The Coast Starlight runs daily, connecting Seattle, WA, and Los Angeles, CA, with 28 stops along its 1,377-mile route. The journey offers stunning views of the Pacific coastline, the Cascade Range, and lush valleys, making it one of Amtrak’s most scenic rides.
Here’s a quick overview of fun stops and highlights:
- Seattle, WA: Start or end your journey in the Emerald City with iconic attractions like the Space Needle and Pike Place Market.
- Portland, OR: Known for its vibrant food scene, craft breweries, and scenic parks
- Sacramento, CA: A must-stop for history buffs interested in the California Gold Rush.
- Emeryville, CA (San Francisco Bay Area): A convenient gateway to San Francisco, where you can visit Fisherman’s Wharf, Alcatraz, and the Golden Gate Bridge. Amtrak also offers a connecting bus service from Emeryville to San Francisco.
- Santa Barbara, CA: A charming coastal town with beautiful beaches and Spanish architecture
- Los Angeles, CA: Start or end your trip in the City of Angels, home to Hollywood, world-class museums, and iconic landmarks like the Griffith Observatory
Timetable Highlights:
- Southbound Train (#11) departs Seattle at 9:55 AM and arrives in Los Angeles at 9:11 PM the next day.
- Northbound Train (#14) departs from Los Angeles at 9:51 AM and arrives in Seattle at 7:51 PM the following day.
Amtrak Coast Starlight Timetable or Schedule
The timetable information is sourced from the official Amtrak website but may change before I update this page. To ensure the most accurate departure times, check your e-ticket or print your ticket on the day of travel. I last checked and updated this information on March 31. 2026.
If the train doesn’t list arrival and departure times, it likely makes a short stop, often at unstaffed stations.
| Train 11 Southbound Read Down | Communities Served | Miles | Train 14 Northbound Read up |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9:55a | Seattle, WA King Street Station (SEA) | 0 | 7:51p |
| 10:38a | 10:43a | Tacoma, WA (TAC) | 39 | 6:38p | 6:43p |
| 11:22a | 11:24a | Olympia-Lacey, WA (OLW) | 75 | 5:59p | 6:01p |
| 11:45a | 11:48a | Centralia, WA (CTL) | 94 | 5:33p | 5:36p |
| 12:29p | 12:32p | Kelso-Longview, WA (KEL) | 137 | 4:48p | 4:51p |
| 1:12p | 1:15p | Vancouver, WA (VAN) | 177 | 4:13p | 4:16p |
| 1:55p | 2:22p | Portland, OR * Union Station (PDX) | 187 | 3:40p | 3:56p |
| 3:36p | 3:39p | Salem, OR (SLM) | 239 | 2:01p | 2:04p |
| 4:11p | 4:14p | Albany, OR (ALY) | 267 | 1:20p | 1:23p |
| 5:08p | 5:15p | Eugene-Springfield, OR Amtrak Station (EUG) | 310 | 12:29p | 12:37p |
| 8:13p | Chemult, OR (CMO) * | 432 | 8:59a |
| 9:58p | 10:08p | Klamath Falls, OR (KFS) * | 505 | 7:33a | 7:43a |
| 12:45a | Dunsmuir, CA (DUN) | 610 | 4:58a |
| 2:31a | Redding, CA – Amtrak Station (RDD) | 665 | 3:05a |
| 4:12a | Chico, CA (CIC) | 739 | 1:37a |
| 6:28a | 6:48a | Sacramento, CA Sacramento Valley Station (SAC) | 824 | 11:49p |
| 7:05a | Davis, CA (DAV) | 837 | 11:11p |
| 7:54a | Martinez, CA (MTZ) | 881 | 10:14p | 10:26p |
| 8:29a | 8:39a | Emeryville, CA (EMY) * | 908 | 9:31p | 9:41p |
| 8:54a | 9:09a | Oakland, CA * Jack London Square Station (OKJ) | 913 | 9:06p | 9:21p |
| 10:14a | 10:26a | San Jose, CA Diridon Station (SJC) (Caltrain) | 954 | 7:46p | 7:58p |
| 12:06p | Salinas, CA Amtrak Station (SNS) * | 1021 | 6:10p | 6:13p |
| 1:57p | Paso Robles, CA (PRB) | 1119 | 4:13p | 4:15p |
| 3:24p | 3:37p | San Luis Obispo, CA Amtrak Station (SLO) | 1157 | 2:52p | 3:05p |
| 6:12p | 6:19p | Santa Barbara, CA (SBA) | 1274 | 12:14p | 12:21p |
| 7:20p D | Oxnard, CA (OXN) | 1310 | 11:18a | 11:22a |
| 8:02p D | Simi Valley, CA (SIM) | 1341 | 10:46a | 10:49a R |
| 8:36p D | Van Nuys, CA (VNC) | 1358 | 10:14a | 10:18a R |
| 8:44p D | Burbank, CA (BUR) | 1363 | – |
| 9:11p | Los Angeles, CA Union Station (LAX) | 1377 | 9:51a |
| Last Stop | Stations | Miles | Read Up |
Abbreviations
R = Receive passengers only; this means you can board the train, but you cannot buy a ticket on this train to this station.
