coast starlight train round trip

Amtrak Guide

By train travelers for train travelers, coast starlight train: rider guide.

See the Pacific Ocean and the Cascade Mountain Range with a trip on Amtrak’s Coast Starlight route. It’s one of the most scenic in the United States with long-distance travel between Los Angeles and Seattle. Total travel time is 35 hours and you’ll spend one night on the train if you travel between these two cities, or ride this train between other cities in California, Oregon and Washington State.

This website is reader supported and not affiliated with Amtrak. We may earn a small commission from links on this page.

Schedule Highlights

• There is one northbound and one southbound train each day.
• Trains depart L.A in the morning and arrive in Seattle the next day in the evening.
• Trains depart Seattle in the morning and arrive in L.A. the next day in the evening.
• Overnight, trains are primarily in Northern California.

Things to Know

• Trains use Superliner rail cars that have two levels.
• There is a café for all passengers and a dining car for sleeper car passengers.
• Beaches, wineries and hiking trails are some of the things you can enjoy at stops along the route .
• You can get off and on the train for a night or more, but you’ll need to book each leg of the trip separately.
• The Van Nuys Station is a 20-minute drive away from the Hollywood Burbank Airport as an alternate to flying in or out of Los Angeles (LAX) to connect with the Coast Starlight.

The cost of Amtrak tickets varies by type of ticket, distance traveled, time of year, day of the week and how early you book your tickets. Coach seats are the most affordable, followed by roomettes and bedrooms. To view current ticket prices, use the Find Trains feature with your estimated travel dates on the Amtrak.com homepage.

As of 2023, expect to pay the following one-way if you travel the entire Coast Starlight route:

• $100 for a coach seat
• Over $500 for a roomette
• Over $900 for a bedroom

What is the best part of the Coast Starlight?

The best and most scenic parts of the Coast Starlight is the journey along the Pacific Ocean in California and through the Cascade Mountains in Northern California and Oregon.

Which side of the train to sit on the Coast Starlight?

To see the Pacific Ocean, sit on the left side of the train when traveling north toward Seattle and on the right side of the train when heading south toward Los Angeles.

To see Mount Shasta, travel northbound and sit on the right side of the train or ideally sit in the observation car.

To see Mount Rainier, sit on the right side of northbound trains and left side on trains departing from Seattle.

Is it better to ride the Coast Starlight north or south?

To view the most scenery, the best direction of travel on the Coast Starlight is northbound, especially in summer. You’ll need to wake up early to see Mount Shasta.

Does the Coast Starlight train have an observation car?

Yes, the Coast Starlight has an observation car that is available to all passengers.

Popular Stops

• Santa Barbara
• Paso Robles
• San Luis Obispo
• Los Angeles
• Seattle, WA – King Street Station (SEA)
• Tacoma, WA (TAC)
• Olympia-Lacey, WA (OLW)
• Centralia, WA (CTL)
• Kelso-Longview, WA (KEL)
• Vancouver, WA (VAN)
• Portland, OR – Union Station (PDX)
• Salem, OR (SLM)
• Albany, OR (ALY)
• Eugene, OR – Amtrak Station (EUG)
• Chemult, OR (CMO)
• Klamath Falls, OR (KFS)
• Dunsmuir, CA (DUN)
• Redding, CA – Amtrak Station (RDD)
• Chico, CA (CIC)
• Sacramento, CA – Sacramento Valley Station (SAC)
• Davis, CA (DAV)
• Martinez, CA (MTZ)
• Emeryville, CA (EMY)
• Oakland, CA – Jack London Square Station (OKJ)
• San Jose, CA – Diridon Station (SJC)
• Salinas, CA – Amtrak Station (SNS)
• Paso Robles, CA (PRB)
• San Luis Obispo, CA – Amtrak Station (SLO)
• Santa Barbara, CA (SBA)
• Oxnard, CA (OXN)
• Simi Valley, CA (SIM)
• Van Nuys, CA (VNC)
• Los Angeles, CA – Union Station (LAX)

More Information

• Coast Starlight Reviews
• 10 best stops on the Coast Starlight
• Coast Starlight vs Pacific Surfliner
• Coast Starlight vs Cascades
• Coast Starlight vs Empire Builder
• Most scenic Amtrak routes on the West Coast

Top photo credit: Bruce Fingerhood

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What to Know About the Amtrak Coast Starlight Route

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Table of Contents

What is the Amtrak Coast Starlight train?

Amtrak coast starlight train stops, amtrak coast starlight schedule, amtrak seats on coast starlight, if you want to ride the amtrak coast starlight train ….

Sure, cars and planes may dominate transportation throughout much of the United States, but there’s something special about train travel.

Aside from enjoying the relative comfort of legroom (and even beds), those aboard the Amtrak Coast Starlight route get to experience stunning views while they while away the hours to their destination.

Let’s take a look at this famous route, the experience you can expect when you’re aboard and other can’t-miss details for the Amtrak Coast Starlight train.

Amtrak operates a number of iconic routes (including many that go cross-country). Among its best is the Coast Starlight, which travels from Seattle to Los Angeles along the West Coast each day.

The total travel time for the Coast Starlight train is 35 hours, and passengers can select from a variety of room types, including private cabins with beds and bathrooms.

» Learn more: How to get cheap Amtrak tickets

The Coast Starlight makes several stops along its journey, which is part of the reason why it’s a lengthy trip. The train goes through three states: Washington, Oregon and California.

Seattle - King Street Station (SEA).

Tacoma, Wash. (TAC).

Olympia-Lacey, Wash. (OLW).

Centralia, Wash. (CTL).

Kelso-Longview, Wash. (KEL).

Vancouver, Wash. (VAN).

Portland, Ore. - Union Station (PDX).

Salem, Ore. - Amtrak Station (SLM).

Albany, Ore. (ALY).

Eugene, Ore. - Amtrak Station (EUG).

Chemult, Ore. (CMO).

Klamath Falls, Ore. (KFS).

Dunsmuir, Calif. (DUN).

Redding, Calif. - Amtrak Station (RDD).

Chico, Calif. (CIC).

Sacramento, Calif. - Sacramento Valley Station (SAC).

Davis, Calif. (DAV).

Martinez, Calif. (MTZ).

Emeryville, Calif. (EMY).

Oakland, Calif. - Jack London Square Station (OKJ).

San Jose, Calif. - Diridon Station (SJC).

Salinas, Calif. - Amtrak Station (SNS).

Paso Robles, Calif. (PRB).

San Luis Obispo, Calif. - Amtrak Station (SLO).

Santa Barbara, Calif. (SBA).

Oxnard, Calif. (OXN).

Simi Valley, Calif. (SIM).

Van Nuys, Calif. (VNC).

Burbank, Calif. (BUR).

Los Angeles - Union Station (LAX).

» Learn more: 5 things to know about the Amtrak credit card

Looking for a visual of where you’re heading? Here’s a glance at the route map for the Coast Starlight on Amtrak.

» Learn more: Credit cards can help you save on buses and trains, too

The Coast Starlight train runs once daily in either direction. If you’re starting in Los Angeles, the train departs at 9:51 a.m. and arrives at 7:51 p.m. the next day.

Conversely, the train leaving from Seattle departs at 9:50 a.m. each day and arrives in Los Angeles the next day at 9:11 p.m.

Note that there can be differences in timing as the trains may alter their stops or departure times.

» Learn more: The best travel credit cards right now

There are six room types available on the Coast Starlight train.

To travel along the coast as cheaply as possible, opt to book a coach seat for the duration of your journey. You can then choose whether to sit in a lower seat or an upper seat. Lower seats are nearer to the restrooms and don’t require climbing any stairs. Upper seats have better views from the top floor.

Each coach seat reclines, offers ample legroom and has a fold-down tray and electric outlets.

2. Superliner roomette

A Superliner roomette offers a private space for those looking to unwind during their journey. It’s more expensive than a coach seat and provides two comfortable seats that transform into beds at night.

Roomettes also offer upgraded bedding, towels, and linens, plus access to a shower and restroom inside your train car.

Beyond this, the roomette provides a first class attendant, complimentary lounge access, priority boarding and complimentary meals. These rooms can sleep up to two adults.

3. Superliner bedroom

Superliner bedrooms offer twice the space of a roomette and include a sofa and chair that transform into beds. You’ll receive many of the same amenities as a roomette, including a first class attendant, complimentary meals, lounge access and priority boarding.

Aside from more space, the biggest difference between a bedroom and a roomette is that the bedroom offers an in-room sink, restroom and shower. These rooms can sleep two adults.

4. Superliner bedroom suite

The Superliner bedroom suite provides twice the space of a bedroom, but this is only because it’s two rooms that combine together. To that end, you’ll have twice as many beds and two bathrooms from which to choose. These suites can sleep four adults.

5. Superliner family bedroom

The family bedroom is ideal for adults and children traveling together. Along with the amenities you’d expect from booking a bedroom, you’ll have access to two upper beds and two lower beds at night, which transform from seating. These bedrooms can sleep two adults and two children.

6. Superliner accessible bedroom

Accessible bedrooms are located on the entry level of the train and offer space for a wheelchair. However, while Superliner accessible bedrooms include an in-room sink and toilet, they lack a shower.

» Learn more: NerdWallet’s best credit cards for transit and commuters

Amtrak’s route network is expansive, but nothing is quite as charming as the Coast Starlight. During your 35-hour journey, you’ll be able to take advantage of comfortable seating, stunning scenery and good food. What’s not to like?

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Amtrak's 35-Hour Coast Starlight Journey: Here's What You Need To Know

With a name like Coast Starlight and a journey spanning 35 hours, expectations are high from the get-go. It is, after all, a much-touted rail adventure , described by Amtrak as "one of the most spectacular of all train routes." There's a good chance that's true, given the sweeping West Coast scenery, luxe onboard dining options, cozy sleeping quarters, and a glass-paneled observation car where views change every minute, unfolding like nirvana on fast-forward.

Whether hype meets reality in a boots-on-rail kind of way is subjective, but all the defining bits and pieces make Coast Starlight a train to remember. The experience differs depending on chosen seating and sleeping comforts, as well as a preference for café fare versus white-tablecloth fine dining. But in the end, it's the same train hurling through surreal star-clad darkness, on the same journey to the same destination.

From the "All Aboard!" greeting (which actually does happen) to cabin comfort, dining, drinking, sleeping, station stops, and all the dreamlike feats of nature along the way, here's a collective and somewhat practical look at what to expect when riding the rails from Los Angeles to Seattle.

