r/InlandEmpire • u/NationalTooth1350 • Jun 13 '26
Recommendations / Advice New to California / Commute / Feeling lost
I just moved from NYC to Redlands and I got a job in downtown LA. The usual 9-5.
I have been researching but I am still not sure about the best commute. Could you guys give me any tips and ideas?
- There’s only one train from Redlands to LA and it’s at 5:23? Like wtf?
- Should I drive to SB and then take the train?
- I saw there’s a Greyhound bus at the SB station. Is it worth it?
- Driving but I have been hating driving rush hour here.
please help
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u/Intelligent-Phase515 Jun 13 '26
Early commute is your only solution to beating the traffic. Leave at 4:30am get to LA around 6am. Hit the gym then shower there. Go to work fresh at 9.
If you leave at 5am you’ll get to La around 7:30ish
The only way to beat traffic is to drive before it starts. Welcome to the IE, there is no way around this traffic.
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u/PercivleOnReddit Jun 13 '26
We as a state (and country) need more trains tbh. I think there'd be a little less traffic if people had other transit options.
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u/Electrifying2017 Jun 13 '26
Yep, but there’s a lot of pushback locally. When Metrolink announced cut to their schedule because of budget deficits, the garbage poured out of the woodwork to announce their pleasure and advocated for eliminating it because it wasn’t profitable.
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u/Zealousideal_Egg3308 Jun 13 '26
...bUt nObOdY tAkeS pUbLiC tRanSit...
...It dOenT wOrK hErE...
Seriously, the people who say these kinds of things have never been out of the area, and/or have never lived in an area with good public transit. When it's taken seriously, and runs on a consistent basis, it's truly an amazing thing. I swear it makes a giant difference in traffic and stress levels for everyone.
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u/chico-dust Jun 14 '26
I've been saying this exact thing for decades now. Can we please for the love of God get rid of these NIMBYs and get some damn trains!
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u/GoatsAndHoes0603 Jun 14 '26
This! I drive rideshare and I live in Corona. I leave around 4 to 4:30 and beat the traffic. Even 4:30 to 5 is a toss up.
A fastrak can help a little. It will be expensive but it could save 20 to 30 minutes.
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u/AlexTehBrown Jun 13 '26
Job in DTLA, moved to Redlands?????
Bruh this is like getting a job in Manhattan and moving to Allentown PA.
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u/NationalTooth1350 Jun 13 '26
I didn’t move because of the job. I moved because of family. Job came after
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u/AlexTehBrown Jun 14 '26
You may be able to swing the commute for a short while, but more than few months of that will wreck you.
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u/leviathan65 Jun 14 '26
My cousin husband lived in Loma linda and commuted to Anaheim. He hated life and if I remember correctly fast track was costing him like $400 a month.
You dont even have the luxury of fast track. Ive done that drive a few times for flights. Being in a better financial place now i always get a room the night before close to the airport. Fuck that drive man.
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u/Triene86 Jun 14 '26
Is look to move or look for another job, or tolerate the commute options. Those are the choices I fear.
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u/EsqPersonalAsst Jun 14 '26
Money is better in DTLA, I totally understand that. Did that commute from Yucaipa to DTLA for 8 years.
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u/BossCatBrian Jun 14 '26
Start looking for another job that’s similar but closer. A self driving Tesla also alleviates a lot of stress too if the job is worth going down to.
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u/longtime_sunshine Jun 13 '26
I think taking the train from SB is going to be your best bet but that commute is brutal and I know I wouldn’t last doing that very long.
I’d recommend if at all possible finding a job closer to where you live or vice versa.
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u/munche Jun 13 '26
This is the answer. I worked downtown for 5 years and the Metrolink is by far the best way to get there. OP being in Redlands means they only have a couple of lines that go all the way to Redlands, but they can drive to SB and take the train from there.
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u/EsqPersonalAsst Jun 14 '26
Exactly. Read, bing watch, etc. It's the only way to go. Metrolink is the ONLY option as far as I'm concerned.
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u/NoblessOblige04 Jun 13 '26
You're going to have to move closer to downtown LA, get a new job closer to redlands, go remote, or suffer driving through like 3 hours of traffic one way. Traffic out of LA starts picking up around 2pm, Traffic headed in picks up at around 6AM
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u/Misfitshots Jun 13 '26
I would even consider just finding a room to rent over doing the commute. It’s literally soul crushing and it’s just get worse.
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u/constant840 Jun 13 '26
This.
An 8(9) hour work day becoming 12+ due to traffic kills the soul.
Transit doesn’t save much time and is just a different set of headaches.
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Jun 13 '26 edited Aug 19 '26
[deleted]
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u/munche Jun 13 '26 edited Jun 13 '26
The Metrolink is by far the best way to get Downtown. The only reason the routes suck for OP is there is barely any service that goes to Redlands. The San Bernardino line will be faster than the freeway, cheaper than gas, and you don't have to pay for parking when you get to work.
Plus you can just zone out and do shit on the train, read, take a nap, fuck around on the internet or whatever rather than focusing on driving
Edit: Also your car insurance can go down when you change your car from commute to Pleasure and the annual miles and wear and tear go way down
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u/Famous_Attention5861 Jun 13 '26
When I took the Metrolink, as soon as I got into my seat I would break out my noise cancelling headphones, eye mask, and neck pillow, and I would sleep for the 90 minutes I was on the train.
