Fullerton, California, is a popular destination, and train travel has advantages over flying and driving, especially with the scenic routes that trains take. Fullerton is a popular city with a thriving artistic culture and good restaurants. One of the best parts about Fullerton is that it has great rail access.
In this guide, everything that there is to know about trains to Fullerton is compiled, including what train services come to Fullerton, the cost of train tickets, how to buy them, what the train station is like, and other good tips for first-time train travelers.
Why Take a Train to Fullerton? Top Reasons to Choose Rail Travel
There are so many options for travel to choose from, you could think: Why choose the train? The following are top motives that make thousands of travellers favor rail travel to Fullerton each year:
- Comfort and Space: Trains have more room, a wider seating area, and the freedom to move about in comparison to planes and cars that are cramped. Get your legs moving, stroll through the restaurant, or relax and take in the views.
- No airport Hassles: Do not bother with the TSA line, baggage fee as well as the 2-hour wait before boarding. Train stations typically are located within the city center, making the process of boarding and departing much easier.
- Environmentally friendly travel: trains produce significantly less carbon emissions per person-mile in comparison to private automobiles and airplanes. Rail travel can be an effective way of reducing the environmental impact.
- Scenic Routes: Traveling on Amtrak across the American Southwest offers breathtaking views of mountains, deserts, valleys, and coastlines that can’t be seen from 35,000 feet.
- City-Center Arrivals: Fullerton-Rensselaer Train station is conveniently situated, putting you in easy reach of the downtown area of Fullerton and local eateries, hotels, and other places to visit.
- Relax and work on Board: With free Wi-Fi along most routes, electricity outlets in seats, as well as eating cars You can take a break, work, or unwind as the miles go along.
- Excellent value: Train travel, which is booked well in advance, typically offers lower prices when compared with last-minute travel, in particular when you take into account baggage costs and transportation from airports.
Which Trains Go to Fullerton? Major Rail Services Explained
Fullerton, California boasts two primary rail services that transport passengers across regional and national destinations:
1. Amtrak – Long-Distance and Regional Rail
Amtrak is the main train operator for national passengers across the United States, and Fullerton is one of the major stops along its many well-known routes. Two Amtrak train lines serve Fullerton directly:
- Pacific Surfliner: One of the most frequent Amtrak routes within the US. The Pacific Surfliner runs along the beautiful Southern California coast. The line connects San Luis Obispo to San Diego and stops at Fullerton at various points along the route. The service is available multiple times a day.
- Southwest Chief: This lengthy train travels from Chicago up to Los Angeles, passing through states such as Kansas, Colorado, New Mexico, as well as Arizona before arriving in California. The train stops in Fullerton as it travels into and out of Los Angeles. Los Angeles area.
2. Metrolink – Southern California Commuter Rail
Metrolink is the commuter rail system that serves Greater Los Angeles and Orange County. Fullerton is served by two Metrolink trains:
- Orange County Line: Connects Fullerton with Los Angeles Union Station (LAUS) as well as cities across Orange County, including Anaheim, Santa Ana, Irvine, and Oceanside.
- 91/Perris Valley Line: Connects Fullerton to Riverside and Perris via Corona.
| Rail Service | Type | Key Routes Served | Frequency |
| Amtrak Pacific Surfliner | Regional Rail | San Luis Obispo – San Diego via Fullerton | 10-12 trips/day |
| Amtrak Southwest Chief | Long-Distance | Chicago – Los Angeles via Fullerton | 1 trip/day each way |
| Metrolink Orange County Line | Commuter Rail | LA Union Station – Oceanside | Multiple daily |
| Metrolink 91/Perris Valley Line | Commuter Rail | LA Union Station – Perris | Multiple daily |
Popular Train Routes to Fullerton From Major US Cities
Because of where Fullerton is located on major Amtrak Corridors, you can get there from cities across the nation. The following are the busiest routes:
| Departure City | Train Service | Approx. Duration | Estimated Fare (Economy) |
| Los Angeles, CA | Metrolink / Pacific Surfliner | ~35-45 min | $10-$30 |
| San Diego, CA | Pacific Surfliner | ~1h 45min – 2h | $20-$45 |
| Santa Barbara, CA | Pacific Surfliner | ~3h 30min | $30-$60 |
| San Luis Obispo, CA | Pacific Surfliner | ~5h 30min | $40-$80 |
| Chicago, IL | Southwest Chief | ~40-44 hours | $150-$350+ |
| Albuquerque, NM | Southwest Chief | ~18-20 hours | $100-$200+ |
| Kansas City, MO | Southwest Chief | ~28-32 hours | $120-$250+ |
| New York City, NY | Southwest Chief + connection | ~65-70+ hours | $200-$500+ |
Note: Fares and trip durations are subject to change according to season and booking date and class of travel. Visit Amtrak.com for the most up-to-date fares and schedules.