The big picture: Planning a Coast Starlight excursion

A deep dive into the Amtrak website is always helpful to get the minutia of planning a Coast Starlight journey, but the primary decisions start with timing and train layout. Whether beginning the journey in Los Angeles or Seattle, the entire route covers a distance of 1,377 miles, with 28 station stops, not including the origin and final destination stations. It takes about 35 onboard hours, subject to unplanned delays. If you prefer a shorter ride, it's possible to join the journey at any station along the way.

Seating is based on the level of service chosen when booking the trip. Coach class seats are unassigned at the time of booking but have plenty of space, no middle seats, lots of legroom, and they recline for relatively comfortable sleeping. Each train car has its own bathrooms. The business class option provides all the amenities of coach class plus a dedicated car, wider seats, more legroom, and complimentary non-alcoholic drinks throughout the journey.

The coveted sleeper cars are considered first-class travel and occupy their own section of the double-decker train, with seating by day converting to bedding at night. All seats come with a reading light, eating tray, and access to electrical outlets. Now for the crucial question: Is there Wi-Fi onboard the Coast Starlight? Plan to disconnect and enjoy the mesmerizing, nature-infused journey like pre-internet travelers from generations past. Cell service works now and then, depending on the carrier.

Departure and baggage

On each end of the Coast Starlight journey, passengers navigate the intricacies of big-city train stations in metropolitan Los Angeles and Seattle. Even so, train travel is considerably less stressful than air travel. Amtrak attendants are readily available and provide free baggage assistance and cart transportation to the train when requested.

Check-in is a breeze; forget standing in lines and suffering the travails of security checks and luggage scans. Just show your ticket and identification at the boarding gate. Passengers departing from both Los Angeles Union Station and Seattle Union Station can request assigned seats after arriving at the station — but don't expect the same offer if boarding at other stations along the way.

All passengers on the Coast Starlight train are allowed one personal and two carry-on bags and can also access the free checked baggage service. For an extra fee, you can bring items such as bicycles, skis, surfboards, fishing rods, golf clubs, and baby gear. While Amtrak says to arrive at the station 30 minutes prior to departure, you'll more likely need an hour if bringing along these larger pieces of baggage. Free Red Cap baggage personnel are available in LA, Seattle, and Portland.

It's all about the scenery on Amtrak's Coast Starlight train

Where to begin when describing the scenery along the Coast Starlight route? It's like a moving impressionist painting of silent snowscapes, towering Cascade Mountains , icy streams, crashing Pacific Ocean waves, towering Redwood forests, and the bucolic farmlands of Central California.

Cityscapes interweave with wonders of nature, including the journey's bookend metropolises of Los Angeles and Seattle. The train whizzes towards the San Francisco Bay area, with station stops in cities like Oakland, Sacramento, and the tech corridors of Simi Valley, although not before stopping in Portland, where graffiti art paints its own portraits of life in the Pacific Northwest. You'll see all this from coach seats, sleeper cabins, and especially from the enormous glass windows of the observation car. It's hard to know which seats of the rail car to choose since the scenery pops up on either side as the train twists and turns along the tracks.

Though breaking up the journey with overnight stays is possible, you'll need to purchase tickets accordingly. Depending on your sense of adventure, options include hiking at Klamath Falls, boating in beautiful Crater Lake , and snow sports, river fishing, or whitewater rafting in the Siskiyou Mountain region around the Dunsmuir station stop. Central California offers world-class surfing at Pismo Beach, just minutes from more beaches, castles, dozens of wineries, and an old-time mission in San Louis Obispo. These destinations are all station stops on the Coast Starlight route.

The indulgence of private sleeper cars

Much is made over the expansion of Amtrak's sleeper car service, and the Coast Starlight train is a poster child of sorts, partially due to the 35 hours in which snoozing onboard is pretty much inevitable. Putting classic movies aside, with their romanticized ideals of sleeping under the stars, the real-life version is a bit different.

Sleeper cars on the Coast Starlight come in several configurations, some more spacious than others, but all comprising relatively small spaces. That's especially true for the most compact and affordable roomette sleeper, which measures 3 feet, 6 inches wide and 6 feet, 6 or 8 inches long. Two seats face one another, and they convert to beds, one stretching above the other, like a bunk bed configuration with a small access ladder. That's not to say they're cramped, just cozy. It's still a bed, and it's magical to slumber as the train rumbles down the tracks, peeking at starlit skies and ghostlike landscapes. 

For more space and family-size accommodations, you can upscale to a bedroom sleeper, bedroom suite, family bedroom, or an accessible bedroom with extra width. These have considerably more space and come in varying configurations with in-room sinks, showers, and restrooms. The family room is the largest, measuring 9 feet, 6 inches wide and 5 feet, 2 inches long. Like the roomettes, they come with dedicated attendants.

Dining the rails

Nowhere onboard the Coast Starlight is the difference between coach and first class more evident than in the dining car. Coach and business class travelers have access to a small café on a lower level, serving sandwiches, snacks, breakfast items, and hot selections for microwaving. Beverage options include beer, wine, hard seltzer, spirits, and cocktails. These are on a pay basis, and lines tend to back up during mealtimes. Passengers are free to take food to their seats or common areas.

Then there's "traditional dining" in an exclusive dining car serving first class passengers. Think white-linen tablecloths, glassware, and real plates, along with onboard chef-prepared meals, including three-course dinners and a complimentary glass of wine or cocktail. Options can include oven-roasted salmon, flat-iron steaks, rigatoni Bolognese, and more. The meal includes appetizers and desserts such as Meyer lemon cake and white-chocolate blueberry cobbler cheesecake. Three meals a day are included at no charge with a first class ticket, and guests can opt for meal delivery to their sleeper cars. If supplies allow, passengers in other seating classes may request traditional dining at a per-plate cost.

One notable quirk is that seating in the dining car is communal, meaning all seats at a table will be filled, regardless of whether you've ever met your tablemates. That can be awkward for some Western travelers but more common for international diners. Once the initial discomfort subsides, it's an interesting way to meet new people and hear train-travel stories.

Coast Starlight's crowning glory: the observation car

The best seats on the train, hands down, are in the observation car. Huge windows span the height of the car and curve upward, extending views toward the sky. Plush chairs line the windows, providing front-row seats to nature's glory. Scenes change in increments as the train glides across the country. Surfers riding ocean waves disappear, giving way to fly-fishers in an icy stream or stunning snow-capped mountains and towering evergreens.

An unexpected thing about the observation car is that, regardless of which ticket a passenger holds, all are welcome to take a seat and linger as long as they like. In addition to comfy chairs, a separate section in this car offers spacious tables with the same views, allowing travelers to spread out laptops, papers, books, and drinks.

Electrical outlets keep things charged, but passing views are far more compelling than computer screens. That's why they call it an observation car, and it's well worth setting sights on the window. Don't be surprised when those seats get gobbled up pretty quickly. You might want to secure your luggage and seat, then hightail it to the observation car as soon as possible. One way to snag a spot once seats get filled is to pay attention to upcoming station stops. If a "fresh air break" is called, passengers can disembark for a few minutes, leaving an open front-row seat for watching the world go by.

Amtrak Coast Starlight Route Guide

• 1 Coast Starlight Route Overview
• 2 Train Info
• 3 Ticket Options
• 4 Scenic Views
• 5 Major Sites
• 6 Major Stations
• 7 States Visited
• 8 Station Reviews
• 9 Trip Planning
• 10 Booking Tickets

Coast Starlight Route Overview

The Amtrak Coast Starlight was born from combining two Southern Pacific trains, the Starlight and the Coast Daylight. The train has been in continuous operation since 1971, it was the first to offer direct service between Los Angeles to Seattle.

The Coast Starlight goes between Los Angeles and Seattle via Portland and the San Francisco Bay Area.

Ticket Options

On the Coast Starlight you can purchase tickets in these categories (sample summer fares for 2 people shown):

• Coach ($225)
• Business ($316)
• Superliner Roomette ($592)
• Superliner Bedroom ($1,168)
• Superliner Family Bedroom ($1,294)

The Coast Starlight has a special Business Class car with seats that are the same as coach, but are finished differently. In business class you’ll also get free drinks.

Amtrak often runs 2 for 1 sales on coach tickets as well as roomettes. If you are planning well in advance, check out our guide to getting 2 for 1 tickets during the BOGO sale .

Meals and Metropolitan Lounge access are included for all sleeper car passengers.

Scenic Views

The Coast Starlight is a grand west coast adventure. It is regarded as one of the most spectacular train routes on Amtrak. The Coast Starlight links two great cities on the west coast, Los Angeles and Seattle. The scenery is unsurpassed, from dramatic snow covered peaks of the Cascades Range to Mount Shasta. You will also be treated to lush forests, fertile valleys and long stretches of the Pacific Ocean shoreline.

Major Sites

Most people vacationing on the Coast Starlight are riding for the views along the coast of the Pacific ocean. You may even get to see Mount Saint Helens and Mount Rainier on the east side of the train as you arrive in or leave Seattle.

Major Stations

The major and notable stations on the Amtrak Coast Starlight are Los Angeles, Oakland, Emeryville (San Francisco), Sacramento, Portland and Seattle.

States Visited

The Amtrak Coast Starlight travels from California into Oregon and finishing in Washington. There are many notable stops along this route.

Station Reviews

The Coast Starlight route has terminus stations of Los Angeles on one end and Seattle on the other. Only the Los Angeles station has a Metropolitan Lounge to make your wait before boarding more enjoyable.

Both stations also offer free checked baggage, up to 2 bags per person of 50lbs.

Union Station – Los Angeles

Union Station in Los Angeles is the largest railroad passenger terminal in the western US. It opened in 1939 replacing the LA Grande Station and Central Station. The station has been used in many popular films, including Blade Runner, Pearl Harbor, The Dark Knight Rises and Bugsy, to name a few. There are several restaurants where you can purchase food and bring back to enjoy in the Metropolitan Lounge. The lounge at this station is located on the second level just past ticketing and the check in counters. Arrive early to take the time to walk around the station and enjoy some of the history.

If you need to stay near the station, the closest hotel is the Metro Plaza Hotel , which is acceptable. For a little better place to stay you could choose the Millennium Biltmore . We stayed there on our last Amtrak trip and recommend it, but this would require a short taxi or Uber to the station.

There is a car rental location on site at the station.

King Street Station- Seattle

The King Street Station is a surprise, as it has a beautiful interior and good location downtown next to the Seattle sports field complexes. There is no food available inside, but there are a few restaurants and cafes within walking distance. There is also no Metropolitan Lounge at this station.

The King Street Station may have the most convenient hotel near it in the entire Amtrak system. If you are staying a night or two in Seattle we recommend the Embassy Suites Seattle Downtown Pioneer Square . The hotel is just steps from the Amtrak station and we could see the entrance to the station from our room. On top of that we found the hotel to be amazing and the staff was very friendly to us.

