The Amtrak Coast Starlight is a long-distance passenger train running along the West Coast between Seattle and Los Angeles via Portland and the San Francisco Bay Area. It has operated continuously since Amtrak began in 1971 and was the first train to provide direct service between Seattle and Los Angeles. The full route covers 1,377 miles (about 2,216 km), takes about 34 to 35 hours, and runs once daily in each direction.
| Key | Information |
|---|---|
| Train | Amtrak Coast Starlight |
| Route | Seattle to Los Angeles via Portland and the San Francisco Bay Area |
| Distance | 1,377 miles (about 2,216 km) |
| Running time | About 34 to 35 hours |
| Frequency | One train daily in each direction |
| Main accommodations | Coach seats and First Class private rooms |
| Key amenities | Sightseer Lounge, cafe service, dining for sleeper passengers, checked baggage, and trainside checked bicycle service |
| Scenic highlights | Pacific coastline, California valleys, Mount Shasta, the Cascades, and Puget Sound |
Amtrak Coast Starlight
The Amtrak Coast Starlight map shows all available stops. Click on the map to enlarge it or download the Amtrak Coast Starlight map in PDF format.
Route and Stations
The Coast Starlight route runs north-south between Seattle and Los Angeles, linking Washington, Oregon, and California with one of the most scenic rail trips in the United States. The route plan is simple to understand: Seattle, Tacoma, Portland, Eugene, Klamath Falls, Sacramento, the Bay Area, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Los Angeles are among the key points on the line.
Travelers can ride the full route or use the train for shorter city-to-city trips. If you are checking a stations map or stations list before booking, note that the train serves both major city stations and smaller intermediate stops across the Pacific Northwest, Northern California, Central California, and Southern California.
Selected connecting service is also available on some segments, including Amtrak Thruway options such as Redding to Chico, Stockton to Davis, Los Angeles to Fresno, Santa Monica to Bakersfield, San Jose to Santa Cruz, and Seattle to Vancouver.
Full Route Overview
Amtrak’s Coast Starlight links Seattle and Los Angeles with views of the Pacific Ocean, California valleys, Mount Shasta, and the Cascade Mountains. For many riders, the Sightseer Lounge is the best place to watch the path of the train unfold, especially on the coastline and mountain sections.
| Key | Information |
|---|---|
| End stations | Seattle and Los Angeles |
| Distance | 1,377 miles (about 2,216 km) |
| Travel time | About 34 to 35 hours |
| Frequency | One train daily in each direction |
| Best direction for scenery | Northbound is often recommended |
| Best season mentioned | Spring and summer |
| Onboard features | Sightseer Lounge, cafe car, checked baggage, bicycle service, and dining for sleeper passengers |
The route is useful for both long-distance travel and shorter trips between cities. Popular stops and nearby trip ideas include wine country around Paso Robles, the California State Railroad Museum in Sacramento, ferry access to San Francisco from Oakland, and airport connections near Los Angeles, Burbank, Santa Barbara, Portland, and Seattle.
For scenery, northbound travel is often the stronger choice. The route is especially known for the Pacific Ocean views north of Santa Barbara, Mount Shasta in Northern California, and the chance to see Mount Rainier from the right side of northbound trains.
Major Stations and Cities
The Coast Starlight serves a long chain of West Coast stations, making it useful for public transport trips between major cities as well as smaller communities. Major cities on the route include Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, San Jose, Oakland, San Francisco via Emeryville, Sacramento, Portland, and Seattle.
