Coast Starlight

COAST STARLIGHT

The Coast Starlight is Amtrak’s premier West Coast train, running daily between Seattle and Los Angeles. This 1,377-mile journey takes about 35 hours, passing through Washington, Oregon, and California. Known for its breathtaking views of the Pacific coastline, mountains, and forests, the Coast Starlight offers passengers a unique way to experience the diverse landscapes of the American West. The train features comfortable accommodations, including a special observation car for sightseeing, making it popular with both tourists and long-distance travelers alike.

ROUTES AND STATIONS

Termini
  1. Northern Terminus: Seattle, WA – King Street Station
  2. Southern Terminus: Los Angeles, CA – Union Station
Stops
  • The train makes 28 stops along the 1,377-mile route, including major cities like:
    1. Tacoma, WA
    2. Olympia-Lacey, WA
    3. Portland, OR – Union Station
    4. Sacramento, CA – Sacramento Valley Station
    5. Oakland, CA
    6. San Jose, CA
Distance and Journey Time
  1. The full route distance is 1,377 miles.
  2. The average journey time from end to end is approximately 35 hours.
  3. Northbound trains from Los Angeles to Seattle take slightly less time, around 34 hours.

ON-BOARD SERVICES

Seating Classes
  1. Coach Class
  2. Business Class
  3. Sleeper Service (Roomettes, Bedrooms, Family Rooms, Accessible Rooms)
Dining Options
  1. Full-Service Dining Car
  2. Sightseer Lounge Car with café-style menu
Passenger Amenities
  1. Sightseer Lounge Car with panoramic windows for viewing the scenery
  2. Complimentary Wi-Fi access (in select cars)
  3. Electrical outlets at every seat
  4. Checked baggage service
  5. Accessibility features for passengers with disabilities

COST

  1. Coach class: $100 for full Seattle to LA route
  2. Roomette (2-person private room): Over $500
  3. Bedroom (private room): Over $900
  4. Family room (up to 4): ~$1,300
  5. Bedroom Suite (up to 6): Starts at $1,600
  6. Sleeping car tickets include meals

Notes: Prices vary by travel dates and booking

SCENIC HIGHLIGHTS

  1. Pacific Ocean Coastline: The train travels along the Pacific Ocean coastline in California, offering panoramic views of the cerulean-blue waters and coastal landscapes. The best views are on the left side of the train when traveling northbound and the right side when traveling southbound. 
  2. Cascade Mountain Range: As the train passes through Oregon and Washington, it travels through the scenic Cascade Mountain range, providing views of mountains like Mount Shasta and Mount Rainier. The right side of the train offers the best vantage points for seeing the Cascade peaks. 
  3. Suisun Bay “Mothball Fleet”: Just outside of Martinez, California, the train crosses the Carquinez Strait and hugs Suisun Bay, where the Suisun Bay Reserve Fleet of decommissioned naval ships is located. 
  4. Willamette Falls: As the train enters Oregon City, it offers views of the powerful Willamette Falls, one of the mightiest waterfalls in the western United States. 
  5. Westfir Covered Bridge: The train passes by the 180-foot-long Westfir (or Office) Covered Bridge, the longest covered bridge in Oregon, located in the town of Westfir. 
  6. Odell Lake: As the train climbs through the Cascade Range, it offers views of the picturesque Odell Lake on the right side of the train. 
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