Trip Planning

The Coast Starlight is a great train trip to link with a few other trains. If you are looking for a longer vacation, consider something like our 14 day Amtrak trip . On this trip we took the Coast Starlight from Los Angeles to Seattle, the Empire Builder from Seattle to Chicago, and the California Zephyr from Chicago back to San Francisco.

You could also link the Coast Starlight with the San Joaquins train to see more of California and visit Yosemite. If you ride from Seattle to Los Angeles you can link with the Sunset Limited and ride across the US to New Orleans.

Note that the Amtrak stations in Los Angeles and Seattle are not near the airports, so if you are flying into those cities to start this route you’ll need to get a cab or Uber to the Amtrak station.

Booking Tickets

Tickets for Amtrak can be booked at Amtrak.com or using their app on your phone. Reservations can also be made by calling 1-800-USA-RAIL.

Allie Marmion

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34 hours on America’s most scenic train. Is it as dreamy as it sounds?

I took Amtrak’s Coast Starlight train from L.A. to Seattle, a 34-hour journey. (Julia Carmel / Los Angeles Times)

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There are certainly more efficient ways to get from Los Angeles to Seattle than sitting in a metal box for 34 hours. But Amtrak’s Coast Starlight train wasn’t designed for people who are in a rush.

Perhaps you’ve come across this train on Instagram, YouTube or TikTok, where people rave about its gorgeous observation cars — called “sightseer lounges” — boasting floor-to-ceiling windows and cinematic views of the Oregonian forest. (“10/10 would recommend the Coast Starlight for the views alone,” one TikTok creator noted , showing off the flowers they drew while gazing at the scenery.)

But much of the viral footage of the train — which leaves L.A. every day around 10 a.m. and gets to Seattle the following night around 8 p.m. — was taken by travelers who were riding it for a short stretch, or those staying in the sleeper cars, which have beds, private bathrooms with showers and access to the restaurant-style dining car. These “roommettes” and bedrooms, which can run upwards of $600, are far less economical than the $100 coach seats that can be booked if you plan far enough in advance. I wanted to find out if I could really romanticize sleeping in an awkwardly reclined chair and eating countless bags of chips.

So as a man of the people, I convinced my partner to accompany me on the full 34-hour journey in coach seats. Here’s what we wish we knew before getting on the train.

You’re there for the scenery — not the amenities

“Ticket for Seattle, welcome aboard,” our train conductor said with a chuckle as we departed Union Station. “Braver than me!”

There are quite a few reasons why we were some of the only people riding all the way from L.A. to Seattle on a Wednesday in the coach and business cars. The most obvious is that many people would not want to spend a full night sleeping in a chair, but the shared bathrooms, which get progressively worse over the course of the trip, are a close second. More on that soon.

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Sure, call it ‘glamping.’ These campsites in Joshua Tree, Ventura, Catalina and Big Bear do all (or most) of the work for you, allowing you to spend your time enjoying nature.

Nov. 17, 2022

The Coast Starlight is not Amtrak’s longest route (that would be the 65-hour-long Texas Eagle ), but from start to finish, the train takes about 11 times as long as the three-hour flight from L.A. to Seattle, or twice as long as the roughly 17-hour-long road trip. As we climbed on board, we were sent to our assigned seats (you only get to choose whether you want to be on the upper or lower level). Ours were on the left side of the train, which is a bit more coveted as it faces west and gets better views, but no matter where your assigned seat is, you’ll have access to the picturesque observation car.

When we pulled into our first stop, Burbank, shortly after 10 a.m., we passed Fry’s Electronics, the video store in Jordan Peele’s “Nope,” with its big crash-landed saucer above the entrance. By the time we got to Van Nuys 15 minutes later, the woman running the cafe in the observation car announced that she was open for business, so we made our way over.

The observation car was already packed with passengers who had rushed in as soon as the conductor finished checking their tickets. On the upper level, there are dining tables and a few dozen seats facing huge windows that curve onto the ceiling. Below it, there’s a small cafe serving snacks and grab-and-go food — think microwave-reheated sandwiches, hot dogs and pre-prepared salads — which is the only food accessible to coach passengers.

“Please wear your shoes when you come into the cafe car,” one staff member said over the speakers as we tried to find seats, which raised the question of why that needed to even be announced.

To be totally honest, the biggest flaw of the trip was the smell of the observation car. Perhaps we caught it on a particularly ripe day, or maybe it was the lack of open windows, but even within the first hour on board, that car was notably stinky.

“I just want to go back to my room,” one child screamed to his mother as we sped along the tracks.

“It’s the Wild West out here,” my partner said while talking on the phone with their boss. A woman walking by started laughing and nodded in agreement.

But soon enough, our noses adjusted and the car became a bit less chaotic. By noon, when we passed Oxnard, the train got incredibly close to the coast, kicking off about three hours of stunning, up-close views along the Pacific Ocean. We decided to take a trip down to the cafe, where we ordered mimosas, sea salt chips and a Rice Krispie Treat to enjoy with the scenery.

The first call for dining car reservations soon went over the loudspeaker, but we were sad to learn that only sleeper car passengers, and some lucky business class passengers, are allowed to reserve a table there.

Around 3:30 p.m., following our stop at San Luis Obispo, the staff closed the observation car to clean. When it reopened about 15 minutes later, they lightly scolded everyone for leaving crumbs and hogging seats. “We’re all grown-ups here, please act like one,” the announcer said.

By that time, we had worked up an appetite, so we tried the ham and Swiss sandwiches from the cafe. It was nothing to write home about — as my partner put it, some food just “tastes like nothing” — but it wasn’t offensively bad. We started to wonder what else we were going to eat for the next four meals.

Between Paso Robles and Salinas, we got a bit restless. The reality that we still had more than 24 hours to go on the train seemed to sink in, and when a woman near us pulled a Chipotle bowl out, we started feeling a bit feral.

As we passed a beautiful sunset, we schemed for how we too could get our hands on Chipotle. We decided to take a risk and try to order delivery to the Salinas Amtrak station, which we knew would be the next “fresh air stop.”

The plan went quite well (shout out to Jose, our delivery driver in Salinas, who patiently waited at the station for a few minutes), though we agreed to pack our meals and snacks if we ever took another extended train ride.

There’s nothing but time, so you might as well make some friends

After pulling off our Chipotle drop, we started chatting with a man sitting a few seats away from us in the observation car. We learned that our new friend, Aaron Shimoda, was also riding the train all the way from L.A. to Seattle.

Aaron, 23, said he’d already taken two long-haul Amtrak trips before the Coast Starlight: the 20-hour-long trip from Fort Lauderdale, Fla., to Raleigh, N.C., and the 17-hour-long trip from Emeryville, Calif., to Salt Lake City, Utah.

“I could probably fly [to Seattle] for just as much, and it would only take a few hours to get up there,” Aaron said. “But I’m taking the train because I want to actually see the sights.”

Taking time between jobs, he figured it was the perfect time to leave Vancouver and get a rail pass to visit friends and family around North America. Aside from simply loving trains, he said these trips give him an opportunity to see lots of small towns and meet new people along the way.

“When I was doing my Florida to Raleigh trip, I met a guy on there who was going from Florida to New York because he’s an actor,” Aaron recalled. “We were seatmates, and we started talking, and I shared my fried plantains and half of my Cubano with him. We became really good friends.”

There are some things he wish he knew before embarking on the first trip — “Download movies on Netflix before the train; bring a book; bring snacks; bring a pillow if you have enough space,” he advised — but overall, he finds the views more than worth it.

Aaron said that even after this 34-hour trek is done, he still hopes to take the California Zephyr from Chicago to Northern California one day.

“I would probably want to do it when I have a bit more money so I can actually go and rent one of the sleeper cars,” he said. “So I’m not, like, dead and stinky by the third day.”

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The restless night of sleep is worth the beautiful views

After sunset, the windows in the observation car became far less interesting, sending many passengers off to kill time in their seats. We made out the silhouettes of different small towns, including a garlic-themed truck stop in Gilroy — the garlic capital of the world — which sent us down a Wikipedia rabbit hole. (Did you know Gilroy’s Christopher Ranch ships more than 100 million pounds of heirloom garlic every year?)

By 10 p.m., the conductors dim the lights and stop making announcements for the next eight hours, making it the optimal time to doze off.

But despite all of the coach and business class seats being fairly roomy, it’s nearly impossible to get truly comfortable in them. Sure, you can recline the seat or pop up a footrest, but no adjustments you can make will compare to sleeping in a real horizontal bed.

The longest commercial flight in the world is nearly 19 hours, traveling more than 9,500 miles from New York City to Singapore. Nineteen hours into the Coast Starlight, you’ll be somewhere around Dunsmuir, Calif. — only about 600 miles from L.A. — grappling with the decision of whether it’s worth it to face the less-than-optimal bathrooms for a 5 a.m. pee.

Yet after a few more hours of enduring snoring and bright streetlights, the most beautiful sunrise will flood into your car, giving everything a hazy glow.

The second day is admittedly a bit more grimy: Anyone in coach or business class who stayed on the train overnight will be unshowered, and some of the bathrooms may smell unspeakably bad. So it goes.

It’s worthwhile, though, because traveling through Oregon is absolutely stunning. In our first hours over the border, we passed forests, gorgeous lakes and mountains, among other natural wonders. The early morning fresh air stops in Oregon are also delightfully chilly, giving everyone a chance to stretch and feel a bit refreshed.

After a few hours of watching cattle graze, we donned sweaters and moved back to the observation car. It was less crowded than the previous day (leading us to assume most of the folks who got on in L.A. left at some point) but still mostly full with sleepy-headed passengers reading books or making small talk over slightly burnt coffee.

We found our friend Aaron again and joined him at a table. Our provisions in the morning were a breakfast sandwich (which again, tasted like nothing) and a coffee cake that my partner ordered, which was the star of the show. As we passed Odell Lake around 10 a.m., Aaron told us that he finally thought he found the right angle for sleeping on trains and pointed out a fellow passenger who brought a full duvet into the coach car.

The train started to move up the Cascades and into the Oregonian wilderness. Our conductor got on the P.A. system and told us good news and bad news: We would be traveling through 22 tunnels as we moved through the mountains, but smoke from fires in the region would turn the car stuffy.

The woman running the cafe passed us surgical masks, which helped to stifle the scent, but the next few hours as we traveled through smoke and fog were eerily silent and quite hot. When my partner went downstairs to grab more chips, the woman said, “You’ve gotta wonder how they even made these tracks.” She made a good point; the views were gorgeous and a bit precarious as we traveled over cliffs and through the tunnels.

