Fullerton Metrolink Train Station

So I boarded the bus that was supposed to take me to Fullerton and the bus driver was so rude, and obnoxious to finding my ticket for my trip back home. Someone should really replace this old man, because he has a stick up his ass, and it’s really unpleasant.

DONT TAKE AMTRAK 790!!!
I just got off what could only be described as the most uncomfortable Amtrak ride. Not only was my cousin and I treated like criminals, we were belittled by Mary Bennett. She was rude and impatient as we explained to her that we understood our tickets from Buena Park could accommodate our ride to fullerton via Amtrak. Mary cut us off as we were explaining to her, whipped out the bylaws of Amtrak, and sarcastically belittled us in front of other passengers reading the laws in a tone that could easily offend anyone. It felt as a, «Duh, how do you idiots not know this?»
As we continued to try to explain that we had done this several other times before, she rudely cut us off repeatedly raising her voice each time saying, «Well this is today and today you are on this train, so where are your tickets?!» We eventually succumbed to her rudeness and purchased tickets, only to have her theaten us that she would report us to Amtrak.
I don’t know what kind of conductor treats customers like this, but it is completely unacceptable. I have never in my life felt more embarrassed and upset. Who knows how many other customers have felt this way by her actions? We clearly had monthly metrolink tickets and misunderstood the rules (as again, we were able to take Amtrak on previous rides).
I hope your contact me, as I would be more than willing to share this awful experience with you. Today’s date is Thursday, April 28, 2016.

I took a train from LA Union Station to Fullerton, where I was supposed to catch an Amtrak bus. Had to wait two hours on a curb with other normal travelers and a half dozen junkies. Amtrak can do better than this. When the bus finally arrived, the driver was professional, though clearly exhausted. He drove us without incident to Palm Springs, but we were left off at a curb with an overhang to protect us from the sun. I waited for my ride and, again, was harassed by junkies. This is no way to run a publicly-​funded organization, folks. In the first place, there’s no reason not to have a rail system from Los Angeles to Palm Springs. Second, why drop me off in the worst part of town so that my belongings and personal safety are at risk? Amtrak can do better, and should.

This station is the best in Orange County because there’s ample parking and it’s not too far of a train ride to Los Angeles (20 minutes on a good day), Riverside (I’ve arrived early every time 25 – 30 minutes) or Oceanside (haven’t done this one, but I’m 99% sure it’s about 30 — 35 minutes). They offer 72 hour parking in the parking structure connected to the platform which is another reason why I love this station. Never had issues parking here for the weekend, but this structure is popular on Friday and Saturday nights as it’s right by the bars and clubs in downtown and there’s usually a few beer bottles and broken glass to be aware of when I return on Monday morning. I’ve left my car here for the weekend and taken the train out of town for at least 2 years now and never had a break-​in or robbery (praise Buddha).
Fullerton station is also a major bus depot, with plenty of major bus lines that stop here and take you in any direction of Orange County. I prefer catching the bus here to go to Disneyland as it’s a straight shot down Harbor Blvd. and the 43 line will drop you off in front of the park in about 15 to 20 minutes depending on how busy the traffic is on the street. It’s also about 2 or 3 blocks from Fullerton College or if you need to go to Cal State Fullerton it’s a quick bus ride there as well. There are also plenty of bars, shops and restaurants within walking distance you can visit while you wait for your train or someone to arrive from the train or bus. Anaheim station is nice, but it’s hella (this really is the best adjective to describe it) big making it difficult to get to the other side of the platform to catch a train and you have to pre-​register your car to park overnight there. Fullerton station is the commuter friendlier choice!

Fullerton Metrolink train is amazing! It is only mins from Malden Station. So nice to take a relaxing train ride every morning to my job no traffic. I am in walking distance from my work who could ask for a better commute! #lovemetrolink, #lovemaldenstation

I usually travel in and out of ARTIC, but thought I’d give Fullerton a chance since they have ample free parking and you don’t have to travel too far between tracks.
I’ve been coming to this station for years, but never really to take the train. When I was taking photography classes in college, this was always a favorite spot to snap, especially at night. You saw a lot of interesting people, and there were coffee shops and other cool places to hang out in Downtown Fullerton, so it was a win-​win.
For traveling in and out, it was as easy as can be. Yes, there are a lot of homeless people in the area, but they don’t really bother anybody. Even though it’s called the Metrolink train station, I’ve been here more for AMTRAK because they have more times on their schedule going back and forth to and from San Diego and Los Angeles. The price difference is only a few bucks, and I find that AMTRAK is faster and a bit cleaner.
You can either buy your tickets online, at the station or via little kiosk that they have. While you wait, they have a little café that serves up coffee, food, and other stuff ranging from a full meal to snacks depending on your appetite. A comic book store is also present with some retro arcade games, so passing the time is even more enjoyable.
Purely for nostalgic reasons, I think I’ll be traveling out of Fullerton in the future. You have to stop there regardless if you’re coming from Anaheim, and it’s less traffic if there is a game at the Honda Center or at the Angel Stadium.

