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Amtrak Coast Starlight train tickets—Search & book deals
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4.8 Rating
5k Reviews
4.5 Rating
4.8k Reviews
About Amtrak Coast Starlight
Amtrak Coast Starlight is a train service that operates 273 daily trips between Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, and Los Angeles on the US Pacific coast. With the full-length journey lasting 35 hours, it's also an adventure, passing through some of the finest scenic landscapes in the US. These include the Cascade Mountains, perfectly clipped vineyards, and dense coastal forest.
Passengers can spend the journey in comfortable seats with spacious leg room or opt for one of the Superliner sleeping compartments for extra space. Spend some time in the dedicated restaurant car for delicious meals or the observation car to enjoy the views.
Amtrak Coast Starlight has been a regular sighting on this route since 1971 when its inaugural journey between Seattle and San Diego marked the formation of Amtrak to operate US passenger rail services. Today it carries an average of 425,000 passengers each year, formed from a combination of leisure and business travelers.
The service stops at 28 different cities, allowing passengers to get a glimpse of the US west coast while enjoying air-conditioned cars, power outlets, complimentary onboard WiFi, and snacks.
Amtrak has been an official Wanderu partner since 2015, providing travelers with the best-value tickets for Coast Starlight services. Travelers can also find schedules and deals on Wanderu, making it the only ground transportation booking site you'll ever need.
Contact Amtrak Coast Starlight
- Phone number:
- 1 (800) 872-7245
- Online support:
- Amtrak Coast Starlight website
Amtrak Coast Starlight Amenities
- Air conditioning
- Toilet
- Extra legroom
- Loyalty rewards
- Power outlets
- Snacks
Quickview
Amtrak Coast Starlight train coverage
- Daily Trips
- 273
- stations
- 29
- cities
- 28
- countries
- 1
- United States
What travelers are saying about Amtrak Coast Starlight
Here’s what Wanderu users who have booked trips with Amtrak Coast Starlight had to say about their travel experience.
Traveling During COVID-19
“Conductor reminded everyone to wear their masks.”
87%
Onboard Experience
“Every single employee was helpful, polite, and cared.”
85%“The cost of the train travel was reasonable.”
94%“Train departed on time and arrived at our destination early.”
82%“The seats were wide and comfy and good for sleeping.”
91%“The seats were clean and comfortable.”
94%
Amtrak Coast Starlight reviews from Wanderu customers
Overall review score for Amtrak Coast Starlight Based on 346 reviews
4.7
Ratings (Out of 5)
| Comfort | |
|---|---|
| Timeliness | |
| Staff | |
| Value |
Amtrak Coast Starlight passenger reviews
Pros Efficient travel from Seattle to Centralia Cons King Street station was a bit hard to navigate. I had to ask others about which line to wait in. Others were asking also, especially seniors who had hearing challenges. The return trip from Centralia was confusing. There were no attendants in the station waiting room. I had to navigate leaving the waiting room and finding the pathway to the actual tracks and arriving train. It would have been difficult in the dark, especially if I was the only traveler. I did have my ticket already printed or on my phone. Tips Be sure to note if there will be attendants in some of the smaller stations. You cannot purchase a ticket from inside the station. Be sure to go online to purchase and confirm your travel.
Pros The observation deck, the spacious, allowing the cargo and lithium battery powered scooters and other transportation devices allowed in Amtrak is the distinguishing points Cons Bathroom Tips Let them know this exista
Pros Relaxing Cons Bathrooms are filthy, snack bar for ADA Tips Bring your own food
Pros 1. The wonderful sightseeing/scenic Waggon. 2. People who explained us a Lot about history and scenic sights Cons 1. People Shall Not Reserve seats in the Sightseeing Waggon - When you leave the Seat, another Person can sit down and no Partner Reserven the Seat forever 2. People who close the curtains wider than their own Window in Order for others to See nothing at all any more 3. Wifi did Not work at all except in Union Station Tips Get a reservation in the dining car
Pros It was a quiet ride . Cons When got to San jose , I need the ramp to get off the train because of handicap, the staff boy at San jose was rude getting the ramp. Gave me a dirty look, I didn't like that. Tips With today technology in this world, in surprise amtrak has not figure out a way to let handicap people get up to the top view instead of the lower view , just one special car per trip, treat handicap with little respect for the ride. I'm still using amtrak for future trip. Thank you
Pros I enjoyed being able to lean back and relax in a comfy chair while I watched the beautiful scenery Cons I think the curtains could be placed a bit differently. I also miss the viewing deck. Tips Make sure to bring a jacket that’s easily accessible and if you have to sleep a neck pillow.