A little after noon, we cleared the wilderness and made it to Eugene, Ore. The atmosphere was still smoky as ever — that was the day Seattle and Portland were named as the two places with the worst air quality in the world — but as the impossibly high evergreens turned into small cabins and farmland, our stomachs started to grumble in protest.

My partner went to take a nap, but as Aaron and I sat and admired the Pacific Northwest, I wondered exactly what I would eat for the next eight hours. I didn’t have it in me to order another “nothing” sandwich, and I couldn’t stomach another bag of chips. When my partner returned a few hours later, Aaron suggested something radical: What if we pulled off another food delivery scheme when we arrived for our next fresh air stop — Portland — a little before 4 p.m.?

It was just crazy enough to work. His selection was PDX Sliders, a highly rated burger joint that would make it to the station in just enough time. There was fear in the air that our delivery plans would be similar to the flight of Icarus: We could coordinate a food delivery once, but twice ? Too bold.

As we approached the station, a conductor came on the speaker once more to offer words of warning to the passengers: Make sure you stay near your car at the fresh air stops, because “yesterday four people wandered off and missed the train.” An alarming thing to hear when planning a food grab.

But once again, our plan succeeded without a hitch. When the train pulled into Portland, passing bridges and scenery best known to us from the “Portlandia” intro, Aaron ran into the station and retrieved our food. The burgers tasted like the sweet flavor of victory.

The last few hours were enjoyable, as the concept of actually arriving at our destination was finally within reach. As people filtered in and out of the observation car, we stayed planted at the table we’d been at since about 9 a.m., eagerly awaiting the final announcements.

The Takeaway

Prettiest stretch: Klamath Falls, Ore., to Eugene, Ore. The stretch that made us stir-crazy: Somewhere after San Francisco, when we had to stare into the darkness until we got sleepy Most useful thing we brought: Neck pillows (we ordered ours two days before we left) Most useful thing we wished we brought: More prepared food to eat on board Best thing we ate in the cafe car: Streusel coffee cake ($3.50) We weren’t mentally prepared for: The bathrooms Was it all worth it? Absolutely

The cafe sold alcohol — mostly beer and whatever creative cocktail could be made with the juices on board — so we decided that once we reached Tacoma, Wash., we’d celebrate the end of our journey with a toast.

Like most experiences, the train ride to Seattle is not as romantic and picturesque as the supercut you see of it on social media. As any passenger will tell you, things inevitably go wrong (and some bathrooms will be grosser than you’d like). But if you’re lucky, you’ll have a few moments that are so special that all the others eventually fade to a blur. As the conductor gave one final announcement that he was kicking people out of the observation car and sending us back to our assigned seats, the three of us poured prosecco into plastic cups and cheers’d to our long journey.

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Amtrak Coast Starlight: 25 Things To Know Before You Go

Traveling by rail is one of the scenic and memorable ways to experience the natural beauty and splendor that this country has to offer. One of the most famous routes is the West Coast passage between Seattle, Washington, and Los Angeles, California, traversed on a daily basis by the iconic Coast Starlight.

Prior to booking a trip on Amtrak’s Coast Starlight, it is important to do your research to ensure a properly planned journey that is free of worry and full of unforgettable experiences. Here are 25 things to know before you go.

While the notion of traveling by train may seem like a romantic endeavor that harkens back to simpler times, there are many things that can (and do) go wrong without proper planning, particularly if this is your first time traveling on an overnight rail passage. Here are some important things to know that can help make climbing on board the Coast Starlight an experience of a lifetime.

The Coast Starlight Serves 29 Train Stations

While stops like Los Angeles, Seattle, and Portland are the headliners on the Coast Starlight passage, there are actually 29 train stations in total interspersed along this world-famous railway route. The state of California leads the way with 17 stops, followed by Washington and Oregon with 6 stations apiece. Here is a sampling of the unique destinations that can be found by traveling on the Coast Starlight:

• Vancouver, WA
• Klamath Falls, OR
• Sacramento, CA
• Oakland, CA
• Paso Robles, CA
• Santa Barbara, CA

The Coast Starlight is not only a prime way to visit cosmopolitan cities like Seattle and Los Angeles, but also the perfect way to discover hidden gems on the West Coast.

There Is a Wide Range of Accommodations

Amtrak’s Coast Starlight has a total travel time of 35 hours, meaning that it is an overnight trip. To this end, this train offers a number of accommodations to fit any travel budget and provides varying amenity levels. These options include:

• Lower and upper-level coach class (non-sleeper)
• Business-class (non-sleeper)
• Superliner roomette
• Superliner bedroom
• Superliner bedroom suite
• Superliner family bedroom
• Superliner accessible bedroom

Sleeping quarters start off with the modestly appointed roomette and progress in amenities to the more lavish bedroom suite , which can accommodate four guests and features two private in-room bathrooms and showers.

Travel With Your Bicycle

For the adventurous traveler who prefers a more intimate mode of sightseeing while disembarked, the Coast Starlight is a bicycle-friendly train. Subject to these restrictions, bicycles are welcome on board:

• For carry-on or train side bicycles , the maximum weight is 50 pounds and tire widths must be 2 inches or less
• For checked bicycles , the maximum weight is 50 pounds and the maximum dimensions are 70” L x 41” H x 8.5” W

One of the unique aspects of traveling on a train like the Coast Starlight is that you can bring your own personal mode of transportation with you to gain an up-close perspective on every destination you visit.

There Are Daily Departures

The Coast Starlight train offered by Amtrak is actually two passages, one heading southbound from Seattle, WA to Los Angeles, CA, and the other traveling the same route in reverse going northbound. Trains depart daily and run according to the following schedule:

• Northbound trains depart Los Angeles around 10:00 am and arrive the following evening around 8:00 pm in Seattle
• For trains operating in the opposite direction, southbound departures embark from Seattle around 10:00 am and arrive the next night around 9:00 pm in Los Angeles

All told, the entire trip on the Coast Starlight train, regardless of direction, is roughly 35 hours.

Pets Are Allowed (But With Limitations)

Cats and dogs are welcome on board the Coast Starlight train but there are some very important rules to keep in mind when booking a trip with your furry travel companion :

• There is a strict weight limit of 20 pounds which includes the animal and its approved carrier
• Pets are only allowed on routes lasting 7 hours or less
• Ticketed cats and dogs must accompany their owners on the train – they cannot be checked in as baggage
• Animals must be at least 8 weeks old and have proof of all required vaccinations
• Official Amtrak documents like a pet release and indemnification agreement must be signed by the pet owner

Perhaps most importantly as far as trip planning is concerned, there is a maximum of 5 pets allowed per train, so if you want to bring your cat or dog with you on your next Coast Starlight journey be sure to reserve your companion’s spot as early as possible.

Amtrak’s Baggage Policy Is Flexible

While travelers flying to their destinations can expect to pay exorbitant baggage fees while grappling with checked luggage and carry-on size restrictions, the Coast Starlight offers a far more relaxed policy when it comes to passenger baggage. Each traveler is allowed :

• 2 checked bags
• 2 carry-ons
• 2 personal items

All of these items are included in the far and aside from compliance with certain size limitations, there are no fees or imposing restrictions.

The Coast Starlight Does Not Offer Free Wi-Fi

One of the biggest selling points of traveling by rail on Amtrak’s Coast Starlight is the opportunity to unplug from the whirlwind of everyday life and enjoy a scenic journey along the Pacific Coast. Which is good because passengers may have no choice but to put their devices away as there is no free wi-fi service offered on this train.

(It is worth noting that even on trains and routes offering free wi-fi, the service reportedly has serious limitations and is incapable of supporting activities like streaming movies or downloading large files.)

Pack a Power Strip for Your Room

If you are planning to book a sleeper room be forewarned that there is a good chance that your accommodations may have but one electrical outlet . If you have multiple devices to keep charged, or will be sharing the room with a companion (who will surely have devices of their own) be sure to pack a power strip to distribute the juice as needed and keep those essential electronics running.

Dining Options Onboard the Coast Starlight

With a duration of roughly 35 hours for the full route running between Seattle and Los Angeles, knowing your dining options will be an important aspect of your trip. There are essentially two ways to go when it comes to eating on board the Coast Starlight :

• Café service – this dining option is available to all passengers and comprises snacks foods, beverages, and pre-packaged meals (i.e., microwaveable, re-heatable, or instant) that can be purchased
• Traditional dining – for passengers traveling in private rooms, traditional dining is included in the ticketed fare and consists of breakfast, lunch, and a 3-course dinner served in the dining car (complimentary room service is also available)

For the full experience of traveling by train, splurging on a private room to dine in an elegantly appointed dining car may be worth the extra expense.

The Roomette Is an Economical (but Cramped) Way To Go

As far as private rooms with a bed are concerned, the superliner roomette is the most economical option available on the Coast Starlight. While this level of accommodations does include full meal service (with wine, water, and soft drinks), the room itself is quite modest and does have its limitations:

• Bathrooms are shared with other roomette passengers (as opposed to bedrooms which have private facilities)
• There are two sleeping bunks , one up high and the other down below (both require the assistance of an attendant to prepare for the night)
• Once the bunks are set up for the night, getting out of them (particularly the top bunk) in the middle of the night can be a chore

While the accommodations may seem less than ideal, staying in a roomette on the Coast Starlight can add to the whole railcar experience.

Coast Starlight Is a Great Way To Find Hidden Gems

With so many stops along its nearly 1,400-mile route, the Coast Starlight provides a unique opportunity to visit and experience hidden gems in California, Oregon, and Washington, including lesser-known destinations like:

• Eugene, Oregon
• Sacramento, California
• Oakland, California
• Paso Robles, California
• Oxnard, California

The beauty of traveling on the Coast Starlight is being able to get off the beaten path without venturing very far from its storied route.

The Sightseer Lounge Car Is One of the Train’s Highlights

Of all the features of the Coast Starlight, one of its most talked-about highlights is the experience of sitting in the sightseer lounge car and taking in the awe-inspiring views of the Pacific coastline and other natural wonders through windows that stretch from the sides of the car all the way up to the ceiling.

For many passengers, this is not only the most memorable part of their own personal journey but perhaps the singular aspect by which the Coast Starlight truly lives up to its name.

Choosing the Right Time of Year To Travel

One of the appealing aspects of traveling on the Coast Starlight is the unique opportunity it affords to experience hundreds of miles of Pacific coastline and other natural wonders that would otherwise be largely hidden from view.

So in this respect, it is important to choose the right time of year to travel on this train if taking in the views is one of your major reasons for going in the first place. For instance, booking a trip during the summer months when there is ample daylight well into the evening hours will maximize your enjoyment of the natural splendors that can be seen while on board the Coast Starlight.