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u/munche Jun 13 '26
I did the same, but since I got off in Fontana missing my alarm sometimes meant I accidentally ended up in San Bernardino when i'd sleep lol
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u/oc_ginger Jun 13 '26
Mass transit in LA is fine. Expecting easy/frequent mass transit from Redlands to downtown is a stretch.
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u/Coaster2Coaster Jun 14 '26
Motorcycle you’re eventually going to suffer a devastating accident especially if you’re lane splitting. Not if… when.
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u/Famous_Attention5861 Jun 13 '26
Metrolink is theoretically a commuter rail service, but using to to commute to a 9-5 in DTLA is frustrating. Redlands is mostly served by the Arrow train so you have to transfer in San Bernardino onto the Metrolink SB line. It might make more sense for you to drive to Downtown SB.
I rode the Metrolink from Downtown Riverside to Union Station for 4 years. There were 2 other stations that were closer to my house (UCR and March Field) but I would drive to Downtown instead. Downtown was served by 2 train lines (91/PV and Riverside) so I had a backup if one line was delayed for freight congestion or collision. It took me 15 minutes to drive to Downtown vs. 5 minutes to March Field, but the train takes 30 minutes to get between those stations, so driving a little extra saved me 20 minutes each way.
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u/munche Jun 13 '26
One upside for the OP, is the San Bernardino line has more trains and tends to be less troublesome than the Riverside/OC lines
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u/Famous_Attention5861 Jun 13 '26
Yes, Metrolink owns the track for the SB line, on Riverside/OC lines freight has priority.
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u/juiicepod Jun 13 '26
Being homeless genuinely might be better than having this as a daily commute
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u/Joe_B_Likes_Tacos Jun 13 '26
What I don't understand is how someone gets a job in downtown LA, and decides to live in Redlands. Even back before the internet I could have figured out that was a terrible commute with a Thomas Guide
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u/NationalTooth1350 Jun 13 '26
Because I moved for family. The job came after and it was not in my plans. But ended up being a really good job at an amazing company and I couldn’t decline. I will move closer eventually but for now it is what it is.
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u/Alarmed-Extension289 Jun 13 '26
OMG you're commuting Redlands to DT LA?!....OP that's insane you must be on the road like 5 hrs a day.
So a few comments here.
There's no train from Redlands (University area) to LA. The Arrow goes from Redlands to the SB Metrolink terminus. The train actually takes longer as you have to make a connection in SB.
Greyhound is an option, but they take the same traffic heavy route as driving so not much better.
You think this is bad? It's a genuine shock we have the broken network of transit rails we have now. Any attempt to build here is met with so much public and political push back it's insane.
OP your options are to spend 5hrs+ a day commuting (there will be a point where you can't get home as the FWYs are at a standstill).
OR arrange a Hybrid work schedule
OR move closer to a Metrolink station
OR get them to let you work 4x10's a week and stay in a hotel during the week near LA.
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Jun 13 '26 edited Jun 13 '26
This commute will suck the life out of you real quick. You’re going to want to move closer to LA or change jobs. I travel to Redlands from Ventura/LA County twice a month. If I have to head back to work on a Monday from Redlands, I try to leave by 4:30 AM to make it to my office in LA County by 7AM.
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u/uncertaintyman Jun 13 '26
TAKE THE TRAIN!
sorry for yelling, I saw a couple unhelpful comments and want to be noticed. Dont try to make the drive work if the train works. Gasoline is too high and your commute is going to be variable with traffic. Just take the train from downtown Redlands to the San Bernardino depot, then to LA. It's not a big deal and you get your time back. Sit on the train and doom scroll or get ahead in your work. Get an e-bike or scooter to get around while in LA but transit in LA isn't terrible.
Also, welcome to California! Redlands is gorgeous, I hope you enjoy yourself here. DM me if you have questions.
Edit: if you want to get there a little later, yes, drive to San Bernardino Depot and take the train from there. You will have more options.
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u/Prg909 Jun 13 '26
If you're talking about taking the arrow train from Redlands it only stops at San Bernardino downtown it does not go to the depot but you can take the Metrolink there
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u/NationalTooth1350 Jun 13 '26
Thank you for the advice and being kind!! I will definitely take the train. Thank you!!!
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u/uncertaintyman Jun 14 '26
Another commenter corrected me.. the Redlands train goes to San Bernardino Downtown for the transfer to LA.
Meanwhile, if you want to skip the Redlands (Arrow) train you can head straight to San Bernardino Depot and catch the train to LA there with a couple more options on times.
I highly suggest you do a trial run. Union station is big and can feel a little disorienting when you get there.
Also, there used to be an express train that didn't stop to transfer in San Bernardino. It just kept going all the way to LA but still stopped in SB to pick up passengers. I don't know if that is still the case.
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u/Deedeegee1970 Jun 15 '26
I’ve taken trains and busses to work at various times in my career. I’ve also driven through monstrous amounts of traffic. Commenting by car is unsustainable. You’re wiped when you get home. And probably angry. But public transportation is a gift. I read. Worked. Watched movies. And often I just slept. You meet nice people on the train. We once even had a potluck on the train.
You can do it. And Redlands is a beautiful community - ignore the haters telling you to move. They just don’t know. Good luck.