D = Depart only; you can buy a ticket to this station, but not from this station.
Learn more about Amtrak’s receive-only and depart-only stops.
* = Stations with Amtrak Connecting Services.
Printable Amtrak Coast Starlight Schedule
Print the schedule using the button below or on Amtrak.com. If you ride multiple trains or want a customized schedule, learn how to print Amtrak Schedules.
Want the full schedule? Click below to access Amtrak’s latest Coast Starlight timetable! Download the Coast Starlight & Connecting Service Schedule (PDF)
Why Choose the Coast Starlight?
The Coast Starlight isn’t just a train ride—it’s a journey through some of the most stunning landscapes in the United States. Whether you’re an experienced traveler or taking your first train trip, here’s why the Coast Starlight is a must-ride:
1. Breathtaking Scenery
The route follows the Pacific coastline, winds through lush forests, and climbs over picturesque mountain ranges. Highlights include:
- Puget Sound views as you depart Seattle.
- Willamette Valley vineyards near Portland.
- Crashing Pacific waves along California’s central coast.
2. Comfort
Skip the hassle of airports and highways! The Coast Starlight offers:
- Wide, reclining seats with legroom in coach class.
- Private sleeping accommodations are available.
- Grab food from the café or enjoy traditional dining in the dining car!
- An observation car offers panoramic views and photo opportunities.
3. Iconic Destinations
With stops in vibrant cities such as Seattle, Portland, and Los Angeles, the Coast Starlight offers the ideal way to explore the Pacific Northwest and California. Discover charming towns like Santa Barbara or connect to San Francisco via Emeryville.
4. Memorable Onboard Experience
The train is more than transportation—it’s part of the adventure! Passengers enjoy:
- The Sightseer lounge car is perfect for relaxing with a view.
- Access to a café car with snacks and beverages.
- Plenty of opportunities to socialize with fellow travelers while soaking in the scenery.
5. Stress-Free Travel
Leave the driving to Amtrak! No traffic or airport security lines—sit back and enjoy the ride. With flexible ticket options and generous baggage allowances, the Coast Starlight is a convenient choice for travelers of all types.
The owners of the tracks that the Coast Starlight uses
As you may know, Amtrak uses other railroads, called host railroads, for many of its routes. The Coast Starlight uses four host railroads, each with at least 15 miles of track.
- BNSF – 158 miles
- Union Pacific – 1162 miles
- Metrolink – 48 miles
- Sounder – 20 miles
Often, these railroads are the primary reasons for Amtrak’s delays, such as:
- Routing delays
- Freight train interference.
- Signal delays
- Passenger train interference.
Coast Starlight On-Time Performance
The figures below are preliminary and come from Amtrak’s Host Railroad Report for September 2026, with August’s report used for comparison. Customer On-Time Performance (OTP) measures the percentage of passengers who arrive at their destination within 15 minutes of the scheduled time. It does not show whether the train was on time at every station.
In September 2026, the Coast Starlight recorded a Customer On-Time Performance of 68.0%, up from 56.9% in August, an 11.1-point improvement. That was the second-highest Customer OTP among Amtrak’s long-distance routes in September, behind only the Crescent. It also beat the Coast Starlight’s 12-month average of 64.7%.
Both figures still fall short of the federal minimum standard of 80% Customer OTP. Compliance is measured over two consecutive calendar quarters, not a single month.
Passengers who arrived late in September averaged a 51-minute delay, down from 72 minutes in August and the second-shortest among long-distance routes. Over the past 12 months, late passengers averaged 70 minutes behind schedule. These averages exclude on-time arrivals.
The September report lists four host railroads for the Coast Starlight, each responsible for different types of delays:
- BNSF: Freight train interference caused the most delays, followed by routing. BNSF came in just under Amtrak’s 900-minute delay target in September.
- Union Pacific: Signal-related delays caused the most delays, followed closely by temporary slow orders. Union Pacific operates most of the route (about 1,162 miles), so its delays have the biggest impact on your trip.
