Six of us took the Coast Starlight to Portland, all in sleepers. We all know Amtrak runs late, thanks largely to other trains having problems, and we were 1.5 hours late getting on, and 4.5 hours late getting to our destination. While I did enjoy the romantic, classical notion of train travel and loved the out-the-window views, it came at... more

We recently traveled on the Coast Starlight from San Francisco to Seattle on an approximately 24 hour trip. We booked a family room and two roomettes next door as we were in a group of 4 adults and 4 children aged 8-13. The lower beds were quite comfortable, but I must admit the upper bunks were difficult to get into... more

OK, let’s clarify a few things before we discuss our trips on the Coast Starlight…. We all realize that Amtrak has many pluses & minuses and needs a lot more work to return to the glory of yesteryear, but it is still one of the most cost-effective and pleasant means of travel for many people! And the Pros outweigh the... more

My husband and I had taken the Coast Starlight from LA to San Jose back in the 1980's. It was lovely and relaxing. Years later, in the 90's, we took out train-infatuated kids on the Coast Starlight from San Jose to Seattle. We had two sleeper cars and, while they were tiny, they were fun and the kids really enjoyed... more

We took the Coast Starlight from Los Angeles to Oakland. Before we got on Amtrak called us and said that they suggest not taking this train because it is always late. We didn't care so we took it. It was a nice train ride. Nice scenery and Nice food. BUT!! Around 4 PM we start to smell something burning. The... more

We took the Coast Starlight from Seattle to Los Angeles in October, 2006 to join a cruise home to Australia (tip: Amtrak gives hefty discounts to cruise passengers). We had a bedroom for the journey which nominally sleeps three which was very comfortable with its large lower berth, toilet and shower. Being on the upper level of the carriage it... more

Granted this trip was in 2006 - however we had a great experience on the Coast Starlight. We left Seattle southbound to Oregon and reserved a sleeper car. This is the ultimate way to travel. Lots of room, quiet and smooth - our own bed, our own bathroom and a huge picture window. Included in the price was lunch in... more

We took the Coast Starlight from Union Station to Oakland. We were going to spend a week in San Francisco for our vacation and my husband had seen a piece on the Coast Starlight on television. They showed the parlor car and dinner being served on china etc. etc. We decided to book the trip and paid nearly 800.00 for... more

We recently traveled on the Coast Starlight Express out of Union Station on August 30th to Seattle. SCHEDULE - As the previous reviews stated, don't take the train if you have to be somewhere on time. Our arrival was almost 7 hours late. SLEEPER CAR - If you can afford it, this is the way to travel by train. Yes,... more