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Railbookers

Pacific Northwest

8-day Amtrak rail trip: San Francisco, Portland, and Seattle

Illustration of Pacific Northwest

Railbookers runs Pacific Northwest, an 8-day, 7-night rail vacation from San Francisco to Seattle, with a stop in Portland along the way. Two nights in San Francisco open the trip, including an included dinner at Pier 39 and a hop-on hop-off sightseeing tour taken at your own pace through Chinatown and past the Golden Gate Bridge. A day trip crosses the Golden Gate Bridge to the redwoods of Muir Woods and the seaside village of Sausalito, before travelers board Amtrak overnight for the journey north. Two nights in Portland follow, with a city tour and a scenic dinner cruise along the Willamette River, before the Coast Starlight carries the final leg to Seattle through lush forests and valleys. Two nights in Seattle close the trip, with a guided city tour that includes Pike Place Market and a ride to the top of the Space Needle. The trip suits travelers who want West Coast city and coastal scenery covered mostly by train, with days split between guided touring and time at their own pace.

What to know before you look closer

  • Railbookers lists 18 accommodation options across tiers and cities for this trip; the specific hotel you get depends on the tier and city you choose.
  • Only two meals are included across the 8 days, both dinners; other meals are on your own.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: San Francisco

    San Francisco, CA

    Your journey begins in San Francisco, the "City by the Bay." Visit one of San Francisco's most beloved attractions - Fisherman's Wharf. This waterfront community is rich in both culture and fun. Don't forget to stop by Pier 39 and scope out the famous sea lions as they bask in the lovely California sunshine. Enjoy your included dinner at the end of Pier 39 at a popular restaurant.

  2. Day 2overnight: San Francisco

    San Francisco, CA

    Climb aboard a hop-on, hop-off sightseeing tour of San Francisco! You can hop on and off the tour at any of the stops to further explore any area that strikes your fancy at your own pace. Stops include Chinatown, the Golden Gate Bridge, North Beach, Union Square, Golden Gate Park, the Civic Center, and many more.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Onboard Amtrak

    Overnight Onboard Amtrak

    Today, you'll take a tour of the scenic Muir Woods and the charming town of Sausalito. On the drive to Muir Woods, you'll cross over the Golden Gate Bridge and then disembark in the serene forest filled with towering redwoods. Once you've taken in all the natural beauty of Muir Woods, you'll spend some quality time in Sausalito, a stunning seaside village that is home to many artists. You'll have some free time to enjoy this fascinating village, which is full of eclectic shops and great restaurants. Then, ride back to Fisherman's Wharf and travel on your own to the Amtrak station where you will board the Coast Starlight® for Portland. The scenery along this route is truly breathtaking and widely regarded as one of the most spectacular of all train routes. Relax, unwind, and take in the gorgeous views as you make your way to "Rose City."

  4. Day 4overnight: Portland

    Portland, OR

    The evening is yours to discover "The City of Roses." If you're looking for something to do, Portland has more than 30 local breweries. It is also a shopper's paradise as there is no sales tax. With all the excitement of a big city and the charm of a small town, Portland is an amazing destination with so much to offer.

  5. Day 5overnight: Portland

    Portland, OR

    Explore Portland on a City Tour of Portland. Highlights include Pioneer Square, the Oregon Zoo area, and many more popular destinations throughout the city. This tour offers a great overview of Portland and its top sights. This evening will feature a scenic dinner cruise in downtown Portland along the Willamette River.

  6. Day 6overnight: Seattle

    Portland to Seattle

    Travel to Portland's Union Station and board the Coast Starlight for Seattle. The lush forests and fertile valleys provide a stunning backdrop for your journey to the "Emerald City." Upon arrival in Seattle, check into your hotel and start exploring all this beautiful city has to offer!

  7. Day 7overnight: Seattle

    Seattle, WA

    Enjoy a guided sightseeing city tour of Seattle, where you will visit all the city's top attractions, including the world-famous Pike Place Market! Your fun-filled day in Seattle also includes a ride to the top of the Space Needle, the most iconic structure in the city. Travel 520 feet above the ground to the observation deck for amazing views of Mt. Rainer and Elliot Bay.

  8. Day 8

    Your Journey Ends in Seattle

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1An included dinner is served at a restaurant at the end of Pier 39, near San Francisco's sea lions.
  • Day 3A tour crosses the Golden Gate Bridge to Muir Woods' towering redwoods, then continues to the seaside village of Sausalito, before travelers board Amtrak for an overnight journey.
  • Day 6The Coast Starlight carries the journey from Portland to Seattle through lush forests and fertile valleys.
  • Day 7A ride to the top of the Space Needle's observation deck, 520 feet up, gives views of Mt. Rainier and Elliott Bay.

Included

  • One-way Amtrak® in Coach accommodations from San Francisco to Portland; Portland to Seattle on the Coast Starlight®
  • 6 nights' hotel accommodations; 1 night onboard Amtrak
  • 2 meals included (2 dinners)

Also sold by

The same itinerary is listed by more than one company. Prices and inclusions can differ; compare before booking.

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. One-way Amtrak Coach travel is included from San Francisco to Portland and Portland to Seattle on the Coast Starlight, including one night onboard the train.
Which train is used?
Amtrak's Coast Starlight, in Coach class.
Do I spend a night on the train?
Yes. Day 3 of the itinerary has you board Amtrak overnight after a day trip to Muir Woods and Sausalito.
What cities does the trip visit?
San Francisco, Portland, and Seattle.
Are meals included?
Two dinners are included: one at Pier 39 in San Francisco, and a scenic dinner cruise in Portland.
How much does it cost?
From $1,329 per person, per Railbookers.

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