Seniors Can Travel at Discounted Rates

For adventure seekers 65 years and over, Amtrak offers senior discounts on the Coast Starlight and other popular routes. Generally speaking, the senior discount amounts to a 10% savings but it should be noted that certain restrictions do apply (e.g., the senior discount cannot be used with Saver or Flexible Fares or toward the purchase of Business Class seats on the Coast Starlight).

There Are Also Discounted Fares for Kids and Students

In addition to seniors, younger travelers can also qualify for discounted fares on the Coast Starlight. Here’s how these discounts work:

• Children between the ages of 2 to 12 years can travel for 50% off of the lowest available adult fare when accompanied by a ticketed adult (over the age of 18)
• Students between the ages of 17 to 24 years with a valid student I.D. can receive a 15% discount on a standard adult coach fare when booking at least one day before departure on the Coast Starlight

When it comes to nurturing respect and appreciation for the natural beauty and splendor of the Pacific Coast you can never start those Coast Starlight passengers too young.

Booking a Sleeping Car Berth Has Its Perks

While one night spent in a coach or business class seat (as opposed to a sleeping bunk) may not seem like a horrible way to spend the night on a 35-hour train ride, booking a sleeping berth on the Coast Starlight has its perks, including:

• Preferential seating times in the dining car (with all meals included in the fare)
• Although train seats are considerably larger than their counterparts on airlines, they nevertheless present challenges as far as getting comfortable for a night’s sleep
• With over two dozen stops during the journey and a number of them occurring in the late night and early morning hours, passengers in non-sleeper accommodations will likely find themselves being awakened at every stop by people disembarking and boarding the train
• Every sleeping berth has at least one electrical outlet to use for charging devices but not every non-sleeper seat will be near one
• Sleeping car passengers have access to wi-fi as part of their higher fare while coach passengers do not have wi-fi access at all

Sleeping accommodations on the Coast Starlight may pale in comparison to the bedding in a posh hotel but given the realities of train travel, they may nevertheless be worth every penny paid for them.

The Views Truly Are That Breathtaking

Regardless of the overall experience, if there is one aspect of riding on the Coast Starlight that would earn a consensus thumbs-up from all travelers, it would be the breathtaking views . Here is a small sampling of the sights you can expect to take in:

• Pristine beaches and coastlines
• Surf that seems to come right up to the tracks
• Peaceful valleys with winding streams and glistening lakes
• Snow-capped mountains and vast stretches of wilderness

The incredible sights offered by the Coast Starlight are not limited to natural scenery. The city lights of metropolitan areas like San Francisco also make for a memorable experience.

Riding Coach Is for the Brave and Hardy Traveler

As many a brave and hardy travel blogger has commented, spending the night aboard the Coast Starlight in a coach seat is an adventure in and of itself and one that typically produces a certain degree of regret the next morning. As one traveler has noted, if offered a second pillow by the car attendant, do not hesitate to accept.

Socializing With Other Travelers Is (Almost) Unavoidable

Although somewhat tempered by pandemic-era travel restrictions, traveling on the Coast Starlight (and any overnight route for that matter) makes socializing with other passengers practically unavoidable.

There was a time when meals in the dining car placed strangers at the same table for every meal and even now, like it or not, the intimate settings of the sightseer lounge car and the tight confines of the coach and business class cars are highly conducive to striking up a conversation with fellow passengers.

Amtrak’s Cancellation and Refund Policy

As anyone who has flown on any airline can attest, unexpected changes to travel plans can not only wreck an entire itinerary but also take a big bite out of your bank account with exorbitant fees for changing or canceling a flight reservation.

By comparison, if you book a trip on the Coast Starlight and need to make changes to your plans, you will find Amtrak’s cancellation and refund policies considerably more forgiving. For instance:

• For any ticket purchased , a full 100% refund will be credited back via the original form of payment if the booking is canceled within 24 hours of purchase
• Certain lower-priced tickets (e.g., the Saver and Flexible Fares) allow for a 75% refund in the form of a voucher or a straight credit if a cancellation is requested within a certain time period after purchase
• Business Class tickets can be fully refunded if canceled prior to departure with no cancellation fees
• For Sleeper accommodations , refund amounts will vary depending on the amount of time prior to departure that the cancellation request is made

Even the most meticulously made travel plans can unexpectedly go awry. With a booking on the Coast Starlight comes some peace of mind that you will not be throwing your money away if changes need to be made.

Amtrak Guest Rewards

Akin to the frequent flyer programs offered by virtually every airline in existence, Amtrak’s Guest Rewards program allows repeat passengers to earn points with each booking that can be used for:

• Class upgrades
• Companion ticket discounts
• Discount coupons

Booking certain types of tickets (for instance, a Business Class seat) can boost the number of points earned per trip. It is worth checking Amtrak’s site to see which accommodations qualify for Guest Reward bonuses for the trip you are planning to take.

Book Ahead To Save on Fares

With so many things in life, it pays to purchase early and this rule of life certainly applies to booking a trip on the Coast Starlight. There is a potential 20% savings to be had if tickets for this train are purchased ahead of time, but certain restrictions do apply:

• This discount applies to the Saver Fare and the purchase must be made at least 7 days in advance of travel
• All sales are final (no changes or refunds will be permitted)
• Certain blackout dates apply (e.g., Thanksgiving weekend) and there are limited seats at this pricing

If you are traveling on a budget or simply want to try riding the Coast Starlight to get from point A to point B, then booking ahead of time may be a great way to take in amazing sights while saving some money.

There is No Hopping On and Off the Train

One question that a number of travelers have pondered before embarking on their first Coast Starlight journey is whether disembarking at the various station stops is permitted. It is important to understand that the Coast Starlight’s route runs from Los Angeles in the south to Seattle in the north with a number of stops and destinations in between.

The temptation to engage in impromptu sightseeing along the journey might be difficult to resist.

However, during the booking process you will be required to purchase tickets for the specific itinerary (including the number of stops and their duration) you plan to travel. In other words, unless you are ticketed to get off and on at a particular station, then your stay at any stop (which can be as brief as 10 minutes) will be limited to the time it takes for other passengers to detrain and come on board.

Things May Not Always Go According to Plan

If there is one thing that is certain about traveling by train, such as on Amtrak’s Coast Starlight (or any passenger train for that matter), it is the need to accept the fact that there will always be an element of uncertainty with this mode of transportation and the best policy is to be prepared for the unexpected.

Given that rail cars must travel along train tracks, any time there is an obstruction or impediment on the rails, it must be cleared before the train can safely travel through. In the case of the Coast Starlight, the route winds its way through three states, diverse climate zones, different elevations, and various types of topography. Which all to say that any number of things can happen that can cause delays, such as:

• Downed trees laying on or near the tracks
• Snow or ice blanketing the rails

Fortunately, with the number of trains traversing the route and the nearly 30 stations positioned throughout, there is a good network for gathering intelligence on any situations that have the potential of causing delays.

There Are Hundreds of Routes To Choose From

Although the Coast Starlight is famous for traversing the West Coast between Los Angeles, CA and Seattle, WA, it also services a number of cities and stations along this storied route. Travelers can plan itineraries that include many destinations in California, Oregon, and Washington that lie along the Coast Starlight route. These are some of the most popular passages :

• Los Angeles, CA to Emeryville, CA
• Santa Barbara, CA to San Jose, CA
• Seattle, WA to Vancouver, WA
• Portland, OR to Tacoma, WA
• Seattle, WA to Portland, OR

With 29 train stations in total along the Coast Starlight route, the number of unique travel itineraries that can be created among these stops is seemingly limitless.

Final Thoughts

Taking a ride on the rails with the Coast Starlight is not a journey for every traveler. But if you are looking to experience something new, this iconic train route may be the perfect way to mix things up while providing a unique perspective on the natural splendor of the West Coast. Just be sure to pack that power strip and head over early to the sightseer lounge to grab a good seat.

Lifelong Rail Enthusiast and Owner of Worldwide Rails

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Amtrak Coast Starlight Review // + Top Tips on the Best Seats [2024]

This is my honest Amtrack Coast Starlight Review after taking the train Northbound. It was a surprisingly fun jounrey! Although I wish I’d known a few simple hacks to make the most of my time on the Amtrack Coast, read on to find out more.

The Coast Starlight is an Amtrack passenger train running the length of the West Coast of the US. From Los Angeles to Seattle, with many stops in between.

I took this train with my husband at the end of our epic Kicking the States adventure. We’d kick-scooted the entire length of the USA. We needed to get back to Vanvouver where we started for our return flight.

Our legs were tired, and we wanted to enjoy the views in a more relaxed way. We were also conscious that we wanted to find an eco alternative to flying. The Starlight seemed like the perfect solution! So we bought a ticket for its full length.

We actually began in San DIego where we bordered a train to Los Angeles. And at the end of the Starlight journey, we jumped on a ferry to take us to Victoria for a few days sightseeing before taking a final ferry back to Vancouver.

It was just meant to be a practical transport option. But the Amtrak Coast Starlight completely surpassed all my expectations and turned into one of the highlights of our trip!!

Table of Contents

How much does the Amtrak Coast Starlight cost?

When booking the Amtrak Coast Starlight, there are 5 different options available:

• Saver : Saver Fares are the lowest available and deeply-discounted fares and require advance purchase. Saver Fares are limited.
• Value : Available on all Amtrak routes, Value Fares are the regular rate for fares and offer several refund options. Value Fares are limited.
• Flexible : Flexible Fares, ideal if your plans change, are fully refundable and modifiable without cancellation fees.
• Business : Business Class offers an affordable, enhanced travel experience with extras like more legroom and non-alcoholic drinks.
• Premium : Premium services include Acela First Class, an upscale travel experience, and private rooms on most long-distance routes.

We booked our tickets online a month before we travelled for $162.

We were travelling the full route from LA to Seattle via Portland and the San Francisco Bay Area, opting for the cheapest option – a Saver seat. If you are after a bargain, it is possible to sometimes get tickets as cheap as $100 if you book several months in advance (usually at least 3 months).

There is an option to upgrade your seats.

Business Class for as little as $120.

And a Private Room (think tiny hotel room on a train!) starting at $660.

Checking into the Coast Starlight

The full train from LA to Seattle takes 33 hours in total….it’s a long ride!

Before heading to the Angeles Union Station, we went to a supermarket and stocked up on all the food and drink we could for our journey. We arrived at the station 2 hours before ‘departure’.

First, we needed to check in. Large bags have to be checked in to be stored elsewhere on the train (like on a plane), and they are very strict on weight allowance, so check this in advance. Each passenger is allocated the following:

Each passenger may bring two personal items, 25 lbs. (12 kg) and 14 x 11 x 7 inches each, and two carry-on items, 50 lbs. (23 kg) and 28 x 22 x 14 inches each, onboard.

