Is California's New Gold Runner Train Worth The Journey? Here's What Riders Think

There's something incredibly soothing about riding on a train (Samantha Brown even called it the most underrated way to travel). Being able to sit back and relax while you watch the world go by makes it instantly more appealing than driving. It's low-stress, convenient, and can carry you from the heart of a bustling city to lakes and mountains. That is especially true for the state of California and its new train service: the Gold Runner.

The San Joaquin Joint Powers Authority has partnered with Amtrak to provide an extensive train and bus network that spans nearly the full length of California. Previously known as the San Joaquins, the Gold Runner line runs northbound and southbound between Bakersfield and Stockton. It may not be one of the most scenic train trips in America, but it is certainly useful. Connecting 18 train stations across the Central Valley and Bay Area, with an expansive network of Gold Runner Thruway buses that service around 135 destinations, exploring the far reaches of the Californian countryside has never been easier.

But while there may be enthusiasm for the Gold Runner in concept, between delays, uncomfortable seats, and lack of certain standard amenities, the new service has its critics. In a thread on r/CaliforniaRail, u/Most_Connection_8151 wrote of taking the Gold Runner, "I'm on the train bc I'm weirdly committed to traveling by transit, but the whole experience is not something that would convince most people to consider rail travel." And u/NightcrawlerNachos confirmed, stating, "This describes like half of my gold runner trips last year."

While the Gold Runner may be new, the line itself follows tracks that have existed for more than a century. Today, the Gold Runner runs several times a day, seven days a week, marking a renewed interest in train travel. Amenities on the train include complimentary snacks and drinks (note there is no proper dining car), free Wi-Fi, and secure bike storage.

However, the train's amenities and punctuality have been called into question by those who have ridden it. Writing for SFGate, Randy Diamond gave the Gold Runner a harsh review: "But a ride on the state-funded Gold Runner train has its setbacks: namely, uncomfortable seats, no food except for bagged snacks, and drinks without ice due to a recent regulation." Another rider, u/Interesting-Spot7505, agreed with this assessment in a thread on r/Amtrak about the Gold Runner's lack of a proper dining car, writing, "Yeah I used to ride this route all the time. Between this decision and the schedule, I pretty much just drive now."

But not everyone shares this opinion. Redditor u/Dan Kegel disagreed with Diamond's take, arguing, "It was a bit odd to have free snacks and drinks but no ice, but treats weren't why I was there. The seats felt fine." Another rider, u/CentralValleySuzy, posted in a Reddit thread, "I can't get over how many negative reviews about the Gold Runner ... everyone from the time we boarded, the staff was friendly smiling ,bent over backwards to find four seats with a table for us because we had children , the snack car was amazing."

If you're planning a trip across California, you may just have to try out the Golden Runner and see for yourself.