Below is the Coast Starlight stations list in route order.
| Station | Details |
|---|---|
| Seattle, WA – King Street Station | SEA; northern endpoint |
| Tacoma, WA | TAC; Washington stop |
| Olympia-Lacey, WA | OLW; Washington stop |
| Centralia, WA | CTL; Washington stop |
| Kelso-Longview, WA | KEL; Washington stop |
| Vancouver, WA | VAN; Washington stop near Portland |
| Portland, OR – Union Station | PDX; major Oregon station |
| Salem, OR – Amtrak Station | SLM; Oregon stop |
| Albany, OR | ALY; Oregon stop |
| Eugene, OR – Amtrak Station | EUG; major Oregon stop |
| Chemult, OR | CMO; Oregon stop |
| Klamath Falls, OR | KFS; southern Oregon stop |
| Dunsmuir, CA | DUN; Northern California stop |
| Redding, CA – Amtrak Station | RDD; Northern California stop |
| Chico, CA | CIC; Northern California stop |
| Sacramento, CA – Sacramento Valley Station | SAC; major California station |
| Davis, CA | DAV; California stop |
| Martinez, CA | MTZ; Bay Area connection point |
| Emeryville, CA | EMY; closest listed Coast Starlight station for San Francisco connections |
| Oakland, CA – Jack London Square Station | OKJ; Bay Area stop |
| San Jose, CA – Diridon Station | SJC; major Bay Area station |
| Salinas, CA – Amtrak Station | SNS; Central Coast stop |
| Paso Robles, CA | PRB; Central Coast stop |
| San Luis Obispo, CA – Amtrak Station | SLO; scenic Central Coast stop |
| Santa Barbara, CA | SBA; coastal California stop |
| Oxnard, CA | OXN; Southern California stop |
| Simi Valley, CA | SIM; Southern California stop |
| Van Nuys, CA | VNC; Los Angeles-area stop |
| Burbank, CA | BUR; Los Angeles-area stop |
| Los Angeles, CA – Union Station | LAX; southern endpoint |
For travelers going to San Francisco, Emeryville is the closest Coast Starlight station listed here, while Oakland and San Jose are also important Bay Area stops.
Tickets, Reservations, and Fares
Coast Starlight tickets should be booked with the latest schedule and station information, especially if you need a connection or a specific accommodation. Fares vary by date, availability, travel segment, and room type, so the exact ticket price is best checked at the time of booking.
Coach seating is the basic ticket option, while First Class private rooms cost more and include a higher level of privacy for overnight travel. If you are comparing fare options, use the current booking system as a fare calculator and check the final price before payment.
Menu items and onboard prices may change, and available food can differ from published materials. If cost is a concern, plan ahead and bring permitted food and non-alcoholic drinks in your carry-on luggage.
Discounts, Rail Passes
Amtrak offers the California Rail Pass for travelers who want to explore the state by train. The pass costs US$159 ($159) for adults and US$79.50 ($79.50) for children ages 2 to 12.
The pass is valid for travel on any 7 days during a consecutive 21-day period. It can be used on the Coast Starlight between Los Angeles and Dunsmuir, California. Travel to or from points outside California requires a separate fare.
Eligible California services include:
- Capitol Corridor, Gold Runner, and Pacific Surfliner corridor trains
- Most Amtrak Connection bus services associated with those corridors
- Coast Starlight between Los Angeles and Dunsmuir, California
The California Rail Pass is not valid on the Sunset Limited, Southwest Chief, California Zephyr, or Texas Eagle.
To buy the pass, call 1-800-USA-RAIL or work with a travel agent. It cannot be purchased online, and you must visit an Amtrak station ticket office to pay for and pick up the pass.
The pass must be used within one year of purchase. It is not transferable and cannot be combined with other offers, discounts, or promotions unless Amtrak specifically allows it.
Schedule and Travel Time
The Coast Starlight schedule runs daily, with one train in each direction. Published end-to-end running time is about 34 hours in one direction and about 35 hours 16 minutes in the other, depending on the timetable. Always check the current train schedule for your travel date, because timings today can differ from older printed or saved information.