- Metrolink (listed as SCRRA in the report): Interference from other passenger trains caused the most delays, followed by commuter-train interference.
- Sounder: Interference from other passenger trains caused the most delays, followed by interference from commuter trains.
Routing delays include dispatching issues such as diversions and late track bulletins. Temporary slow orders require trains to run at reduced speeds.
September was a better month on both counts: more passengers arrived on time, and those who were late waited about 20 minutes less.
Allow flexibility when planning separately booked connections, flights, rental car pickups, or other time-sensitive plans after you arrive. Check rental counter closing times, and consider arriving a day early for an important onward departure or event.
Coach Class: Affordable Comfort with Scenic Views
Traveling in Coach Class on the Coast Starlight offers a budget-friendly way to experience this iconic route. The seats are spacious and designed for comfort, featuring:
- Wide reclining chairs with adjustable footrests and leg rests.
- Generous legroom to stretch out, even on long trips.
- Fold-down tray tables for meals, reading, or laptops.
- A grounded 120V outlet is available at the seat.
- Upper and lower-level seating options
- Luggage storage
- Reading light available
Coach passengers can access the café car, which offers a variety of snacks, beverages, and light meals throughout the trip. They can also access the dining car; however, seating is limited. The article discusses dining more later.
Wi-Fi is not available on the route. If you’re looking for activities during your ride, see my post on Amtrak’s entertainment options.
Pro Tips for a Comfortable Ride:
- To make overnight travel more enjoyable, bring an eye mask, earplugs, a travel pillow, and a lightweight blanket.
- Noise-canceling headphones or earplugs can help block out ambient noise.
- Bring an extension cord to make sharing the outlet with your seatmate easier.
- Snacks and a water bottle help to save money and fill in the gaps if the café car is closed
For those seeking added privacy or comfort, consider upgrading to a roomette or a bedroom; more options will be available later.
Coast Starlight Coach Car Layout
Sleeper accommodations (Rooms) on the Coast Starlight
Amtrak’s sleeper accommodations are an excellent choice for travelers seeking extra comfort and privacy on the Coast Starlight.
These accommodations are ideal for overnight trips or anyone who wants a more luxurious experience. They include all the amenities you need for a relaxing, enjoyable trip.
Types of rooms you can get on the Coast Starlight
Roomette
- Ideal for solo travelers or couples, the Roomette is a cozy, private space with:
- Two comfortable seats that convert into a lower bed, and an upper bed that folds down from above.
- Large windows provide panoramic views.
- Access to the shared restrooms and a shower room in your sleeper car.
Learn more about Amtrak Roomettes here.
Bedroom
- For more space and additional comfort, the Bedroom offers:
- A private in-room restroom and shower.
- A larger seating area that converts into upper and lower beds
- Extra room for luggage and personal belongings.
Learn more about Amtrak Bedrooms here.
Family Bedroom
- Traveling with kids? The Family Bedroom is designed with families in mind and includes:
- Two adult-sized beds and two smaller beds for children.
- Windows to enjoy the view together.
- Convenient access to restrooms and showers.
Learn more about Amtrak Family Rooms here.
Accessible Bedroom
- Amtrak ensures everyone can enjoy the Coast Starlight with the Accessible Bedroom, designed for passengers with mobility needs and their travel companions.
- It features a private restroom, ample wheelchair space, and accessible amenities for comfort and convenience.
Learn more about Amtrak Accessible Rooms here.
Exclusive Benefits of Sleeper Accommodations
In addition to a private room, sleeper passengers enjoy several perks:
- Traditional Dining: Complimentary meals for sleeping-car passengers are served in the dining car, offering a variety of delicious breakfast, lunch, and dinner options. You can also have meals in the dining car or in your room.
- Priority Boarding: Skip the lines and board the train early at larger stations for a seamless start to your journey.
- Car Attendant: Each car has a sleeper attendant who makes beds, helps passengers off the train, provides meals, and more.
Which Room Is Right for You?
Choosing the best sleeper accommodation depends on your travel style and budget:
- The Roomette is a cozy, cost-effective option for solo travelers or couples.
- Families or those wanting extra space will love the Bedroom or Family Bedroom.
- Travelers needing accessibility features can rest easy in the Accessible Bedroom.
Pro Tip: Sleeper accommodations on the Coast Starlight often sell out, especially during peak travel times. Book early to secure your preferred room!
Sleeping car layout
This picture illustrates a typical sleeping car layout; however, if you have a roomette, you may also have a room in a transitional dorm. These cars have only roomettes and often house the staff.