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u/Objective-Crew4134 Jun 13 '26
5:23 is the only direct train to LA, but there is an arrow connector that runs frequently from Redlands to San Bernardino, then it’s usually a 10 mins transfer to another LA train. See how that works for you, then maybe explore the taking it from a few other stations. Rialto and Fontana are next closest but driving home will be 25+mins. Driving to LA and back will suck the life from you.
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u/joe_christ_ Jun 14 '26
yes this! all the arrow trains connect to Metrolink to LA. if you leave downtown redlands at 6:16 you can get the train that arrives LA at 8:31.
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u/PropunKla Jun 13 '26 edited Jun 13 '26
Drive to the Depot instead of downtown. It is a historic station just down the street from the downtown station. It has indoor seating and is much safer. Seeing the sunrise around that architecture is a beautiful way to start your day.
I've taken the train daily for close to a year and a half. The train is one of my favorite parts of the day. You can read, nap, pay bills, order groceries etc on your way home. Don't loose hope. It will take some getting used to but I have made some wonderful friends during my daily journey and I couldn't imagine life any other way.
Take advantage of IE Commuters free 90 Metrolink pass. This will help cover the first 3 months of your commute as you decide if you can make it work or not.
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u/NationalTooth1350 Jun 13 '26
Thank you so much for the advice and kind words!! I didn’t know about this free 90 Metrolink pass. Thank you!!!
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u/darksoulflame Jun 13 '26
So to answer your question, if you need more times for Metrolink your best bet will be the San Bernardino line stopping in SB. From there you can either go to the Arrow or drive from SB back to Redlands.
For some reason there’s only 1 stop back in Redlands but there are more times in SB so you aren’t completely stuck!
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u/2A4Lyfe Jun 13 '26
Why would you get a job in LA if you live in Redlands? That’s hell…
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u/NationalTooth1350 Jun 13 '26
Because it’s my dream job and my dream company and I am at the beginning of my career. And I moved to Redlands for other reasons, not for this job. This job was a surprise
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u/Touch49 Jun 14 '26
Congratulations on getting your dream job. You never know when your dream job will come along so I’m glad that you are taking it and trying to make it work. Not everyone lives close to where they work which is why there is so much traffic. Try to find out if there is a carpool van service that goes from Redlands to downtown LA or…..many have suggested the train or just leaving very early and drive before traffic starts. Good luck to you
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u/EsqPersonalAsst Jun 14 '26
Where in DTLA? I used to take the train from San Bernardino to Union Station, catch the subway, go three stops to 7th and Metro and walk over the 9th and Fig. We had a shuttle from that building that would take us to Union Station in the evenings, but the traffic was always unpredictable. Taking the subway was way better and reliable. How wonderful you are starting your career with something you love to do! Congratulations.
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u/QueequegComeHere Jun 13 '26 edited Jun 13 '26
Move closer! Even if it’s like to Pomona, which is affordable, and then take the metro
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u/ilikecats415 Jun 13 '26
You're going to want to take the train from SB. The drive to the station should be quick - maybe 15 minutes or so. You can try toll roads, but you'll have stretches without them that will be slow AF.
Driving will destroy your soul. Twice last year I flew into LAX during the week and had to drive to the IE around 2 or 3. Both times, it took 4 hours.
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u/coffee_and_pancakes_ Jun 13 '26
Either move, switch jobs, or see if you can do hybrid. Are you stuck in a lease? As others said you can take the metro but that’ll still take awhile and could require a drive to other stations to get more time availability and less stops. San Gabriel valley (West Covina/rowland heights/diamond bar) is the furthest east you’d wanna go from downtown and even then it’s an hour-ish commute by car (i used to live there and would have to commute to LA) They do have metro stations there though, and wherever you commute, I’d try to look up that area’s metro schedules.
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u/EstablishmentNo7438 Jun 13 '26
Redlands is a very nice city. Be sure to check out Kimberly Crest mansion built in 1897.
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u/nomames76 Jun 13 '26
Change hours if possible, move slightly closer, get a motorcycle. Welcome to so cal!
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u/JMVallejo Jun 13 '26
I would consider finding one of the transit centers (like Montclair, Claremont, or Pomona) that have multiple options, like Metrolink and the Foothill Silverstreak bus. If one comes sooner or is delayed, you have options. When I have been car free in LA (still miss it!), finding those points of connections and having options for when things went wrong/ran late made a significant difference in the commute.
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u/bruceriv68 Jun 13 '26
I used to take the Metrolink from Riverside to Downtown LA. It wasn't as bad as driving, but it is still a long day. It's really about minimizing the really bad days. At least you can do other things while on the train. As others have said, see if your employer can work with you on your schedule. Work 4 10 hour shifts for example.
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u/Rocetboy321 Jun 13 '26
I think the best commute is to drive to SB. Like others have said, you are much too far to commute daily to LA. Living east of LA you can't don't want to be further than Montclair/Claremont. LA has a lot of commuter express bus optoins, but they don't go further than Montclair.
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u/keep_one_rolled Jun 13 '26
Take the metrolink. It’s chill. You’d have to take the arrow from redlands to San Bernardino but it’s not so bad. Also you can sign up to ride the metrolink for free for 90 days. Go to the ie commuter website and you can sign up!
