[25] As a result, the Coast Starlight was initially split into two segments: Seattle to Klamath Falls and Sacramento to Los Angeles with a bus replacement service filling the gap between Klamath Falls and Sacramento. The 807-mile drive takes about 13 hours and while you may hit some traffic at the very beginning and the very end, the rest of the trip should be easy driving. Portland is 145 miles from Seattle by plane and 173 miles by car. If we have a roomette on the Coast Starlight can we also get a seat in the observation lounge? [9] Positive response led to Amtrak to retain this service, and the Coast Daylight name was dropped on May 19, 1974. How much does the Amtrak Coast Starlight cost? With just a quick search on Wanderu, you can compare bus and train schedules and prices from hundreds of travel companies in one convenient place to find the trip that works best for you. Really? There are usually 15 daily train trips available from Los Angeles to San Francisco. By booking your train trip from Seattle to San Francisco on Wanderu at least 28 days ahead of time, you can save about $80.28 on your ticket. Located in the heart of Northern California's Bay Area, San Francisco is a geographically small but culturally huge city known for its historic cable cars, active waterfront, and the eclectic mix of hippies and techies who call it home. Search San Francisco trains on KAYAK. We are pleased to provide additional services to customers with disabilities. KAYAK searches hundreds of travel sites to help you find cheap train fares and book the train that suits you best. The station is located near downtown Seattle, and has Amtrak staff to help you find your train. Part of the joy of train travel is the incredible views from bridges that are missed on airplanes or car travel. Book your Amtrak train and bus tickets today by choosing from over 30 U.S. train routes and 500 destinations in North America. However, service animals are always allowed on journeys that are operated by each of these companies. We travelled yesterday and it was 17 minutes delayed in getting to Portland, but had managed to make up a bit of that by the time we got to Seattle. This train was far better than flying, even though the cost was the same and it took 12hrs. It does not have the same amenities as the Coast Starlight. The Coast Starlight takes 33 hours and 46 minutes to travel from Los Angeles, CA to Seattle, WA and 35 hours and 15 minutes to travel from Seattle, WA to Los Angeles, CA. [17], Ridership declined by 26% between 1999 and 2005 as freight congestion and track maintenance on the Union Pacific Railroad reduced the Coast Starlight's on-time performance to 2%, which Amtrak characterized as "dismal." The ride takes approximately 20 hours (not to worrythere's a bathroom on board, and the bus makes several stops for food, though bring snacks to ward off any interim hunger) and often connects in Portland. Overnight Seattle. Only hills and rivers which were enjoyable. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. 9:41 PM 22h 10m 7:51 PM. The Coast Starlight typically uses two GE P42DCs for locomotive power. There are a few different options for traveling from Emeryville Station to the city center of San Francisco, depending on how quickly you would like to arrive at your destination. # $ % & ' ( ) * + , - . _ @ " $ # ,). Discover all options for customizing your rail vacation! That said, for passengers getting off at Tacoma and heading to the airport, that delay might have been crucial. Trip Details. Save $250 Pacific Rail Experience. The Pacific Surfliner travels south of Los Angeles, while the Coast Starlight does not. $135. Discover our three easy ways to book your perfect train vacation. We paid $925 for the overnight trip and it simply was not worth it. Avg Price. Most trains are equipped with Wi-Fi, which means you can stream music, browse social media or get some work done during your ride. Is it safe to travel by train from Seattle to San Francisco during the COVID-19 pandemic? [30] There is also a proposal in the Capitol Corridor Vision plan to improve the right-of-way shared by the Capitol Corridor and Coast Starlight between Oakland and Martinez. Traveling via train is an excellent way to reach San Francisco from Seattle. Although masks are no longer required on public transportation, we stand behind CDC guidelines that encourage passengers to wear a mask over their nose and mouth while on the train or in stations. The Coast Starlight has a top speed of 79mph and an average speed of 40mph. Bus Tours. The head steward was very helpful and gave us the option to pre-book the meal ahead of the rest of