Seattle to San Francisco (Emeryville) by train

Taking the train down the West Coast offers a relaxing alternative to flying or driving, connecting the Pacific Northwest with Northern California. Since the trip takes a full day and night, passengers can settle in and watch the changing landscapes from the large windows.

Whether you are traveling for a vacation or visiting family, the direct service makes the trip straightforward. You will board in downtown Seattle and arrive in Emeryville, where a short bus ride connects you to San Francisco.

Your train options

The Coast Starlight operates daily in each direction as of 2026. This direct train takes about 21 to 26 hours, making it an overnight journey. Passengers can choose between standard coach seating or private sleeping accommodations.

Coach class features reclining seats with leg rests, which is a practical choice for those comfortable sleeping in coach overnight. If you prefer a real bed, you can book a Superliner Roomette, a Superliner Bedroom, a Family Bedroom or an Accessible Bedroom.

These private rooms provide more space and include meals in the dining car. To learn more about the differences between private rooms, read our guide to Amtrak sleeper accommodations. All passengers have access to the Sightseer Lounge car, which offers large windows for viewing the scenery.

The journey

The route south from Seattle begins with views of Puget Sound inlets and Pacific Northwest forests. On a clear day, you might see Mount Rainier before the train reaches Portland. After stopping in Oregon cities like Salem, Albany and Eugene, the train climbs into the Cascade Range.

It crosses through Willamette Pass, passing deep forests and Odell Lake. Northbound passengers often see this section in daylight. South of Klamath Falls, the train crosses into California. The stretch between Dunsmuir and Redding features views of Mount Shasta and the Sacramento River canyon.

Southbound passengers usually pass through this area at night, while northbound travelers might catch it during the day. The train then makes its way through the Central Valley, stopping in Chico, Sacramento and Davis before reaching Martinez and finally Emeryville.

The stations

Your trip begins at Seattle King Street Station, which opened 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 nearby. It is served by the Empire Builder, Coast Starlight and Amtrak Cascades.

You will arrive at the Emeryville station, located in the East Bay between Oakland and Berkeley. There is no Amtrak station in San Francisco itself. Instead, Amtrak Thruway buses run from Emeryville across the Bay Bridge to stops in San Francisco. Emeryville is the western terminus of the California Zephyr and a stop for the Coast Starlight and Capitol Corridor.