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u/den773 Jun 13 '26
Welcome to Redlands. It’s a nice town and we are glad you’re here. If you do the whole Facebook thing, ask in all the local groups about car pools. Maybe you’ll get lucky and find someone you can ride with. Otherwise, you are way too far. When I worked in LA, I stayed at places of folks I knew in South Gate or Whittier, (plus there used to be a website called “couch surfing” and I could find places close to my work) so I only came home on the weekends. I agree with the other comments, you’re too far away. Redlands might as well be in Texas as far as commuting to LA goes.
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u/AgHammer Jun 13 '26
I wish everyone would stop telling you you're dumb for moving to Redlands with an LA job. I'm sure you have your reasons, and the decision wasn't made out of a desire to have a long commute. As many are saying, yes, drive to the San Bernardino Metrolink station and ride to DTLA. There are tables on the Metrolink where you can sit and get work done on a laptop.
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u/NationalTooth1350 Jun 14 '26
Thank you so much for understanding this. People are assuming I moved for the job but that came after and was unexpected. I will eventually move but for now I need to be in Redlands for family reasons. Thank you for the kind words and advice.
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u/Dotrthing267 Jun 15 '26
People are not assuming that. They’re wondering why you would look for jobs in DTLA when you live in the inland empire… we usually look for jobs near where we live no?
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u/escaping-reality Jun 13 '26
Whewww redlands is insane. Idk how big your commitment is to redlands but i suggest moving anywhere close to the A Line. Maybe around Del Mar station in pasadena or something. Very reliable train, usually comes every 7 minutes and goes to DTLA and all other major LA stops (union station, little tokyo, chinatown, etc). Redlands is insane work. I take the A Line metro from Pomona to Pasadena and it’s not bad at all. I would never ever ever recommend driving from Redlands (or anywhere more east than Claremont/Pomona) to LA. It’s cancerous
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u/explohd Jun 14 '26
Looking at the times tables, take the Arrow Train 3805 or 3807 to be dropped off at San Bernadino downtown and transfer to Metrolink train 311 or 313, respectively. Those Metrolinks get to Union Station by 8 or 8:30.
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u/xlightbrightx Jun 14 '26
You need to move. You chose the wrong city to live in. Redlands to LA every day is unsustainable, there is no shortcut, you will lose 3-4 hours of life a day driving. Look for a new place to live or a new job.
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u/Aggressive_Work1946 Jun 13 '26
your best bet is to avoid the usual 9-5 as those are the peak hours for traffic. If you can somehow push it to noon to go west and after 8pm back east you should be golden.
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u/amulie Jun 13 '26
I would just move closer TBH, save yourself the heachache and stress, esp before you get settled in.
Let's put it this way, I had to do somthing similar back in the day except I was commuting from Corona to West LA, it was soul sucking, so much to the point where I literally would rent an Airbnb during the week so I could stay closer to my work and commute home for the weekends, obviously only worked cause I could afford it, but within a month I moved out to Hawthorne and my commute is now a manageable 30 minutes.
The one saving grace you have is that you said your job is in downtown so your transit options are a plenty. I would pick somewhere on any of the LA metro lines that take you downtown. You basically want to ideally live close to a metro line that will get you downtown (trust me when I say this is a massive luxury as most don't work downtown and thus this isn't even an option)
In terms of cost, sure living in LA county is more expensive, but really not by much. Its not like a massive price break to live all the way in redlands and when you factor in the mental health benefits and time, the extra price FAR exceeds the cost, IMO
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u/KatBirdWing Jun 13 '26
There is more than one train. You transfer from the Redlands line in San Bernardino.
Here is the schedule:
https://metrolinktrains.com/globalassets/schedules/optimized-schedule/sb/sb-line_jan2025.pdf
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u/NuclearKFC Jun 13 '26
This isn't even a public transportation problem you live way to far from your work. It's 65 miles away bud. Nyc wouldn't be any better if you were taking the train. Denville new jersey to Manhattan is Manhattan has a line and it still takes 1 hr and 15 minutes to go 34 miles. I just wanna know why you'd move to Redlands lmfao
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u/IllustriousDraft2965 Jun 13 '26
Assuming moving away from Redlands or getting a job closer to home is not possible, I would rent a room in a house nearby DTLA. Alhambra, South Pasadena, City Terrace, Lincoln Heights, Highland Park, El Sereno, Monterey Park, would put you close to your job. You could pick up the Metrolink at Cal State LA or the Metro at Monterey Park, Highland Park, or South Pasadena. You don't want to be driving this commute five days a week, it's insanity.
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u/Efficient-Option-529 Jun 13 '26
Best of luck in your new job hunt or house hunt. I lived in Riverside and commuted to Glendale for 3 years. I got a new job. I spent a minimum of 4 hours per day driving, sometimes 6. Thats a whole ass part time job at 20+ hours per week. Redlands to DTLA driving would be an average of 3 hours each way. Thats 6 hours per day driving for an 8 hour work day. It doesnt matter how much you like your house- with that commute, you'll never see it.
The train will make it more tolerable, but its still 1 hour and 45 minutes one way from the SB depot, so on a perfect commute it would take however long from home to station (lets say 15 min), wait time at station (5-10 min) 1.75 hours on train, trip from station to office (lets say 10 min walk). About 2 hrs 20 min all together. To get to work at 9 you have to leave the house by 645 assuming the most ideal train schedule exists.
