Pacific Surfliner, more to resume along reinforced coastal rail line on June 7

Equipment positioned along the coastal rail line used by Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner.
(Photo courtesy of OCTA)

Pacific Surfliner Service Fully Restored After Major Cliff Reinforcement Project Completion

SAN CLEMENTE, Calif. — After months of extensive cliff stabilization work, full passenger rail service between San Diego and Los Angeles has resumed along the critical LOSSAN corridor, officials announced today. The restoration marks the end of the most comprehensive coastal bluff reinforcement project in the corridor's history.

The Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) and partner agencies completed emergency cliff stabilization work at Mariposa Point in San Clemente, installing new catchment walls, drainage systems, and protective barriers designed to prevent future landslides that have repeatedly disrupted service over the past three years.

"This rail line is vital for the safe movement of people and goods in Orange County and the region," said OCTA Chair Tam T. Nguyen. "We've moved forward on many fronts, along with all our partners and stakeholders, to make sure we are protecting the coastal rail line for many years to come."

Service Fully Operational

The Los Angeles-San Diego-San Luis Obispo (LOSSAN) Rail Corridor Agency, which manages the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner service, confirmed that all 13 daily roundtrips between Los Angeles and San Diego are now operational, representing the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic that the route has operated at full capacity.

The restoration comes as ridership on the Pacific Surfliner increased 20 percent in 2024, to more than 2 million passengers, despite operating with reduced service during much of the year due to cliff stability concerns.

Comprehensive Safety Measures

The completed project included installation of advanced monitoring systems to detect soil movement, construction of reinforced retaining walls, and strategic placement of protective boulder barriers known as riprap. The initial assessment identified seven areas along the coastal stretch requiring reinforcement and monitoring to prevent additional soil and debris from falling into the rail right of way.

Meanwhile, parallel stabilization efforts continue in Del Mar, where SANDAG is implementing a $88 million Phase 5 stabilization project designed to protect the coastal bluffs and railroad for the next 30 years. That project involves installing additional support columns and extending seawalls to protect against high tides and coastal erosion.

Federal Investment Boosts Service

The service restoration coincides with significant federal investment in the corridor. In January 2025, the LOSSAN Agency received a $27 million grant from the Federal Railroad Administration to fund the restoration of three additional daily roundtrips, bringing service levels back to pre-pandemic frequency.

"Every year, the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner train connects millions of people across our region," said Congressman Mike Levin, whose district includes much of the coastal corridor. "Whether it's helping to get fans to Padres games or visit local businesses and beaches, the train is a critical part of our communities."

National Defense and Economic Impact

The 351-mile LOSSAN corridor supports more than $1 billion in annual freight volume and serves as part of the Defense Department's Strategic Rail Corridor Network, linking military bases including Camp Pendleton and Naval Base San Diego.

The route's repeated shutdowns due to coastal erosion have highlighted the vulnerability of California's transportation infrastructure to climate change impacts. Gov. Gavin Newsom signed legislation extending funding for research into early warning systems for landslides and cliff erosion in hot spots such as Del Mar and San Clemente.

Looking Ahead

While celebrating the service restoration, officials acknowledge that long-term solutions may require more dramatic measures. OCTA is advocating for a state-led capital project to address concerns along the entire 351-mile LOSSAN corridor, with potential solutions that could eventually include moving portions of the rail line inland.

SANDAG continues environmental review of multiple alignment alternatives for the San Diego section, including options to relocate tracks away from vulnerable coastal bluffs entirely.

For now, passengers can once again enjoy uninterrupted service along one of America's most scenic rail routes, with the peace of mind that comes from knowing extensive safety measures are in place to protect this vital transportation link.

Passengers are advised to check pacificsurfliner.com for the latest schedules and service information.

