The Coast Starlight is Amtrak's flagship West Coast service, running daily between Los Angeles Union Station and Seattle King Street Station. The full journey covers 1,377 miles (2,216 km) and takes roughly 35 hours, including one overnight and two full days.
South of Sacramento the journey is defined by the coast. The main draw of the Starlight really is the California coast where for much of the journey between Ventura and San Luis Obispo the track runs right alongside the Pacific Ocean. Here the train is pressed against the shoreline closer than any other mainline service in the United States. On northbound Train 14, which is the best direction for this section, the coastal section unfolds through the late morning into early afternoon.
Thinking of only going part of the way? The Los Angeles to San Francisco part of the journey makes for a relaxed and scenic day-trip between the two cities. Onboard the Sightseer Lounge car is open to all passengers with putting panoramic windows in reach regardless of which side your seat is on. Throughout the section section it fills up quickly.
Further north the journey is defined by altitude and forest, with the Cascades section having its own character. This section takes in the quieter and less dramatic landscapes that include Mount Shasta, Klamath Lake and the Oregon interior.
Northbound on Train 14 out of Los Angeles is the recommendation for a first trip. The coastal section arrives in good light and being first up after departure it's less likely to be impacted by delays.
At a Glance
Daily service between Los Angeles Union Station and Seattle King Street Station. 1,377 miles (2,216 km) through California, Oregon and Washington
Coach, Roomette, Bedroom, Family Bedroom and Accessible Bedroom in Superliner double-deck rolling stock
Variable pricing mean fares move with demand. Coach from approximately USD 110; Roomette from approximately USD 600; Bedroom from approximately USD 1500.
Traditional dining car with all meals included for sleeper passengers. Café car for paid snacks and drinks. Coach passengers may purchase dining car meals when space is available.
Checked baggage available at select major stations. Onboard storage in luggage racks at car entrances for larger bags; limited storage within sleeper cabins for smaller items
No WiFi on board. Cell coverage in populated areas although expect gaps through Northern California and the Oregon Cascades.
The Route
The Coast Starlight passes through California, Oregon and Washington State on its north-south route that effectively covers the West Coast of the United States.
As with most Amtrak routes there is a bit of a backstory. Before Amtrak waws formed in 1971 a single train connecting the entire West Coast did not exist. The Coast Starlight was created by bringing together three separate routes: the Coast Daylight (Los Angeles to San Francisco), the overnight Starlight (LA to San Francisco night train), and the Cascade (Oakland to Portland / Seattle). Initially the Starlight was launched as a temporary three-day-a-week experiment. It proved a hit with vacationers which led Amtrak to officially name the service the Coast Starlight and upgrade it to a daily service by 1973.
The California Coastal Section
The Gaviota Coast is the standout section of the journey from Oxnard north to just above San Luis Obispo. Here the Starlight runs along undeveloped coast-line and directly beside the Pacific Ocean for extended stretches. On Train 14 northbound this occurs in the early afternoon making it ideal light for photography. On Train 11 southbound it falls in the early afternoon of day two. Sit on the left side northbound, right side southbound.
The Cascades
The section to the north of Klamath Falls passes through dramatic scenery including dense pine forests and the broad high-desert basin along the shore of Upper Klamath Lake. This is best experienced on the Northbound services which passes through this area mid-morning.
Direction Notes
For the most part the general timetable on the Coast Starlight works well in either direction. In both directions trains depart around 10am daily, arriving at the end destination the following evening.
There are a small number of stops that are scheduled between midnight and 7am in both directions. These are all in California: Sacramento, Chico, Redding and Dunsmuir.
Train 14 (LA to Seattle): Departs Los Angeles mid-morning. Coastal section midday. Overnight through Northern California and Oregon. Arrives Seattle following evening.
Train 11 (Seattle to LA): Departs Seattle mid-morning. Overnight through Oregon and Northern California. Coastal section mid-afternoon day two. Arrives Los Angeles late afternoon.
Route Map
Route Highlights
Los Angeles Union Station
Los Angeles Union Station is one of the last great American railway terminals, opened on 7 May 1939 at a cost of $11 million. Designed by architects John and Donald Parkinson, its distinctive exterior is a flawless fusion of Mission Revival, Spanish Colonial, and Art Deco styles. The station remains an active Amtrak hub and a iconic Los Angeles landmark. ## Interior The main waiting room is a sprawling space featuring a 20-meter-high ceiling. Original furnishings have been meticulously preserved including the famous oversized plush lounge chairs and an intricate geometric floor pattered from terrazzo, tile, and marble accents. It stands today as one of the finest interiors in American railway architecture.
