The Amtrak Los Angeles to Seattle route, also known as the Coast Starlight, is a popular and scenic train journey that connects the vibrant city of Los Angeles with the serene beauty of Seattle, Washington. This iconic route offers passengers a unique and comfortable way to explore the stunning landscapes of the Pacific Northwest.
The Coast Starlight traverses a 1,377-mile route, connecting major cities along the West Coast. Departing from Los Angeles Union Station, the train heads north, passing through Santa Barbara, the San Francisco Bay Area, Sacramento, and Portland, before arriving at Seattle’s King Street Station. Along the way, passengers are treated to diverse landscapes, including:
- Urban Landscapes: Witness the vibrant cityscapes of San Francisco, Sacramento, and Portland.
- California Coastline: Enjoy breathtaking ocean vistas as the train hugs the Pacific shoreline.
- Mountain Ranges: Experience the majestic peaks of the Cascade Range and the Sierra Nevada.
- Lush Forests: Travel through dense forests in Northern California and Oregon.
Also Visit: Amtrak Los Angeles to San Joaquin Station
Amtrak Los Angeles to Seattle Station Route Details
The Amtrak Coast Starlight train, which runs from Los Angeles to Seattle, makes several stops along the way. Here are the major stations and the approximate time it takes to travel between them:
| Station | State | Approx. Arrival Time | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles Union Station | California | Departure Point | Iconic station, dining options |
| Glendale | California | +15 minutes | Suburban stop |
| Burbank-Bob Hope Airport | California | +30 minutes | Near airport for connecting flights |
| Van Nuys | California | +45 minutes | Residential area |
| Simi Valley | California | +1 hour | Scenic suburban area |
| Oxnard | California | +1 hour, 40 minutes | Coastal town |
| Santa Barbara | California | +2 hours, 40 minutes | Stunning ocean views |
| San Luis Obispo | California | +5 hours | Coastal hills, nearby wine country |
| Salinas | California | +8 hours, 30 minutes | Gateway to Monterey and Big Sur |
| San Jose | California | +10 hours, 15 minutes | Tech hub, cultural attractions |
| Oakland | California | +11 hours, 30 minutes | Near San Francisco |
| Sacramento | California | +14 hours, 45 minutes | State capital, historic landmarks |
| Redding | California | +19 hours | Gateway to Shasta-Cascade region |
| Klamath Falls | Oregon | +23 hours, 15 minutes | Scenic outdoors, near Crater Lake |
| Eugene | Oregon | +27 hours | University town, art and culture |
| Salem | Oregon | +28 hours | Capital city, historic sites |
| Portland Union Station | Oregon | +30 hours | Bustling city with diverse scenery |
| Tacoma | Washington | +32 hours, 15 minutes | Port city with art and culture |
| Seattle King Street Station | Washington | Arrival Point | Iconic architecture, urban hub |
Amtrak Departure from Los Angeles
Here is a Amtrak’s departures from Los Angeles, focusing on key details:
| Train Name/Route | Destination | Departure Time | Frequency | Notable Stops |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coast Starlight | Seattle, Washington | 9:51 AM | Daily | Santa Barbara, San Jose, Portland |
| Pacific Surfliner | San Diego, California | Multiple Departures | Multiple Daily | Anaheim, San Juan Capistrano |
| Southwest Chief | Chicago, Illinois | 6:00 PM | Daily | Flagstaff, Albuquerque, Kansas City |
| Sunset Limited | New Orleans, Louisiana | 10:00 PM (on select days) | Tri-weekly | Tucson, El Paso, San Antonio |
| Texas Eagle | Chicago, Illinois (via Texas) | 10:00 PM (on select days) | Tri-weekly | Phoenix (bus connection), Dallas, Austin |
| California Zephyr (via Bus Connection) | Chicago, Illinois | Morning bus connection | Daily | Emeryville (to board train), Denver, Salt Lake City |
| Capitol Corridor (via Bus Connection) | Sacramento, California | Morning bus connection | Multiple Daily | Emeryville, Oakland, Davis |
Notes:
- Departure times are subject to change, and additional options may be available.
- For exact schedules, ticket prices, and real-time updates, refer to Amtrak’s official website.
- Bus connections extend service to some routes that don’t directly originate from Los Angeles Union Station.
