We didn’t need a rental car thanks to Amtrak! We traveled from Santa Ana to Santa Barbara via the Pacific Liner. We bought business class seats. We had hoped to get a table, but the five tables were taken by the time we got on. Complimentary wine on board. Food to go available in the dining cafe. Just know which track you need to be on for departure. Ask staff questions to make sure you are waiting at the right platform. They don’t stay in the station long. So hop on. And try to hop on at your section since there are stairs to traverse if you get in on the wrong end. For example. We arrived to Santa Ana station and had to take the elevator to the bridge, cross the bridge, take the elevator down to the right platform. Then we were at the front section on the platform and got on and had to lug our luggage to the back to business class and up and down stairs. Exterior is marked as to which section you are entering. And sit on the left side for an ocean view.

This is a nice train station. This train goes from downtown LA to San Luis Obispo. There are several windows for ticket purchases and plenty of seating however on weekends it was quite busy.There was a large parking lot for those starting their trip in SB. There was not really much of a station in smaller places like Carpinteria or Ventura until you are close to the LA area.Nice way to travel and avoid the freeway traffic and hassles.