Pros Very calm and peaceful! The views were amazing!! Cons Food offerings Tips Prepare to sit back and relax and see some amazing views!!
Pros The train is just very relaxing and comfortable Cons Can’t think of anything
Pros Lovely views and relaxed feeling on the train Cons There was one attendant for TWO sleeper cars! Sorry,but no. That poor gal was run off her feet all trip. There should be one attendant PER car to insure good prompt service. Tips Lots of cameraderie and good feeling and spectacular scenery make it a joy.
Pros Enjoyed a bit more space and a private bathroom. The meals were quite good too! Cons Wifi on the train would be cool Tips Expect to be well taken care of and informed on the train!
Pros My husband and I could sit back and relax, and view the scenery Cons The toilet 🚻 was to far away, my husband walks with a cane and could not manage to get down and up the stairs as we sat upstairs coach 13, and the far back seats. Tips Yes, relax and take the Amtrak Coach Starlight.
Pros My first train ride. Not my last. 4 hours was easy, I may have to look for cross country options. Cons One trip in and nothing failed. Tips Oh my. Following along with the train on Google Maps was some of the most fun I have ever had. I would be on one side of the car, maps would tell me there was an aquatic center or something of interest coming up on the other side so I would run to that of the car and talk to other people telling them what was coming up. It was cool going under a major freeway and being able to see what it is or where it was. I learned a lot about local businesses. Google Maps + Trains = So Much Fun
Pros Using Google Maps to follow the path. Cons You were alll good.
Pros On time Cons Little bit confuse myself at checking. That’s all Tips Not now
Pros Staff was so friendly and accommodating. Helped me get to wherever I needed in the train! Tips Get your seat assignment somewhere? I didn’t have a seat assignment so I didn’t know if that was an upgrade thing hahahah.
Pros Seeing the Salinas Valley beyond the confines of the highway. Cons Ask passengers if they have or need a seat preference. I'm 83, use a walking stick for balance, carried a backpack and would have preferred a seat downstairs. Instead, I was seated upstairs on the aisle next to a large man with body odor. There were many empty seats in the car. The person doing seat assignments just shuffled his cards arbitrarily without asking if any passengers had disabilities. I mentioned my disabilities when I bought my ticket. I managed, but only because I'm determined and do lots of gardening to stay strong. Tips Request a seat where you want it.
Pros The scenery. Cons Better seat.
Pros The train amenities and comfortable area, the scenery was incredible
Pros Good scheduling, beautiful scenery, Cons It would help if there was more frequent service on this line, so it would fit better into passengers' schedules. However, on this trip, the scheduling worked out fine. Also, connection to San Francisco was awkward. We took Caltrain from San Francisco to San Jose on the outbound trip and my wife drove from San Jose to San Jose to pick us up on the return trip (much quicker than using Oakland in either direction).
Pros Everything was great staff roomette food scenery everything Cons Nothing Tips You must do it
Amtrak Coast Starlight Routes & Network
Amtrak Coast Starlight’s train network features 569 train routes that connect 28 cities serving 29 stations. On average, Amtrak Coast Starlight performs about 273 train trips every day. The top cities to which Amtrak Coast Starlight offers the highest number of daily train service include Portland and Los Angeles.
| City | Daily Trips | Earliest train | Latest train |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portland | 15 | 1:37 AM | 11:49 PM |
| Los Angeles | 38 | 12:45 AM | 10:08 PM |
| Seattle | 16 | 1:37 AM | 11:49 PM |
| Santa Barbara | 10 | 12:45 AM | 5:15 PM |
| San Jose | 13 | 2:31 AM | 10:08 PM |
| Eugene | 11 | 1:37 AM | 11:49 PM |
| Sacramento | 16 | 12:45 AM | 11:11 PM |
| Emeryville | 15 | 2:31 AM | 10:08 PM |
| San Luis Obispo | 10 | 4:12 AM | 5:15 PM |
Most popular Amtrak Coast Starlight routes
The train from Seattle to Portland is Amtrak Coast Starlight’s most popular route. Trips from Los Angeles to Santa Barbara and Portland to Eugene are also highly popular.
