San Francisco to Seattle by train primarily aboard the Amtrak Coast Starlight, is a stunning adventure. This iconic train route begins in Los Angeles and heads north, passing through the San Francisco Bay Area and Oregon before reaching its final destination in Seattle, Washington. It’s a route filled with charm, offering breathtaking coastal views, sprawling mountain ranges, and picturesque towns, making it a perfect combination of natural beauty and cultural experiences.
After completing our San Francisco trip, we embarked on the 23-hour train ride. Since it was my first time travelling by train in the United States and it was during the peak travel season, I made sure to book tickets well in advance through the Amtrak website to avoid any risk of them selling out. This added to the excitement and anticipation of this journey.
How to Book Amtrak Tickets
If you plan to travel on this route during the peak tourist season, like we did, it’s highly recommended to plan ahead and purchase tickets in advance through the Amtrak official website. The booking process is straightforward, and here’s a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Visit the Homepage
Go to the Amtrak website, and you’ll see the following screen:
- You can select your preferred language (English, Chinese, French, or Spanish).
- For departures from San Francisco, choose San Francisco, CA as your starting station.
- For the destination, select Seattle, WA King Street Station. This station is conveniently located in downtown Seattle and is also the departure point for trains heading further to Vancouver, Canada.
If you’re traveling from Seattle to San Francisco instead, simply reverse the departure and destination stations.
After selecting your travel dates and the number of passengers, click on Find Trains.
Step 2: Choose Your Departure Time
The next page will display available departure times. Since there’s only one daily train from San Francisco to Seattle, it departs at 8:50 PM and arrives the following evening at 7:51 PM, making it a 23-hour journey.
Step 3: Select the Segment 1
The route from San Francisco to Seattle isn’t a direct train ride. It’s divided into two segments. The first leg involves a short shuttle bus from downtown San Francisco to Emeryville, which takes about 35 minutes.
Step 3: Select the Segment 2
The second leg is the actual train journey, which lasts approximately 22 hours. You’ll have the following options to choose from, with prices varying based on your selection:
- You can choose a Coach or Private Rooms. Coach is a basic seat that’s affordable but not comfortable for long trips. Private Rooms include a bed for resting, offering a more comfortable experience, though at a higher price.
- The fare is divided into “VALUE” or “FLEX”.
- You can choose between upper or lower-level seating based on your preference.
Step 5: Complete Your Booking
Once you’ve selected the options above:
- Enter your personal details as they appear on your passport to avoid discrepancies.
- Complete the payment process using your credit card.
After payment, you’ll receive an email confirmation with your ticket and receipt. Be sure to save this email, as you’ll need to present the ticket to the train staff during your journey.
Train Ride Experience
After finishing our trip in San Francisco, we packed our luggage and headed to the Salesforce Gondola—the meeting point for the connecting bus to Emeryville. We arrived around 7:00 or 8:00 PM and saw many other people waiting, which reassured us that we were in the right spot. Although it was summer, San Francisco’s evening was quite chilly. Luckily, the nearby Salesforce Transit Center provided a comfortable place to rest while waiting.
Emeryville Station
Around 8:30 PM, a bus arrived at the meeting point. The driver checked our tickets, and once everything was confirmed, passengers began boarding. We initially thought the bus ride would take some time, but it only took about 30 minutes to reach the Emeryville Station.
At the station, we waited inside for a while, but as the station was closed, the staff asked us to move to the platform to continue waiting. At about 9:40 PM, the train arrived. We located our train car based on the train car number printed on our tickets. At the train car door, a train staff checked our tickets again. Once verified, we were allowed to board the train.
Seat Space and Scenic Views
The seats inside the train were surprisingly spacious, designed to accommodate the generally taller and larger frame of Americans. The ample legroom allowed us to store luggage comfortably without feeling cramped. However, since these were standard seats and not beds, sleeping overnight wasn’t the most comfortable experience.
A great bonus was the availability of power outlets right next to the seats, ensuring that our devices stayed charged throughout the journey—no worries about running out of battery!
As the train headed north from San Francisco, it traveled along the Pacific Coast, passing through open fields, lush forests, and majestic mountain ranges. The Oregon section of the route was particularly breathtaking, with views that seemed straight out of a postcard. However, I spent most of my time playing Nintando, occasionally glancing out the window to take in the classic rural American landscapes, which were undeniably picturesque.
Dining and Onboard Amenities
The train features an Observation Car, offering panoramic windows that provide stunning views of the passing landscapes. This is the perfect spot for travelers who want to fully immerse themselves in the scenic beauty along the route.
As for dining, the onboard menu includes options like sandwiches, salads, snacks, and beverages. While the selection isn’t extensive, it’s convenient enough for a long journey. For those looking for a full meal, it’s a good idea to bring your own food or snacks to supplement the onboard offerings.
Klamath Falls
The first station upon entering Oregon was a notable break in the journey. The train stopped here for an extended period, giving many passengers a chance to step off, stretch their legs, or enjoy a quick smoke. This brief pause offered a refreshing respite from the long train ride, making the trip feel a bit more manageable.
Arrival in Seattle
After 22 hours on the train, we finally reached our destination—Seattle King Street Station, marking the end of this unforgettable rail journey. Passengers disembarked one by one, and I took the opportunity to snap a photo with the Amtrak locomotive, capturing the memory of this unique travel experience.
San Francisco to Seattle by Train is undeniably long. For those who prefer breaking up the journey, a stopover in Portland for a day is a great option before continuing north. However, since our schedule was tighter, we opted to travel straight through to Seattle.
Initially, we considered booking a private room, but the price quickly changed our minds. Instead, we chose standard seating for the entire trip. While it was a long ride, the experience left us with unforgettable memories, making it all worthwhile!
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