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The Pacific Surfliner is the main rail service within Southern California. The sleek, double-decker cars have comfortable seats, and there’s a café car as well. Business-class seats feature nifty little video screens, slightly more legroom and outlets for plugging in laptops or other electrical devices. Smoking is prohibited.

Up to 11 trains daily ply the LA–San Diego route, making stops in Solana Beach, Oceanside (for Legoland), San Juan Capistrano and Anaheim (for Disneyland), among others. As many as five trains continue north to Santa Barbara via Oxnard and Ventura. The trip itself, which hugs the coastline for much of the route, is a visual treat.

Of Amtrak’s long-distance trains, the Coast Starlight stops in Santa Barbara and LA, while the Sunset Limited travels to LA and northern Palm Springs.

Costs

Tickets can be purchased at train stations, by phone and online. Fares depend on the day of travel, the route, the type of seating and other factors. Fares are slightly higher between late May and early September. Round-trip tickets cost the same as two one-way tickets. If you’re flexible with your travel dates, use the Fare Finder tool online to find the best deal.

Seniors over 62 and students with an ISIC or Student Advantage Card receive a 15% discount, while up to two children, aged two to 15 and accompanied by an adult, get 50% off. Children under two years of age travel for free. AAA members Click here enjoy 10% off regular fares. Special promotions can become available at any time, so be sure to ask when booking tickets or check the website.

SAMPLE TRAIN FARES (at peak travel times)

Metrolink

Southern California’s major population centers are linked to LA by a commuter-train network called Metrolink ( 800-371-5465; www.metrolinktrains.com). Seven lines connect Downtown LA’s Union Station with the surrounding counties – Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino and Ventura – as well as northern San Diego County. Most trains depart between 6am and 9am and 3pm and 6pm Monday to Friday, with only one or two services operating during the day. Some lines also offer limited services on weekends. The most useful line for visitors is the Orange County Line, which stops in Anaheim, Santa Ana, San Juan Capistrano and Oceanside. The Ventura County Line stops at Bob Hope Airport in Burbank. Tickets are available from vending machines at the stations and fares are zone-based.

Reservations

Reservations can be made up to 11 months prior to departure. In summer and around holidays, trains sell out quickly, so book seats as early as possible.

Train Passes

Amtrak’s California Rail Pass costs $159 ($80 for children aged two to 15) and is valid on all trains and Amtrak Thruway buses for seven days of travel within a 21-day period. This pass may be worth your while if you’re planning a lot of travel within California.

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Health Dr David Goldberg

CONTENTS

* * *

Before You Go

Insurance

Recommended Vaccinations

Internet Resources

In Southern California

Availability & Cost of Health Care

Infectious Diseases

Environmental Hazards

* * *

BEFORE YOU GO

INSURANCE

The USA, and Los Angeles in particular, offers possibly the finest health care in the world. The problem is that, unless you have good insurance, it can be prohibitively expensive. It’s essential to purchase travel health insurance if your regular policy doesn’t cover you when you’re abroad.

Bring any medications you may need in their original containers, clearly labeled. A signed, dated letter from your physician that describes all medical conditions and medications, including generic names, is also a good idea.

If your health insurance does not cover you for medical expenses abroad, consider supplemental insurance. Find out in advance if your insurance plan will make payments directly to providers or reimburse you later for overseas health expenditures.

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RECOMMENDED VACCINATIONS

No special vaccinations