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San Diego to LA - train or fly?

In the early stages of planning and wondering which would be better, fly or train ? Not in any hurry but fancy the train if it's scenic. I do have a bucket load of airmiles that I can use too. Sept trip. Thoughts?

Traveling between San Diego and Los Angeles offers a few options, each with pros and cons depending on what you value: convenience, scenery, or comfort.

Train (Amtrak Pacific Surfliner)

The Pacific Surfliner runs along the coast from San Diego to LA and is one of the most scenic train rides in California. The journey typically takes about 2 hours and 45 minutes to 3 hours.

  • Pros:
    • Beautiful coastal views along much of the route, especially near Oceanside and Dana Point.
    • No hassle with airport security or car rental; you can relax or work onboard.
    • Stations are centrally located: downtown San Diego (Santa Fe Depot) and Union Station in LA.
    • More environmentally friendly than flying.
  • Cons:
    • Slower than flying if you are in a hurry.
    • Fewer departure options compared to multiple daily flights.
    • Onboard food and beverage options are limited compared to a flight.

Flying

Flights between SAN and LAX are very frequent and only take about 1 hour of flight time. However, you need to consider airport security, baggage handling, and transportation to and from airports.

  • Pros:
    • Faster overall travel time if you factor in departure and arrival times.
    • Easy to use airmiles for free or discounted travel.
    • Plenty of daily options for flexibility.
  • Cons:
    • Traffic and time getting to/from airports can eat into the time saved.
    • Security lines, boarding, and possible delays.
    • No scenic views like the train along the coast.

Recommendation: If you’re not in a hurry, value scenery, and enjoy a relaxed ride, the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner is a great experience and quite comfortable. If you prefer speed and can make good use of your airmiles, flying is efficient, but it comes with the usual airport hassles. Both options are viable; it depends on whether you want the journey to be part of the experience or just a means to get from point A to B.

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