NYC to Fullerton Train: Schedule, Duration & Ticket Tips
One of the most popular train journeys people search for in America is from New York City to Fullerton (or Los Angeles). It’s a long trip, but it crosses beautiful scenic locations through the heart of America.
The Route
There isn’t a single route that is direct that runs from New York City to Fullerton. Most routes involve:
Step 1. Take Amtrak’s Lakeshore Limited or another eastbound train service starting from New York Penn Station to Chicago Union Station.
Step 2. Once you arrive in Chicago, then change to the Southwest Chief and depart towards Los Angeles.
Step 3. The Southwest Chief arrives at Fullerton Station prior to arriving at Los Angeles Union Station.
Travel Time
Expect the trip to take 65 to 75 hours with connections and stops taken into account. Lots of people like to buy a sleeper car for this trip, which has your meals and a private roomette or bedroom included.
Sample Schedule (Approximate)
| Leg | Departure | Arrival | Duration |
| NYC Penn Station → Chicago Union Station | Daily departures | ~18-20 hours later | ~18-20 hrs |
| Layover in Chicago | Varies | Varies | 2-8 hrs |
| Chicago → Fullerton (Southwest Chief) | 3:20 PM daily | Next day ~8:45 PM | ~43 hrs |
Ticket Tips for the NYC-Fullerton Route
- Make sure to book at least 3-4 weeks prior to departure for the most competitive prices on both flights.
- Consider purchasing the possibility of a Rail Pass if you plan to travel through multiple cities throughout the trip.
- Cabins for sleepers along the Southwest Chief include meals -include this in the cost assessment.
- Make sure to check for bookings with Multi-City on Amtrak.com for the purpose of combining both trains into one booking.
Fullerton Train Travel Tips for First-Time Passengers
Traveling by train for the first time? Here’s what you need to know to make your journey to Fullerton smooth and enjoyable:
- Arrive Early: Aim to arrive at the station at least 30 minutes before departure for Amtrak trains and 15 minutes for Metrolink.
- Pack Light or Check Bags: Amtrak allows 2 carry-on bags plus 2 checked bags (fees apply for checked baggage on some routes). Overhead racks and under-seat storage are available.
- Download the App: The Amtrak app allows you to manage bookings, check train status, and access your eTicket – no printing needed.
- Bring Snacks and Entertainment: While Amtrak trains have a cafe car, long-distance trips are more enjoyable with your own snacks, headphones, and a downloaded playlist or show.
- Outlet Access: Most Amtrak seats have electrical outlets. Bring a power strip with a short cord for extra charging convenience.
- Use the Lounge Car: On long-distance routes, the Sightseer Lounge offers panoramic windows – perfect for enjoying the American landscape.
- Book a Roomette for Long Trips: If you’re traveling 20+ hours, a sleeper room turns the journey into a comfortable experience rather than an endurance test.
- Check for Delays: Amtrak trains frequently run slightly behind schedule, especially long-distance ones. Plan buffer time into your itinerary.
Direct and Connecting Train Routes to Fullerton
Understanding your route to Fullerton helps in planning your trip:
Direct Routes
If you’re on the Pacific Surfliner corridor (San Diego, LA, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo), then you have a direct train to Fullerton with no transfers.
Also, if you’re on the Southwest Chief in Chicago, your train goes directly to Fullerton with no transfer.
Connecting Routes
If you’re on the East Coast, the Midwest (except Chicago), and the Southeast, you have at least one transfer. This usually is in Chicago (for the Southwest Chief) or in Los Angeles (for the Pacific Surfliner).