I gave it a three stars only because it helps me save time on driving into Mission Viejo. It’s a Metro not like Amtrak so don’t expect to nap or sleep comfy cause the seats don’t recline. The conductor are friendly and the train are clean. Restroom are always supplied well. I only wish there was more afternoon or evening schedule. There is a BIG 3 hours gap from Monday to Friday so if you don’t get off work till 6−7pm you epithet have to leave early to catch the 5:50pm or wait till 8:50pm. I also wish on the weekend there is more option but there’s really not so I would have to use Amtrak schedule, which I gives a point cause you can use your monthly Metro card for certain Amtrak ride.

If you have a choice between using Fullerton and ARTIC, you might find this station to be the less painful of the two.
Pros:
1. Historic, really interesting station building. They usually have a few old train cars and engines parked on one side of the station, so if you’re a train buff you might love this place. If you are a history buff or like to take photos you should also be entertained while you’re waiting at this station. The waiting room even appears to have the original benches.
2. Excellent signage. They could do with a full departure/​arrivals board — they only have a zipper board — but they do have signs that explain which track you need for any and every station on the line. IMHO that is very helpful for tourists who aren’t always sure if they’re traveling north or south and aren’t familiar with the area. There are also lots of informational signs around the platforms.
3. Nice little café, so if you’re hungry you can get something more than the usual vending machine fare.
4. Well connected to other transportation — a lot of local bus lines stop right in front of the station, which is steps from the platforms.
5. Station is very close to the platforms and waiting area, so you won’t have to do a 5K to reach your train. It’s also a very populated area and the platforms are only feet from the station house, so there are a lot of people around.
6. Nice little garden sitting area with a cool art project (a giant heart) outside. I have no idea what this place is like after dark, but during the day it seems to be fine. It’s also right next to the platforms and station house so you can hear announcements about your train.
7. If you take Amtrak, it runs express from Fullerton to LA — so the trip is a quick 25 minutes (more or less) without any intermediate stops. Metrolink takes a little longer, but it’s still a pretty quick ride.
Cons:
1. It’s unconscionable that the restrooms and air-​conditioned waiting room are technically only for Amtrak passengers. Both Metrolink and Amtrak passengers pay fares and taxes that help keep this station maintained.
2. The elevators on the tracks crossing are grody. There’s no other word that works here. They’re just plain grody.
3. No full schedule board. What is it with these train stations that expect you to know the arrivals/​departures by magic? How hard is it to get a flat screen or two and set this up?!
I’m not sure how late at night the station and café are staffed, and I’ve never been here at night, so I can’t speak to how safe this place feels after dark. Also, I don’t drive, so I can’t speak to parking, but there’s a multi-​level parking structure right next to the platform.

It’s my first time taking the train and try to make to the 5:40pm ride right after work. As soon as I turn in the station, I didn’t see the structure but the parking lot. With only 8 mins left on the clock, I quickly parked at a spot where there is no «3 hours parking» sign on top! I planned to take the ride back the next morning, so was planning on leaving the car overnight, but just found out from station staff (right before I step in the train) that I cannot park there overnight. Now can I leave my car there for more than 3 hours at least? Since there were no notice ??? I’m so confused and the official website did not mention the regulation for spots that are not in the structure nor has 3 hours sign on top! Can someone clarify this for me? Man~~~

I love taking the train, it feels a bit nostalgic for me as I used to take the train all the time when I was small. Living here in So. Cal having a car, it just feels easier taking the car as usually the train station is so far away from your final destination. It also holds true that Train services like Metrolink doesn’t have an hourly schedule for the trains you’re taking. That really puts a damper to our final destination. Also, it sucks that we wanted to go to the San Clemente Pier on a weekday, which they only run on a weekend. If you want to go to the beach, that exit is directly next to the sand.
As we found out on this station, the announcer only announces Amtrak’s stops. He also doesn’t give you any answers for Metrolink questions. Thank goodness for the internet. There’s a whole punch machine next to the bridge if you purchased one of those weekend passes. You can park in the covered structure (which usually smells like urine from the nearby drunks) if you are parking for Amtrak or Metrolink. This station is quite confusing but I don’t really think they care where you park as long as you park somewhere in between the lines.
Dont’ forget, on your return trip you will be arriving on the other side of the track. So you will be climbing the bridge over. Or if you’re smart, you would just park on the other side in advance and then walk over in the first place. Whatever you do, just make sure you know your train schedule because if you miss it, you’re SOL.