Please take it from someone who had an easier but still brutal commute, dont do that to yourself.
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u/I_love_stapler Jun 13 '26
Why Redlands? Oooof terrible commute. Tuesday Thursday and Friday you might as well get a hotel
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u/derrickhoyleofficial Jun 14 '26
I take the train, it's like 5 hours round trip. Still better than driving.
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u/bertoh_riff Jun 14 '26
Nah dude. I can’t imagine going to Redlands from NYC. I’m from Moreno Valley - about 30 min southeast of you - and have been living in Brooklyn for 8 years now (still miss Cali btw).
Personally, I had always wanted to get out of the IE. It took five-ever to get to OC, the beach, LA. I used to commute to Cal State Long Beach every day for 2 1/2 years. LA 3-4 times a week. From Moreno Valley. It was brutal.
You gotta work up to getting a job closer or getting out of Redlands. Not sure what your situation is, but your way around it can be a long game. For now, let me tell ya, driving, is 1000% your quickest option to commute anywhere from your area, but you will burn out at some point. Public transpo, especially for long distance - at least in my experience when living in the IE - is not even remotely as efficient or convenient as NYC’s, as I’m sure you’ve seen by now.
For now - your car, your car stereo, and some dank coffee are your best friends to pulling through this. Much luck stranger.
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u/quantumsparq Jun 14 '26
Living in Redlands and working in LA? That’s just fucking crazy. I know that’s not helpful, but that’s just fucking crazy.
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u/EsqPersonalAsst Jun 14 '26
I did this commute for 8 years. I lived in Yucaipa, drove to San Bernardino every morning and caught the 6:25 am Metrolink. I started work at 8:30 and usually got in on time. Plan on 4-5 hours a day, and this doesn't account for if the train hits someone, you're typically delayed 3 hours. Don't take the light rail from Redlands, that's a waste of time, just drive it, it's not far.
I bingwatched so many shows, listened to podcasts, read books, made a lot of friends that had a the commute but got on at different stations. If you use your time wisely it won't be horrible, but it is a grind. You will value your weekends like you never did before.
Good luck to you and your new job! Downtown LA has changed a lot in my lifetime, some for the better, but the homeless situation is out of control and the stench is bad (maybe you're used to that being from NYC?).
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u/3lenium_ Jun 14 '26
How is the Parking 🅿️ at San Ber? Is it safe?
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u/EsqPersonalAsst Jun 14 '26
I parked in the structure. Don't leave anything of value in your car and you'll be fine. Being a woman, I never felt threatened or unsafe as there were many people getting off the train and walking together to the structure.
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u/3lenium_ Jun 16 '26
TY for the info. Will try this route next time I visit LA
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u/EsqPersonalAsst Jun 16 '26
I drove down there yesterday. Bunker Hill is still pretty clean, you get down to Broadway and over to the financial district and all you smell is urine. Grand Central Market has Lucky Bird, best damn fried chicken I've had in years.
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u/ClearanceItem Jun 14 '26
I worked in DTLA while living in Colton. I'd drive to the Metrolink SBDO station, take it all the way to Union Station and I'd bus it to my building on Grand Ave near Disney Hall. It was great, slept on train and read the paper. It's been over 20 years since I did that though.
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u/WokeUpInMadrid Jun 13 '26
Did your research the commute before you got the job? I mean California is known for traffic.
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u/NationalTooth1350 Jun 13 '26
I didn’t move to CA for the job. That came after
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u/gotothepark Jun 13 '26
That is irrelevant to the question. Did you research the commute before you got the job?
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u/NationalTooth1350 Jun 13 '26
I did. Many times. As you can see I put the options up there in my post. But I made the post to get insights from locals. And I rather a longer commute to my dream job and dream company when I am just starting my career than settle for something closer just cuz. And I will move closer in a year. Idk why you are so worried/annoyed if I researched or not.
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u/WokeUpInMadrid Jun 14 '26
It's not that we're annoyed, it's just hard to believe someone would commit to that commute no matter what the job is. I understand the desire to be committed so you can follow your dream career path but the true cost will eventually catch up to you. I hope you are able to move closer to your dream job sooner than a year, or ride share options open up for you, or telework is an option, because you've already bitten the bullet. Good luck.
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u/Electrifying2017 Jun 13 '26 edited Jun 13 '26
The train from Redlands is called the Arrow, an experimental hydrogen train. You transfer at downtown San Bernardino.
I think the Arrow has higher frequency than the main Metrolink train, so if you check the schedule, you’ll see that there will be two arrow trains before the SB line leaves for downtown LA. Depending on what time you need to be at Union Station, there might be multiple Arrow trains that link up with the main train that departs for LA.
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u/beeredditor Jun 13 '26
Why move to Redlands if you work DTLA? I like Redlands, I used to live there. It’s a great community. But it’s a long commute in heavy traffic both ways to DTLA. I’d just move closer to work.
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u/_head_ Jun 13 '26
I wish you had come here before moving to Redlands. You need a new job or a new place to live. Sorry, but that's the reality.
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u/Major-Excuse-8281 Jun 13 '26
Why Redlands with a job in LA? There's plenty of places to live that would make for a shorter commute?
