westbound Sunset Ltd

[wiksia]

I need some advice from experienced travelers. I'm planning on taking a round-trip from Los Angeles to Yuma AZ and back in February. Timetable says arrival in LA is 10:10am.

Is the train usually on time? If not, when could I reasonably expect it to arrive?

Would there be any problem making a 1:30pm flight out of LAX by taking a cab directly from Union Station? This will be on a Wednesday.

First time in LA so any info will be greatly appreciated!

Jeff

 

[AlanB]

Sadly the Sunset Limited is notorious for being late, Amtrak's worst performer in fact. In the past few months things have improved considerably, but I still wouldn't recommend making a reservation for a 1:30 PM flight out of LAX. I think for the past few months the train has been averaging something around 2 to 4 hours late, but there certainly have been times where it has been 6 to 7 hours late and you would miss your flight if that happens.

 

[MrFSS]

Would there be any problem making a 1:30pm flight out of LAX by taking a cab directly from Union Station? This will be on a Wednesday.
First time in LA so any info will be greatly appreciated!

Jeff

There is also a new direct bus service between LAUS and LAX. Very reasonable and runs regularly. Might save on cab fare. The bus line link is HERE.

 

[Guest]

This is the one train on Amtrak that I would not count on even if I had the winning lottery ticket and had to be in LA by 11:59 p.m to cash it in. We have actually left Yuma early and sat at West Colton for 6 hours and added 4 hours at other meeting points. Moral of the story; DO NOT get on the Sunset unless you have at least 12 or more hours to devote to sitting on the spot somewhere. #2 has crawled into New Orleans 24 or more hours late mainly because of Union Pacific dipatchers unwillingness to recognize the Sunset for what it is; a first class train

 

[Trogdor]

I wouldn't call the Sunset Limited Amtrak's worst performer. That may have been true in the past, but that title now goes to the California Zephyr. That train hasn't been on time since the fiscal year began. Tonight's #6 (scheduled in shortly after 3 pm) was estimated in at 10 pm when I left Union Station an hour ago.

 

[George Harris]

I would consider 3.5 hours taking a chance. If you have one of the wonderful use it exactly as written or it is worthless tickets, I would not even think about trying this. If a later flight could be used, then and only then could you consider attempting this. For the sake of being able to relax if nothing else, dump this plan. It is a form of Russian Roulette, except that in this case you have no idea how many chambers are loaded.

George

 

[gswager]

Would there be any problem making a 1:30pm flight out of LAX by taking a cab directly from Union Station? This will be on a Wednesday.

First time in LA so any info will be greatly appreciated!

Jeff

There is also a new direct bus service between LAUS and LAX. Very reasonable and runs regularly. Might save on cab fare. The bus line link is HERE.

I rode on Flyaway bus few months ago. It is much more convenient than taxi (even though I haven't tried that yet), city bus, or even light rails (yes you'll have to ride 3 light rails, plus a city bus to get there). The bus is very comfortable and can store large suitcases in the compartment. If LA is extending the Green Line, then I wouldn't vote for Green Line expansion.

 

[GG-1]

Aloha

Some how the comments about the Sunset Limited strikes me as funny. When I rode It from Orlando to LA it was on time all the way, until Sunrise on the Day of arrival. We were delayed because the Engineer noticed something wrong with the track in the early light. repairs only made us 2 hours late, but safe.

What changed? What can be done to get it back? I wish I knew. It was a great trip. Want to go the other way some time.

 

[Guest]

Perhaps the answer to your question can be summed up as," You'll get to LA sometime between 10 a.m. and Sunset."

 

[railfangns]

Because its not a daily train i believe the UP dispatchers forget about it running any where close to

on time! :huh:

 

[AmtrakWPK]

I don't think they forget about it. I think they know at all times exactly which siding they have each one stored in.

 

[AmtrakFan]

This is a Train I wouldn't try to make a Flight to the next Day.

 

[battalion51]

Would it be an issue for you to fly to LAX and then take the train from LAUS to Yuma? That seems like it'd be the safest bet.

 

[wiksia]

Wow! This group came through in spades! Thanks for the responses, they've been more than helpful. I can see now that my original plan was not sound and I'm glad I asked before booking my flights.

To answer the last comment, here's my plan: I'm flying from KC to LA, spending a few days, then taking the train to Yuma where I'll spend a few more days. Originally, as I asked in my query, I was going to take the train back to LA and then head straight to LAX for my flight back to KC. Now, I will either stay in LA one more night and fly back the next day OR I'll rent a car (one-way) or talk my family in Yuma into driving me back to LA. Depends mostly on the cost involved.

Thanks again for all the comments & advice! You folks are a special community! Best to you all!

Jeff

Would it be an issue for you to fly to LAX and then take the train from LAUS to Yuma? That seems like it'd be the safest bet.

 

[LITRAK]

What about flying out of Bob Hope airport in burbank? Amtrak/Metrolink stop is right there..Might be a less congested than going to LAX.

 

[GG-1]

flying out of Bob Hope airport in Burbank? Amtrak/Metrolink stop is right there..

Aloha

What Amtrak trains service that stop?

Mahalo

Eric

 

[gswager]

flying out of Bob Hope airport in Burbank? Amtrak/Metrolink stop is right there..

Aloha

What Amtrak trains service that stop?

Mahalo

Eric

Bus! Amtrak Thruway between LAX and Bakersfield. Burbank airport is very small, can accept up to Boeing 737. Weird that you walk from the bus/Metrolink station to the airport in 7-10 minutes. Did that few weeks to check it out after dropping the car rental off.

FYI, alternative airports to LAX are: Burbank, Long Beach, Orange County (John Wayne), and Ontario.

 

[Anthony]

the Surfliner also stops there ...

 

[gswager]

the Surfliner also stops there ...

Du...oh! You're right!

Bus are for San Joaquins (LAUS to Bakersfield).

Pacific Surfliner are from LAUS to Santa Barbara (and San Luis Obispo).