Plenty of parking at this station and within steps of amazing dining in Fullerton. Parking can be limited on weekends with the many dining and drinking establishments nearby. Enjoy the train!

This is a valuable transportation hub in north Orange County and allows commuters using Metrolink and Amtrak long haul trains to arrive and depart on an extended schedule. Transit connections adjacent to the station with local busses, taxicabs and hotel shuttles. Whether your destination is Los Angeles or beyond, San Diego or points east, it’s great not having to navigate the region by car.

Train station is beautiful. I love the architecture and design. Their is plenty of seating.
However they lack a few main key elements:
–Seating
*Park close by and wait in you car, walk out 5 minutes before the train comes.
*The seating on either side is extremely uncomfortable and doesn’t block any wind, only rain.
*On one side you could wait inside the Amtrak building or in the café, but those chairs still aren’t as comfortable as your warm or cool car (which has a better atmosphere then both places by the way).
–Machines
*I imagine the two train companies loose a large sum of money due to their machines… It seems as if they hardly work. There are days where a line of people can’t get tickets because it won’t accept cards.
*The station also lacks machines, there is only three machines at the whole station… On one side there is only one, some people don’t have time to walk all around and try to get tickets.

Great place for ‘foamers’ (trainspotters that LOVE trains, take pics & vids, you know!)
Lots of freights, the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner and the Southwest Chief, Metrolink, and if you have kids, the engineers all wave!
Nice little café on the premises, but the sandwiches are kinda pricy. Grab a beer and watch the trains!
In the same parking lot, Old Spaghetti Factory.
Across the parking lot, Stubriks, Knolwood & SlideBar.
Free parking the the parking structure, the transportation center is also right there for buses.
Go have dinner at OSF, then go to the train station to kick back.

— Locale Destination —
It’s on E Santa Fe Ave and S Harbor Blvd in Fullerton.
It’s located very conveniently for the commuters. OCTA bus stop is there, lots of parking spots, and surrounded by lots of bars, restaurants, and shops in downtown Fullerton. I take trains more in San Francisco and Portland (Oregon) ;p Unlike most train stations, you can get into the station without buying the ticket — which is kinda cool. I come here often to enjoy the sunset, trains and beers at «Santa Fe Express Café» located on the platform, right next to the station building.
Trains: Both Amtrak and Metrolink trains. Lots of commuters for LA and travelers for SD and more.
Tickets: Either online, at the station, or vending machine (at the platform).
Parking: The one on the west side is kinda all over. Parking structure and parking spots sharing them with bus riders and drunks in downtown Fullerton. Great parking — on the easy side! New and clean parking structure. There’s a bridge from the platform to take you to the east side — over Harbor blvd. It’s a great shortcut to go across Harbor blvd. There’s a vending machine for books from library. You can check out for 3 weeks. Neat idea! But it should have the drop box as well…
Cleanness: The station itself is relatively clean. The station building is old yet cool. But I can’t deny the fact that there’re lots of homeless people and it’s in downtown Fullerton (bunch of drunks). I do hope they keep it clean…
Train fanatics: They think «people in general don’t get them». Ditto on that. I think trains look cool. I just don’t get the train fanatics chasing trains and shooting video/​pictures crazily. It’s just not my thing — Good for them. I have no issue on them.
— Conqueror’s Deduction —
Good station nonetheless.
Easy to hop in/​out, convenient to kill the waiting time and to switch other transportations, and fun to enjoy the sunset and beers ;p

The Fullerton train station serves as a stop for both amtrak and metrolink trains. The station itself is small with an amtrak ticket window and a restroom for «amtrak customers only». There is also a small café that servers coffee, beer, some snacks etc. and some vending machines on both sides of the tracks.
A great thing about this station is it’s proximity to downtown Fullerton and a variety of shops, restaurants, bars etc. It also shares a parking lot with a major OCTA bus stop so connecting to busses can be fairly painless.
In general unless there is a track change (which would be announced) northbound trains leave from track 1 nearest the station and southbound trains on track 3 opposite the station which can be reached via an over track staircase and bridge on the east side of the station or stairs and a walk way down under the tracks on the west side of the station.
The addition of the new parking lot on the wear side of harbor has been great and parking is no longer an issue. No matter what time of day I have always been able to find a spot. If you are taking a longer trip make sure to park on the upper level as that is the only level that currently allows overnight parking.
I commute daily into downtown LA on the train and so I visit the Fullerton train station twice daily M-​F. Overall I think this is a far better way to commute and I would recommend giving it a try if you work in downtown or someplace near a metrolink or amtrak station.