the coach class so we could all dine together, the staff are great. On a quick passenger pick up stop, which only lasts 3 minutes, you will not be allowed to get off the train. During the tail end of COVID, they had very limited space in the dining car (because of social distancing), so most meals we took in our private room. Amtrak Vacations is a proud part of the Railbookers Group family of brands. We respond within minutes to help you out. The best way to travel between Seattle and San Francisco is by train. A short ferry ride to Bainbridge Island includes the chance to see orca whales in the Puget Sound, or you can catch the Amtrak Cascades train or one of several affordable bus options from the historic King Street Station to other exciting Northwest cities in British Columbia, Oregon and beyond. 01 May 2023 17:51:49 See two oceans, cross the Rockies, and all the land in-between with one of these North American adventures. It's also where you'll find top-notch museums such as the California Academy of Sciences and the DeYoung, known for its American arts collection. I had to travel for the next 10 hours on a bus and commuter train to catch up to the Coast Starlight, only to find out that it was already 4 hours late, so I spent half the night on a bench at a small cold station. Upgrade to a sleeping accommodation onboard the train. Find train tickets from Seattle to San Francisco - Kayak Amtrak Coast Starlight: 15 Things You Need To Know Before Riding Save $150 Grand Rail Experience Roundtrip from Washington, D.C. Washington, DC Chicago, IL Seattle, WA Los Angeles, CA New Orleans, LA Washington, DC. Tickets from $153 From To Date The cheapest trains from Seattle to San Francisco Showing times and prices for 2023-04-30 Cheapest $153 Average $153 The best way to find a cheap fare is to book your ticket as far in advance as you can and to avoid traveling at rush hour. The bus makes additional stops in the Financial District and SF's Fisherman's Wharf. We were travelling the full route from LA to Seattle via Portland and the San Francisco Bay Area, opting for the cheapest option - a Saver seat. San Jose is also a nice town to spend the day in, as it has Spanish architecture dating back to the 1800s and several museums teaching visitors about science and technology. The main station for Amtrak is the King Street Station. Before you go, learn more about the types of pets allowed, pet reservations and fares, approved pet carriers and additional details. I think the doors are open in Oakland. We booked a sleeper which comes with complimentary food in the dinning car. San Jose Airport is to the south and not as accessible to San Francisco, so take that extra cost and time into consideration before booking a flight there. When I woke up the next morning I found out that half of the train staff had called out sick for the holiday so there would be none of the amenities I had been looking forward to. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Absolutely would not recommend taking Amtrak down the coast. All rights reserved. San Francisco International may seem like the most obvious choice, but it's just as easy to reach downtown coming from Oakland Airport, so don't forget to check flights there. Tips: Bring drinks. Explore helpful videos and webinars with virtual tours of our rail journeys. By then, it'll be over $20/hour in Seattle and San Francisco. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. [8], An additional train, the Spirit of California, ran the section of the route between Sacramento and Los Angeles on an overnight schedule from October 25, 1981, to September 30, 1983. It's just a lot of money one pays for tired accommodations. Start on I-5 south from Seattle but, in Olympia, Washington, cut west to Highway 101. Amtrak is the only train company serving San Francisco. During fiscal year (FY) 2019, the Coast Starlight carried 426,029 passengers, an increase of 2.0% from FY 2018. Build the right vacation to fit your budget. 10.7 percent of Coast Starlight passengers take trips of 1,000 miles or more The Los Angeles-to-Seattle route is the second most popular. The scenery was great for the most part, except for the many homeless encampments on both sides. . Cheap Flights from Seattle - Tacoma Intl. What Is the Fastest Way to Get From Seattle to San Francisco? Day 2 - Coast Starlight to Los Angeles. It is located 1 mile from the city center. There's no direct connection from San Jose Airport to San Francisco, but Caltrain from the nearby Diridon Train Station makes frequent trips to downtown San Francisco and takes about an hour. