Amtrak's Pacific Surfliner launched a new daily round trip service between Los Angeles and San Diego on January 26, 2026, bringing the total number of daily trips to 13. This addition greatly improves connectivity for travelers between the two major Californian cities, which are roughly a three-hour journey apart. The increased service is part of an initiative to enhance public transport options in the region.

In conjunction with the new service, Amtrak is also offering a promotional discount of up to 20% for train travel booked by March 13, 2026. This discount lowers the regular ticket prices from the typical range of $36 to $55, making them more accessible at approximately $30 to $44. This promotion is expected to encourage more passengers to opt for rail travel rather than traditional car or air travel.

The expansion of the Amtrak service is a significant development for the transportation landscape in California, potentially impacting local tourism, business travel, and daily commuting. The addition of more round trips may alleviate congestion and promote a shift towards sustainable travel, aligning with broader efforts to improve public transportation in urban areas across the United States.