| Origin | Connection City | Final Train to Fullerton |
| New York City | Chicago | Southwest Chief |
| Washington D.C. | Chicago | Southwest Chief |
| Seattle / Portland | Los Angeles | Pacific Surfliner |
| San Francisco | Los Angeles (via Coast Starlight) | Pacific Surfliner |
| Phoenix / Tucson | Los Angeles (via Sunset Limited) | Pacific Surfliner |
| New Orleans / Houston | Los Angeles (via Sunset Limited) | Pacific Surfliner |
Business Class vs Coach on Fullerton Trains
One of the many decisions you face when booking a train to Fullerton is which class of service to select. The following provides a clear breakdown:
| Feature | Coach Class | Business Class | Sleeper (Long-Distance) |
| Seat Width | Standard reclining | Wider, extra legroom | Private room/bed |
| Meals Included | No | No (café available) | Yes (all meals) |
| Power Outlets | Yes (most trains) | Yes | Yes |
| Wi-Fi | Yes (where available) | Yes | Yes |
| Price Premium | Base fare | +30-60% over coach | +100-300% over coach |
| Best For | Short/medium trips | Comfort-focused travelers | Overnight/long-distance |
| Pacific Surfliner | Available | Available | N/A |
| Southwest Chief | Available | N/A | Available (Roomette/Bedroom) |
For short Metrolink or Pacific Surfliner trips (less than 3 hours), Coach is just fine. For long trips on the Southwest Chief, you should definitely consider a Sleeper – it changes the whole game.
Fullerton Train Station: Everything You Need to Know About Fullerton-Rensselaer Station
About the Station
The Fullerton-Rensselaer Train Station, also known as Fullerton Station, is a historic, elegant building located right in the center of downtown Fullerton, CA. The originally 1930-built station has been carefully maintained and provides access to the city and the greater Southern California Rail system.
Key Station Features
| Feature | Details |
| Amtrak Ticket Office | Yes – staffed during train hours |
| Metrolink Ticket Machines | Yes – self-service kiosks |
| Waiting Area | Indoor, climate-controlled |
| Restrooms | Available |
| Parking | Public parking lot and garage nearby |
| Taxi / Rideshare Pickup | Available outside main entrance |
| Bicycle Parking | Available |
| ADA Accessibility | Fully accessible platform and facilities |
| Baggage Services | Amtrak checked baggage available |
| Food/Coffee Nearby | Several cafes and restaurants within walking distance |
Getting From the Station to Your Destination
Centrally located Fullerton Station allows easy travel to other destinations:
- On foot Downtown: Fullerton’s restaurants and stores, and entertainment venues are accessible on foot from the train station (5-15 15 minutes).
- Rideshare: Uber as well as Lyft both provide service at the station. Expect wait times of 2-5 minutes typically.
- Bus Local: OCTA buses serve areas close to the station, offering low-cost local transportation.
- Bicycle racks are in the station: A variety of bicycle rental services are available nearby.
How to Book Train Tickets to Fullerton: Step-by-Step Guide
Here’s how you can book a train ticket to Fullerton the easy way.
- Go to Amtrak.com or launch the Amtrak mobile application.
- Input the city of your departure in the field ‘From’ as well as ‘Fullerton, CA ‘ in the ‘To’ field.
- Choose your preferred travel date as well as the number of people you intend to take with you.
- Find Trains’ button to see available departures as well as costs.
- Pick your favorite train or travel class (Coach, Business, Sleeper, or Coach) as well as the seat.
- Sign up or sign in to the account of your Amtrak Guest Rewards account for points.
- Fill in the passenger’s details as well as payment details.
- Check your booking confirmation and save your ticket to the app. You can also take it to print.
Booking via Metrolink
For Metrolink commuter trains, there are three ticket purchasing options. You can either go directly to the stations or use the Metrolink app or the Metrolink website. Zones price tickets on Metrolink.
Helpful Booking Tips
- You can book a round trip for a lower cost – Amtrak often has discounts on round-trip tickets.
- Join Amtrak Guest Rewards prior to making a reservation to earn points towards the cost of travel.
- Make sure you check your email for Rail Sale emails as well as Amtrak promotional offers – substantial discounts are available frequently.
- Make use of the flexible Date search to find costs across multiple days.
Fullerton Train Ticket Price: How Much Does It Cost & How to Save Money
The price of tickets to Fullerton varies based on travel route, dates, class, and season. The following is a basic price guide.
| Route | Coach (Economy) | Business Class | Sleeper Roomette |
| Los Angeles → Fullerton (Metrolink) | $10-$15 | N/A | N/A |
| San Diego → Fullerton (Pacific Surfliner) | $20-$45 | $40-$75 | N/A |
| Santa Barbara → Fullerton | $30-$65 | $55-$100 | N/A |
| Chicago → Fullerton (Southwest Chief) | $150-$280 | N/A | $350-$700+ |
| New York → Fullerton (multi-leg) | $200-$450 | N/A | $600-$1,200+ |
| Albuquerque → Fullerton | $100-$180 | N/A | $280-$500+ |
Top Ways to Save Money on Train Tickets to Fullerton
- The cheapest rates sell out quickly: Pre-booking 3-6 weeks in advance guarantees the most competitive price.
