About Us
Amtrak California is a Caltrans and Amtrak partnership
In many states, intercity passenger train service is provided solely by Amtrak without assistance from state or local governments. This level of service is generally limited to a few long distance trains and a small number of short distance trains operating within the state.
However, since 1976, the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has been promoting intercity passenger rail service in California by augmenting Amtrak's basic system of interstate trains. Through Caltrans, the State of California provides capital grants and support for station and track improvements, signaling, locomotives and cars, connecting Amtrak Thruway bus service, and operating assistance for the Pacific Surfliner®, San Joaquin® and Capitol Corridor®.
These trains, collectively referred to as Amtrak California, operate in addition to Amtrak's own interstate trains -- the Coast Starlight, California Zephyr, Southwest Chief, and Sunset Limited - connecting California with the rest of the country.
For San Joaquin or Pacific Surfliner information call 1-800-USA-RAIL or visit amtrak.com.
For Capitol Corridor information call 1-877-9-RIDECC or visit capitolcorridor.org.
For more information about the California Department of Transportation Division of Rail click here.