| Route | Daily Trips | Duration | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seattle – Portland | 1 | 4 hr | SEK 456 |
| Los Angeles – Santa Barbara | 2 | 2 hr, 3 min | SEK 327 |
| Portland – Eugene | 1 | 2 hr, 46 min | SEK 188 |
| San Luis Obispo – San Jose | 1 | 4 hr, 41 min | SEK 525 |
| Emeryville – Los Angeles | 2 | 12 hr, 15 min | SEK 694 |
| San Luis Obispo – Los Angeles | 2 | 5 hr, 17 min | SEK 515 |
| Seattle, WA – Vancouver, WA | 1 | 3 hr, 17 min | SEK 456 |
| Portland – Tacoma | 1 | 2 hr, 42 min | SEK 357 |
| Chico – Sacramento | 1 | 2 hr, 16 min | SEK 228 |
Amtrak Coast Starlight Cancellation Policy
All Amtrak Coast Starlight tickets can be cancelled for a full refund within the first 24 hours after purchase. If more than 24 hours have passed, the cancellation policy and change fee structure for Amtrak bookings depend on the type of fare you purchased:
Saver Fare tickets: A 25% fee applies for any changes. If you cancel the trip, you will receive an eVoucher worth 75% of the original ticket price.
Value Fare tickets: No change fees and fully refundable up to 15 or more days before departure. If cancelled less than 14 days before departure, a 25% cancellation fee applies.
Flexible, Business and Premium Fare tickets: No change fees and fully refundable if cancelled or changed before departure.
Tickets are non-refundable and non-exchangeable after the train has departed, so be sure to make your updates as soon as possible if your travel plans change.
If your Amtrak Coast Starlight ticket is eligible for change or cancellation, you can do that by calling Amtrak’s customer service phone number at 1 (800) 872-7245. To cancel or change your booking online, simply go to www.amtrak.com and click on the “Modify Trip” tab in the upper right corner.
Wanderu also offers an affordable trip protection option by Allianz Global Assistance that you can purchase when booking your tickets. In addition to 24-hour assistance during your trip and coverage for lost or damaged baggage, trip protection can help you get your money back in case you need to cancel or change your trip. You can file a claim to have any Amtrak change or cancellation fees reimbursed if you cannot travel due to covered reasons such as illness, extreme weather, or required work shifts.
Amtrak Coast Starlight Baggage Policy
Carry-On Baggage
One (1) personal item – max. weight: 25 lbs (12 kg), max. dimensions: 14 x 11 x 7 in (35 x 28 x 18 cm)
Two (2) carry-on items – max. weight: 50 lbs (23 kg), max. dimensions: 28 x 22 x 14 in (71 x 56 x 35 cm)
Additional Carry-On Rules:
Strollers and car seats do not count toward the carry-on limit.
Overweight bags must be repacked so they are under 50 lbs. Boxes may be purchased at staffed stations to aid in repacking.
A $20 excess baggage fee will be charged for each carry-on and personal item above the quantity and size limits. A maximum of two excess bags are permitted per passenger.
Checked Baggage
Two (2) items for free – max. weight: 50 lbs (23 kg), max. dimensions: 75 in / 191 cm (length + width + height)
Up to two (2) additional items: $20 fee per item
Oversized baggage (76-100 inches total): $20 fee per item
Not all Amtrak Coast Starlight routes offer checked baggage service. Check ahead before traveling.
Additional Checked Baggage Rules:
Your luggage should be checked at least 45 minutes before the train departs.
ID tags are required for all luggage.
All luggage must be in containers that are suitable for transport (storage tubs and plastic bags are not allowed).
Special Items
Bicycles up to 50 lbs (23 kg) may be checked for $20.
Folding bikes (max 34 x 15.5 x 48 inches / 86 x 39 x 122 cm) can be carried on board for free.
Skis & snowboards count as checked baggage if under 50 lbs (23 kg) and 75 linear inches (191 cm).
Wheelchairs, walkers, and CPAP machines can be brought onboard for free.
For more information, check out Amtrak's Baggage Policy page.
Amtrak Coast Starlight Train Guide & FAQs
The Coast Starlight and Cascades are both passenger train lines operated by Amtrak. The main difference is that the former stretches almost the whole West Coast while the latter is limited to the Pacific Northwest. The Amtrak Coast Starlight route extends all the way from Seattle to Los Angeles, while the Amtrak Cascades train has a shorter route from Vancouver, BC to Eugene, Oregon.
The Coast Starlight has some more features that you would expect from a long distance train, such as sleeper cars. However, Amtrak Cascades tends to have more flexible schedules for certain shorter routes like Portland to Seattle. We generally recommend taking the Coast Starlight for longer trips and the Cascades for shorter trips. You can compare all their available times and prices by entering your destination and travel dates in Wanderu's search tool.