- Travel mid-week: Tuesday and Wednesday departures tend to be less expensive than weekends.
- Make use of Amtrak Rail Pass: If you plan to travel on multiple occasions, using a USA Rail Pass offers significant savings.
- AAA, Senior and student discounts: Amtrak gives 10% discounts to senior citizens (65plus) and military personnel, students, or AAA members.
- Subscribe to alerts about Rail Sales: Amtrak offers promotions via email which usually offer 25-50 percent off selected routes.
- Children’s fare: Children aged 2-12 travel 50% less than the adult rate.
Best Time to Visit Fullerton by Train: Seasonal Travel Tips
Fullerton has a nostalgic Southern California climate- it’s warm and sunny nearly all year. Still, certain times of the year are better than others for trips:
| Season | Weather | Crowds | Train Fares | Best For |
| Spring (Mar-May) | Mild, 65-75°F | Moderate | Moderate | Outdoor events, festivals |
| Summer (Jun-Aug) | Warm, 75-90°F | High | Higher | Attractions, entertainment |
| Fall (Sep-Nov) | Ideal, 65-80°F | Lower | Lower | Best overall experience |
| Winter (Dec-Feb) | Cool, 55-68°F | Low | Lowest | Budget travel, quiet visit |
Seasonal Event Highlights in Fullerton
- The season of spring is here: Fullerton Museum Center exhibitions and outdoor performances at Hillcrest Park.
- Summer time: Fullerton Arboretum summer programs, Downtown Fullerton Art Walk.
- October: Halloween celebrations at Old Town, Fullerton Jazz Festival.
- Christmas: Lights for the holidays celebrations, peaceful streets and hotel rooms at a discounted rate.
Train vs Bus vs Car to Fullerton: Which Is the Best Way to Travel?
Taking public transport or driving to Fullerton? Here is a comparison to help you decide:
| Factor | Train | Bus (Greyhound/Flixbus) | Car (Personal/Rental) |
| Comfort | High – wide seats, move freely | Low-Medium – limited space | Varies by vehicle |
| Speed | Fast for short/mid routes | Comparable to train | Fastest for short trips |
| Cost | Moderate (book early for best) | Often cheapest option | Gas + tolls + parking |
| Flexibility | Fixed schedules | Fixed schedules | Full flexibility |
| Parking at Destination | No parking needed | No parking needed | Parking fees in Fullerton |
| Environmental Impact | Low | Low-Medium | High |
| Luggage Allowance | Generous (Amtrak) | Limited | Unlimited |
| Scenic Experience | Excellent | Moderate | Good (if scenic route chosen) |
| Best For | Comfort, long distances | Budget travelers | Groups, rural connections |
Our Take: For the majority of people traveling to Southern California, the Pacific Surfliner train is the obvious winner. It’s cheap, comfortable, and simple. If you are a long-distance traveler that are coming from either the Midwest or the East Coast, the Southwest Chief, which has an overnight cabin, can be an unforgettable option to travel across the nation.
Frequently Asked Questions
1: Is there a direct Amtrak train to Fullerton?
Yes. Fullerton is a direct stop on both the Pacific Surfliner and Southwest Chief – no transfer needed.
2: How far is Fullerton from Los Angeles by train?
About 27 miles – just 35-45 minutes via Metrolink or Pacific Surfliner.
3: What is the Fullerton train station called?
Fullerton Station, 120 East Santa Fe Ave, Fullerton, CA 92832 – steps from downtown.
4: How much does a ticket to Fullerton cost from Los Angeles?
Metrolink $10-$15—Amtrak Pacific Surfliner $20-$45 Coach class.
5: How do I get from Fullerton Station to downtown?
It’s already downtown – most attractions are a 5-15 min walk. Uber, Lyft, and OCTA buses are also available.
6: Can I take the train from New York to Fullerton?
Yes – Lake Shore Limited to Chicago, then Southwest Chief to Fullerton. Total: ~65-75 hours.
7: Does Fullerton Station have parking?
Yes – surface lots and a parking garage available at affordable rates.
8: Amtrak or Metrolink – which is better for Fullerton?
Metrolink for local LA/OC trips. Pacific Surfliner for San Diego/Santa Barbara. Southwest Chief for long-distance travel.
9: What is the baggage policy?
2 free carry-ons (50 lbs each) + 2 personal items. Checked bags $20-$30 on select routes. Metrolink has no formal limits.
10: Is train travel to Fullerton safe?
Yes. Fullerton Station is well-lit, staffed, and centrally located. Standard travel awareness applies.