The Coast Starlight: Amtrak's Route from Seattle to Los Angeles

This route appeals to travellers wanting to see the varied landscapes of the West Coast without driving. The journey connects major hubs like Seattle, Portland, Sacramento, and Los Angeles. Passengers enjoy views of the Pacific Ocean, dense forests, and mountain passes. It is a popular choice for families, retirees, and tourists exploring California and the Pacific Northwest. Because the trip takes about 35 hours end to end, it requires at least one night on the train. You can book a sleeping compartment for privacy or ride in coach to save money. The route also serves as a practical transport link between regional cities in Washington, Oregon, and California.

Route overview

The Coast Starlight travels about 1,377 miles between Washington State and Southern California. Operating daily as of 2026, the train runs between Seattle King Street Station and Los Angeles Union Station. The entire trip takes about 35 hours end to end. This makes it an overnight train in both directions.

Southbound trains leave Seattle, cross through Oregon, and enter California for the second day of travel. Northbound trains depart Los Angeles, travel up the California coast, and reach Oregon by the following morning. The route includes major stops such as Portland, Eugene, Klamath Falls, Sacramento, Oakland, San Jose, San Luis Obispo, and Santa Barbara. Passengers travelling to San Francisco usually exit at Oakland Jack London Square or Emeryville to catch a connecting bus.

Because the journey covers such a long distance, daylight hours dictate which scenery you see. The schedule ensures that the famous California coastal sections are usually visible during the day. Mountain crossings in Northern California often happen at night depending on your direction of travel. You can break the trip into shorter segments or ride the full route.

What you see, section by section

Seattle to Portland

The journey begins in the Pacific Northwest with views of Puget Sound inlets and dense forests. On a clear day, passengers can spot Mount Rainier in the distance. This segment connects the major cities of Washington and Oregon. The train travels through Tacoma, Olympia, and Vancouver, Washington, before crossing into Oregon to arrive at Portland Union Station. This part of the trip is typically in daylight for both northbound and southbound schedules.

Eugene to Klamath Falls

South of Eugene, the train begins its crossing of the Cascade Range through Willamette Pass. This mountainous section features deep forests and views of Odell Lake. If you are travelling northbound, this segment is often in daylight, allowing for excellent views of the alpine landscape. Southbound passengers might pass through this area as the sun sets or in darkness, depending on the time of year and schedule.

Dunsmuir to Redding

As the train moves through Northern California, it navigates the Sacramento River canyon. Passengers can look for views of Mount Shasta rising above the landscape. Because of the 35-hour schedule, southbound trains usually pass through this rugged canyon area at night. Northbound trains have a better chance of seeing this scenery in the early morning light. The route then descends into the Central Valley toward Sacramento.

San Luis Obispo to Santa Barbara

This is the most photographed part of the route. The train navigates the Cuesta Grade horseshoe curve before reaching the Pacific Ocean. Passengers enjoy over 100 miles of coastline, much of it completely separated from any highway. You will see the ocean crashing against the shore and pass through the Vandenberg area. This coastal stretch is a major highlight and is scheduled for daylight running in both directions.

Santa Barbara to Los Angeles

The final segment continues along the coastline past Carpinteria and Ventura. The tracks run very close to the beaches, offering excellent views of the surf. After leaving the coast, the train turns inland to cross the San Fernando Valley. It stops at Van Nuys and Burbank Airport before completing the journey at Los Angeles Union Station. This section is usually completed in the afternoon or evening.

Classes and onboard

• Coach with reclining seats and leg rests
• Superliner Roomette
• Superliner Bedroom
• Family Bedroom
• Accessible Bedroom
• Sightseer Lounge car
• Dining car

The Coast Starlight uses double-decker Superliner equipment. Passengers can choose between standard seating or private sleeping accommodations. Coach class offers reclining seats and leg rests, which is a budget-friendly option for sleeping in coach overnight. For more comfort, you can book a Superliner Roomette, a Superliner Bedroom, a Family Bedroom, or an Accessible Bedroom. Amtrak roomettes and bedrooms provide private space and beds for the night.

All passengers have access to the Sightseer Lounge car. This observation car features floor to ceiling windows, making it the best place to watch the scenery. The train also includes a Dining car. Sleeper class passengers usually have meals included in their ticket, while coach passengers can purchase food on board. When choosing your class, consider your budget and whether you want a flat bed for the 35-hour trip.