Spectacular scenery from snowcapped mountain peaks through the majestic Cascade Mountains, to Pacific Ocean views.

The Coast Starlight links the greatest cities on the West Coast (between Seattle and Los Angeles) the Coast Starlight passes through Portland, Sacramento, the San Francisco Bay Area and Santa Barbara.

The official route runs from Seattle to Los Angeles, but the line extends to Vancouver on the northern end and to San Diego on the southern.

Duration: Just under 36 hours. Distance: It's 1,377 miles from Seattle to LA. Amenities: Sightseer Lounge Car, Pacific Parlour Car, Kiddie Car, Dining Car, Checked Baggage, Non-Smoking Frequency: Daily Prices: Coach fares range from 64 to 126, depending on availability. For a sleeping-car ticket, add 137 to 301 to a coach fare for a roomette, and 302 to 682 for a full bedroom (with private lavatory, shower and sink).

Golden Gate, San Francisco

The Coast Starlight descends near San Luis Obispo

The Coast Starlight crosses the Willamette River

Amtrak's Coast Starlight from Seattle to Los Angeles (or Reverse) One night in Roomette Sleeper Accommodations (Bedroom Upgrade Available) All meals on board the train (View Sample Menu) Hotel accommodations for two nights Puget Sound Willamette Valley Cascade Mountains California Coast Mission Santa Barbara Los Angeles-historic Olvera Street
Available Options: Bedroom Sleeping Accommodation Upgrade Additional hotel nights in Seattle or Los Angeles Additional Sightseeing Tours and attractions in Seattle and Los Angeles

Private rooms with amenities for day and night use. From roomettes to bedrooms featuring a private lavatory and shower, Sleeping car accommodations will suit any need.

Coach seating provides a wide reclining seat with leg rest, folding tray table and overhead lights. Free pillow service and at-seat meal service is also available upon request.

Sightseer Lounge/Caf is the perfect car for scenic viewing and lighter fare. Large panoramic windows and informal seating provides the perfect atmosphere for sightseeing.

Arcade Coach is available on all Coast Starlight trains, consisting of a special lower-level area in a Superliner Coach with high-tech videogames, accessible by all passengers whether they are traveling in Coach or Sleeping car; games are operated using tokens available for sale in the car.

Pacific Parlour car is a feature available for Sleeping car passengers wishing to stretch out and enjoy the spectacular views in comfort. This newly refurbished car features coffee and bar service, wine and cheese tasting, and an onboard theater. In addition, the Pacific Parlour car offers an alternative full-service dining alternative for lunch and dinner.

All meals (two lunches, two dinners and breakfast) are included in the price of sleeping-car fares. All are served banquet-style in the dining or parlour cars. Wine and beer cost extra, but are reasonably priced; sleeping-car passengers can bring alcohol aboard and into their bedrooms or roomettes.

It has not a special cuisine. You can find different but typical breakfast, such as scrambled eggs, continental breakfast among others. For Lunch salads, soups and different kind of meats mostly. And for dinner the cuisine is more expensive and chic. You can eat salmon fillet garnished with lemon wedge and parsley, served with four grain rice pilaf andvegetable medley.

 When

to go In summer I would recommend travelling from Seattle to LA to catch long, lingering sunsets over the Pacific. In winter, go in the opposite direction to see spectacular ocean views from LA to San Luis Obispo in the morning; otherwise, coming from the north, it will be dark by the time you reach the coast.

 Make

sure you pack A backpack or small overnight bag (there's not much room in the roomettes), including nightwear, book, sunglasses, and not much more. Then check in the rest of your luggage. The rooms have no locks, so this way you can wander without fretting.