Southbound service leaves Seattle around mid-morning and reaches Los Angeles the next day. Northbound service leaves Los Angeles in the morning and reaches Seattle in the evening after an overnight trip. Some Northern California stations, including Dunsmuir, Redding, and Chico, are scheduled in the early morning hours in both directions.
| Service detail | Timings |
|---|---|
| Frequency | One train daily in each direction |
| Southbound starting time | Leaves Seattle around mid-morning |
| Southbound arrival | Arrives in Los Angeles the next day |
| Northbound starting time | Leaves Los Angeles in the morning |
| Northbound arrival | Arrives in Seattle in the evening the following day |
| Full route running time | About 34 to 35 hours |
| Schedule note | Check the latest route timetable before travel |
For planning, the time of day matters by segment. On southbound trips, the train reaches the Bay Area in the evening and Sacramento overnight. On northbound trips, Oregon comes early in the morning and Portland is reached later in the day.
Daily Departures and Trip Duration
Amtrak’s Coast Starlight operates daily in both directions. Because there is only one departure per day each way, the last train for that direction is also the day’s only train, so check the starting time, opening times at your station, and boarding cutoff before you go.
The trip covers the full route between Los Angeles and Seattle, with stops across California, Oregon, and Washington. Many stations are served at practical hours, but some smaller stops are reached late at night or early in the morning. For exact operating hours, closing time, and schedule today, use the current Amtrak timetable for your date.
Connections and Transfers
The Coast Starlight connects with a wide range of public transport and local transport options along the Seattle-Los Angeles route. In Seattle and Tacoma, connecting trains are provided by Sound Transit. In Portland, travelers can transfer to TriMet MAX and Portland Streetcar services. Sacramento offers Sacramento RT Light Rail connections.
In Northern California, San Jose connects with Caltrain, VTA, and Altamont Corridor Express. In Southern California, Metrolink service is available at Oxnard, Simi Valley, Van Nuys, Burbank, and Los Angeles, while LA Metro serves Los Angeles Union Station. Amtrak also offers connecting buses from Emeryville to San Francisco.
- Seattle and Tacoma: Sound Transit
- Portland: TriMet MAX and Portland Streetcar
- Sacramento: Sacramento RT Light Rail
- San Jose: Caltrain, VTA, and Altamont Corridor Express
- Oxnard, Simi Valley, Van Nuys, Burbank, and Los Angeles: Metrolink
- Los Angeles: LA Metro
- Emeryville: Amtrak connecting buses to San Francisco
If you plan to drive to a station, check station parking, parking charges, and parking charges per day directly with the station or operator before travel, since those costs are separate from the train fare.
Amtrak Routes and Thruway Bus Connections
The Coast Starlight connects with several Amtrak routes and Thruway bus services, which makes it easier to continue beyond the train line. Notable bus and connecting segments include Los Angeles to Fresno, Los Angeles and Bakersfield via Santa Monica and Van Nuys, Stockton to Davis, Redding to Chico, San Jose to Santa Cruz, and Seattle to Vancouver.
Shared or connecting Amtrak services include:
- Amtrak Cascades at Seattle, Tacoma, Olympia-Lacey, Centralia, Kelso-Longview, Vancouver, Portland, Salem, Albany, and Eugene
- Empire Builder at Seattle, Vancouver, and Portland
- Capitol Corridor at Sacramento, Davis, Martinez, Emeryville, Oakland, and San Jose
- Pacific Surfliner at San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Oxnard, Simi Valley, Van Nuys, Burbank, and Los Angeles
- California Zephyr at Sacramento, Davis, Martinez, and Emeryville
For the cleanest connection, book rail and bus segments on one ticket when possible, so the route timetable is coordinated.
Local Transit at Major Stations
Local transit at major Coast Starlight stations helps turn the train into part of a wider city transport system. Seattle and Tacoma connect with Sound Transit, Portland has TriMet MAX and Portland Streetcar, Sacramento has Sacramento RT Light Rail, and San Jose offers Caltrain, VTA, and Altamont Corridor Express.
In Southern California, Metrolink serves Oxnard, Simi Valley, Van Nuys, Burbank, and Los Angeles. LA Metro also serves Los Angeles Union Station. Emeryville is important for Amtrak connecting buses to San Francisco, which is useful if your final stop is in the city rather than the East Bay.