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in August, is to book your trip well in advance. Boarding in Seattle was a breeze compared with the utter kaos in Chicago when we were asked to board the empire builder. Southbound:Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. Trains use less fuel per passenger, and they contribute less carbon in the environment as compared to cars or planes. Amtrak's Fiscal Year (FY) runs from October 1 of the prior year to September 30 of the named year. For those who want to leave Seattle in the morning and be exploring San Francisco by the afternoon, flying is the only way to go. Trains run once daily between San Francisco and Seattle. Your Trip to San Francisco: The Complete Guide, three airport options in the San Francisco, Caltrain from the nearby Diridon Train Station. Whats the Most Scenic Route to San Francisco? Average score for trains from Seattle to San Francisco. However, there are services departing from Seattle and arriving at Civic Center / UN Plaza via Lake Merritt. Our Rail Vacation Consultants or a local Travel Advisor will assist you in making any adjustments to fit your travel style. California Zephyr | Amtrak Vacations The train was stranded for 36 hours before tracks could be cleared for a Union Pacific locomotive to tow the train back to EugeneSpringfield. You will even be provided with an outlet to help keep your electronic devices charged during your journey. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information. Bakersfield to San Francisco - 6h 03m Amtrak train from Seattle to San Francisco. Be sure to have some cash on hand, or set up a one-time Fastrak payment to pay in advance and skip the lines. Tickets are available at Amtrak.com. Blame the coronavirus pandemic, the railroad says", "Amtrak is resuming a dozen long-distance trips, all across the country", "With Increased Demand and Congressional Funding, Amtrak Restores 12 Long Distance Routes to Daily Service", "SERVICE DISRUPTION: Coast Starlight Train 14 departing Los Angeles (LAX) on 7/1 will operate as a bus between Sacramento (SAC) & Klamath Falls (KFS) missing stops at CIC, RDD, & DUN due to wildfires in the area. The base prices of tickets on the Coast Starlight are: Coach $101. Sleeping car passengers could also make reservations to dine in the Parlour car, which offered a unique menu not offered in the standard dining car. The Seattle to San Fransisco run starts at $2490 and tops out at $3720. San Luis Obispo to San Francisco - 6h 26m The route takes you from the gorgeous Oregon Coast to the majestic Redwood Highway, and finally through the Sonoma Wine Country before crossing the Golden Gate Bridge into San Francisco. Can't give you a detailed answer on that, but would say the staff and passengers were very respectful of Covid regulations, Half the passengers wore masks. Amtraks Coast Starlight train is known for being scenic, especially through the Cascade Range at the Willamette Pass in Oregon. California Coast Big Sur Monterey to Los Angeles - 2 Day. King Street Station has a few facilities for travelers that have disabilities or limited mobility. 1. [21], From October 1, 2020, to May 24, 2021, daily service was reduced to three trains per week due to the COVID-19 pandemic. My understanding is that the bicycle needs to go in the baggage car. The City by the Bay is full of attractions, from its stunning Golden Gate Bridge to its ageless Victorians, especially those found in Pacific Heights, Haight-Ashbury, and around Alamo Square. Paid for the bedroom using Amtrak points/miles. If the city's omnipresent fog (nicknamed "Karl the Fog" by locals) takes a break, the best views and Instagram photo ops of the world-famous Golden Gate Bridge are found in Golden Gate Park. If youre looking to take the scenic route then this selection offers some of the very best views in North America. Trains from Seattle to San Francisco are at capacity on Tuesdays, so plan your trip accordingly so you miss the crowds. We dont monkey around. Seattle is situated along the eastern coast of Elliott Bay, part of the Puget Sound that connects to the Pacific Ocean, so in a way, its right on the coast. It stops in nearby Emeryville, CA, from which you can take a connecting bus to San Francisco. Train San Francisco to Seattle from $92 - Rome2rio Amtrak's Coast Starlight - Trip Report - Seattle to San Francisco There are also snack bars where you can purchase drinks or food during your journey. Seattle to San Francisco - 7 ways to travel via train, plane - Rome2rio The Coast Starlight goes north out of California into Oregon and up to Seattle, WA. If two passengers are riding, you can just double the price for Coach