Amtrak's Coast Starlight Train Is the Most Beautiful Way to See the West Coast

If seeing the West Coast is on your list but road-tripping for multiple days is not, you should absolutely consider Amtrak's Coast Starlight train route. The 35-hour trek is offered daily from Los Angeles and Seattle, passing through Santa Barbara, the San Francisco Bay Area, Sacramento, and Portland. Riders will get to enjoy the most spectacular views, from the Pacific Ocean to the snow-covered mountains of the Cascade Range.

The train features Superliner sleeping and dining car accommodations, but the most notable highlight is its Sightseer Lounge Car. Passengers get to soak in the scenery while facing out toward the views. One-way tickets begin at just $98 for a coach seat to $452 for the Superliner Roomette, and business class is also available for $157. In comparison to most airfare, Amtrak is definitely an affordable travel alternative. And don't forget the perk of being able to skip airport security altogether.

See photos and videos of both the train and route ahead!

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Coast Starlight LA to SF