Los Angeles to Seattle by train

Riding the rails from Southern California to the Pacific Northwest offers a relaxed alternative to flying or driving. The route connects two major West Coast cities while passing through valleys, forests, and coastal stretches. Passengers spend over a day on board, making this a true long-distance transit experience.

Whether you book a simple seat or a private room, the train provides a comfortable environment to watch the changing geography of California, Oregon, and Washington unfold outside your window. For those preparing for the trip, reading up on first time on Amtrak can help you know what to expect.

Your train options

The only direct train on this route is the Coast Starlight, which operates daily in each direction as of 2026. The trip takes about 35 hours and includes an overnight segment. You can choose between several classes of service depending on your budget.

The most affordable option is Coach, which features reclining seats and leg rests. If you want to save money, check out our guide to sleeping in coach overnight. For more privacy and a flat bed, you can book a Superliner Roomette, a Superliner Bedroom, a Family Bedroom, or an Accessible Bedroom. These private rooms include meals in the Dining car.

You can learn more about these options in our guide to Amtrak sleeper accommodations. All passengers have access to the Sightseer Lounge car, which provides excellent views of the passing landscape.

The journey

Leaving Los Angeles, the train travels through the San Fernando Valley and stops in Burbank, Van Nuys, and Oxnard. The route then reaches the Pacific Ocean, offering over 100 miles of coastline views past Ventura, Carpinteria, and the Vandenberg area, much of it with no highway in sight. After passing the Cuesta Grade horseshoe curve near San Luis Obispo, the train heads inland toward Salinas, San Jose, and Oakland.

North of Sacramento, the train passes Chico, Redding, and Dunsmuir. You might see the Sacramento River canyon and Mount Shasta, though this section is usually at night when traveling southbound. Crossing into Oregon, the train navigates the Cascade Range through Willamette Pass.

This stretch features deep forest and Odell Lake, which is often visible in daylight on northbound trips. After stops in Eugene, Salem, and Portland, the final segment into Washington reveals Puget Sound inlets and Pacific Northwest forest. On a clear day, you can see Mount Rainier before arriving in Tacoma and Seattle.

The stations

Your trip begins at Los Angeles Union Station, which opened in 1939. The building is a landmark mix of Mission Revival and Art Deco architecture. It serves as a hub for the Pacific Surfliner and the terminus for the Coast Starlight, Southwest Chief, and Sunset Limited. The station connects to Metro Rail lines, Metrolink commuter trains, and the FlyAway bus to LAX airport.

The journey ends at Seattle King Street Station, built in 1906. Its ornate ceiling was restored in 2013. The station sits next to Pioneer Square and the Chinatown International District, with Link light rail available at the nearby International District station. It is served by the Coast Starlight, Empire Builder, and Amtrak Cascades.