Airport Connections Near Major Stations
Several Coast Starlight stations are practical for airport connections. Van Nuys is noted as a useful stop for reaching Hollywood Burbank Airport, with the airport about a 20-minute drive away by Lyft or Uber.
Other stations mentioned for airport access include Los Angeles, Burbank, Santa Barbara, Portland, and Seattle. If you are pairing Amtrak with a flight, check the exact station-to-airport transfer before you travel; in some cities, a rideshare or other local transport option may be the easiest choice.
Seats, Rooms, and Onboard Amenities
The Coast Starlight offers Coach seats and First Class private rooms. Coach seats are wide, comfortable, and provide plenty of legroom. Private room choices include Roomette, Bedroom, Bedroom Suite, Family Bedroom, and Accessible Bedroom, giving overnight passengers more privacy and space.
The Sightseer Lounge is one of the train’s signature features. It gives passengers broad views of the West Coast scenery and is a natural place to watch the coastline, valleys, forests, and mountains. Seating can get busy, so it is worth visiting early in the day or during quieter parts of the trip.
Onboard amenities include checked baggage service and trainside checked bicycle service. Coach seating is available on the lower and upper levels, while private rooms are designed for travelers who want a more comfortable overnight trip.
Dining options include Traditional Dining and Cafe Service. Traditional Dining is available for First Class passengers, while the cafe sells snacks, light meals, and drinks. Meal service includes lunch, dinner, and breakfast in both northbound and southbound directions. Private room travelers receive complimentary meals onboard.
Wi-Fi is not available on the Coast Starlight. Plan to rely on cell service where available, or treat the trip as a good chance to disconnect.
Rules and Travel Policies
Your Coast Starlight ticket is for a specific train and date. The service does not work like a hop-on, hop-off system, so you generally cannot get off at an intermediate station and rejoin the next day on the same ticket. If you want to split the journey, book separate tickets or use a multi-city booking.
Stops are usually brief. Some are only long enough for fresh air, while a few may last around 10 to 20 minutes. Stay close to the train and return on time so your trip stays safe and stress-free.
Each passenger may bring two personal items and two carry-on items, with size and weight limits. Checked bags have strict rules, and food or drink cannot be packed in checked luggage. Rolling bags are not allowed on the second floor and must be stored in lower-deck luggage areas.
You may bring your own food and non-alcoholic drinks. Sleeper-car passengers may bring alcohol, but only for consumption in their private room. Amtrak does not store or reheat passenger food.
Pets are allowed only under specific rules. Small dogs and cats are permitted, there is a limit on the number of non-service animals onboard each train, and approved carriers plus pet reservations are required.
Published schedules, working hours, station services, and route details can change, so check the latest timetable before travel.
Tips for First-Time Riders
If this is your first Coast Starlight trip, book early once your dates are set. Advance fares can be cheaper, and private rooms may sell out. Arrive early at the station as well, especially if you need to check luggage.
- Bring permitted food and drinks if you want to control costs.
- Keep food and drink in your carry-on luggage, not checked bags.
- Pack layers, a blanket, and a pillow if you want to sleep more comfortably.
- Download the Amtrak app so your ticket and booking details are easy to find.
- For northbound coastline views, ask for a seat on the left side of the train.
- Use the observation car early, since it can fill up at scenic times.
A reusable bottle and coffee mug can also be useful, since water taps are available onboard. Build extra time into your plans at both ends of the trip, because long-distance trains can run late.
Brief History
Before Amtrak was formed, no passenger train operated the full West Coast route between Los Angeles and Seattle. Southern Pacific had earlier services over parts of the corridor, including the Coast Daylight, Starlight, Shasta Daylight, and Cascade. In 1971, after protests from politicians in California, Oregon, and Washington, Amtrak introduced service on the route.
Amtrak began operations on May 1, 1971, and the Seattle-San Diego service initially ran without a permanent name. Over the following months, Amtrak reorganized the corridor and combined the names of two former Southern Pacific trains to create Coast Starlight. The train became the first direct Seattle-Los Angeles passenger service and has operated continuously since Amtrak’s formation.
