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← DiscoverCoast StarlightSeattle → Los Angeles

United States

Coast Starlight

Seattle → Los Angeles

Amtrak Coast Starlight at San Luis Obispo station
The Coast Starlight pauses at San Luis Obispo before the journey reaches the Santa Barbara coast.Photo: Duncharris · CC BY-SA 2.0
Duration
Approx. 35 hours
Distance
2122.45 km
Train
Long-distance Superliner train
Reservation
Required

A one-night journey down the American West Coast, linking the Pacific Northwest, Cascades, northern California, the Bay Area, and Southern California.

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Seat view guide

Best Side to Sit

Seattle → Los Angeles

Overall recommendation

Varies

The line curves repeatedly, so no single side is supported for the full journey.

It changes along the way

  • Cascade foothills0–850 km · Limited dataVaries
  • Dunsmuir and Mount Shasta country850–1800 km · Limited dataBoth sides
  • Santa Barbara coast1800–2020 km · Limited dataRight
  • The final urban approach changes orientation frequently.2020–2122 km · Limited dataVaries

Some sections are early guidance based on limited reports.

Explore the route

Interactive Route Map

Preparing the route

From Seattle to Los Angeles, via Portland, Eugene, Klamath Falls, Sacramento, Emeryville, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara.

Scenic journey timeline

Along the Journey

A calm guide to the moments worth looking up for, arranged from Seattle to Los Angeles.

  1. Departure · 0 km · 0 minSeattle
  9. Arrival · 2122 km · 35 hr 16 minLos Angeles

Look out for

Journey Highlights

Journey overview

What to Expect

Reservations
Required for this journey.
Train
Long-distance Superliner train
Operated by
Amtrak

Plan the journey

Practical Information

One night aboard
Amtrak’s current timetable presents a roughly 34–35 hour journey. Timings and daylight coverage can change.Check current operator information
Reservation required
A confirmed ticket is required. Rallii does not publish fares, inventory, or availability.Check current operator information
On board
Amtrak lists coach and sleeping accommodation plus food service; current onboard options can change.Check current operator information
Coast timing
The Santa Barbara coastal section is only useful if it falls in daylight, which varies by direction, season, and operating conditions.Check current operator information
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Route & data sources

  • Operator informationAmtrak — Coast Starlight

    Official route identity, highlights, and station context.

  • Operator informationAmtrak — Coast Starlight timetable

    Current service context and representative duration; not treated as permanent schedule data.

  • Railway / map dataOpenStreetMap relation 2812900

    Prepared local route geometry based on the southbound passenger relation; © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL.

  • Rallii guidanceRallii guidance

    Curated scenic sequence and cautious segment-level viewing guidance.