They also had quite strict rules about what is and isn’t allowed in your checked-in bag (food and drink, for example, are not allowed, so you need to have that in your ‘hand luggage’). It took a long time to check in – we were queuing for over 40 minutes. This was mostly because many people before us had heavy bags and had to take things out and re-pack to meet the guidelines.

Once that was done with we were able to use the comfortable Amtrak lounge until the train was ready to board. You get an allocated seat, so you don’t need to rush to the train to get a good spot.

Amtrak Coast Starlight review

We debated paying for the sleeper option but decided it was too expensive. I was worried that the economy option was going to be really uncomfortable, especially for such a long journey. It turned out that the seats were very spacious both width wise and also in terms of legroom.

Much more spacious than I was expecting.

Each seat comes with a socket, table, light and footrest. I was also surprised that the seat reclined so far backwards (far more than on a plane for example). When sleeping I was able to curl up and have my legs entirely on the footrest (which comes up to be flat against the seat level).

I was amazed by how well I slept!

The Coast Starlight Amenities included luggage storage ahead and also toilets, which were always clean when I used them.

The viewing deck

The best feature of the Amtrack Coast Starlight is definitely the famous observation car where there is an impressive viewing deck. This room has large curved windows, allowing you to really take in the scenery as it passes by. Half of the room is made up of sofas and chairs that face outwards at the view. The other half is the dining car with tables and chairs.

Throughout the train ride, you also have volunteers delivering short lectures about the places you are passing. Amazing!!

This room is available for everyone to use for free and works on a first-come-first-served basis. There was always somewhere to sit, although the sofas can get full, and you get a few hoggers! The only annoying thing about going to the observation car for the viewing deck is having to take all your valuables with you when you go, as you don’t want to leave them unattended.

Should we have gone Business or Premium?

Definitely not!! For business, you get benefits like more legroom and non-alcoholic drinks. I could stretch my legs out all the way without knocking the seat in front (and I’m 5″9 with long legs!). The extra room wasn’t needed. As for the soft drinks – you can just pick these up easily before the journey.

Would I have slept better in a Premium sleeper car? Almost certainly. But I had a really good night’s sleep, and I liked that I could people-watch in the day as passengers went up and down the aisle. I don’t think a private room would have had the same feel. Unless you’ve got a special reason for needing a sleeper car and a proper bed, like a back problem, then I really don’t think it’s worth paying 3 times the price.

So…is Amtrak Coast Starlight worth it?

I literally loved every minute of this train ride. I thought by the end of 33 hours I would be itching to get off (I’m quite a restless person), but I could have happily done another day on the train.

The views are just spectacular – passing farmland, coastline, endless trees and mountains. The comfortable seating meant I got a good night’s sleep and had some enjoyable hours watching Netflix, which I had downloaded before leaving. Note that WiFi is only available for those in business or first class.

Amtrack’s viewing deck provided a change of scenery on the train and an excuse to stretch my legs. I also liked using the tables in the dining car to eat during meal times as it’s more comfortable than in your seat.

I actually can’t believe how cheap the tickets are for this journey. The Amtrak Coast Starlight is not just a form of transport but also an experience in its own right and a great way to take in the vast beauty of the West Coast of the USA.

If you still need convincing, check out this nice review on YouTube. You’ll see all the different seat options and have a taster of the views you’ll get to look forward to:

My top tips for travelling on the Amtrack Coast Starlight

Use these tips to make sure you make the most of your journey on this West Coast train ride:

• As soon as you know your dates, book your tickets. You may be eligible for the cheaper advance prices.
• The schedule for the train can be found here .
• Download the Amtrak app to your phone. It’s a great way to make the booking and to keep the confirmation to hand without needing to print anything.
• When checking in, ask for a seat on the LEFT SIDE OF THE TRAIN (assuming you are travelling from LA to Seattle. If you are travelling the other direction, then ask for the right side). This way you will have the coastline views!
• Food and drink are available on the train but it is expensive and not so varied. We chose to bring all our own food. The guy managing the restaurant was happy to give us hot water for free, so we were able to eat noodles and other ‘add hot water’ meals. I don’t know if they would always allow this or if we just got lucky with a nice attendant! I guess you could always order a tea with the tea bag separately if they said no!
• There are water taps available, so bring a reusable bottle. Also, bring a reusable coffee mug if you want hot drinks….do your bit for the environment!
• It can get a bit cold on the train with the aircon, especially at night. We had sleeping bags with us and got them out at night time. I think I would’ve been really cold without mine, so bring plenty of layers and blankets if you can.
• If you’ve got the space, a pillow would be a real luxury item.
• Before boarding the train we spent 2 nights in Los Angeles enjoying Disneyland (we stayed at Clarion Hot el , which was within walking distance from the parks and a taxi ride from the train station). If you are looking for a cheap place to stay in Seattle once you arrive, I can also recommend the Green Tortoise Hostel.
• The best time to get a sofa or chair in the viewing room was early in the morning or when the train was leaving a station (people go back to their seats to check their bags). It was most busy during meal times.

Are you planning to ride the train?

I hope my guide has convinced you to book a ride on the Starlight! Let me know in the comments below if you have any questions or tips you’d like to share.

You can stay updated with my adventures and advice on Facebook  and  Instagram . Or you can subscribe to my YouTube channel . I give all my advice for free on my website.

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Good luck with your Amtrack adventure!

22 thoughts on “ Amtrak Coast Starlight Review // + Top Tips on the Best Seats [2024] ”

Hi there! Your blog was very helpful! Does the train make any stops along the way? I was wondering about being able to hop off for an overnight stay and then get back on the next day.

Yes it does! I’m not sure if the ticket allows you to get off…you may need to buy them separately 🙂

I love Coast Starlight … I have a bedroom … all meals are included … I go from Tacoma WA . to Salinas California … about a 26 hour trip … Some times a bit longer because of freight trains … But not a big deal … Every year l ride Coaststarlight … relaxing and most of all a beautiful trip and the porters and Conductors are so kind and very helpful! … I will keep on taking Coaststarlight every year to California!

Great work. Thinking of doing the same trip with an 8 year old. Thoughts appreciated and thanks

I think they’ll love it! Just be well prepared with snacks, a few games and maybe a film and you should create an adventure they’ll remember for years!

We booked this trip in Business Class for this coming April.

Do you know if seats are assigned, or do you run the risk of losing your seat if you leave it empty?

We are a family of four, what do you think the chances we’ll be able to seat near each other?

I believe for Business you should have an assigned seat. Once everyone is sat there is no risk of your seats being taken – we regularly left our seats to go for a wander and would just leave a coat there to make sure they weren’t taken. I’d suggest being in your seats if you reach a stop as this is the only time anyone might take the seats or there’s a risk of items being stolen.

I would love to do the trip from Seattle to San Fran but it always shows that I have to do a part with the bus and it seems like a hassle getting off all my luggage from the train to a bus shuttle to make the last bit of the trip to San Fran…

We didn’t take buses at any stage – definitely possible to do it all via roads 🙂

Your blog was very informative. We are coming off a cruise from the San Pedro cruise port and want to go right to the Amtrak Union Station. Do you know if Amtrak offers complimentary transportation? I saw a review from 2013 that said they did, but that was so long ago. I appreciate any of your help

I don’t know – you’d need to check with them directly.

I don’t know if this is a dumb question but I’ve been wanting to take a train ride and I’m dying to visit Washington! If you leave from LA does the train bring you back to LA? I’m a little confused with the booking and I don’t want to get stuck in Seattle! Thank you for all the information!

Don’t know if you’re still looking for an answer, but you need to book a return trip if you want to go back to LA. Be it the train again or a flight ticket.

Thank you for your help. I am taking this trip later this month.

I’m wondering how many stops are there along the way?

You can see a list of all the stops under ‘route’ on this Wiki page: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coast_Starlight

Update on the Amtrak Train, they now only allow one personal item and two carry on but beyond that, thanks for the review, really helps with planning!

Thank you – I’ve updated the information on the page 🙂

What do you miss while sleeping? Seems if only 35 hours you don’t want to miss anything!

Once it’s dark you can’t see a huge amount outside – but agree that you must end up missing a lot!

Thank you for the helpful blog. We are planning to take the coast starlight from LA to Seattle by coach class. Looks like the seats are assigned to you after you make your online reservation or the conductor assigns the seats when we get to the station? Since we will be starting at LA, what is the possibility that we get good seats and towards the left side? And is there lot of room on the observation deck and is it open throughout the journey? Thank you in advance!

You can ask for a specific seat by calling ahead or when you check in (assuming it’s not already fully booked). The observation deck is not reserved so people come and go throughout the journey. We never had an issue finding a seat there whenever we went for a change of scenery. Enjoy the journey!!

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What It's Really Like to Ride Amtrak's Coast Starlight

Climb aboard and soak up every moment on one of the most scenic train trips in North America.

Related To:

Many consider Amtrak’s Coast Starlight to be among the most scenic train routes in the country, traversing 1,400 miles between Los Angeles and Seattle. I recently spent 22 hours on this train between Union Station in Los Angeles and Klamath Falls, Oregon. Here’s what I learned.

Union Station Los Angeles

Amtrak's Coast Starlight train departs from Union Station Los Angeles.

Photo by: Erin Gifford

Erin Gifford

The views really are that good.

Southern California Coastline

The views on Amtrak's Coast Starlight are beautiful.

It’s true, the views are outstanding, particularly in Southern California. The train hugs the coastline for some 350 miles, so we saw plenty of sand, surf and cliffs, as well as local families out enjoying a Saturday afternoon on the beach. Once we traveled inland, the views changed to agricultural communities and wine regions, like Paso Robles. Then Northern California and Oregon brought pine forests and snow-capped mountains. It was hard not to look out the window.

A seat in the observation car is worth the wait.

Amtrak Observation Car

Play cards in the glass-domed observation car on Amtrak's Coast Starlight train.

The coach seats are pretty comfortable, but the glass-dome observation car is where to go for stunning views. In the front of the car, comfy seats face outward, allowing riders to more fully enjoy the passing landscape. In the back of the car are booth-style seats. Bring a deck of cards, dominoes or some travel-size games to pass the time. It’s also a great spot to eat a snack from the café car, but seats in this car are in very high demand, so it’s never a guarantee you’ll find a seat (we had to check in multiple times before finally nabbing a booth).

For better or worse, you get to meet other passengers (and hear their stories).

