Live Your Best Lives
  1. Travel FAQs
  2. United States
  3. California (CA)
  4. San Diego

Surfliner train: Old Town depot or Santa Fe?

Hi everyone, we will be travelling from Anaheim to San Diego, two adults with two children 13 and 9. We will have 4 LARGE suitcases plus carry ons - how long does the Surfliner train stop at Old Town? We will likely stay in Mission Beach/Bay area, so old town is closer for an Uber, but I don't it to be a panic and rushing to get off with heavy (23kg) suitcases. Are we best to stay on until the end of the line? thanks

The Amtrak Surfliner train is a convenient way to travel from Anaheim to San Diego, especially with children, but managing large luggage requires some planning. The train stops at both Old Town and Santa Fe Depot in San Diego, but there are a few important points to consider for your situation.

Regarding the stop at Old Town:

  • The stop at Old Town is typically brief—usually around 1–2 minutes. Passengers are expected to be ready to disembark quickly, so getting off with four large suitcases could be stressful.
  • There is no checked baggage service at Old Town, so all luggage must be carried off the train by the passengers themselves.
  • Assistance from train staff may be limited, so heavy luggage and children may make it a bit hectic if you try to get off at Old Town.

Santa Fe Depot is the end-of-the-line station for most Surfliner trains:

  • The train will dwell longer at Santa Fe Depot, giving you more time to safely gather luggage and exit without rushing.
  • Santa Fe Depot has elevators, escalators, and more staff assistance compared to Old Town, which is convenient when handling heavy luggage.
  • From Santa Fe Depot, an Uber or taxi to Mission Beach/Bay area will be slightly longer than from Old Town, but the extra time and less stress with your suitcases may make it worthwhile.

In summary, while Old Town is geographically closer to Mission Beach, getting off with four large 23kg suitcases and two children in a 1–2 minute window can be stressful. Staying on until Santa Fe Depot is safer and more manageable. You can then arrange an Uber or Lyft from there to Mission Beach, which is a straightforward ride and more comfortable with heavy luggage.

Additional tips:

  • Consider packing one smaller bag with essentials for the ride so you don’t have to open all suitcases quickly during a short stop.
  • If you do want to try Old Town, inform the conductor when boarding—they may advise the best car position for quicker disembarkation.
  • Plan for extra time in your schedule to account for luggage transfer from Santa Fe Depot to your final destination.

More San Diego Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

San Diego

Popular Destinations

Zhou Enlai Youth Reading Room
Zhongshanmen Park
Xilin County
Weizhou Island-Shiluokou Beach

Popular Travel Questions