Riding the Amtrak Coast Starlight: Our 36-Hour Journey from Los Angeles to Seattle

There’s something magical about train travel that airplanes just can’t replicate. The slow rhythm of the tracks, the chance to watch entire landscapes shift before your eyes, and the joy of dining onboard while the world passes by—it all feels like stepping into a different era of travel.

For our latest adventure, we boarded the Amtrak Coast Starlight at Los Angeles Union Station and made our way all the way to Seattle’s King Street Station. This epic 36-hour train journey covers 1,377 miles, winds through California, Oregon, and Washington, and is often hailed as one of the most scenic train rides in the United States.

In this post, we’ll break down our full experience: from boarding at Union Station, to what it was like staying in a private Roomette, to meals in the dining car, and the essentials that made the ride comfortable. Plus, we’ll share the Amazon travel must-haves that kept us cozy and organized during our overnight rail journey.

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Why We Chose the Amtrak Roomette

When you’re traveling for 36 hours straight, comfort is everything. While Coach Class is a budget-friendly option with wide reclining seats, we decided to upgrade to a Roomette—Amtrak’s most popular sleeper option.

Each Roomette is designed for two people and offers a cozy private space with:

• Two seats that face each other during the day
• A sliding door that locks with a curtain, giving you complete privacy
• Foldout table
• Reading light, air flow control, and an outlet on each side
• Turndown service at night, when the staff converts the chairs into two lay-flat beds (one upper bunk, one lower bunk)
• Large windows for uninterrupted views of the scenery
• Access to the shower facilities in the sleeper car
• All meals included in the dining car

This setup made the trip not only more comfortable, but also gave us the sense of having our own little moving hotel room on rails.

Long-distance train travel is all about comfort and preparation. Having the right essentials with us made our 36-hour Amtrak Coast Starlight Roomette journey so much smoother—from getting better sleep at night to staying powered up and entertained during the day. Below are some of the Amazon finds we brought along (or wish we had!) that helped us enjoy the ride even more.

Boarding at Los Angeles Union Station

Our trip began at the historic Union Station in Downtown Los Angeles, a destination in itself with Spanish Colonial Revival architecture.

We recommend arriving at least 45 minutes before departure, especially if you’re checking bags. Unlike airports, the process is stress-free—simply check your luggage, find your boarding gate, and walk to your platform.

Since we were booked in a Roomette, we also had access to the Metropolitan Lounge, where we could relax with complimentary drinks and snacks before boarding.

The Dining Experience in a Sleeper Car

One of the biggest perks of booking a Roomette is that all your meals are included. This was a game-changer for us. Over the 36-hour journey, we had breakfast, lunch, and dinner served in the dining car, plus snacks and drinks available throughout the trip.

Best Meal: Amtrak Signature Flat Iron Steak

Served with rustic mashed potatoes, green beans, and a rich port wine sauce, this dinner felt like something from a restaurant rather than a train.

Honorable Mention: Railroad French Toast

Breakfasts were equally memorable, especially the French toast made from thick-cut brioche, topped with powdered sugar, whipped cream, and seasonal berries.

Dining Atmosphere

Meals are served in the dining car with community-style seating. If you’re traveling solo or as a couple you most likely will be paired up with another party as seating is limited in the dining cart. We loved chatting with other travelers, but if you prefer privacy, you can also request meals delivered to your Roomette.

Life Onboard: Relaxing in the Roomette and Beyond

One of the best parts of booking a Roomette on the Coast Starlight is knowing you always have a private retreat waiting for you. During the day, the two seats face each other, making it a cozy spot to read, enjoy snacks, or simply gaze out the large window as the scenery rolls by. At night, the Amtrak staff comes by for turndown service, transforming those seats into two lay-flat beds—one upper and one lower—for a surprisingly restful sleep behind a sliding door that locks.

But while the Roomette is comfortable, you won’t want to spend the entire 36 hours inside it. The train has several inviting spaces designed for relaxation and sightseeing:

• Observation Car: With its floor-to-ceiling windows and wide, swiveling seats, this car is perfect for taking in dramatic coastal views, mountain ranges, and forests. We found ourselves here often, coffee in hand, soaking up the scenery that makes the Coast Starlight famous.
• Dining Car: More than just a place to eat, the dining car is a lively social hub. Between meals, it’s a great spot to stretch out, enjoy the changing views, and chat with fellow travelers.
• Lounge Areas: Some trains include a casual café lounge where you can grab snacks, play cards, or just relax in a less formal setting.

The beauty of long-distance train travel is that you’re never confined to one space. You can enjoy the privacy of your Roomette when you want quiet, then head to the observation or dining cars when you’re ready for a change of scenery.

Scenery Along the Route

The Coast Starlight isn’t just about the onboard experience—it’s about the landscapes outside your window. Some of the highlights included:

• Santa Barbara & California Coastline: Endless ocean views as the train hugged the coast.
• Northern California Forests: Towering evergreens and rivers that felt like stepping into a postcard.
• Mount Shasta: Snow-capped and breathtaking, especially at sunrise.
• Oregon’s Willamette Valley: Rolling vineyards and farmland.
• Washington’s Puget Sound: Approaching Seattle with sparkling water views.

Tips for Surviving (and Enjoying) a 36-Hour Train Ride

• Pack layers: The train temperature can vary.
• Stretch often: Walk to the observation lounge to break up the trip.
• Bring entertainment: Wi-Fi is limited, so download shows or audiobooks ahead of time.
• Hydrate: Keep a reusable water bottle handy.
• Sleep well: Use your Roomette privacy and bring sleep accessories for comfort.

Arriving in Seattle: King Street Station

After 36 hours, we arrived at Seattle’s King Street Station, greeted by its beautiful architecture and convenient downtown location. Stepping off the train, we felt refreshed and ready to dive into the city—unlike the usual jetlag that comes with flying.

Final Thoughts: Is the Roomette Worth It?

Absolutely. The Amtrak Coast Starlight Roomette turned what could have been just a long ride into a full-on travel experience. The combination of privacy, comfortable beds, included meals, and stunning scenery made it more than worth the upgrade.

If you’re planning your own train adventure, we highly recommend booking a Roomette for overnight journeys of 24+ hours. It’s the perfect balance of value and comfort, and it made our trip from LA to Seattle unforgettable.

After stepping off the train at Seattle’s King Street Station, we didn’t stop exploring—the next leg of our journey took us east to the charming Bavarian-inspired town of Leavenworth. If you’re curious about what to do, eat, and experience there, don’t miss our full post on our trip to Leavenworth.