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Rail 2 Rail®

Metrolink’s Rail 2 Rail® program lets Monthly Pass holders ride select Amtrak Pacific Surfliner trains along the Orange County Line at no additional cost, including on weekends (Saturday and Sunday). Blackout dates apply.

How it Works

Metrolink Monthly Pass holders:

  • Can board any Pacific Surfliner train within their valid station pair (as printed on the Metrolink pass)

  • Must show their valid Monthly Pass to the Amtrak conductor when boarding

  • Cannot use the pass for Amtrak Coast Starlight or other long-distance trains

If your trip starts or ends outside your Metrolink station pair, you’ll need to buy a Pacific Surfliner ticket for that portion.

Important: This program does not include the Metrolink Kids Ride Free on Weekends promotion. Amtrak’s own policies and restrictions apply aboard Pacific Surfliner trains.

Bikes and Amtrak Policy Differences

If you’re bringing a bicycle:

  • Bike reservations are required on Pacific Surfliner trains

  • Even with a Metrolink Monthly Pass, you must purchase a Pacific Surfliner ticket with bike reservation. (Metrolink trains do not require bike reservations.)

For all Amtrak policies, visit Amtrak.com or call 1-800-USA-RAIL.

Where to Buy Amtrak Pacific Surfliner Tickets

Amtrak tickets and bike reservations are available:

  • Online at Amtrak.com

  • Through the Amtrak mobile app

  • At Quik-Trak ticket machines

  • From Amtrak ticket agents

  • By phone at 1-800-USA-RAIL

Blackout Dates & Restrictions

During high-demand periods, Amtrak may temporarily suspend acceptance of Metrolink Monthly Passes on Pacific Surfliner trains. The following blackout dates apply:

  • Del Mar Horseracing Opening Weekend: July 18–21, 2025

  • San Diego Comic-Con International: July 23–28, 2025

  • Labor Day Weekend: August 29 – September 2, 2025

  • Thanksgiving Week: November 26 – December 1, 2025

  • Memorial Day Weekend: May 27 – May 30, 2026

Note: Pacific Surfliner codeshare trains (which accept all Metrolink tickets between Los Angeles and Ventura) may also be affected. Service may be suspended train-by-train due to capacity limits.

Confirmed codeshare suspensions:

  • Wednesday, Nov 26, 2025

  • Monday, Dec 1, 2025

Blackout periods are subject to change without notice.

Amtrak Passholders on Metrolink

If you hold an Amtrak Pacific Surfliner Monthly Pass, you may ride Metrolink trains at no extra cost within your station pair.

Amtrak 10-Ride Ticket holders may only use Metrolink on the Ventura County Line, between:

  • Burbank Airport-South Station

  • LA Union Station

Need More Info?

For full Amtrak terms and conditions, visit Amtrak.com or call 1-800-USA-RAIL.