Advanced Amtrak Reservations Needed for Comic-Con, Del Mar Race Opening Weekend

Amtrak California recently made the following announcement:

Advance reservations are required for travel occurring Friday, July 19, through Sunday, July 21, on all Pacific Surfliner® trains throughout the entire route. Amtrak California passengers are encouraged to book early to ensure a guaranteed seat during this heavily traveled opening weekend of the Del Mar horse races and San Diego Comic-Con convention.

Additional equipment is being added to accommodate passengers, and similar to last year, an exclusive Cross Country Café Dining and Lounge Car will be available to passengers upgrading to Pacific Business Class.  

The Cross Country Café Car will operate on trains 774 and 595 on Friday, July 19, and trains 768 and 591 on Saturday and Sunday, July 20 and 21.

“This temporary reservation system is being implemented to alleviate overcrowding and improve the comfort and safety of all passengers,” said Bill Bronte, Division Chief, Caltrans Division of Rail. “Reservations are not normally required on Pacific Surfliner trains. Since space is limited, it is important that those wanting to travel during this time period, plan ahead and make reservations as early as possible.”

The Pacific Surfliner operates between San Luis Obispo and San Diego. For reservations and complete information visit AmtrakCalifornia.com.  Reservations can also be obtained at Amtrak.com; at Quik-Trak kiosks; from station ticket agents; or by calling 1-800-USA-RAIL.

Amtrak Multi-Ride Ticket holders (10-trip or Monthly Pass) are also required to make reservations. COASTER and Metrolink monthly passes will not be honored July 19 through 21.