Sidebar: Using Surfliner versus Air from San Diego to LAX 

I searched for flight information from San Diego (SAN) to LAX and transportation to SAN airport to compare with the rail option. Based on my research, here's a detailed comparison between using the Pacific Surfliner and flying from SAN to LAX:

Flight Option: Rancho Penasquitos → SAN → LAX

Step 1: Rancho Penasquitos to San Diego Airport (SAN)

• Take MTS Bus Route 20 to Fashion Valley Transit Center, then transfer to airport service
• Total time: approximately 1 hour 14 minutes
• Cost: $2.50 with PRONTO (includes transfers within 2-hour window)

Step 2: Flight SAN to LAX

• Airlines: United Airlines and Delta Air Lines offer direct flights
• Flight time: approximately 55-67 minutes
• Must arrive 2 hours before departure
• Cost: $33-50+ depending on airline and booking timing

Total Flight Option:

• Time: ~5.5-6 hours (1.25 hrs to airport + 2 hrs early arrival + 1 hr flight + 0.5 hr deplaning/exit)
• Cost: $35.50-$52.50
• Convenience: You're already at LAX

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Rail Option: Rancho Penasquitos → San Diego → Los Angeles → LAX

As previously detailed:

• Time: ~4.5-5.5 hours
• Cost: $45.25-$65.25
• Convenience: Need additional transport from Union Station to LAX

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Comparison Summary

Factor	Flight Option	Rail Option
Total Time	5.5-6 hours	4.5-5.5 hours
Total Cost	$35.50-$52.50	$45.25-$65.25
Convenience	Direct to LAX	Need FlyAway bus to LAX
Comfort	Airport waiting/cramped flight	Scenic train ride
Flexibility	Fixed flight times	Multiple daily departures (11 daily roundtrips)

Key Considerations

Flight Advantages:

• Lower cost ($10-15 cheaper on average)
• Direct arrival at LAX (no additional transport needed)
• Multiple daily flights with good frequency

Rail Advantages:

• Potentially faster (30-60 minutes shorter total time)
• More comfortable journey with scenic coastal views
• More flexible timing
• No early arrival requirement like airports

Flight Disadvantages:

• Airport security delays can extend total time
• Less scenic/comfortable than train
• Weather/air traffic delays possible

Rail Disadvantages:

• Higher cost
• Extra step to get from Union Station to LAX
• Ongoing construction projects may affect schedules

Recommendation

Choose the flight if: You prioritize cost savings and want the simplest routing directly to LAX.

Choose the train if: You value comfort, scenery, and don't mind paying slightly more for a potentially faster and more pleasant journey.

Both options have similar total travel times when accounting for all factors, making cost and personal preference the deciding factors.

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Sources

1. Orange County Transportation Authority. "OCTA Continues Rail Protection Work on Both Emergency and Longer-Term Basis." Press Release. March 12, 2024. https://www.octa.net/news/news-releases/octa-continues-rail-protection-work-on-both-emergency-and-longer-term-basis

2. LOSSAN Rail Corridor Agency. "LOSSAN Rail Corridor Agency Awarded $27 Million to Increase Amtrak® Pacific Surfliner® Train Service." Press Release. January 13, 2025. https://news.pacificsurfliner.com/2025-01-13-LOSSAN-Rail-Corridor-Agency-Awarded-27-Million-to-Increase-Amtrak-R-Pacific-Surfliner-R-Train-Service

3. SANDAG. "Del Mar Bluffs Stabilization." Project Information. 2025. https://www.sandag.org/projects-and-programs/featured-projects/lossan-corridor-improvements/del-mar-bluffs-stabilization

4. SANDAG. "LOSSAN Rail Realignment." Project Information. 2025. https://www.sandag.org/projects-and-programs/featured-projects/lossan-corridor-improvements/lossan-rail-realignment

5. Wikipedia. "Pacific Surfliner." Updated May 2025. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pacific_Surfliner

6. PRNewswire. "LOSSAN Rail Corridor Agency Announces 2025 Board of Directors Leadership." February 20, 2025. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/lossan-rail-corridor-agency-announces-2025-board-of-directors-leadership-302381794.html

7. San Diego Union-Tribune. "San Diego freight trains continue running despite threat of San Clemente landslides." February 5, 2024. https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/2024/02/03/san-diego-freight-trains-continue-running-despite-threat-of-san-clemente-landslides/

8. Voice of OC. "OCTA Continues Rail Protection Work on Both Emergency and Longer-Term Basis." March 12, 2024. https://voiceofoc.org/2024/03/octa-continues-rail-protection-work-on-both-emergency-and-longer-term-basis/

Pacific Surfliner, more to resume along reinforced coastal rail line on June 7