Amtrak's Coast Starlight Observation Car

It’s not easy to meet other travelers while also keeping a watchful eye over three children, but we managed to meet a few who were also eager to experience the Coast Starlight

It’s not easy to meet other travelers while also keeping a watchful eye on three children, but we managed to meet a few who were also eager to experience the Coast Starlight. We met one man traveling to Denver on a multi-day journey who just wanted to see the views. We met the train attendants who shared secrets on which rail stops are best for ordering take-out that’s delivered right to the train. Then there was the guy whose luggage got picked up by someone else. We listened to him make many phone calls as he sought to track it down and refill prescriptions.

You don’t want to pass up a meal in the menu-service dining car.

Coast Starlight Dining Car Menu

Make a reservation for white tablecloth service in the dining car on Amtrak's Coast Starlight.

You may have to take a 9 p.m. reservation like we did for the table-service dining car, but I think you’ll find it’s worth the wait for silverware, wine service and a signature steak dinner. For kids, choose from a hot dog or macaroni and cheese (though I’ll admit the mac did come out of an all-too-familiar blue box). Sleeper car passengers get first dibs on reservations, hence the reason we were seated so late in the evening, but the kids loved chowing down as we rolled along.

For overnight journeys, I can’t recommend a sleeping car more highly.

Amtrak Sleeping Car

Photo by: Shutterstock/Michael715

Shutterstock/Michael715

It may seem obvious to book a sleeping car for an overnight rail trip, but I thought we’d be fine in the regular coach seats. I’ve flown the red-eye with my kids many times, so I figured this would be the same. Totally manageable, no problems. The train seats are much larger than airline seats, yet somehow all that extra space made it so much harder to get comfortable. Quiet hours on the train start at 10 p.m., but people board the train all night long. Northern California rail stops, like Chico and Redding, pick up passengers in the wee hours.

There’s a power outlet, but no Wi-Fi.*

There are power outlets on board Amtrak's Coast Starlight.

Since we were to be on the train for 22 hours, it was a godsend to have power outlets right next to our seats (at the window). My worst nightmare during this journey was expired phones and tablets, and it’s not like I thought to bring portable power banks to charge up along the way. This extra juice kept my kids occupied for most of the journey, even without Wi-Fi, which was not to be for coach passengers like us. I later learned that Wi-Fi is only available to sleeping car passengers* (another reason to book a sleeping car).

You’ll wake up to the most beautiful views, and it will all be worth it.

Mount Shasta

The views are outstanding Amtrak's Coast Starlight train.

We did manage to get some sleep as we continued north on the Coast Starlight train through California and into Oregon. When we awoke from our less than restful sleep and pulled open the curtain, we were greeted by the most beautiful views of Ponderosa Pines and a snowy white Mount Shasta in the distance. We had just 90 minutes left in our journey to Klamath Falls and it was hard not to stare out at a landscape so different from the day before when we were in SoCal.

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Amtrak Coast Starlight Review

With air travel costs increasing dramatically and flights being cancelled left and right while gas prices are skyrocketing we decided to try another mode of travel – the good old railroad.

There is something romantic about a train ride, even the title of the route, “Coast Starlight”, has a hint of old world glamour – so we decided to take a chance.

Even though this is Amtrak Coast Starlight review specifically, the majority of the tips below apply to most of Amtrak train routes across the U.S. So grab your bags, the conductor is already calling: “All aboard!”

What is Coast Starlight?

Coast Starlight is a famous train route that goes from Seattle to Los Angeles with several stops along the way including a couple of ones in San Francisco Bay Area. We took a ride on Coast Starlight from San Jose to Paso Robles.

What are Amtrak train car types?

In terms of passenger cars, there is economy class (sitting), business class (sitting), roomettes (sleeper) and the sleeper proper. We chose business class because the price difference with economy was not that big but the quality of the experience is much better in my view. If we were taking an overnight ride I would definitely choose roomettes (each sleeps 2 passengers).

What we liked about the Amtrak train

Amtrak website.

Amtrak website is easy to navigate and it has lots of information. Buying tickets was a breeze.

We paid $55 for and adult and $45 for a child ticket one way and the train not only took us where we needed to go but also showed us some unique scenery. So it was like transportation and excursion in one for the money – definitely worth it.

The seats are huge, made out of leather (or imitation leather, I am not sure), their backs recline well and there is a footrest too. There is so much leg room that you could possibly dance between the seats! You can definitely easily sleep in these seats. And even if a person in front of you reclines to sleep, his seat is not falling on your lap as it does in an airplane.

There are seats on upper and lower level – ask for the upper when the conductor is assigning seats, there is less noise and better views.

Baggage space

There is also a ton of baggage space: overhead, between the seats and also a separate storage compartment for big suitcases on the lower level of your car.

Free water bottles in business class, 1 for each passenger, is a nice touch

Overall comfort

The business class car is not crowded. There is very little train noise on the upper level of the business class. The windows are tinted so that you don’t get glaring sunlight and there are also curtains. There are foldable tables, the same way as on the airplane. In addition to that business class car is located right next to the panoramic car.

Panoramic car

My absolute favorite feature of the Amtrak train is a panoramic car, a lounge of sorts with huge side windows and windows on the ceiling too. Perfect for watching the scenery. The seating here is organized in the following way: 4 seats are grouped together around a table. We saw families here playing board games for hours.

Coast Starlight is a wonderful scenic ride. Some parts of it are better than others though. I cannot speak for Oregon and Washington states where I am not an expert but as for California part, on which we are definitely experts, the absolute best portion is between San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara where the train rides right along the ocean – magnificent!

On our San Jose – Paso Roble portion of the route there were 3 super cool parts:

1.A quarry located right after Gilroy. You are literally riding in the middle of it and it is fun to see how the huge industrial machinery operates (you cannot see this quarry from HW 101)

2. Agricultural fields in Salinas Valley – at some point we were riding among dozens of huge warehouses, again something that you don’t experience on HW 101

3. Elkhorn Slough Nature Reserve. The train is riding where there are no roads so there are no people there and the wildlife is undisturbed. The seals literally were relaxing next to the train tracks and were watching us in surprise (how did we get right in the middle of their habitat?) We also saw a ton of birds – it was AMAZING! For this part of the journey definitely go to the panoramic car.

Staff at San Jose Train Station

I think staff at the San Jose train station is great. An attendant comes out an hour before your train arrival and explains all the boarding procedures – perfect for the newbees like us. When it is time to board you are all “escorted” to the platform so you cannot get lost. To me it felt like the level of service that is long gone, reminiscent of good old days of travel you can only see in the movies.

What we didn’t like

Delays are absolute the worst part of an Amtrak journey. Amtrak trains are notoriously late, Coast Starlight in particular. Our train was 1 hour and 20 min late which is a bummer. And the delay continuously builds up. So if you check your train status online and decide, well, my train is 40 min later so I will get to the train station 40 min later, by the time you arrive the delay may build up to over an hour, easily. So whichever way you play it, you will have to wait at the train station for significant amount of time if you don’t want to take any risks.

The smell on the train

Don’t get me wrong, the bathrooms were clean and not smelly, I checked it myself. So where is this awful smell coming from? You would sit there enjoying the ride and then suddenly you would get a whiff of a bad bathroom smell. I blamed it on the bathroom at first but that was not it, so I can’t figure it out…

It is not a consistent smell but it was annoying to me. May be it was just our car… I don’t remember feeling it in the panoramic car. That said, there were other odors in the panoramic car where there were lots of people. I do understand that some passengers are on the train for over a day but man, how hard is it to use a deodorant once in a while?

The verdict is still out

I am still not sure about my feelings regarding San Jose train station. On the one hand it is small and you cannot get lost. There are also a couple of curious historic exhibits in it. But if you are stuck in it due to the train being delayed, there is absolutely NOTHING to do there. There is a small snack place, a restroom and that’s it. For that matter I like airports more because at least you can just wonder about window shopping if your flight is late.

What we were not able to review

If you purchase a roomette or a sleeper your meals 3 times a day are included with your ticket. Since we didn’t book either I cannot tell you anything about the quality of food on the train.

However, what I can tell you is that the restaurant has a booking schedule and you can book a certain sitting, like on a cruise. When your time comes, you will be called. I really liked that fact that it was all organized.

Would I recommend this train ride? Yes, 100%. I am not sure if the entire 36+ hours of it is worthwhile but the portion between San Jose and Santa Barbara is definitely great.

Be prepared for the delay. My understanding is that this train is almost always late so just make peace with it now. To track your train LIVE or any other Amtrak train for that matter see the map HERE .

For a detailed video review of this train journey, please, check out our YouTube video on our YouTube channel

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Guide to travelling on the Amtrak Coast Starlight

By: Author Tracy Collins

Posted on Last updated: September 10, 2023

As travelers who love train journeys we always explore the possibility of including them into our plans where possible. So when we started planning a trip along the entire length of the west coast from Seattle to Los Angeles our first choice was to book the Amtrak Coast Starlight passenger train. 

This double deck Superliner train runs from Seattle, Washington to Los Angeles, California via Portland’s Union Station, Sacramento, the San Francisco Bay area and Santa Barbara.

The Coast Starlight passes through areas of spectacular natural beauty with dramatic snow-covered peaks and long stretches of passing scenery to enjoy. Travelling down the west coast on the Coast Starlight provides a comfortable and luxurious alternative to flying. The Amtrak Coast Starlight runs daily and covers a distance of 1377 miles over 35 hours.

There are a total of 28 stops along the way down the west coast to Los Angeles.

If you are considering booking this service read on for a comprehensive guide to the Amtrak Coast Starlight! If you are considering other Amtrak rail journeys you may be interested in reading my post about 5 scenic Amtrak train journeys.

⭐️ Click here to book your Coast Starlight tickets

In this article, I will cover all of these questions about the Coast Starlight passenger train service

• WHAT ARE THE ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS ON THE COAST STARLIGHT?
• WHAT IS THE JOURNEY ON THE COAST STARLIGHT PASSENGER TRAIN ACTUALLY LIKE? 
• WHERE DOES THE COAST STARLIGHT STOP?
• WHAT IS THE SCENERY LIKE ALONG THE WAY?
• WHAT IS THE ROUTE MAP OF THE COAST STARLIGHT? 
• WHAT THINGS SHOULD I KNOW IF I AM TAKING THE COAST STARLIGHT?
• WHAT IS MY RECOMMENDED READING FOR TRAIN TRAVELLERS TAKING THE AMTRAK COAST STARLIGHT?
• WHAT WOULD I RECOMMEND PACKING FOR AN OVERNIGHT TRAIN TRIP ON THE COAST STARLIGHT?

Accommodation options on the Amtrak Coast Starlight

• Checking-in at Seattle's King's Station – Key Information

Amenities on the Coast Starlight

Where does the amtrak coast starlight stop along its route, what is the scenery like along the route of the coast starlight, map of the amtrak coast starlight route, tips for your journey.

