Amtrak Coastal Starlight: A Comprehensive Guide to Train Travel

There’s something about train travel that just feels luxurious. Maybe it’s the gentle rocking of the car as you move down the tracks, or maybe it’s the sense of occasion you feel when boarding a train. Whatever it is, Amtrak Coastal Starlight offers a unique and unforgettable travel experience. This comprehensive guide will tell you everything you need to know about Amtrak Coastal Starlight, from train stops and attractions to onboard services and prices. So sit back, relax, and let us take you on a journey along America’s breathtaking coastline!

History of Amtrak Coast Starlight

Amtrak’s Coast Starlight route is one of the longest in America, stretching from Los Angeles up to Seattle. The first section of what would eventually become the Coast Starlight was completed back in 1887, making it one of Amtrak’s oldest routes. Amtrak took over the operation of the route in 1971, and since then it has become one of the most popular Amtrak routes in the country. Every year, Amtrak’s Coast Starlight carries over 350,000 passengers along its beautiful coastal route.

The Coast Starlight route is known for its stunning scenery. Amtrak’s website describes the journey as “a true rail odyssey through some of America’s most incredible scenery.” Indeed, the train takes passengers through some of the most beautiful landscapes in the country, including the snow-capped Sierra Nevada mountains, Oregon’s verdant Willamette Valley, and California’s stunning coastline. Amtrak Coastal Starlight is truly one of America’s great train journeys!

Amtrak Coast Starlight Era:

Amtrak (National Railroad Passenger Corporation) is a government-owned corporation that was created in 1971 to take over most of the remaining passenger rail services in the United States. Amtrak now provides intercity passenger rail service in 46 states, the District of Columbia, and three Canadian provinces via 21,397 miles (34,447 km) of the track. The Amtrak Coast Starlight runs along the West Coast of the United States, from Seattle to Los Angeles. The train has been in operation since 1971 and Amtrak has carried over five million passengers on this route. The Amtrak Coast Starlight is one of Amtrak’s most popular routes and offers travelers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, mountains, rivers, and forests.

Future Improvements of Amtrak Coast Starlight

Amtrak is currently planning to add a second daily train on the Amtrak Coast Starlight route. This would double the capacity of the Amtrak Coast Starlight and provide more flexibility for travelers. Amtrak is also considering adding a stop in San Luis Obispo, California. This would be a great addition for travelers who want to explore all that the Central Coast has to offer.

Amtrak is constantly working to improve the Amtrak Coast Starlight and add new amenities and features for travelers. Amtrak is committed to providing the best possible experience for all of its passengers.

Route of Amtrak Coastal Starlight

The Amtrak Coast Starlight runs from Seattle, Washington to Los Angeles, California. The train makes stops in Tacoma, Portland, Sacramento, San Francisco, Santa Barbara, and Anaheim. The Amtrak Coast Starlight covers a distance of over two thousand miles and takes approximately 36 hours to complete the journey.

Equipment of Amtrak Coastal Starlight

The Amtrak Coast Starlight is operated with Amtrak’s standard long-distance equipment. This includes Amtrak’s Superliner I and II cars. The Amtrak Coast Starlight also has one or two baggage cars, a dining car, a lounge car, and a sleeping car.

Amtrak’s Superliner I and II cars are some of the most comfortable cars in Amtrak’s fleet. The cars have large windows, reclining seats, and plenty of legroom. The Amtrak Coast Starlight also has one or two baggage cars, a dining car, a lounge car, and a sleeping car.

Things To Know about Amtrak Coastal Starlight

The Amtrak Coast Starlight is a great way to see the West Coast of the United States. The train offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, mountains, rivers, and forests. Amtrak offers a variety of onboard services and amenities for travelers. Amtrak also offers discounts for seniors, students, children, and military personnel.

Schedule of Amtrak Coast Starlight

Amtrak Coast Starlight departs daily from Los Angeles Union Station at 11:05 AM. The Amtrak train then stops in Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Paso Robles/San Miguel, Salinas, Gilroy, San Jose Diridon Station, and Oakland Jack London Square before arriving in Emeryville. From there Amtrak Coast Starlight arrives at Amtrak’s Sacramento Valley Station, Davis Amtrak, Martinez Amtrak, Richmond Amtrak, Berkeley Amtrak, Oakland Coliseum/Airport Amtrak, San Leandro Amtrak, Hayward Amtrak, and Fremont Amtrak. The train then makes its final California stop in Santa Clara before arriving in San Jose at about 12:35 PM.