and Business, but the price of the Sleeper Room will be less than double for two people. These proposals include near-term plans to create additional stops on the Coast Subdivision at Soledad and King City for use by the Coast Starlight. [44] As of February 2023[update], Siemens ALC-42 locomotives are expected to enter service on the Coast Starlight in 2023. For reservation assistance please call or text 1-800-USA-RAIL", "Coast Starlight to resume full-route operation Aug. 23 (corrected)", "Amtrak to decrease service on most routes Jan. 24 to March 27", "Amtrak resumes service on Point Defiance Bypass route where 3 died in 2017", 2018 California State Rail Plan: Connecting California, Capitol Corridor Vision Implementation Plan, "California Passenger Rail Network Schematics", "Amtrak to detour Coast Starlight over Tehachapi Loop", "Railroad buffs from far and wide ride the Loop", "Amtrak Fiscal Year 2009, Oct. 2008-Sept. 2009", "AMTRAK SETS RIDERSHIP RECORD AND MOVES THE NATION'S ECONOMY FORWARD", "Update on Acquisitions And Capital Programs", "Amtrak Advisory | Coast Starlight Parlour Car Removed", "PRIIA Section 210 FY12 Performance Improvement Plan", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Coast_Starlight&oldid=1152184970, Overhead racks, checked baggage available at selected stations, BNSF Seattle Subdivision: DuPont to Portland, Oregon, Metrolink (SCAX) River Subdivision: Taylor Yard to Los Angeles Union Station, This page was last edited on 28 April 2023, at 18:36. and Sacramento, CA - Sacramento Valley Station (SAC), Oakland, CA - Jack London Square Station (OKJ), San Luis Obispo, CA - Amtrak Station (SLO). [18] During early summer 2008, the Coast Starlight was relaunched with new amenities and refurbished equipment. You will need to remember to bring your carry-on luggage with you when you transfer trains. We all had to cram into a bus for the final let of the trip. Widely regarded as one of the most spectacular of all train routes, the Coast Starlight links the greatest cities on the West Coast. Originally the Train ride was to go directly to Seattle, WA from Los Angeles. The staff did very little welcoming or customer service with the exception of walking up and down the corridor offering ice a few times. If you would like a snack or drink, you can head to one of the several vending machines in the station. Every ride counts as an Amtrak Guest Rewards member. (avg. Amtraks private sleeping rooms include in-room features, services,and amenities to ensure a smooth and relaxing journey. A standout feature of the Salesforce Transit Center is a public five-acre rooftop park which gives travelers an open space to relax. The Coast Starlight does not have WiFi. We had to wait for another train to bring us another one. You can get on and off the Coast Starlight at fresh air break stops. It's sad when it's cooler off the train than on in California. He begged everyone to be patient with him but he had no patience for anyone else. Traveling by train from Seattle to San Francisco usually takes 23 hours and 30 minutes, but some trains might arrive slightly earlier or later than scheduled. Trains to San Francisco from $16 - Amtrak tickets on KAYAK But I had a schedule to stick to and a Thanksgiving dinner waiting for me, so I decided to make it a straight ride: 24 hours on the train from Seattle to San Francisco. The Santa Fe ran the San Diegan between Los Angeles and San Diego. The sleeper car was about double what the plane tickets would . Safe, efficient, and comfortable service to all of our customers is very importance to us. This carefully curated list has the top suggestions of vacations for first-time rail travelers. It's actually the first stop on Wanderu's West Coast Wine Tour, with the next stop, obviously, in Napa Valley. $418.00. Amtrak's Coast Starlight runs north to south once daily, departing Seattle's King Street Station at 9:45 a.m. and arriving at the Emeryville Train Station at 8:10 a.m. the following day. Please visit our COVID-19 Travel Guide for more information on all carrier policies and the latest travel advisories issued by every U.S. state, Canadian province, and European country. This station is closest to downtown San Francisco and the citys Financial District, which is where you will find many office buildings and banks. Amtrak Coast Starlight: 15 Things You Need To Know Before Riding, Sacramento, CA Sacramento Valley Station (SAC), Oakland, CA Jack London Square Station (OKJ), San Luis Obispo, CA Amtrak Station (SLO), The Twilight Express Mizukaze: 8 Things you need to know before riding this train in Japan, Seven Stars in Kyushu-11 things you need to