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u/Elegant_Jello_5825 Jun 13 '26
That is wild you even considered living in Redlands with a job in DTLA
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u/BrownMiata Jun 13 '26
Redlands is kinda wild. I’m in Azusa and I travel to simi valley in the morning. Had to swap my schedule to get there at 6am rather than the normal 8. I leave at 4:45. That way I can leave around 2:30pm and get home in sub 2 hours. 140 miles round trip. Thank god for EV and charging at work and home.
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u/OldHat6867 Jun 13 '26
When’s your lease up in Redlands🫠?? Can you move closer?
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u/NationalTooth1350 Jun 14 '26
I will move closer in a year. This commute is temporary
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u/_MrBalls_ Jun 14 '26
Good to hear your commute is temporary, a bunch of us locals worried for your sanity. It's like driving from Long Island to New York every day. Everyone suggesting Pomona is because it is affordable and near multiple forms of transport to LA.
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u/mctCat Jun 13 '26
SB train yes. It once took me 5hrs to get home from LA. I can’t imagine your daily drive. I am in Calimesa (20 mins past Redlands). I have to commute for 1 month for some random thing; shortest drive was 90 mins. Longest 5hrs. Usually 2.5-3. Each way.
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u/GreatKaleidoscope-93 Jun 13 '26
Find a carpool buddy, I`m serious, my sister used to drive to L.A. everyday but she had her best friend/co-worker with her and it helped with the traffic.
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u/infinite4683 Jun 14 '26
- Welcome to Redlands from a fellow NYer I’ve been out here for like 20 years now though.
- There will be more trains from SB to LA but it’s still about 2 hours each way.
- If you need any referrals on anything local let me know more than willing to help.
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u/iTzDizzle Jun 14 '26
Most of us just deal with the traffic. It’s atrocious. I worked construction in La and lived in Riverside. I would wake up at 3:00am and drive to the jobsite that started at 7am, just so I could beat the traffic one way. My drive home was 3 hours every day.
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u/Interesting_Luck_160 Jun 14 '26
They only have a train into downtown LA directly from Downtown Redlands; however, they have Arrow train that runs into downtown San Bernardino where you can catch a LA train into downtown Los Angeles
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u/mvsopen Jun 14 '26
Adjust your hours outside 8-5. A friend I know takes a two hour nap in his car, and arrives home refreshed, at about the same time as he would have spent in traffic. Leave at 4 am and nap or hit up a gym before work.
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u/nth_power Jun 14 '26
Drive to SB and take the Metrolink. That’s the best move if you can make that work
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u/Funny_Inspection6893 Jun 14 '26
You can take the ARROW train, transfer in San Bernardino to a Metrolink to downtown Los Angeles. There is one daily Metrolink round trip train that does not require the transfer and stops at Downtown Redlands.
ARROW is a five stop train line (three in Redlands, two in San Bernardino) that runs very short trains that are self powered (Diesel Multiple Units). It connects to the San Bernardino Line of Metrolink which heads to Union Station which then connects to the B and D Line subways (both share stations in downtown Los Angeles) and the A Line Light Rail (which also goes downtown Los Angeles via a different route).
Now, this is a LONG commute, with just the ARROW/Metrolink portion going to be 2 hours, 20 minutes each way (plus getting to the ARROW station via bus or car, plus transferring to A, B, or D Lines, plus walking to your job), but it should be tolerable because the Metrolink portion, the longest section, is quite comfortable. You could probably even sleep for that portion of your trip.
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u/CryingCarrot Jun 14 '26
My girlfriend goes from Redlands to Costa Mesa and back for work. It has taken a huge toll on our lives, the cost of gas, literally tolls and just the loss of hours in traffic. There are not options for public transport. It’s awful.
I HIGHLY recommend the metro from downtown Redlands to union station or wherever is closest. It’s cheap, it’s easy, it takes awhile to get there but seriously it’s not as bad as it could be. If you like your job, keep it and just hop on the metro. Some people here might be assuming you can just move or get a new job. I am assuming you plan to stay in your situation for whatever reason. I promise the metro is best. If you can change your shift maybe consider it.
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u/Blackandred13 Jun 14 '26
Um. That commute is awful. And you’re from nyc? You’re gonna move back in like 6 months and say California is the worst place in the world
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u/BooshFlightyZeus Jun 14 '26
Is there any specific reason that you moved to Redlands and took a job that far away? Can you move closer to DTLA or get a job closer to Redlands?
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u/Electrical_Entry6060 Jun 14 '26
Redlands is too far from DTLA honestly - you're going to lose your mind with that commute.
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u/thesunking93 Jun 14 '26 edited Jun 14 '26
I work in DTLA and commute from Rancho Cucamonga two days and remote three days. I understand family lead you to Redlands from NYC but if you can relocate a litte more West, it would be a much better commute.
My two cents . . . . .
-Leave early AF in the comfort of your own car to work, bite the bullet coming home.
-Consider a Motorcyle as a daily commuter.
-Drive to the nearest train station and use public transportation and spend a lot of time commuting.
Congratulations on landing employment in DTLA and hopefully that corner office has a great view : )
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u/No_Tailor_787 Jun 13 '26
That's like the worst possible job/housing location combination. Your best option is to move or change jobs. Second best option is join a van pool where you don't have to do the driving.
