Pacific Surfliner Unveils Special World Cup Schedule for Southern California Travelers

Soccer fans in Southern California planning to watch World Cup matches in Los Angeles this summer will get expanded rail service and new reservation requirements on the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner.

Thousands of visitors are expected to travel across the region during the tournament.

Pacific Surfliner officials are encouraging passengers to book tickets early to secure their seats and avoid any last-minute travel challenges.

From June 11 through July 19, 2026, all Pacific Surfliner passengers will be required to have reservations. The temporary policy is being implemented in anticipation of increased ridership linked to the much-awaited World Cup matches being held across the Los Angeles area.

To help accommodate the anticipated increase in travelers, the rail service is adding special event trains and changing its schedule during the tournament period.

Additional late-night trains will operate from Los Angeles on June 12, 13, 15, and 25, Pacific Surfliner announced. These train services will ensure soccer fans return home after the evening matches.

Select departures from the Los Angeles Union Station will provide service both south toward San Diego and north toward Santa Barbara.

Passengers departing at the Los Angeles Union Station can proceed toward SoFi Stadium and surrounding venues via shuttle service, Metro’s rail and bus network, or rideshare.

Pacific Surfliner is also adding services for the concluding weekend of World Cup festivities.

On July 18 and 19, trains will make an additional stop at the Burbank-Downtown Station, offering passengers access to the Los Angeles World Cup 26 Fan Zone. The fan zone will include live match screenings, fan activities, and other events.

Codeshare and Rail 2 Rail services will be suspended on some of the event days to accommodate heightened demand, according to the rail service.

Pacific Surfliner is also offering a 20% discount on coach and business-class fares to and from Los Angeles through July 15, according to an NBC4 report. The discount is part of a partnership with the Los Angeles Tourism and Convention Board.

Officials are advising travelers to reserve tickets as soon as possible, noting that demand is expected to be especially high on match days.

Travelers are also advised to arrive at the station at least 15 to 20 minutes before departure to ensure that there is enough time to board comfortably.

Pacific Surfliner said that the temporary service changes are intended to provide a convenient alternative to driving during what is expected to be one of the busiest travel periods of the summer.

Pacific Surfliner operates along a 351-mile route and connects the counties of San Diego, Orange, Los Angeles, Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo, according to the report.