If you’re yearning for a travel experience where the journey itself is a destination, then Amtrak’s Coast Starlight is your calling. Picture this: An unforgettable multi day voyage along the West Coast of the United States, weaving through cities, verdant forests, and alongside majestic shorelines. It’s a quintessential experience for anyone with a love for diverse landscapes and a hint of wanderlust. Before I explain the details of this incredible ride, let’s first cover some basics:
Info on the Amtrak Coast Starlight:
- Name: Amtrak Coast Starlight
- Location: Goes from Los Angeles California to Seattle Washington
- Ticket pricing: Typically $50+ per person depending on time/season (sometimes $100+)
- Duration: 1-2 days (1,300+ miles)
- Reviews: Typically 3.8 out of 5 stars (views are great but riders often mention that the sleeping situation could be better)
Ticket pricing breakdown:
Depending on your preferences and budget, you can choose from coach seats, roomettes, or bedrooms, with prices scaling accordingly. Bear in mind that pricing is influenced by factors such as travel dates, accommodations, and purchase timing, so early booking is recommended to snag the best deals. Overall, the pricing is $50-$100 in most cases per person.
Above all, traveling with Amtrak promises a people-first experience. By dedicating themselves to onboard comfort and service, they ensure that your journey will be as smooth as the railways ahead. In the next section, we’ll dive into the specifics of schedules and travel times, so keep this train of thought as we continue to explore the practicalities of planning your Coast Starlight adventure.
Riding schedule and other details:
Diving into the specifics, the northbound train (from LA to Seattle), usually listed as train number 14, kicks off from Los Angeles in the late morning, while the southbound counterpart, train 11, departs from Seattle just after breakfast time.
You’re looking at about a 35-hour trip if you’re riding from end to end. That said, different stretches of the route can take you anywhere from a few hours to a full day, depending on your starting point and destination.
Keep in mind that while Amtrak strives for punctuality, variables such as track work or unforeseen delays do happen. It’s wise to check real-time updates provided by Amtrak and plan for some wiggle room in your schedule, especially if you’re on a tight itinerary.
Beyond the major hubs of Seattle and Los Angeles, the Coast Starlight has several notable stops where you can hop on or hop off. These include Portland, Sacramento, and the San Francisco Bay Area, among others. Each stop offers its own charm and direct access to the cities’ hearts, further enriching your travel experience.
Next up, I’ll get you acquainted with the route itself—think of it as your scenic roadmap. You’ll get a glimpse of the gorgeous vistas and key landmarks to keep an eye out for as you glide through the West Coast’s most iconic scenery in the comfort of the Coast Starlight.
Sights you’ll see along the route (map):
Let’s suppose you decide to take the southbound train from Seattle to LA. Here’s how it’ll look:
Your adventure will begin in Seattle, the lively hub of the Pacific Northwest, weaving through picturesque landscapes and iconic West Coast destinations before reaching the sun-soaked streets of Los Angeles. Along the way, you’re going to find out about major stops such as Portland, Sacramento, the San Francisco Bay Area, and Santa Barbara – each with their own unique charm and potential for exploration.
I’m here to help you with a virtual guide that includes a detailed route map showcasing the train’s expansive journey. This is your key to planning and understanding where you’ll be heading. The Coast Starlight traverses through Washington, Oregon, and California, revealing changing environments that passengers often describe as breathtaking.
And when I say breathtaking, I’m talking about places like the majestic Mount Rainier, the lush Willamette Valley, and the dramatic cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean are just a few of the spectacles that await. These views offer a tranquil backdrop to an already peaceful and reflective journey on the rails.
Top sights along your trip:
I’ve heard from many that the stretch through the Cascade Mountains and the sight of Mount Shasta are worth the trip alone. And don’t forget to look out for the sparkling waters of San Francisco Bay and the picturesque Pacific Ocean. ‘Stunning’ is the word that comes to mind when past passengers talk about their experience.
As your guide, I encourage you to not just look but immerse yourself in these surroundings. Snap pictures, but also take a moment to just be present, absorbing the natural beauty. It’s not only about the destination with Coast Starlight; it’s about the journey and the memories that come with every mile.
This isn’t just a mode of transport. It’s an experience that connects you with the diverse beauty of the West Coast, offering you glimpses into environments you might not otherwise see. It’s an enriching adventure that caters to sightseers, adventurers, and those simply looking for a serene escape aboard the rails and because it’s one of the best scenic train rides in California, that also adds to the experience.
And remember, your first trip on the Coast Starlight doesn’t need to be your last. Each season paints the landscape anew, offering a fresh perspective and a whole new experience. I really hope that you grab the opportunity for this rail journey, as there’s a lot to capture, not just with your camera, but with your heart.
Another option to consider is to drive the train ride and explore the entire west coast as many people do. There’s 2 roads that’ll help you do that, Route in California and then the 101 all the way up to Tacoma Washington, another great trip worth considering, but if you have not yet explored the west coast by train, the Amtrak Coast Starlight should be on your list!