Is train travel included in the price?

The package includes one night aboard the Coast Starlight from Seattle to Los Angeles with all meals, plus two hotel nights. Rail fare is booked separately.

Is this tour escorted or independent?

It is independent. You travel on your own following a planned itinerary, with unguided time to explore Seattle and Los Angeles.

The Coast Starlight, operated by Amtrak, travels the 1,400-mile route from Seattle to Los Angeles with stops in Portland, Sacramento, the San Francisco Bay Area, and Santa Barbara.

What meals are included?

All meals on the train are included for sleeping car occupants. Meals in Seattle and Los Angeles are not included.

You stay at the Westin in Seattle (2 nights) and the Millennium Biltmore in Los Angeles.

How much time do I have in each city?

Day 1 in Seattle is an evening after independent arrival. Day 3 evening in Los Angeles follows arrival from the train. Day 4 is departure only.

No longer offered

Vacations By Rail has withdrawn this trip from sale. We keep the page for reference and comparison. Live alternatives are under Similar journeys below.

Vacations By Rail · Independent rail vacation

Coast Starlight Experience

Seattle to Los Angeles on the Coast Starlight train, four days

The Coast Starlight Experience, offered by Vacations By Rail, combines a scenic 4-day train journey with independent exploration of two West Coast cities. You begin with an evening in downtown Seattle, staying at the Westin, with free time to visit Pike Place Market and historic neighborhoods. On Day 2, you board the renowned Coast Starlight at King Street Station and settle in for a 1,400-mile overnight journey to Los Angeles. All meals aboard the sleeping car are provided. On Day 3, you wake as the train follows the California coast, passing San Francisco, Santa Barbara, and the Pacific shoreline before arriving in Los Angeles. Your final night is at the Millennium Biltmore, with the morning of Day 4 left for your own transfer to the airport or rail station. This trip suits independent travelers seeking a classic American train journey without the structure of a guided tour, as well as first-time rail passengers and couples seeking a romantic overnight experience.

What to know before you look closer

Flights and airport transfers are not included; you arrange your own air travel to Seattle and onward from Los Angeles
The price covers the package only; rail fare for Amtrak sleeping car accommodations is booked separately through Vacations By Rail
Day 1 and Day 4 are self-directed with no guided activities or group transfers

Day by day

Day 1overnight: Seattle
Seattle
Independent arrival into Seattle. Transfer to your hotel, located in the heart of downtown Seattle. Discover the many facets of the Emerald City as you tour the downtown business and shopping district, historic Pioneer Square, Pike Place Market, and the vibrant Chinatown-International District.
Day 2railovernight: Train
Coast Starlight to Los Angeles
Arrive at Seattle's King Street Station for your morning departure. Once onboard the famous Coast Starlight, settle into your seat as you begin your 1400 mile journey to Los Angeles. After settling in, you may want to visit the Sightseer Lounge to watch the passing scenery. Enjoy dinner in the Dining Car as you pass Three Sisters Mountains. All meals on the train are included for sleeping car occupants.
Day 3overnight: Los Angeles
California Coast/Los Angeles
This morning wake up outside of San Francisco. Enjoy your breakfast in the dining car as the Coast Starlight hugs the California Coast. Continue to take in the awe-inspiring scenery through late afternoon. On board, you will enjoy lunch and dinner. Upon arrival in Los Angeles, transfer independently to your hotel.
Day 4rail
Conclusion
Today ends your Coast Starlight Experience. Independent transfer to the airport or rail station.

The moments this trip is built around

Day 2Depart Seattle's King Street Station in the morning and settle into your seat for the 1,400-mile Coast Starlight journey, passing Three Sisters Mountains while dining in the Dining Car
Day 3Wake up outside San Francisco and watch from the Sightseer Lounge as the Coast Starlight hugs the California coast with views of the Pacific Ocean through late afternoon

Included

Hotel accommodations for 2 nights
Transportation aboard Amtrak (1 night on train)

Not included

Cancellation & Travel Insurance is not included in the price of the tour but can be arranged
Flights and Airport transfers not included

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included in the price?: The package includes one night aboard the Coast Starlight from Seattle to Los Angeles with all meals, plus two hotel nights. Rail fare is booked separately.
Is this tour escorted or independent?: It is independent. You travel on your own following a planned itinerary, with unguided time to explore Seattle and Los Angeles.
Which train is used?: The Coast Starlight, operated by Amtrak, travels the 1,400-mile route from Seattle to Los Angeles with stops in Portland, Sacramento, the San Francisco Bay Area, and Santa Barbara.
What meals are included?: All meals on the train are included for sleeping car occupants. Meals in Seattle and Los Angeles are not included.
What are the hotels?: You stay at the Westin in Seattle (2 nights) and the Millennium Biltmore in Los Angeles.
How much time do I have in each city?: Day 1 in Seattle is an evening after independent arrival. Day 3 evening in Los Angeles follows arrival from the train. Day 4 is departure only.

Similar journeys

Amtrak Vacations