Octa's transportation blog

Ride the Rail, Then Bike the Santa Ana River Trail

Both Metrolink and the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner offer easy rides to the Anaheim-ARTIC Station, a convenient departure point for the beautiful Santa Ana River Trail (SART).

ARTIC marks the midpoint along SART between its southern and northern points in Orange County, which makes it a convenient starting point for an adventure by bike.  The trail runs right next to ARTIC, so access to the trail is simple.  Bicyclists can access SART at Katella Avenue or through the southern parking area.  Once you step off the train, you’ll be on the trail in a matter of minutes.

Designated as a National Recreation Trail in 1977, SART extends from Pacific Coast Highway in Huntington Beach to the northern border of Orange County in Yorba Linda, and beyond. The trail passes through several cities and allows easy access to numerous parks, Angel Stadium, the Honda Center, and many retail and entertainment centers.  Future plans for this trail are ambitious – 110 miles of uninterrupted trail from Bike Bear Lake to Huntington Beach.  

Anaheim Coves is one of the highlights of the Santa Ana River Trail.  Opened in 2011, Anaheim Coves is a 14-acre nature park built to create a natural environment in an urban setting.  It’s a popular place for bicyclists to stop, rest or meet up with friends.  The Anaheim Coves Trail parallels the Santa Ana River Trial on the western side of the Santa Ana River between Ball Road and Lincoln Avenue in Anaheim and is a few just minutes north of ARTIC. 

Bikes are allowed on all Metrolink train cars and each train car is designed to hold three bikes.  Designated by a yellow “Bike Car” decal, special bike cars hold 18 bikes on the lower level. Trains with bike are listed on Metrolink's timetables but are subject to equipment availability. 

All Pacific Surfliner trains have designated bicycle storage, so taking your bike on board is easy and hassle-free.  Combining your train trip with a day of bicycling is a fantastic way to experience a new place, or gain a new perspective on a frequently visited destination.