Continue reading →Gaviota Coast
The Gaviota Coast is the most dramatic section of the entire Coast Starlight journey. Here the Coast Starlight traverses around 80 miles of undeveloped or minimally developed California coastline between Ventura and San Luis Obispo where line runs directly beside the Pacific Ocean. In many places the track is only feet from the water's edge. ## The Coastal Section The track hits the oceanfront just north of Ventura and hugs the coast through Santa Barbara. Where highway US-101 turns inland through the Gaviota Pass, the train stays firmly on the coast, continuing past Gaviota State Beach and winding around the remote, pristine cliffs of Point Conception. This is among the most spectacular rail scenery accessible in North America with open ocean to one side, the Santa Ynez Mountains rising to the other. Many part of this coast-line are inaccessible by car. ## Timing On Train 14 northbound, the coastal section passes in the early afternoon. This is typically between noon and 3 PM, making ideal light for photography. On Train 11 southbound, it occurs from late afternoon into the evening, roughly 3:40 PM to 7:20 PM. Note that during winter months, southbound passengers will experience the latter half of this coastal section after sunset. ## Which Side Sit on the left side of the train for northbound travel. For southbound, the ocean is on the right. The upper deck of the Sightseer Lounge offers panoramic views and is highly recommended. Arrive early as it fills during this section.
Continue reading →Klamath Falls
Klamath Falls marks the Oregon border crossing and the return of daylight for northbound passengers on Train 14 after the overnight section through Northern California, sunrise arrives somewhere around Dunsmuir or Redding and the train arrives at Klamath Falls in the morning. ## The Cascade Scenery The section to the north of Klamath Falls passes through dramatic scenery including dense pine forests and the broad high-desert basin along the shore of Upper Klamath Lake. On Train 14 northbound this section is experienced mid-morning. For southbound passengers on Train 11, they skirt the lake in twilight or darkness, arriving at Klamath Falls later in the evening around 9:58 PM. ## Klamath Falls Town Klamath Falls is a small city of around 22,000 in southern Oregon. It sits at 1,260 metres above sea level in a volcanic plateau. The area is known for the Crater Lake National Park (70 miles north) and the Klamath Basin National Wildlife Refuges. The train station is a simple facility in the downtown area. ## Why It's a Highlight Klamath Falls represents the inflection point of the journey. When travelling Northbound the train has crossed from California into Oregon and with the return of morning light Pacific Northwest section of the route begins. Sleeper passengers often wake here to find dramatically different scenery from the California valleys of the previous day.
Continue reading →Portland Union Station
Portland Union Station is a National Historic Landmark opened in 1896, making it one of the oldest active railway stations in the Pacific Northwest. Its distinctive 38-metre clock tower with the "Go By Train" neon sign has been a Portland landmark for over a century. ## The Building The station was designed by Van Brunt & Howe in Romanesque Revival style and opened in February 1896. The clock tower was originally equipped with a bell that rang on the hour. It was restored in 1949 and the "Go By Train" neon sign added. The main waiting hall features its original vaulted ceiling and period detailing. ## Coast Starlight Portland Union Station serves as a major hub on the route. When running to time there is a designated 20-minute service stop in each direction allowing passengers to step off the train to stretch their legs. On Train 14 northbound, the train arrives in Portland around 3:56 PM after spending the day winding through the scenic Oregon Cascades and the Willamette Valley. On Train 11 southbound, the train arrives at 2:01 PM, giving passengers a spectacular look at the Columbia River crossing just before pulling into the station. Both arrivals offer fantastic daylight views of the city's iconic bridges and downtown skyline. ## Portland as a Destination Portland is the largest city in Oregon and one of the most cycle-friendly cities in North America. The Pearl District, Powell's City of Books, and the extensive MAX light rail system are accessible from the station. The station is in the Pearl District, walkable to many central attractions.
Continue reading →Route Gallery
Coastal Views from the Amtrak Coast Starlight
Source: Train Travel Guide Team
Pacific Ocean views from the Coast Starlight
Train Travel Guide Team
Amtrak Coast Starlight Train at San Luis Obispo, CA
Source: Train Travel Guide Team
Amtrak Coast Starlight Train rounding a curve as seen from an end carriage
Source: Train Travel Guide Team
Grassland views from the Amtrak Coast Starlight Train
Source: Train Travel Guide Team
Pacific Ocean as seen from the Coast Starlight
Source: Train Travel Guide Team
Pacific Ocean as seen from the Coast Starlight
Source: Train Travel Guide Team
Pacific Ocean as seen from the Amtrak Coast Starlight
Source: Train Travel Guide Team
Pacific Coast Highway as seen from the Amtrak Coast Starlight
Source: Train Travel Guide Team
Grassland and the Pacific Coast as seen from Coast Starlight between Los Angeles and San Francisco
Source: Train Travel Guide Team
California Countryside from the Amtrak Coast Starlight
Source: Train Travel Guide Team
Ocean views through window on the Amtrak Coast Starlight
Source: Train Travel Guide Team
Farming fields from the Amtrak Coast Starlight
Source: Train Travel Guide Team
The Journey
Train 14 – Los Angeles to Seattle
The northbound train number 14 departs Los Angeles just after 10am every day. Guests in a sleeper room have access to the Amtrak Metropolitan Lounge before departure. It’s fairly basic, with light refreshments available. Staff call the train when its time to board and provide directions on walking or point out the red-cap buggy service that is available for the cost a tip to the driver.
