Paying for your train ride
Metrolink fares are based on where you start and end your trip using the shortest driving distance. For example, your trip from Fullerton to San Juan Capistrano would be more than your trip from Fullerton to Irvine. To determine your exact fare, you can use the handy fare calculator.
Seniors and persons with disabilities receive 50% off One-Way and Round-Trip tickets and 25% off Monthly and 7-Day passes. Metrolink is also family-friendly, with children ages 5 and under riding FREE with each fare-paying adult (limit three children per adult).
All Metrolink stations have ticket vending machines (TVMs) to make ticket purchasing easy. Remember, you must have a valid ticket before you board the train, and must show your ticket to the conductor when requested. If you do not have a valid ticket, you will be subject to a citation and fine.
The right ticket for you
If you’re just going to your destination and won’t be returning, the one-way ticket is your best option. If you’re returning by train or plan to ride several times, you can save by buying a round-trip ticket or 7-Day Pass. And if you will be riding Metrolink regularly, then the monthly pass is your ticket to great savings.
Here are a few things to remember about your tickets:
1. You must purchase your ticket before you board the train, you cannot purchase on board.
2. You must show the conductor your valid ticket upon request, or you could be subject to citation and fine.
3. You can purchase your tickets and monthly passes from the self-service ticket vending machines (TVMs) found at all Metrolink stations.
4. Most Metrolink tickets are also EZ transit passes, good for all-day travel in Los Angeles County on participating bus and Metro Rail lines.
5. Metrolink tickets are non-refundable and non-replaceable.
Ticket Types
One-Way Ticket
Valid for a single one-way trip between the origin and destination station. One-way tickets are valid for 3 hours from time of purchase. Best for those who travel infrequently and plan to stay at their destination for more than one day.
Round-Trip Ticket
Valid for a round-trip on the same day between the origin and destination station. Travel must begin within 3 hours from time of purchase, and end that same day. Ideal for infrequent travelers who complete their trip in one day.
Advance Purchase Ticket
You can now also buy one-way or round-trip tickets for a future date, up to 1 year in advance. All you need to do is select the advance purchase option and choose the date you wish to travel and which ticket type you want. There is one difference between a ticket purchased for same-day travel and an Advance Purchase Ticket. The advance purchase ticket will not have an expiration time printed on it but it is still valid and can be used at any time on the day you chose to travel.
7-Day Pass
The 7-Day Pass is available at all TVMs. The 7-Day Pass is good for seven consecutive days from the purchase date between a set origin and destination. The 7-Day Pass allows for customers to ride unlimited trips between an origin and destination station. The 7-Day Pass is priced at 7 one-way trips. Discounts apply for Senior/Disabled/Medicare (25% off) and Students (10% off). The 7-Day Pass is not available to purchase in advance.
OCLINK All-Day Weekday Pass
Metrolink offers an OCLINK Pass for only $7, $6 for senior/disabled. This pass gives you all-day weekday access on Metrolink and local OCTA bus service anywhere in Orange County only on the Orange County and Inland Empire-Orange County Lines. The OCLINK Pass can be purchased at Metrolink ticket vending machines in Orange County and on all local OCTA buses.
NOTE: Travel is only allowed in Orange County. An OCLINK Pass does not allow for travel outside of Orange County.
$10 Weekend Pass
Metrolink offers a Weekend Pass for only $10. This pass allows for a rider to ride anytime, anywhere system-wide 7 p.m. Friday through 11:59 p.m. Sunday. This pass includes free transfers to connecting rail or bus, except Amtrak. Monthly pass holders ride free on weekends system wide. The $10 Weekend Pass is available for purchase starting at 7 p.m. on Friday at ticket vending machines at any Metrolink station with weekend service. The $10 Weekend Pass can be purchased by selecting "Weekend Pass" on the home screen.
Monthly Pass
Valid for unlimited travel between the origin and destination station during the calendar month printed on the pass. Monthly Pass holders also have the ability to ride any Metrolink train from Friday 7 p.m. through 11:59 p.m. Sunday all weekend long, anywhere in the Metrolink system for no additional charge.
For your convenience, you can purchase Metrolink Monthly Passes early. Presale of Metrolink Monthly Passes starts on the 15th of the prior month and they are available until the 14th, when the next month's passes go on sale.
EXAMPLE I: If you purchase a Monthly Pass from March 1 through March 14, it will only be valid for the balance of the month of March from the date of purchase. It will expire on March 31. The pass cannot be used in April.
EXAMPLE II: If you purchase a Monthly Pass on the 18th of March, the pass will only be valid for the month of April. It cannot be used until April 1 and will expire on April 30. Passes are non-transferrable. Do not laminate, cut or photocopy.
Monthly Pass holders can also take advantage of the Rail 2 Rail® program, to ride both Metrolink and Amtrak Pacific Surfliner trains between Oxnard and Oceanside.
Metrolink and Amtrak Transfers
Only OCTA buses that
directly connect with Metrolink trains at or near rail stations will honor Metrolink tickets and passes.
Only OCTA routes 1, 21, 24, 25, 26, 29, 38, 43, 47/A, 50, 54, 56, 57, 59, 70, 71, 82, 83, 85, 86, 90, 91, 143, 167, 188/A, 191/A, 193,
206, 211, 213/A, 410, 411, 430, 431*, 453, 454, 462, 463, 464, 472, 473, 480, 490, 543 accept valid Metrolink tickets as full fare for
travel to and from stations. A valid Metrolink ticket must be shown each time you board the bus; passengers must show a valid
Metrolink pass or ticket, swipe a valid OCTA pass, or pay the cash fare to board. Amtrak tickets
cannot be used as transfers.
* Seasonal only. Operates when Anaheim Ducks have home games.