Amtrak Vacations · Independent rail vacation

Coast Starlight Experience from Seattle

Coast Starlight train trip from Seattle to Los Angeles

Coast Starlight Experience from Seattle, a rail journey with Amtrak Vacations

Amtrak Vacations runs this 6-day, 5-night independent rail vacation from Seattle to Los Angeles on the Coast Starlight. The trip opens with two nights in Seattle, including a Space Needle visit, the Chihuly Garden and Glass exhibit, and a guided tour of neighborhoods such as Pioneer Square and Pike Place Market. On day 3, travellers board the Coast Starlight for an overnight ride south, passing views the operator describes as panoramic Pacific Ocean coastline, forests, and rolling hillsides before arriving in Los Angeles. Two final nights in Los Angeles include a hop-on, hop-off pass covering the Santa Monica Pier, Rodeo Drive, the Griffith Observatory, and the Hollywood Walk of Fame. With a single overnight train leg and two-night stays bookending it, this trip suits a straightforward first rail vacation, or travellers short on time who still want a scenic Pacific coast crossing.

What to know before you look closer

  • Hotels are offered as 12 accommodation options across tiers and cities rather than one fixed hotel per stop.
  • The overnight Amtrak leg is in Coach seating; a sleeping accommodation onboard the train is only available as an optional upgrade.
  • The included list covers rail and hotel nights only; no meals are itemized as included, though the day 1 narrative mentions a dinner at a Seattle restaurant.
  • The evidence lists no current departure dates for this package, though it is shown under a 'Flash Sale' category.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Seattle

    Your Journey Begins in Seattle

    Welcome to Seattle! Begin your Seattle adventure by ascending the iconic Space Needle for sweeping views of the city skyline and Puget Sound, then by exploring the mesmerizing glass artworks at the Chihuly Garden and Glass exhibit. Conclude the day with a memorable dinner at one of Seattle's renowned restaurants, indulging in delicious Pacific Northwest cuisine.

  2. Day 2overnight: Seattle

    Seattle, WA

    Today, enjoy a guided tour to uncover the rich history and diverse culture of Seattle's neighborhoods, from Pioneer Square's historic charm to Pike Place Market's lively energy. After the tour, spend the afternoon immersing yourself in the city's unique vibe before enjoying a leisurely dinner.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Onboard Amtrak

    Overnight Onboard Amtrak®

    Start your day by checking out of your Seattle hotel and making your way to the train station to catch the Coast Starlight® to Los Angeles. Board the train and settle in for the journey ahead.

  4. Day 4overnight: Los Angeles

    Los Angeles, CA

    As you travel southward, you'll be treated to panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, lush forests, rolling hillsides, and charming coastal towns. Arrive in Los Angeles via the Coast Starlight® and check in for 2 nights.

  5. Day 5overnight: Los Angeles

    Los Angeles, CA

    Start your day with a hop-on-hop-off tour to explore Los Angeles. Stop by the Santa Monica Pier for ocean views and fun, then head to Rodeo Drive for some luxurious shopping. Don't miss other iconic sights like Griffith Observatory and the Hollywood Walk of Fame before bidding farewell to Los Angeles.

  6. Day 6rail

    Your Journey Ends in Los Angeles

    Check out of your hotel this morning and continue with your travels. If you'd like to extend your journey to another city, just ask your Rail Expert and we can help you make all the arrangements.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1The trip opens with the Space Needle for city and Puget Sound views, followed by the Chihuly Garden and Glass exhibit.
  • Day 2A guided tour covers Seattle neighborhoods including Pioneer Square's historic district and Pike Place Market.
  • Day 4The Coast Starlight arrives in Los Angeles after passing panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, forests, and rolling hillsides.
  • Day 5A hop-on, hop-off tour of Los Angeles stops at the Santa Monica Pier, Rodeo Drive, the Griffith Observatory, and the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Included

  • One-way Amtrak® from Seattle to Los Angeles on the Coast Starlight® in Coach accommodations
  • 4 nights' hotel accommodations; 1 night onboard Amtrak®

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes, one-way Amtrak travel in Coach accommodations from Seattle to Los Angeles on the Coast Starlight, including 1 night onboard.
Is it escorted or independent?
It is an independent rail vacation, with a guided sightseeing tour and hop-on, hop-off passes included in Seattle and Los Angeles.
Which train is used?
The Coast Starlight, running from Seattle to Los Angeles.
What hotels are used?
The package offers 12 accommodation options across tiers and cities; examples include the Kimpton Hotel Vintage in Seattle and the Regent Santa Monica in Los Angeles.
Is there a sleeper cabin on the train?
The onboard night is in Coach seating by default; upgrading to a sleeping accommodation onboard the train is listed as an optional extra.

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