Hello Reader,

Welcome back! How is your week going?

🌊 Pacific Surfliner Adds 12th Daily Round‑Trip (LA ↔ San Diego)

On June 16, 2025, Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner started enhancing its Southern California service by adding a 12th round-trip between Los Angeles and San Diego, offering more afternoon and late-evening options.

New Train Times:

• Train 582 (Southbound): Departs from LA Union Station at 4:10 p.m. and arrives at San Diego Santa Fe Depot at 7:04 p.m.
• Train 593 (Northbound): Departs San Diego at 8:10 p.m., arrives at LA Union Station at 10:57 p.m.

Why This Matters:

• Addresses an important gap in the schedule just as summer travel begins to peak.
• Brings service nearer to pre-pandemic levels (13 round trips previously).
• Connects ten additional round trips between LA and San Diego, along with extended services: five daily to Goleta and three full runs to San Luis Obispo.

Connectivity & Perks:

• Amtrak Thruway buses coordinate with train schedules to reach destinations such as Oakland, Santa Barbara, Palm Springs, and more.
• Onboard amenities feature reclining seats, power outlets, complimentary Wi‑Fi, bike racks, luggage space, and a Market Café offering California wine and local craft beer.

Quick Tip: Tickets are currently available via PacificSurfliner.com, Amtrak.com, the Amtrak app, or by phone.

I also have a page that provides the necessary details.

Thinking of riding the rails through the Prairie State?

My latest post breaks down everything you need to know about Amtrak in Illinois—from local routes to long-distance adventures.

Whether you're planning a quick trip to Chicago or a cross-country journey starting in the Land of Lincoln, this guide offers beginner-friendly tips and travel insights.

👉 Read the complete guide here​

Amtrak's Long-Distance On-time Performance Numbers for May 2025 Are In

This week, Amtrak released the on-time performance numbers, and I updated my Long-Distance page with the new figures and refreshed other links on that page.

Additionally, I updated the performance information on each long-distance page.

What has Kev been up to?

On Friday, I had to drive to Midway International Airport to drop off my brother-in-law so he could head back home.

There are reasons why I prefer taking the train from Union Station and then the CTA to get there. When I fly, I like that airport; it’s just not the most accessible from Wisconsin compared to O'Hare and Milwaukee.

The kids and my sister are still here and will be for the summer.

I want to wish my mom a Happy Birthday!

TravelswithKev.com Renews

This week, my domain, TravelswithKev.com, was renewed for another year. Next month marks its 9th anniversary. I am amazed by how much it has evolved over the years, transforming from a personal travel blog to a comprehensive how-to guide. It has also allowed me to chat with amazing people like you.

Initially, it was supposed to be "Travels with Kevin," but that name was already taken. If you go to that site, it has not been updated in a long time.

Birthday Sale

My Birthday Patreon sale is still on, where you'll get 48% off your first month!

Additionally, you'll receive a free postcard each month, along with other exclusive benefits. If you're interested, use code 605BD to get this sale and support my work. You can quit at any time.

Looking at the Markers 🚂

Thank you for reading this newsletter and reaching out—it means a great deal to me!

If you enjoy my work, consider supporting this free resource.​
You can visit my support page to learn how to help keep this train rolling, or simply click the green button at the bottom of this newsletter to pitch in.

Your support makes everything I do possible. Every little bit truly helps—and together, we’re inspiring more people to explore the world, one train trip at a time! 🚆✨

Until Next Week…

Happy planning and safe travels,
Kev Monteith