Trip add-ons
You can add a few things to this trip.
Bikes
- Space is available for standard, full-size bicycles
- Up to 50 lbs, 70 inches x 41 inches x 8.5 inches.
- Amtrak stores bikes in designated bike racks/areas inside the baggage car (if available).
Pets and Service Animals on Amtrak
- Amtrak allows dogs and cats up to 20 pounds.
- The combined weight of the pet and carrier
- For trips up to seven hours
- You must have the paperwork completed before boarding the train.
- Get the latest information and the necessary paperwork by clicking the button below.
If you have a service or comfort animal, read Amtrak’s service animal policy for rules and booking instructions.
Luggage on the Coast Starlight
You can check or carry your luggage on this train. However, checked baggage service may not be available at all station pairs.
Checked bags
- Your first and last stations must offer checked-bag service.
- Click the station links below to see if they offer checked baggage service and to review Amtrak’s checked bag policy.
- Each passenger may check two bags, each weighing up to 50 pounds and measuring no more than 75 inches in total linear dimensions.
- Additional and oversized luggage incur charges.
- Limit of four checked bags per passenger.
Carry-on luggage
Each passenger may carry on:
- One personal item, up to 25 pounds (12 kg), and 14 x 11 x 7 inches
- Two carry-on pieces of luggage, 50 lbs. (23 kg) and 28 x 22 x 14 inches each
Charges apply to additional and oversized luggage; see Amtrak’s carry-on bag policy for more information.
Accessibility on the Coast Starlight
Wheelchair ramps help passengers with wheeled mobility devices board and deboard. Coach class offers lower-level seating or mobility device space, as well as accessible bedrooms for those seeking sleeping accommodations. There are no elevators to get between floors.
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The Coast Starlight Broken Down by Day
The graph below breaks down the route by day, showing each day’s first and last stop.
| Train | 1st Day | 2nd Day |
|---|---|---|
| #11 Southbound | Seattle, WA – Klamath Falls, OR | Dunsmuir, CA – Los Angeles, CA |
| #14 Northbound | Los Angeles, CA – Sacramento, CA | Chico, CA – Seattle, WA |
Food options for the Coast Starlight
The Coast Starlight offers two on-board dining options. The café is open to all passengers. Sleeper passengers receive complimentary meals in the dining car, while coach passengers can reserve seats at a fixed price, based on availability.
Café car
The café car is an excellent place to grab a snack, meal, or beverage. When I travel in coach, I typically buy most of my food there. Even in a sleeper car, I enjoy wandering over to stretch my legs and often treat myself to a glass of wine or beer with a cheese tray. I’m from Wisconsin—what can I say?
The café sits on the lower level of the Sightseer Lounge, between the coach cars and the dining car. It offers hot and cold meals, snacks, and beverages, including beer, wine, and spirits.
The café operates from early morning until late at night, with short breaks throughout the day and a nightly closure for staff to eat and recharge.
Passengers may bring their own food and non-alcoholic beverages on board. Amtrak cannot store, refrigerate, or heat any items. Alcohol is only permitted in sleeping accommodations.
Dining car and traditional dining on the Coast Starlight
The Coast Starlight offers Amtrak’s classic dining experience, with chef-prepared meals and full table service. Passengers can enjoy breakfast, lunch, and a three-course dinner, with special options available for children. Non-alcoholic beverages are included, and the first drink served at dinner is complimentary. Passengers can purchase additional beer, wine, and spirits.
Sleeper passengers enjoy complimentary meals, which they can enjoy in the dining car or have delivered to their rooms. Coach passengers can reserve a limited number of dining car seats at a fixed price when available.
One of my favorite perks of booking a sleeper is skipping the café car, except for the cheese tray, and enjoying a real meal without spending any money, aside from the tip.
The table below details the meals provided on each leg of the journey.
Coast Starlight Scheduled Meals
| Train | 1st Day | 2nd Day |
|---|---|---|
| #11 Southbound | Lunch & Dinner | Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner |
| #14 Northbound | Lunch & Dinner | Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner |
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Useful site! We just booked Roomette #10 for the Coastal Starlight Superliner northbound. I see it on a room map but can’t quite tell if this is west-facing (ocean view) on the northbound trip. It appears to be on the same side of the car as the bedrooms, which seemed to be facing west on a YouTube video I saw. Does that sound right?
I am glad that my site could help you! To answer your question, If the bedroom side of the car is first, then yes, you are ocean-side. Though there is never a guarantee of what direction a car is, so keep that in mind. Happy planning and safe travels! Kev