The Coast Starlight Is the Most Beautiful Train Ride in America

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The Coast Starlight Is the Most Beautiful Train Ride in America
By Jessica Mattern/ Life/ Travel/ CountryLiving/ countryliving.com

"The train trip of your dreams starts at just $97.

Hands down, one of the best (and cheapest) ways to see America's vast beauty is by train. Don't believe us? Then allow us to introduce you to Amtrak's Coast Starlight, which has been called "one of America's most beautiful train rides" since the 1940s.

Starting in Seattle and ending in Los Angeles, the Coast Starlight train trip takes passengers through Washington, Oregon, and California, allowing them to see stunning views of the West Coast's mountains, forests, valleys, and Pacific Ocean. Passengers can take in the sights from the observation car, which is decked out in floor to ceiling windows and comfortable swivel chairs. And here's the best part—tickets for the spectacular journey start at just $97...."

Courtesy of Amtrak


Richard

 

[puppymommo]

I'm not sure the Coast Starlight is THE most beautiful train ride in America (sunrise on the buttes in Montana on the Empire Builder between Seattle and Chicago is pretty special). But it is definitely ONE of the best. I have been on many train trips across the US. I love the train experience except for the frequent long delays.

 

[Luanne]

I'm not sure the Coast Starlight is THE most beautiful train ride in America (sunrise on the buttes in Montana on the Empire Builder between Seattle and Chicago is pretty special). But it is definitely ONE of the best. I have been on many train trips across the US. I love the train experience except for the frequent long delays.

We took the Coast Starlight from the San Francisco Bay area to Seattle some years back when our daughters were much younger. It is a beautiful ride, but trying to sleep was impossible. We had a family sleeper. I don't think I slept at all either on the way up, or on the way back. One of my daughters was a little bit too long for her bunk so she slept curled up the whole time. I don't think I'd want to spend more than one night on a train.

 

[taffy19]

I did this once by myself with the Coast Starlight and really enjoyed it. The scenery is beautiful and you see much more than with flying but going by car, you see the whole route unless you drive during the night also.

It was amazing how friendly and talkative people were upstairs and many had taken these trips all over the country more than once. Most of them were retired. I had airline tickets for my trip but was talked into trying this so bought a one way ticket. I had no regrets and wished I had done it both ways.

I would love to do it again but not alone. They made me share the dining room table with another couple who didn't seem to mind nor did I. I hope that they asked them first but I don't know.

 

[heathpack]

We took the Coast Starlight from LA to Seattle, it was awesome. We had a sleeper car. The scenery was beautiful.

We also took the California Zephyr from Denver to Sacramento, another spectacular ride. Met interesting people in the dining car.

 

[puppymommo]

We took the Coast Starlight from the San Francisco Bay area to Seattle some years back when our daughters were much younger. It is a beautiful ride, but trying to sleep was impossible. We had a family sleeper. I don't think I slept at all either on the way up, or on the way back. One of my daughters was a little bit too long for her bunk so she slept curled up the whole time. I don't think I'd want to spend more than one night on a train.

I had to chuckle at this. When my DD was about 5 years old, we took the train from Chicago to Sacramento, a three day two night trip. No sleeper, just regular coach. Now that I'm in my 60s, I don't think I would do more than one overnight in coach. I'm thinking of taking the train next spring from Chicago to DC (actually Alexandria, VA). That is only one night on the train and I think it would be fine.

 

[Luanne]

I had to chuckle at this. When my DD was about 5 years old, we took the train from Chicago to Sacramento, a three day two night trip. No sleeper, just regular coach. Now that I'm in my 60s, I don't think I would do more than one overnight in coach. I'm thinking of taking the train next spring from Chicago to DC (actually Alexandria, VA). That is only one night on the train and I think it would be fine.

When I was 8 my family took the train from Los Angeles to Chicago. We had a family sleeper. It was a great trip! When you're a kid you can put up witn a lot.