Amtrak, Metrolink train services will be impacted due to military celebration this weekend

Train service through San Clemente will be temporarily suspended on Saturday due to a military celebration marking the Marine Corps’ 250th birthday.

Here’s what commuters need to know:

Amtrak Pacific Surfliner impacts

The service pause will halt Amtrak Pacific Surfliner trains between Orange County and San Diego County from noon to 3 p.m., officials said.

• Southbound train 770 will end service at San Clemente Pier and 774 will end service at San Juan Capistrano station instead of downtown San Diego.
• Northbound trains 779 and 581 will not service San Diego County and instead begin at San Juan Capistrano station.
• Trains 572 and 577 will be canceled.

No bus bridge service will be provided during this time. Other trains throughout the day will operate on a normal schedule, though there may be some potential delays, according to officials.

Service is scheduled to resume Saturday evening.

Metrolink Impacts

• Metrolink Orange County Line & Inland Empire-Orange County Line trains will originate and terminate at the Laguna Niguel/Mission Viejo Station.
• Only OC Line train 1668 is anticipated to complete its normal route from LA Union Station to Oceanside. That train is scheduled to depart LA Union Station at 4:27 p.m. and arrive in Oceanside at 6:35 p.m., according to Metrolink Public Relations Manager Meredith Yeoman
• There will be no alternate transportation available between Laguna Niguel/Mission Viejo and Oceanside during this service suspension.
• No Friday or Sunday service is expected to be impacted.

It’s unclear what impact Saturday’s showcase will end up having on motorists traveling through the area. Initial reports indicated that the 5 Freeway between Orange County and San Diego may be closed to accommodate the event.

However, in a news release posted on X, the Marines state that all training events will occur on approved training ranges and comply with established safety protocols. “No public highways or transportation routes will be closed.

The event, titled “America’s Marines 250: From Sea to Shore — A Review of Amphibious Strength,” will be attended by top officials from the Trump administration, including Vice President J.D. Vance and Secretary of War Pete Hegseth.

Following the demonstration, Marines, sailors and families will gather at Del Mar Beach for a Beach Bash, which includes food vendors, music and family activities.

The demonstration is expected to be recorded and used in a national primetime broadcast on Nov. 9.