I go to this place twice a day to get to school and I’ve gotta say, I’m really happy that I discovered the train as a way of commuting to school. This particular train station is located close to my destination so it’s very convenient for me to just hitch a ride on the bus. The station is pretty when it comes to scenery but it’s not the cleanest, and sometimes I run into a few weirdos but it’s nothing too bad. If you’re nervous about safety just try to avoid being here at night.
For the most part, the trains are on time. However, if you’re thinking about making the train a daily part of your routine then expect there to be delays sometimes. I’ve been taking the train daily for a little over a year now so I can tell ya it’s gonna be frustrating when the trains are late. I recommend knowing the time of the train right after the one you’re planning to take just in case things don’t go as planned because you never know! And when planning your trip, try and give yourself bigger time gaps to avoid accidents if your train ends up being late for whatever reason. It’s normal for the train to be within 5 minutes behind schedule. It is barely ever early… but it depends on the time you plan on taking the train.
You buy your metrolink tickets from the metal boxes near the stairs going above the train rails. You don’t buy them from an actual person. There are two or three metal ticket boxes next to the stairs and sometimes one only accepts credit cards and one only accepts cash. If you only have cash, don’t freak out. You might need to cross over the bridge and look for a different ticket box that accepts your way of payment.
There aren’t a whole bunch of station workers to help you out if you don’t know what to do so I wouldn’t recommend asking them. I’d ask somebody who looks like they’re waiting for a train. They will probably be a little less rude and will be able to help u just as well (for basic questions at least).
The trains themselves are very clean.
Taking the train really saves a lot of time and gas. I’d highly recommend taking the train to work/​school or any other location that you’re not willing to drive to. It takes A LOT of stress out of being stuck in traffic! Plus, the extra time spent riding the train gives u the option to do things u couldn’t do if you’re driving. It gives u extra time to work on things u need to do like studying and homework if you’re a student. I also see a lot of the people going to work take out their laptops and work on stuff too. Of course, u can spend the time relaxing as well! (Just dont miss your stop since the metrolink stops are very brief). Or it gives u extra time to do things you wanna do. Driving doesn’t allow that.
I’d highly recommend using the train as your way of transportation! 4 stars for how convenient it is in terms of time, location, and money saved. Not 5 stars because Fullerton Station is not a place I’d like to be at for extended amounts of time or at night…

When I take the Metrolink up from Oceanside to visit my girlfriend, the Fullerton Metrolink station is my stop. But, every time I come here (arriving and departing), it’s not a great place.
The building may be a national historical monument, but there’s no ambiance inside. No TV, no music, not even any electronic timetables. And on hot days like this past weekend, where the only AC is inside the building, it gets rather boring waiting inside for your train to arrive. Additionally, it appears that the restrooms are always being cleaned right when you arrive… although I haven’t seen any problems during departures.
The staff also aren’t as welcoming as in my neck of the woods… must be an L.A. thing.
I will admit that the outside patio is nice to wait around, and I do want to check out the bar and café next door (along with some of the nearby restaurants — we’ve already been to the Old Spaghetti Factory earlier this year). Otherwise, the Fullerton Train Station is just a stop for me when I go see my lady.

$ 10 for all day ride on weekends!!! Left Fullerton for SD and round trip was $ 10. It has to be same day. If u go Saturday and come back Sunday it’s $ 20. Link is below w more details!
Clean, nice workers, bar next door and coffee at the train Depot. Good facility. There is plenty of parking (structure across the street). If you go Friday, you can leave your car overnight till Monday. But you can’t over night your car during the week. The train ride itself is nice. Comfortable and clean. If you sit on the bottom level, they have tables and it’s really sturdy. Had a cup of coffee and didn’t spill on the whole ride.

If you need to go to San Diego and don’t want the hassle of driving… Fulleeton Metrolink Train Station has the solution for you! They offer train rides from this station all the way to downtown San Diego.
The Fullerton train station has a small lobby where you do the check-​in of luggage. Check-​in was fairly quick and easy. It was nice that there was no check-​in fee.
They have a restroom at the lobby and I, along with several other travelers did find it inconvenient that they decided to clean the rest room right before the train trips scheduled. The folks working here also decided to clean the lobby right after and so we ended up having to get out of the lobby and wait outside. It just seems that it would make more sense to do any cleaning when there’s no travelers there (or after the trains have left). It was inconvenient to have no lobby to sit at and no restroom to go to.
Next to the train station lobby is a little café where one can purchase food.