Train or Bus from LA to San Diego?? (Los Angeles, San Clemente: car rental, rental)

[riaselva]

Hi everyone,

I am planning to travel between Los Angeles and San Diego but want to know which is the better option: Train or Bus??

Would appreciate any suggestions please!

[Paula Lynn]

I'd do the train - it would be more scenic.

[Lovehound]

Wait!?! What?!? That's even a question?

The train! The train!

A bus is just another stinky vehicle on the crowded freeway. You might as well just have somebody club you on your head and stuff you in the trunk of their car, drive to San Diego, and then let you out when you get there.

The train trip is a scenic treasure. There's no doubt in my mind which to pick.

And when you get to San Diego, go visit the Cove at La Jolla, then drive up the hill above to Mt. Soledad. There's a nice scenic viewpoint that is well worth the drive.

[jksouthbay88]

I have friends that took the Amtrak a few times.Good reviews and pretty budget friendly.

[happ]

Definitely take the train. It is very comfortable, lots of room, you can eat & drink beer or eat in the dinning car for more formal dinning. The pace is perfect & the scenery is fantastic. The train drops right down to beach level around San Clemente.

[Winston Smith]

Another vote for the train. The Surfliner is a great way to travel up and down the coast. Clean, comfortable and very reliable. Thanks to Amtrak, I discovered Stone Pale Ale at the cafe car!

[Christine Joan]

Another vote for the train. It seems to always have good AC, allows you to drink a beverage or have a snack, has plenty of room to read, stretch out and has seats with tables, so you can even get work done, if you bring a laptop and tire of looking out the window. Also, it is comfortable ride. Plus, when you land in San Diego it is easy to get to whereever you need to go as the train station usually has a car rental company nearby if you need to rent a car. Oftentimes, bus stations are not in a good section of town.

[riaselva]

thanks for your help... looks like i'll be taking the train then!! do you know if i have to book in advance or can i just show up on the day?

[LASam]

AMTRAK for sure!

[Christine Joan]

Usually you can show up at Union Station on the date that you want to take the train to San Diego, but make sure you get there early in case there is a line at the ticket booth. Because so many more people are taking the train these days, you should check to make you don't need a reservation. They have a website Amtrak or you can call 1-800-872-7245. Enjoy the trip. I love San Diego. ;o)