Catch a train — then a wave — with surfboard-friendly Metrolink trains to the beach

Two timeless California traditions — train travel and surfing — come together in a Metrolink program that offers service to San Clemente and Oceanside, complete with special board storage. Ice chests and umbrellas are welcome aboard too.

Add in the rail line’s $10 fare for unlimited rides on either Saturday or Sunday, and it’s a deal any broke beach boy (or girl) might sing about. By comparison, a weekday round trip from Union Station to San Clemente costs $27.

For summer, Metrolink has set up special surfboard storage netting on all bike/surfboard cars.

Note the limitations:

• Boards can’t be longer than 6-foot-4.
• There is one storage area per train.
• Only five boards are allowed per storage area, and spillovers cannot be taken into the passenger seats.
• All boards must be in a sealed bag or case.

Metrolink says that beach lovers also can bring boogie boards on Metrolink trains along with beach chairs, toys, umbrellas and ice chests. Go to metrolinktrains.com/howtoride for a complete list of on-board policies.

The beach stops are at the San Clemente Pier Metrolink Station and the Oceanside Metrolink Station. Surfers can also take Metrolink to L.A.’s Union Station and get a free transfer onto the Red/Purple Lines and the new Expo Line to the Santa Monica beaches. Directions and schedules are here.

Tickets are available at vending machines at each Metrolink station.

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