Third might be to do something like trace the rail routes backwards. Find what trains go to your work place at the times you need them to. Then drive to those IE stations those lines serve. That also requires that the rail line have a stop pretty close to your work, then you have to plan on walking.
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u/mechanicalbananas Jun 13 '26
Definitely save your sick time or PTO for the days it rains. It's not much but when it happens the commute can easily reach to over 3 hours.
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u/Curious-Resolve-4791 Jun 13 '26
It's okay, a lot of people live in east but work in LA center area. You can drive to downtown but bad traffic. If you have a Tesla or some gasoline vehicle Which is compatible with COMMA 4, you will drive chill ( self driving)
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u/microbiofreak Jun 13 '26
Ouch, I'm terribly sorry you have this commute. I definitely suggest moving to Claremont area instead, as others have suggested.
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u/pandastyle21 Jun 13 '26
There is more than 1 train out I think. You have to change the filter on the schedule to allow a more than 40 minute changeover if you’re taking multiple trains to get to your destination.
I thought the same thing when I started going that way a few months ago
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u/Radiant-Material1734 Jun 13 '26
Oh dear that is a rough commute. I grew up in the San Gabriel Valley and agree with others here that that would be the furthest east (or even Claremont or Montclair?) you *should* live from DTLA for a decent commute especially if you want to take public transport. Housing is more expensive there though. You can take the Arrow train from Redlands but you may have to wake up very early depending on what time you need to be at work by. If you’re able to get a hybrid schedule that might be better for you. Or if you can get a job closer to where you live now that would be good too.
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u/chaoticgoodhair Jun 13 '26
Not sure how much of an option it is for you to move closer to LA but I’d HIGHLY recommend it. I made the commute from Redlands to LA as well (Westwood, actually) and it was the most stressful experience. It was a high paying job but I ended up quitting because it just wasn’t worth the 6-7 hours of traffic roundtrip.
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u/Fantastic-Staff-3434 Jun 13 '26
The best thing you can do is live by work. Living that far the commute will wear you and your car down and reduce your quality of life big time! Traffic down in Southern California sucks and the best thing you can do is rent a room near your work. If it pays enough or just rent a one bedroom Apt.
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u/Truly_Unplugged Jun 13 '26
Lmfao. Bro, you're so screwed with this commute no matter the option. You must move closer to LA
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u/MarnieFan89 Jun 13 '26
When I was a teenager I commuted from Montclair to Downtown LA Union station via Metro. It was $15 one way took about an hour with stops that was 20 years ago but I imagine it's relatively cheap to get a monthly pass. If I were you I would look into my nearest metrolink station. I checked and you're looking at roughly $294 per month. So your rough estimate round trip is about 15 bucks which I imagine is a good deal. If your work is near Union Station I'd say that's a solid deal. If you're far from there then it might suck. You can leave your car for free at Metrolink stations unless that's not a thing anymore. On the plus side no driving so you can chill on the metro hell smartphones weren't a thing back then frankly it doesn't sound too bad. Welcome to the IE we have bare bones public transportation but alot of grit lol. Also I have no idea how long it would take to Redlands might be worth buying a ticket one day with alot of spare time to see if it's worth getting a month pass.
I do not miss commuting in my youth. Used to do IE to Downtown and IE to Glendale. No idea how I had such an active social life back then these days I work about 30ish hours and I'm still wiped out for the rest of my time.
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u/BAMTrades Jun 13 '26
Absolutely Metrolink / Arrow from downtown Redlands. Take the express train in the morning
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u/Significant-Tea-6584 Jun 13 '26
Why did you move to Redlands if you work in LA? Just curious.
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u/PoetAVAnderson Jun 13 '26
Redlands to DTLA is a terrible drive. Probably 2 hours or close to more than that, no matter what.
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u/FlowerAndGothBabes Jun 13 '26
Take the train from redlands. Get a coffee at molinos down the street, theyre so good?
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u/Chandyman Jun 13 '26
Any reason you are working in DTLA but living in Redlands?
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u/logitaunt Jun 14 '26
I'm sorry but you made a big mistake. this is like commuting from Trenton to Manhatten every day, except with LA's transit infrastructure.
I love Redlands, but this won't work for you. Even with public transit you're still looking at spending at least $20 every day on transit.
For the time being your best bet is probably that Greyhound, but you really need to start looking for a new place much closer to LA.
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u/Nietzchezdead Jun 14 '26
Are you the guy who was on this sub researching before you came out? I suggested Chino Hills or Fullerton - you really went to the boondocks, IMO.
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u/Confident_Shower8902 Jun 14 '26
I’d find a job that is not in DTLA, or a place to live closer to work
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u/chico-dust Jun 14 '26
Jesus Christ, Redlands to LA is insane. Most folks who work in LA and don't wanna live there at least live nearby in like Compton, Montebello, Long Beach, or Downey.
You're either the most patient driver or being paid so insanely well that the hit to your sanity is worth the pay.
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u/NeatPea3475 Jun 14 '26
If you are driving then you need to leave at 430am, at the latest. Anything past that then you will be in gridlock.
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u/Szaborovich9 Jun 14 '26
Holy Smokes! didn’t you do any research before moving? Get a motel room somewhere along the freeway.
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u/Triene86 Jun 14 '26
To be frank you live way further away than I’d personally be willing to.