• FAQ's – The Coast Starlight

Recommended reading for train travel in USA

Recommended packing ideas for train travel in usa, related reading, guide to traveling on the amtrak coast starlight.

When reserving your tickets on this Amtrak service there are a number of accommodation options to choose from to suit all budgets. These range from reserved coach class seats to sleeper services for those planning overnight train travel in the  Superliner Roomettes and Bedrooms. 

The Superliner sleeping cars consist of ten 2 berth roomettes and four larger 2 berth bedrooms on the upper level and 4 roomettes, 1 family bedroom, and 1 accessible bedroom on the lower level.

Superliner Roomettes

We chose to reserve two roomettes as we were travelling on the Coast Starlight overnight train with our adult daughter. The roomettes consist of 2 seats alongside the window. At night the seats are converted into a single berth with another single berth folding down from the ceiling.

The roomette is ideal for solo passengers or two passengers traveling together. The room measures 3’6″ by 6’6″ and there is only room for maximum one or two bags (I would check your bag in if this is an option at the station you are boarding the train at)

Features and amenities in the Coast Starlight Superliner Roomette  sleeper car include

• all your meals
• a large picture window to enjoy all the beautiful views
• fold down table
• electrical outlet to keep everything charged
• reading lights
• bottled water
• soap and shower amenities – there is no in-cabin toilet or showers but these are available in the same train car
• personal service to turn-down and make the bed
• fresh towels and bed linens

Along with all your meals you have access to the lounge car during the journey. Although Wi-Fi is not available in the roomette it is accessible in the lounge car.

There are other accommodation options to choose from on the Coast Starlight including:

Superliner Bedroom – this room can fit 2/3 passengers. It includes a large sofa and an easy chair. The Superliner bedrooms also have a sink and a private enclosed restroom with a toilet and shower.

Superliner Bedroom Suite – this is formed by combining two of the bedrooms and is ideal for 4/6 people traveling together. 

Superliner Family Bedroom – this room is located on the lower level and is furnished with 2 adult-sized and 2 child-sized beds. The showers and restrooms are in the same car.

Reserved Coach Class Seat – For those passengers who are not traveling the entire route there is the option to reserve a seat.

Seats are available on both levels but I would recommend reserving a seat on the upper level for the best views.

There is plenty of legroom and the coach seats recline which makes the journey more comfortable. 

What is the journey like on the Amtrak Coast Starlight train?

We were starting our one-way journey in Seattle, Washington as we traveled southbound through Oregon and Northern California to Los Angeles (stopping off for a few days in San Francisco along the way).

If this is the route you are taking on the Coast Starlight you will first have to check in at Seattle’s King’s Station. 

Checking-in at Seattle’s King’s Station – Key Information

Organisation at King’s Station was good and the checking-in process was smooth.  

The check-in desk is clearly signposted with plenty of seating available while you wait for the Coast Starlight to arrive.

As soon as the train arrives at the station you can board.

If you have luggage you will need to store it on the lower deck but I would recommend checking it in if this is available.

This has to be done at least 45 minutes prior to the scheduled train departure. Make sure that you have added a tag to your bag with your name and address. 

I would suggest having a   smaller travel bag or laptop backpack with all your journey essentials. If you have booked a roomette there is really not much room so a large suitcase/bag will simply not fit.

This is my suggested packing list

• Packing cubes – we never travel without them as they are a perfect way to organise your belongings into the smallest possible space
• Hanging toiletry bag – hangs up in the shower or bathroom
• Coloring book – this one is about each of the 50 US states and is great for whiling away the hours (and coloring pens )
• Noise reduction earplugs – shut out the sounds of the train and get some sleep!

As I mentioned above we had reserved 2 roomettes for our journey. These tickets allowed us access to the Parlour Car and a cinema on the lower deck.

Please note – Unfortunately as a cost-cutting measure by Amtrak the Parlour Car was removed from service in 2018 which is a real shame.

All meals are also included in the price of the ticket if you book a roomette. The dining car hostess will come down and reserve your mealtime due to the limited seating in the Dining Car.

The Superliner Dining Car is located on the upper level and there are lunch and dinner sittings. If you are traveling alone or as a couple you will find that you will have to share a table for four. 

There are also optional extras which you can book and pay for once on the train – cheese and wine tasting for example.

We found the Parlour Car was the place to meet new people and we had some great conversations with other travellers along the way.

With the Parlour Car no longer in service head to the Superliner Sightseer Lounge Car with its floor to ceiling panoramic windows for some company and great views!

In the Superliner Sightseer Lounge Car, you will find comfortable armchairs and tables. I recommend that you get there early for sunset as it can be busy, especially at those times. Downstairs in this car, you will find a snack bar that sells drinks and snacks.

While we were at dinner the roomette beds were made up for us by the hostess. Be aware that there is not much room and you have to have some agility to be able to access the top bunk.

Although my husband doesn’t suffer from claustrophobia he did find himself a little confined once on the bunk.

If you don’t like small spaces or have mobility issues I would recommend reserving one of the larger bedrooms.

We found the food delicious and considering it is cooked in the confines of a moving train I think they do an excellent job.

→ Click here for essential tips to know before you travel by sleeper train

There are a total of 28 stops at various train stations along the entire Coast Starlight route including Portland Oregon, Eugene in Northern California, Sacramento, Santa Barbara and Los Angeles.

The Amtrak’s Coast Starlight travels through 3 US states – Washington, Oregon and California. During daylight hours there is plenty time to take photographs at the various stations.

You can even alight the train at some of the stops for a short stroll though don’t go too far – the train will depart on time whether you are on board or not!

Why not stop off in Portland for a few days and explore the beautiful waterfalls in the area?

Or perhaps take a few days at Klamanth Falls which offers activities for sports lovers such as canoeing, fishing, and skiing. The area is also popular with bird lovers due to having the highest concentration of bald eagles along the Pacific Northwest.

Many of the hotels in the area offer transfers from the train station. Crater Lake National Park (which is the deepest lake in the United States) is a popular destination for travelers as it is closeby to Klamath Falls.

I the summer months it is possible to purchase a package with your ticket through Amtrak which includes a trip from Klamath Falls to Crater Lake.

Read more – Top 20 gifts for train lovers

After journeying overnight you will arrive at Emeryville having travelled through the states of Washington State, Oregon and into California.

Enjoy the beautiful views along the Coast Starlight route of the coastline and changing scenery along the way which is regarded as unsurpassed.

As described on the Amtrak website, “the dramatic snow-covered peaks of the Cascade Range and Mount Shasta, lush forests, fertile valleys and long stretches of Pacific Ocean shoreline provide a stunning backdrop for your journey.”

We alighted the train at Emeryville and caught the connecting Amtrak bus service into the San Francisco Bay area where we spent the next 3 days enjoying the sights of the city.

If you are planning to stop in San Francisco you may enjoy my 3 day itinerary for San Francisco which includes all the must-see landmarks as well as tips to make the most of your trip.

After a fantastic few days in the city of San Francisco, we once again caught the Coast Starlight. This time we picked up the service from Oakland Station to Los Angeles . The train also stops in various places including Santa Barbara along the route before terminating in Los Angeles. (We picked up the connecting Amtrak bus service from the Temporary Transbay Terminal in the city and that took us to Oakland Station)

Unfortunately, our experience of this journey on Amtrak’s Coast Starlight was marred due to the train’s very delayed arrival at Oakland Station. The knock-on effect was a late arrival into LA which was a bit unsettling on our first visit.

I have heard that delays are quite common on this service so I would recommend you have a plan so you know what you will do if you arrive late. 

We were also in the seated coaches which unbelievably has no wi-fi. 

The views as we travelled through California towards Los Angeles were pretty spectacular though there was a severe drought at the time which you can tell in the photographs.

→ CLICK HERE FOR MY ESSENTIAL 3 DAY ITINERARY FOR SAN FRANCISCO

A route map of the route of the Coast Starlight and the various train stations along the journey.

• If you are staying in a roomette pack a small bag with your travel essentials and valuable belongings to take with you. Your large suitcase will stay below (there is no room for it in the roomette)
• Check out my guides to mini travel products   and mini travel beauty products which are ideal for train travel and reduce the amount of weight and luggage you will need.
• Pack an eye mask and earplugs. It can be quite light especially when you pull into a station. You can find suggested items in my travel shop .
• The top bunk has to be accessed via ladder and there is not a huge amount of space up there!
• My husband found it a little uncomfortable as there was not much space between his face and the ceiling.
• Enjoy the views from the panoramic windows in the observation car.
• Chat to people – we met some very interesting travelers along the way from all over the US and abroad.
• Do tip the Amtrak staff in particular your sleeping car attendant (we tipped $20) and the dining car staff.
• Book it! Enjoy the train ride – it is a far better way to travel if you have the time!
• If you are visiting San Francisco do read my 3 day itinerary to San Francisco which includes tips and loads of great information which will help you plan your visit.

→ READ MORE – 10 ADVANTAGES OF TRAIN TRAVEL AROUND THE WORLD

FAQ’s – The Coast Starlight

• Book Amtrack tickets through Omio – download their app which makes travel easy! Omio sells train tickets for destinations all over the world and travellers can rely on Omio for all their train travel requirements across the US.
• When we traveled there was wifi in the Parlour Car but not in the roomettes or in the coach class seats. As far as my recent research indicates (2019) there is officially NO WiFi on the Coast Starlight.
• The roomettes have access to showers in the sleeper car. Some of the bedrooms have a private shower in the room.
• Not very fast! It’s a slow train going at a max of 80 km an hour.
• You can alight the train at some stations for a bit of fresh air and a stroll. Don’t go far though as the train will leave without you!
• Yes if you are staying in a roomette or bedroom all bed linen, pillows etc are provided. The bed will be made up for you when you are at dinner.
• If you are alighting at Emeryville there is an Amtrak bus that will transfer you to downtown San Francisco.

There are some fantastic books about trains and train travel available on the market about train travel in the USA! (If you enjoy reading take a look at my best travel books from around the world)

If you are planning to spend some time on the rails in North America I would highly recommend the following:

These are some of the items that I would recommend including in your packing list for your trip on the Coast Starlight. Also, take some good books to read!

If you enjoy coloring take a look at my guide to the best travel-inspired coloring books which has some beautiful books to choose from.

Enjoy your train travel experience on the Amtrak Coast Starlight

If you are looking to book the Coast Starlight you can do so through the official Amtrak website. Also take a look at my travel resources page for recommended services and providers.

Why not take a look at my post all about other great Amtrak train journeys you can take across the US? There are some fantastic train routes to choose from.

Have a great journey!

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