After leaving Union Station the train makes its way through the suburbs of Los Angeles. It isn’t long before the Pacific Coast appears, with the ocean just outside the left-side windows. These coastal views continue for several hours before eventually the train heads inland a little. It arrives at San Francisco (Emeryville) around 9:30pm.
Overnight the train continues through northern California and makes several stops before arriving at Klamath Falls, Oregon the next morning. Over the course of the day the train continues through the rugged pacific north-west, making its way through Salem and Portland in the afternoon before arriving into Seattle around 8pm.
Which side to sit on: On this service the left hand side in the direction of travel is best for the sweeping ocean views between LA and San Francisco.
Train 11 – Seattle to Los Angeles
The southbound train number 11 departs Seattle King Street Station just before 10am every day. Over the course of the day the train travels through the Pacific North West taking in Portland and Salem before arriving into Eugene, Oregon at around 5pm.
Travelling through the night, the train arrives into San Francisco at around half-eight the next morning. From here you travel down California throughout the day. Into the afternoon the train traverses the Gaviota Coast section, taking in that spectacular beach-side scenery to the right as it heads towards Los Angeles. The Starlight is scheduled to arrive into Los Angeles Union Station around 9pm. Keep in mind on shorter days in winter, or in the event of a delay the oceanside views might be missed when travelling in this direction.
Which side to sit on: On this service the right hand side in the direction of travel is the best for the sweeping ocean views between LA and San Francisco.
Timetable
| # | Station | Code | Day | Arrives | Departs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Los Angeles | LAX | — | — | 10:10 |
| 2 | Santa Barbara | SBA | — | 12:27 | 12:37 |
| 3 | San Luis Obispo | SLO | — | 15:04 | 15:14 |
| 4 | San Jose | SJC | — | 21:00 | 21:04 |
| 5 | Oakland (Emeryville) | EMY | — | 21:57 | 22:07 |
| 6 | Sacramento | SAC | +1 | 01:04 | 01:14 |
| 7 | Klamath Falls | KFS | +1 | 08:52 | 08:57 |
| 8 | Eugene | EUG | +1 | 12:28 | 12:36 |
| 9 | Portland | PDX | +1 | 15:01 | 15:19 |
| 10 | Tacoma | TAC | +1 | 18:44 | 18:46 |
| 11 | Seattle | SEA | +1 | 20:10 | — |
Times are scheduled (PT). Day column shows days elapsed from departure. Verify current schedule with operator before travel.
Long distance Amtrak services are known for experiencing delays. Between October and December in 2025 Coast Starlight passengers arrived at their destination within 15 minutes of the scheduled timetable around 68% of the time. This means the train was more than 15 minutes late 30% of the time. Where delays do occur they are generally under 90 minutes although as with all long distance train journeys its best to leave a healthy buffer for any onward travel.
Onboard the Train
Sleeper Options
Sleeper tickets have the highest level of onboard service. Sleeper tickets include main meals, that is breakfast, lunch and dinner in the dining car or your room. Items from the cafe between meals are purchased separately. Access to a basic lounge before departure is at Los Angeles and Portland.
Each sleeper car has an attendant who will introduce themselves at the start of the trip. In the evening they complete a turn down service and convert the room to night mode, and the reverse in the morning.
Sleeper Roomette
The Roomette is a small entry-level sleeper configuration measuring around 3'6" by 6'6" (1.07m x 1.98m) and is available upstairs or downstairs. It functions as a private cabin with two facing seats by day, converting into upper and lower berths at night. A degree of flexibility is required to access the upper berth, and it can be a little claustrophobic if small spaces are a problem. Shared bathroom and shower facilities in the car.
Sleeper Bedroom
The Bedroom footprint is roughly double that of a Roomette, integrating a private en-suite toilet and shower module. The layout features a sofa and armchair which convert to a wider lower berth and a standard upper berth. Upper deck only.