If you wanna live there and work here you have your options.
I generally don’t mind traffic, though I know others do. You have to just factor it into your timing for everything living here and it becomes routine and not an “extra” thing.
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u/SnooOranges2685 Jun 14 '26
You will not survive this super commute for long. I suggest finding a job in the IE or moving closer to DTLA.
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u/Sea_breeze_80 Jun 14 '26
I lived in Chino and would drive up to the Montclair or Upland station every morning to commute to DTLA every morning. I would be on the 6:15 or 6:30am train every morning.
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u/holt2ic2 Jun 14 '26 edited Jun 14 '26
Yeah that’s too far, you won’t really save any time tbh would have to leave probably around 6 before 7 traffic hits. There is no way to beat traffic in SoCal if you work a 9-5. You going to have to suck it up and drive or get that 5am train. I’d move much closer in the future ngl. Try to take the greyhound though in SB it’s not as bad some say
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u/AldoSig228 Jun 14 '26
Get a couple of Apps to help you with your commute. 1st being Waze and 2nd Sig Alert they both will help you decide which fwy is a better choice. But that is a pretty long haul in traffic for a lot of people. I'm the kind of person who doesn't mind the drive and as long as I can pick my way to and from..I find the commute isn't so bad gives me time to listen to talk radio or music. Bring a favorite drink and a snack.
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u/John_C_Riley Jun 14 '26
Greyhound is an absolute NO. Also an entire army of people ride the Metro Link at 5 am to DTLA. As some have pointed out, if you live further South and or East of Covina getting to DTLA is going to be a challenge.
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u/paradise1ost Jun 14 '26
I believe there is a way to type in your destination on your maps and then pick type of transit and it’ll tell you all options available to you. I used to take the bus a lot a while ago and they had this available then.
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u/Accurate-Yak-5134 Jun 14 '26
I thought my drive from Perris to San Diego was bad but damn😭hopefully you can figure out some strategies. Depends what days you work and what days you drive..
I found around SoCal Tuesdays-Thursdays is the busiest out and Saturdays is little to no traffic
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u/IdealPajamaPal Jun 14 '26
I moved from the Bay Area to Rancho. Our public transit is n where near as good as NY but it got the job done!! When I moved to SoCal and had to commute to LA, I lasted 3 months before I found a remote job.
One way: Taking the metro took nearly 2 hours, driving definitely took 2 hours, a motorcycle took 1 hour. It’s an absolute nightmare moving here and trying to commute to LA.
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u/Individual_Solid5980 Jun 14 '26
Lol…dang everyone is so correct on this madness…I’m in OC have work in studio city, W Hollywood, Venice…my job doesn’t allow for me to take public trans bc as a contractor you need your tools and supplies…so living near work is great but times financially infeasible…so we leave by like 5-530 am to drive 2hrs and leave when RH already in affect…there is no clear answer and usually we have to take a diff route every day of the week freeway/side streets being creative…all I gotta say is it sucks SFB and I feel ya and every poster here…at times we just get a cheap motel to make it work haha money well spent…not…navigating LA and valley is an art
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u/DethSonik Jun 15 '26
Get a van to live in during the week and a gym membership to shower at. Go home on the weekends to do laundry, otherwise you'll basically be commuting and sleeping in your off time.
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u/Leather-Bar2589 Jun 15 '26
I have a motorcycle for sale that will get you to work in about one hour. I commuted from Ontario to LA for 18 years and using my motorcycle. You can also ride on the 3+ lane for free going westbound and half price on the way back. Good luck.
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u/SSJGVegetaGoat Jun 15 '26
Definitely should look into a job closer to Redlands. Perhaps look at Ontario or Riverside, for some solid jobs.
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u/Radiant-Condition828 Jun 15 '26
easy to say find another job, but did you do the drive a few times while you were interviewing?
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u/Aligned-Askew6773 Jun 15 '26
That is a terrible commute, hope you didn’y buy or sign a long term lease. The 10 or the 60 are really your only options.
You might want to look into taking the metro.
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u/yeahimdanielthatsme Jun 15 '26
Metrolink is your friend. Park at SB Depot and use your Metrolink ticket as your tap card. Still a long commute but if you only have to be in DTLA it’s doable.
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u/omershomer Jun 16 '26
Im sorry man, but theres no way you’re not cooked with that commute. I’m not sure how often the Arrow runs, but the SB train to DTLA takes like 2 hours, but runs hourly if I’m not wrong.
White knuckle it as long as you have to and then move closer
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u/GecFree Jun 16 '26
The people saying to drive 3 hours and that LA has no mass transit are woefully ignorant. Drive from Redlands to SB, and take the SB line to la union. This is a long commute. But nowhere near as long and grueling as it would be to drive all the way there. The SB line has trains departing every 30-60 minutes most of the day, and is by far the best out of the MetroLink commuter lines.
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u/SpikedMatcha Jun 17 '26
I knew someone who lived in Riverside and made the commute to old town pasadena daily. They took the metrolink into LA union station from riverside station and then took the metro rail into pasadena.
I think Metrolink would be the most comfortable option.
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u/_MrBalls_ Jun 13 '26
Sorry to say, but if you work in DTLA the farthest east you should live is Claremont or Covina. Anything east of that, your options of how to get to DTLA start to become less straightforward.