Amtrak travel plans and ideas in 2023

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We have a R/T Austin-SLO planned in July. The R/T Sunset/TE and NB Starlight are purchased.

On the return from SLO I have the choice of SB Surfliner at about 6 AM leaving us in LAX metrolounge for ten hours or SB Starlight, leaving about 3:30PM from SLO arriving in LAX at 9:11 PM. That leaves a presumed 49 minute window to catch the returning EB Sunset Limited/Texas Eagle.

We are thinking to take the morning Surfliner, afraid of delays on the Starlight that would make us miss our connection. We are sure many of you have experience with these connections and we would truly welcome your advice.
 
We have a R/T Austin-SLO planned in July. The R/T Sunset/TE and NB Starlight are purchased.

On the return from SLO I have the choice of SB Surfliner at about 6 AM leaving us in LAX metrolounge for ten hours or SB Starlight, leaving about 3:30PM from SLO arriving in LAX at 9:11 PM. That leaves a presumed 49 minute window to catch the returning EB Sunset Limited/Texas Eagle.

We are thinking to take the morning Surfliner, afraid of delays on the Starlight that would make us miss our connection. We are sure many of you have experience with these connections and we would truly welcome your advice.
If the Amtrak website lets you book the Starlight-Eagle connection it should be guaranteed, meaning that amtrak will get you to there one way or another (holding your train or taking a bus to catch up to the train). However I think some connections have been dropped from being guaranteed so maybe have someone else confirm that.

If you take the Surfliner down you can always check out Olvera street across from Union Station. I’m sure there are plenty of activities to be found.
 
I've done this connection @ LAX many times, usually from the Starlight to the Sunset/Eaglette when it was Guaranteed, ( on occasions where the Starlight was running extremely Late, we were switched to the San Joaquin/ Amtrak Thru Way Bus to LAX.)

I'm not current on the Thruway Bus Schedules now, but it used to be possible to ride one in Daylight from SLO to Santa Barbara where you could hop on an earlier Surfliner to LAX.

IINM the connections from the Late Surfliner and Starlight to the Sunset/Eaglette are no longer Guaranteed.

Since you're riding from SLO on a Surfliner, I recommend you take the early one and spend a relaxing day in LA which can include Lunch @ Philippe, Supper @ Olvera Street and riding around LA on the Rails and/or walking around downtown which has plenty to see and do within a couple of miles of Union Station( hop on the Red Line @ Union Station)

Your luggage can be left in the Metro Lounge( they check it into what used to be the Conference Room)
 
Since you're riding from SLO on a Surfliner, I recommend you take the early one and spend a relaxing day in LA which can include Lunch @ Philippe, Supper @ Olvera Street and riding around LA on the Rails and/or walking around downtown which has plenty to see and do within a couple of miles of Union Station( hop on the Red Line @ Union Station)
Maybe ride the Angels Flight funicular, which seems to be about a mile walk on Google Maps, or less if you ride partway on the Red or Purple Line.
 
From your Austin compatriots,
I've done this connection @ LAX many times, usually from the Starlight to the Sunset/Eaglette when it was Guaranteed, ( on occasions where the Starlight was running extremely Late, we were switched to the San Joaquin/ Amtrak Thru Way Bus to LAX.)

I'm not current on the Thruway Bus Schedules now, but it used to be possible to ride one in Daylight from SLO to Santa Barbara where you could hop on an earlier Surfliner to LAX.

IINM the connections from the Late Surfliner and Starlight to the Sunset/Eaglette are no longer Guaranteed.

Since you're riding from SLO on a Surfliner, I recommend you take the early one and spend a relaxing day in LA which can include Lunch @ Philippe, Supper @ Olvera Street and riding around LA on the Rails and/or walking around downtown which has plenty to see and do within a couple of miles of Union Station( hop on the Red Line @ Union Station)

Your luggage can be left in the Metro Lounge( they check it into what used to be the Conference Room)
From your Austin compatriots, thanks for a definitive answer. We are early risers, so 6:11 AM in SLO for the Surfliner is no problem. Your suggestions about the afternoon in LA certainly will help make the ten hours go quickly.

@Cal: Thanks for your thoughtful reply, as well.

@joelkfla: Thanks, and keep those suggestions coming!
 
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From your Austin compatriots,

From your Austin compatriots, thanks for a definitive answer. We are early risers, so 6:11 AM in SLO for the Surfliner is no problem. Your suggestions about the afternoon in LA certainly will help make the ten hours go quickly.

@Cal: Thanks for your thoughtful reply, as well.

@joelkfla: Thanks, and keep those suggestions coming!
Angel's Flight + Central Market across the street can fill your time and your tummy on a layover. I've enjoyed both.

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I've done this connection @ LAX many times, usually from the Starlight to the Sunset/Eaglette when it was Guaranteed, ( on occasions where the Starlight was running extremely Late, we were switched to the San Joaquin/ Amtrak Thru Way Bus to LAX.)

I'm not current on the Thruway Bus Schedules now, but it used to be possible to ride one in Daylight from SLO to Santa Barbara where you could hop on an earlier Surfliner to LAX.

IINM the connections from the Late Surfliner and Starlight to the Sunset/Eaglette are no longer Guaranteed.

Since you're riding from SLO on a Surfliner, I recommend you take the early one and spend a relaxing day in LA which can include Lunch @ Philippe, Supper @ Olvera Street and riding around LA on the Rails and/or walking around downtown which has plenty to see and do within a couple of miles of Union Station( hop on the Red Line @ Union Station)

Your luggage can be left in the Metro Lounge( they check it into what used to be the Conference Room)
Spending 10 hrs moseying around LA beats taking a chance on riding the Joaquin plus a hound.
 
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