that would be wonderful. read more

These guys suck! I buy a round trip ticket and take the train from fullerton to oceanside to go with a friend to visit her mom in a memory care center. My return is at 744pm. I get to the station and at 746 i ask the agent the eta. She says theyre not letting on passengers because two stops before, the train is oversold and at capacity. How the hell do you sell me a ticket then pretty much sell my seat. Now im stuck in a seedy area for 2 1/2 hours till 1030pm. I hate, hate hate Amtrac. This has got to be illegal. read more

This is the worst station and train ever! Train 591 from Oceanside to union station has been delayed by over an hour and there is no inside hub! I have been waiting for over an hour in the cold and it keeps getting delayed! What a horrible experience. read more

I do not recommend this service . From oceanside to santa barbara. It took like 5 hours with obnoxious people loud drunk and no one from the service amtrack " did anything about it. Never again! And not only that 17 stops later . read more

Easy to get a ticket, easy to get schedule, easy to get on and off, easy to get back on...very comfortable ride...all around nice ride. The limited schedule is kind of a drag, that is why I gave it 4 stars. The trains were very clean, very well maintained...very easy to move around, very quiet. Just very comfortable!, it is nice to ride right along the ocean. read more

Amtrak is the biggest joke! I have never been on time when taking Amtrak. I am now over two hours late and they just stopped for twenty mins to let another train go by. Their reasoning for this is that we are already so late and the other train is on time so they decided we would just be more late! This company is a joke! Avoid the train if at all possible!!!! I will never travel by Amtrak again read more

I wouldn't recommend taking Amtrak if you're trying to get somewhere on time. Worse trip ever today taking the train from Chatsworth to Solona Beach. The train was a half hour late, ok bad but not horrible. We get to Union Station they decide to make it another half hour late by turning it into the next train. Ok, now I figure a hour late, this sucks. We end up waiting for other trains to pass and Lord knows what else. Now a hour and a half late for what was supposed to be a 3 hour trip. Train was old and beat up and air conditioning barely worked. Someone in higher management really SUCKS at his job. Save yourself the hassle and drive on the freeway. You would figure with what they charge they would invest in some better trains. read more

Booked our tickets and then was told we can't ride because we had bikes. Attendant was very rude and we were stuck in Oceanside because it was the last train. No questions about bikes until after tickets were purchased... Not even a sorry for the inconvenience from them. Bummed read more

Amtrak is the way to go! I took the train to Los Angeles from Solana Beach, and it was great. Decided to take Pacific Buisness Class, which is another more upgraded option from Coach. The attendents greeted me at the door, took my tickets, and I sat down on the top level. It's really neet to ride 90 MPH trough Carlsbad, and past the stopped cars on the I-5. I had a snack from the Cafe Car, right next to the Buisness Class Car, and just relaxed. Arrived in LA on time. Anyway, great ride and great train. Deffinetely taking it again! read more