know before riding this luxury Japanese Train, The Northern Explorer: 10 Things You Need to Know Before Riding this New Zealand Train, 20 Must Have Items For Your Next Amtrak Trip. to San Francisco Intl. There are times though when this car is not hooked up, and it is unpredictable as to when that will happen. Get flash sales, Amtrak Guest Rewards promotions and account updates sent directly to your inbox. Don't leave your car behind when you travel - bring your car with you while on the Amtrak Auto Train. Compare Now. Taste the regions bounty at one of Americas largest farmers markets or enjoy the surf at Pismo and Avila beaches. Trains from Seattle to San Francisco are the most crowded on Wednesday. Observation lounge is first come, first serve. Learn about your dining choices, onboard dining reservations, and the different types of dining cars. Create the perfect train vacation designed exclusively for you, by you! Caltrain does not allow its passengers to bring pets on their trains. Average price (one-way) $99. Download our app and snag the best travel deals across North America & Europe.Learn more. Search San Francisco trains on KAYAK. San Francisco Getaway. https://www.instagram.com/AmtrakVacations, https://www.pinterest.com/amtrakvacations/. Rotating food trucks, cafs, carts, and pop-up retail make this a dynamic and vibrant destination in itself. The unnamed train (#11/12) ran three days a week; on the other four days, another unnamed train (#98/99) ran between Oakland and Los Angeles. Here are estimated prices if you travel from Chicago to San Francisco on Amtrak: $150-$300 for coach seat. Especially Mike who had a full car more or less, which had him running. For a limited time only, save $150 per couple on any of our Grand Canyon National Park vacations inclusive of 4 nights or more. The service departs Seattle at 09:50 in the morning, which arrives into San Francisco, CA at 09:18. For example, the restrooms, ticket offices, and platforms of the train are all accessible for passengers that are in wheelchairs. Amtrak train from Seattle to San Francisco. Tickets from $153 - TrainBuster You will have cell service for much of your trip though. The train from Seattle to San Francisco takes 24 hours so we decided to upgrade to the sleeper car. These stops are longer than usual and last for 7-15 minutes and allow passengers to walk around and get fresh air. Behind a modern curved faade lies San Franciscos commuter hub, the Salesforce Transit Center. Except for two sections, most of the Coast Starlight route is on former Southern Pacific lines now owned by the Union Pacific Railroad. If you want to reach Disneyland or San Diego, youll need to ride the Pacific Surfliner. We had come for my moms birthday, as she has always wanted to take the train down the coast. You can book a trip directly to San Francisco that includes the bus. The first person to buy a ticket on a particular route will pay much less than the last person to buy a ticket. Whether you find a good deal or not, flying will almost always be the cheapest way to travel between Seattle and San Francisco. $69 Cheap Flights from Seattle (SEA) to San Francisco (SFO) - Expedia No ocean views. We find the cheapest bus & train tickets, so you can wander for less. He enjoys doing landscape and astrophotography while on the road. The route from Seattle to San Francisco also passes through forests and valleys en route to California. A guide to train travel in the USA | Cross-country by Amtrak from $232 Find the travel option that best suits you. (I was worried about the kids being noisy at night and disturbing other people.) Secondary locomotives that are occasionally utilized are the older GE P32-8BWHs and GE P40DCs. Coast Starlight | Amtrak Vacations Riding the Coast Starlight Amtrak train from San Francisco to Seattle. Your Amtrak Vacation journey can start from any of the over 500 Amtrak stations across North America. Whether traveling by bus, train, or through either of the two nearby airports, San Francisco is a can't-miss destination. The problem was there was track damage between Sacramento and Klamath Falls. While the length of the train varies, in 2011 the "peak" consist comprised a baggage car, Transition sleeper, three sleeping cars, Pacific Parlour Car, dining car, Sightseer Lounge, and four coaches. As Amtrak trains fill up, the price goes up. All services require a transfer at Oakland and take an average of 23h 31m. [7] Both trains were cut back from San Diego to Los Angeles in April 1972, replaced by a third San Diegan. ~$19/hour in Washington, D.C., and Los Angeles. How to Get From Seattle to San Francisco - TripSavvy