Accommodations of Amtrak Coast Starlight

Amtrak Coast Starlight offers coach class, business class, and sleeping cars. Amtrak’s coach class features comfortable reclining seats, tray tables, footrests, large windows, and overhead bins for storing carry-on luggage. Business-class Amtrak passengers enjoy two-by-two seating with more legroom than in coach class as well as complimentary non-alcoholic beverages. Amtrak sleeping cars feature Amtrak’s roomettes and bedrooms. Amtrak roomettes accommodate up to two people and include a sink, mirror, toilet, shower, bedding, and complimentary non-alcoholic beverages. Amtrak bedrooms are larger than roomettes and can accommodate up to four people with private bathrooms including showers, beds, and bedding. Amtrak bedrooms are also equipped with a TV/DVD player.

Amtrak Coast Starlight passengers can also take advantage of Amtrak’s dining car and lounge car. The dining car serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with both tablecloth service and more casual counter service options available. The lounge car has a bar serving alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages as well as light snacks. Amtrak Coastal Starlight also offers WiFi service in all cars for passengers to stay connected during their journey.

Cost of Amtrak Coast Starlight

Amtrak coach class tickets start at $97 for a one-way trip and $194 for a round-trip. Amtrak business class tickets start at $145 for a one-way trip and $290 for a round-trip. Amtrak sleeping car roomettes start at $275 for a one-way trip and $550 for a round-trip. Amtrak bedrooms start at $385 for a one-way trip and $770 for a round-trip. Amtrak dining car meals are not included in the cost of tickets but are available for purchase onboard. Amtrak also offers discounts for seniors, children, AAA members, military personnel, and students.

Current information you can check on the official website.

Major Stops of Amtrak Coast Starlight

Amtrak’s Coast Starlight route has a total of 13 stops. The train makes its first stop in Los Angeles, California before making its way up the coast to San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Ventura, Oxnard, and finally into Oakland, California. From Oakland, the train crosses over into Oregon where it makes stops in Chemult, Eugene, Salem, Portland, and finally Seattle, Washington.

Stations of Amtrak Coast Starlight

Amtrak Coast Starlight makes stops at the following stations:

• Los Angeles Union Station
• Santa Barbara Amtrak
• San Luis Obispo Amtrak
• Paso Robles Amtrak
• Salinas Amtrak
• Gilroy Amtrak
• San Jose Diridon Amtrak
• Oakland Jack London Square Amtrak
• Emeryville Amtrak
• Sacramento Amtrak
• Davis Amtrak
• Martinez Amtrak
• Richmond Amtrak
• Berkeley Amtrak
• Oakland Coliseum/Airport Amtrak
• San Leandro Amtrak
• Hayward Amtrak
• Fremont Amtrak
• Santa Clara Amtrak
• San Jose Diridon Station 

Attractions And Sights of Amtrak Coast Starlight

Amtrak Coast Starlight passengers can enjoy stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, mountains, valleys, and rivers. The train also makes stops in some of California and Oregon’s most popular tourist destinations including Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, San Francisco, Sacramento, Eugene, Portland, and Seattle. Amtrak Coast Starlight passengers can also take advantage of Amtrak’s Stopovers program which allows passengers to get off the train and explore a stop for up to 48 hours before continuing their journey.

Amtrak’s Coast Starlight is one of the most popular train routes in the United States. The stunning scenery, comfortable accommodations, and onboard amenities make it a great option for travelers looking to explore the west coast. With Amtrak’s Stopovers program, passengers can also get off the train and explore a stop for up to 48 hours before continuing their journey. Whether you’re looking to relax and enjoy the scenery or explore some of the west coast’s most popular tourist destinations, Amtrak’s Coast Starlight is a great option for train travel.

You also can enjoy the detailed video about Amtrak Coast Starlight below:

More Information about Amtrak Coast Starlight

Vacation Types on Amtrak Coast Starlight

• Amtrak Rail Passes: Amtrak offers two different rail passes for coast starlight passengers. The US Rail Pass is valid for 30 days of unlimited train travel within the United States. The California Rail Pass is valid for seven days of unlimited train travel within California.
• Amtrak Guest Rewards: Amtrak’s loyalty program, Amtrak Guest Rewards, offers points for Amtrak travel that can be redeemed for free Amtrak travel, hotel stays car rentals and more.
• Amtrak Stopovers: Amtrak’s Stopovers program allows passengers to get off the train and explore a stop for up to 48 hours before continuing their journey.
• Amtrak Vacations: Amtrak offers vacation packages that include Amtrak travel, hotel stays, car rentals, and more.

You can find more info about Amtrak trains there.

Questions about Amtrak Coast Starlight