Amtrak Arrival at Seattle Station
Here is a Amtrak arrivals at Seattle’s King Street Station:
| Train Name/Route | Origin | Arrival Time | Frequency | Notable Stops |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coast Starlight | Los Angeles, California | 8:12 PM | Daily | Santa Barbara, San Jose, Portland |
| Empire Builder | Chicago, Illinois | 10:25 AM | Daily | Minneapolis, Glacier National Park, Spokane |
| Cascades | Eugene, Oregon (varies) | Multiple Times Daily | Multiple Daily | Portland, Olympia, Tacoma |
| Sounder (Weekdays Only) | Everett, Washington | Morning/Evening | Weekdays | Edmonds, Tukwila |
| Amtrak Thruway (Bus Connection) | Vancouver, BC or Other Cities | Varies | Multiple Daily | Bellingham, Everett |
Notes:
- Arrival times are approximate and subject to scheduling changes.
- Some services, such as the Cascades and Sounder, offer multiple arrival options throughout the day.
- For real-time updates and ticket availability, check Amtrak’s official website.
Amtrak Los Angeles to Seattle Station Amenities and Services
To enhance your journey, the Coast Starlight offers a range of amenities:
- Sightseer Lounge Car: Featuring floor-to-ceiling windows, this car provides panoramic views of the passing scenery.
- Dining Car: Offers freshly prepared meals, showcasing regional cuisine.
- Sleeping Accommodations: For overnight travelers, various sleeping options are available, including Roomettes and Bedrooms.
Why Choose Amtrak for the Los Angeles to Seattle Journey?
Traveling between Los Angeles and Seattle is an unforgettable experience when you choose Amtrak’s Coast Starlight route. Here are compelling reasons why Amtrak is the ideal choice for this journey:
| Reason | Details |
|---|---|
| Scenic Beauty | Enjoy breathtaking views of the Pacific coastline, Cascade Mountains, and lush forests. |
| Panoramic Windows | Sightseer Lounge Car offers floor-to-ceiling windows for uninterrupted scenic enjoyment. |
| Comfortable Seating | Spacious seats with ample legroom, perfect for long journeys. |
| Sleeping Accommodations | Roomettes and Bedrooms for overnight travel, with private restrooms and showers. |
| Dining Options | Freshly prepared meals, including regional cuisine and beverage selections. |
| Stress-Free Travel | No TSA lines, baggage hassles, or driving worries. |
| Eco-Friendly | Lower carbon footprint compared to flying or driving, contributing to sustainable travel. |
| Affordable Fares | Competitive ticket prices with options for all budgets. |
| Flexible Policies | Options for refundable or changeable tickets for convenience. |
| Central Stations | Los Angeles Union Station and Seattle King Street Station offer easy connections. |
| Unique Travel Experience | Nostalgic train travel with modern amenities and memorable stops along the route. |
Booking Your Trip from Los Angeles to Seattle with Amtrak
Traveling from Los Angeles to Seattle on Amtrak’s Coast Starlight is a seamless process. Follow these steps to book your trip and enjoy one of the most scenic train journeys in the United States:
| Visit Amtrak’s Official Website | Go to www.amtrak.com to access the booking portal. Use the search bar to enter your departure and destination cities: Los Angeles (LAX) and Seattle (SEA). |
| Choose Your Travel Dates | Select the departure and return dates (if applicable). View available schedules for the Coast Starlight, which departs Los Angeles daily at 9:51 AM. |
| Select Your Ticket Type | Coach Class: Comfortable seating with ample legroom. Business Class: Extra space, complimentary beverages, and priority boarding. Sleeping Accommodations: Roomettes and Bedrooms for overnight comfort, including meals and access to showers. |
| Add Extras | Include baggage, pets (where allowed), or bicycles in your booking. Opt for travel insurance for added peace of mind. |
| Review and Pay | Confirm your trip details, including dates, times, and passenger information. Pay securely using a credit card or other available payment options. |
| Receive Your Ticket | Choose between an eTicket (delivered via email) or a printed ticket at the station. Save your ticket for easy access during boarding. |
| Additional Tips | Book Early: Secure the best fares by booking in advance, especially for sleeping accommodations. Sign Up for Discounts: Check for deals like student, senior, or military discounts. Travel Assistance: Contact Amtrak customer service at 1-800-USA-RAIL (1-800-872-7245) for help. |
With your booking complete, prepare to sit back, relax, and enjoy the unparalleled beauty of Amtrak’s journey from Los Angeles to Seattle!