The route and equipment changed several times in the early years. The train was extended and renamed in late 1971, cut back from San Diego to Los Angeles in 1972, began daily summer operation in June 1973, and dropped the Coast Daylight name in 1974. Amtrak also ran the Spirit of California between Sacramento and Los Angeles from 1981 to 1983.
The route was adjusted to improve service. It originally used Southern Pacific’s West Valley Line between Tehama and Davis, then was rerouted via Roseville in 1982 to add Sacramento, Chico, and Marysville. In 1999, it moved to the more direct Sacramento Subdivision between Marysville and Sacramento, and the Marysville stop closed.
Ridership and reliability have moved up and down over time. From 1999 to 2005, passenger numbers fell as freight congestion and track work hurt on-time performance. Delays became severe in 2006, and critics nicknamed the train Star-late. Service improved after a 2008 relaunch with refurbished equipment and upgraded amenities.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, frequency was reduced to three trains per week from October 2020 to May 2021, then restored to daily service. Amtrak briefly reduced the route again in early 2022 because of the Omicron variant.
In FY 2024, the Coast Starlight carried 359,432 passengers, made 730 trips, ran 1 million train miles (about 1.6 million km), and generated US$49.5 million ($49.5 million) in revenue against operating expenses of US$93.9 million ($93.9 million).
Best Views and Scenic Highlights
The Coast Starlight is widely regarded as one of the most scenic train rides in North America. From the windows, you can see rugged coastline, farmland, forests, snow-capped mountains, quiet lakes, and rolling valleys without the rush of flying or the stress of driving.
One of the route’s biggest highlights is the Pacific section, where the train runs close to the beach in some places. Passengers can spot hidden beaches, rocky cliffs, surfers, seabirds, and West Coast sunsets. For the best ocean views, sit on the left side when traveling northbound or on the right side when traveling southbound.
Notable sights include the private Hollister Ranch area north of Santa Barbara, Point Conception and its lighthouse, Vandenberg Space Force Base, the horseshoe curve near San Luis Obispo, Odell Lake, Westfir Covered Bridge, and Willamette Falls in Oregon City.
Near the northern end of the route, the train follows Puget Sound, passes under the Tacoma Narrows Bridge, goes through the Point Defiance tunnel, and continues along Commencement Bay before reaching downtown Tacoma. The route also brings travelers close to scenic destinations such as Crater Lake and Mount Rainier.
For the widest views, spend time in the Sightseer Lounge. It is the best place to take in the landscape as the train moves from city transport corridors into open coastline, mountains, and forest.
Pacific Coastline
The Pacific coastline is one of the signature reasons to ride the Coast Starlight. The route includes long ocean views, beachside stretches, cliffs, and open coastal scenery, especially in Central and Southern California.
The train links Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, the Bay Area, Portland, and Seattle, so it works as transportation in major West Coast regions while still feeling like a scenic rail trip. Coach seats, private rooms, cafe service, dining for sleeper passengers, and the Sightseer Lounge all help make the long ride more comfortable.
Mount Shasta and the Cascades
Mount Shasta is one of the most memorable sights on the Coast Starlight, especially for northbound riders. The route offers more than an hour of Mount Shasta scenery, and the best viewing is from the right side of a northbound train or from the Sightseer Lounge.
Between Klamath Falls, Oregon, and Dunsmuir, California, the surrounding area also offers opportunities for outdoor adventure. Travelers can bring a bike, board, or fishing gear and enjoy activities such as rafting, birding, golfing, and hiking in the region.
As the train continues through the Cascades, riders can see the high country around the mountains and the route rises to about 5,000 feet (about 1,524 meters) above sea level. Spring and summer are the best seasons mentioned for scenery, and northbound travel gives you the strongest chance to see Mount Shasta and the Cascades in daylight.
| Key | Information |
|---|---|
| Best direction | Northbound |
| Best viewing spot | Sightseer Lounge or right side of the train |
| Key scenic highlight | Mount Shasta |
| Seasonal sweet spot | Spring and summer |