Family / Accessible Bedroom
Largest accommodation, lower deck only. In-room toilet with shared showers. Wheelchair accessible configuration available. It provides two adult-sized berths and two shorter child-sized berths.
Coach
Amtrak coach class is known for its generous leg room and recline although beyond this, there are few additional inclusions for coach passengers. Meals can be purchased from the cafe or at stations along the way. Space permitting, an announcement will be made for coach passengers to reserve a spot in the dining car at meal time for an additional fee. Coach passengers do not have access to showers.
Dining
Dining Car
The dining car offers Amtrak’s traditional sit down dining service for breakfast, lunch and dinner. A range of dishes are available including meat, pasta, burgers etc. While not fine dining, they are reasonable for a train. A recent menu from Amtrak's Long Distance Western services is in the onboard gallery below.
When in sleeper accommodation the car attendant stops by to reserve a time for meals in the dining car. Amtrak joins groups to fill tables, particularly when its busy. It's an interesting way meet new travelling companions. Alternatively meals can be served in the cabin. The first alcoholic drink is typically included with dinner, otherwise alcohol is an additional charge.
When travelling in coach an announcement will be made for reservations only if space permits. The menu is fixed price for coach passengers. Most recently this was $20 for breakfast, $25 for lunch and $45 for dinner, and $20 for all childrens meals.
Sightseer Lounge and Cafe
The sightseer lounge car is a key space on the train. Upstairs there are large windows where the seating faces outward. It’s a relaxed atmosphere to meet other travellers over a coffee, read a book or listen to a podcast as the world passes by. All passengers are able to enjoy the sightseer car, although in busy periods you might be asked to limit your time in the car.
Downstairs is a cafe with light meals and refreshments for purchase along with a seating area. Amtrak publishes cafe menu’s on their website although expect typical convenience food – burgers, hotdogs, sandwiches, noodles and snacks such as chocolate bars and nuts along with juices, sodas and alcoholic drinks.
Onboard Gallery
Traditional Dining Car on Amtrak Superliner
Source: Train Travel Guide Team
Amtrak Long Distance Superliner Dining Car pictured from the Coast Starlight
Source: Train Travel Guide Team
Amtrak Long Distance Superliner Dining Car pictured from the Coast Starlight
Source: Train Travel Guide Team
Amtrak Western Cafe Menu as of January 2026
Source: Amtrak
Amtrak Long Distance Dinner Menu
Source: Amtrak
Amtrak Western Long Distance Breakfast and Lunch Menu as of January 2026
Source: Amtrak
Amtrak Sightseer Lounge on Pacific Surfliner Train
Source: Sdkb - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons Wikimedia Commons
Need to Know
- ▪As with all train journeys, pack a light jacket or sweater in case the air conditioning gets too cold.
- ▪Bringing extra snacks for the journey is a good idea. The train can sell out of cafe items onboard.
- ▪When in a sleeper room there is only one power socket. Bring bring along a USB charging hub or small power strip if required.
- ▪Amtrak's long-distance rolling stock is ageing, with the trainsets dating to the 80s and early 90s. The sleeper cars had an uplift in the early 2020s. The cars are serviceable although expect some signs of age to show.
Prices & Tickets
Prices from around $100 - $300 per person depending on demand. Seating assigned at day of travel at check-in or boarding. Generous recline. Cafe and dining car at published prices. No shower facilities.
Prices currently range from around $600-$1000 for one passenger and between $800-$1200 for two. Private bunk accommodation for up to 2. The top bunk does require some flexibility to get in and can be a little claustrophobic. All meals included. Shared showers. Car attendant service throughout.
Prices currently ranging from $1500 to $2500 depending on the number of passengers and how far ahead the booking is. Larger upper-deck cabin with private en-suite bathroom and shower. All meals included.
Pricing similar to the Sleeper Bedroom. Largest option, lower deck. In-room toilet, shared showers. All meals included. Accessible configuration.
These prices are indicative and have been sampled in May 2026 for several dates up to 11 months ahead.
Booking tickets directly on the Amtrak website is straight-forward. Amtrak uses variable pricing which means prices change in line with demand. Amtrak sleeper pricing has been running on the higher side the last couple of years.
The Coast Starlight train has allocated seating. When booking a sleeper the car and room number are allocated at the time of booking and shown on the e-ticket. As the sleeper cars can be attached to the train from either direction its not possible to know which side your roomette will face. When travelling with someone one option is to call Amtrak and book two roomettes across the corridor from each other.
Coach seats are allocated on the day. When starting the trip at either Los Angeles or Seattle these are typically allocated at check-in inside the station. When boarding along the way the conductor allocates seats at the time of boarding.
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