No, unfortunately Amtrak Coast Starlight does not offer WiFi aboard its trains at this time. However, we find that a good book makes the time fly by and streaming services like Netflix allow you to download TV shows and movies that you can then watch during your trip. Plan ahead and you will stay entertained during the entire train ride.
Yes, there are power outlets onboard Amtrak Coast Starlight trains. You can generally find one or two sockets per row of seats, so be a good traveller and check if your seat neighbor might want to charge up their devices as well. With the onboard power outlets, you can charge both a computer and USB devices with a USB power adapter that typically comes with most phones and tablets.
Since Amtrak Coast Starlight might sometimes use replacement train vehicles, not all trips are guaranteed to have power points. We recommend bringing a power bank to charge your phone for all trips over 2 hours, just in case.
On a typical day, Amtrak Coast Starlight has 273 scheduled train trips in total. However, the exact departure and arrival times vary depending on the day and route. The best way to find the exact schedule for your trip is to use the search tool on this page.
No, Amtrak Coast Starlight does not offer will call tickets. You should purchase your tickets online and make sure you have everything you need to board before you arrive at the station.
Yes, Amtrak Coast Starlight requires you to present an ID to an agent to be allowed to board the train. Make sure you have identification issued by a government agency that meets the carrier’s requirements. Alternative IDs, such as a college ID, won’t work.
Yes, there are bathrooms on Amtrak Coast Starlight trains. The bathrooms are pretty basic and include a toilet, toilet paper and hand sanitizer. Most bathrooms don’t have running water. As you will be using a bathroom on a moving vehicle, please use caution and hold on to a rail at all times.
Amtrak Coast Starlight provides snacks to satisfy your hunger during your travels. Be sure to pack a credit card and some cash in case you get hungry.
Amtrak Coast Starlight does not require a printed ticket to board the train. Instead, an eTicket is sent to you via email when you make your reservation. You can use your smartphone to show this eTicket to the ticketing agent as you board.
Amtrak Coast Starlight goes the extra distance to deliver premium features to its customers.
Do you find yourself squished in a regular seat or just love having extra room to sprawl out? Well you’re in luck as Amtrak Coast Starlight offers extra legroom seating. Since there is no standard of what extra legroom is, the extra space you get may vary between train lines, but getting extra is always good.
Yes, Amtrak Coast Starlight allows minors 13-16 years of age to travel unaccompanied, with restrictions. Children aged 12 and under must travel with another person who is at least 18 years old.
Tickets for unaccompanied minors cannot be booked online and must be booked by calling Amtrak at +1 (800) 872-7245.
Cheap Amtrak Coast Starlight tickets recently found on Wanderu
With 273 trips per day on Amtrak Coast Starlight, there are a lot of great deals to uncover for the bargain hunter, and Amtrak Coast Starlight tickets start at just SEK 39.64. Check out some of the latest and greatest deals snatched up by Wanderu users.
- Portland – Salem
Travel date Nov 5, 2026
Lowest price SEK 109
- Emeryville – Seattle
Travel date Nov 4, 2026
Lowest price SEK 1,150
- Portland – Eugene
Travel date Nov 5, 2026
Lowest price SEK 188
- Seattle – Portland
Travel date Oct 30, 2026
Lowest price SEK 456
- Los Angeles – Santa Barbara
Travel date Oct 30, 2026
Lowest price SEK 327
- Salinas – Los Angeles
Travel date Oct 31, 2026
Lowest price SEK 585
- Seattle, WA – Vancouver, WA
Travel date Oct 30, 2026
Lowest price SEK 456
- San Luis Obispo – Santa Barbara
Travel date Oct 31, 2026
Lowest price SEK 337
How do I get the best deal on Amtrak Coast Starlight tickets?
Wanderu is the best place to score cheap Amtrak Coast Starlight tickets with the lowest available fares every day. Plus, you can compare Amtrak Coast Starlight prices with trips offered by other train companies to be sure you’re getting the best deal on your tickets!
Pro travelers know that booking your ticket well in advance is key to finding the lowest price. Ticket prices normally go up the closer you get to the travel date, so don’t miss out on a good deal when you see one. If you can be flexible with your travel date, you can also get cheap tickets by traveling on weekdays instead of weekends.
When you’re ready to book, type your departure city and destination city in the search bar above, select your travel date, and let Wanderu work its magic to show you all of the best bus and train ticket prices available for your trip. Pick the ticket that’s best for your budget, schedule, and preferences, and complete the booking right on Wanderu to secure your great deal.
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