Coast Starlight
From deep blue seascapes and sandy beaches to lush inland forests and majestic mountain ranges, the West Coast landscapes are ever-changing and endlessly impressive. Amtrak's Coast Starlight offers a glimpse at some of this awe-inspiring Pacific-region scenery while traveling nearly 1,400 miles between the eclectic city of Seattle, WA, and Southern California's crowning jewel, Los Angeles. The trip is completed in approximately 35 hours and includes two days and one night aboard the train.
Travelers have been following this same exceptional route for nearly 50 years, and it is easy to see why it remains a fan favorite. Traveling from Seattle, the train commences its southerly journey, passing first through Tacoma. Passengers are delighted by views of Commencement Bay, on Puget Sound, with the Olympic Mountains in the backdrop. It proceeds along the Columbia River through Vancouver, WA, the oldest continuous settlement in the Pacific Northwest. Mt. Hood looms overhead as the Coast Starlight crosses the Willamette River and arrives in Portland, OR.
The beautifully adorned Dining Car calls to the romance of Old-World train travel, with its linen-clad tables and matching china. The menu selections are vast and varied and include options for passengers of all tastes. There are signature choices, such as the French toast at breakfast and the steak at dinner, and more exotic options, including black bean and corn veggie burgers and Cubano bowls. Reservations are required for lunch and dinner in the Dining Car. To further the camaraderie of a railroad journey, seating in the Dining Car is communal, allowing guests to mingle while enjoying their delicious meals and the memorable scenery.