Anyone here ever take the train from Seattle to LA?

[Smarmie Doofus]

I'll be in Seattle near the end of the month and have to come back to Seattle for return flight east.

My niece says that's a great ( overnight) train ride to LA at a fraction of the airfare. She did it a million years ago.

Anyone here ever done that trip? Other ideas about interesting things to do/see in/around Seattle will also be appreciated.

I'll be traveling w.my 17 y.o. son. He wants to see LA.... badly. What can I do?

Thx.

[Capt.Rocky300]

2. Friends of ours did it............

a couple years ago. It wasn't cheap since they had beds in a sleeping car. Their main disappointment was that the prettiest part of the ride (Oregon Cascades) went by in the dark. They said the food was excellent and they met some very nice people on the train.

[Smarmie Doofus]

7. Guess I might try to book an am departure.

...to catch Oregon scenery in the daylight.

But then we'll miss the Bay Area, no?

[Capt.Rocky300]

10. Check the Amtrak website.......

I'm pretty sure there is only one departure a day.

[GP6971]

11. Yep

Only one departure a day. Book well in advance from what I hear, especially for a sleeper

[kestrel91316]

3. Get a small berth and you'll love it. I took Amtrak from CO to L.A. several years ago and

really enjoyed it. The food in the dining car is really good.

[NV Whino]

4. Went from Martines to Ventura once

You see lots of backyards. And an occasional mooner or two. Great fun.

[dipsydoodle]

5. No but I'd love to do that in daylight

regardless of the cost.

[Wounded Bear]

6. Did it many years ago...

At the time, it wasn't really cheaper than flying, partly because you have to eat while you're on the train, and it takes 24 hours, at least. It might be slower now as the freight lines have been picking up business and they have priority.

But if you're just looking for an adventure for a day or so on the way to LA, it's not bad.

(Hint: Bad trip for kids. .

[freeplessinseattle]

8. About 25 yrs ago took a train from Seattle to SF

Took about 15 hrs, IIRC. Didn't have a berth, but slept fine in the big comfy seat.

I was a restless teen, and found it much more enjoyable than even a short flight because I could walk around, and the scenery was way more interesting.

Food was pretty pricey, though, so I'd suggest bringing a bunch of snacks along to supplement. & beverages-they really get ya' there!

[HeiressofBickworth]

9. Last time I took the train from Seattle to LA

was about 5 years ago. There is only one train a day, the Coast Starlight, and it leaves LA at 10 PM and due to arrive in Seattle at 8:30 PM the following day. It's rarely on time. I've taken the CS from Sacramento to Seattle at least once a year for 25 years.

If you take coach, the fare isn't bad. But with coach, you have to purchase your meals. A sleeper is much more expensive, but all meals are included. The parlor car is available to sleeping car passengers which is a nice way to view the scenery and meet other sleeping car passengers. There is usually some event planned for the parlor car -- wine tasting, or some entertainment. There also is a very (and I do mean VERY small theater in the parlor car which shows a movie in the evening. There is also an observation car which is open to all passengers. The quality of food has declined over the years. When I first started taking the train, the meals were cooked on board. Now there is very little cooking and a lot of warming up. Lunches are not very interesting but there is always something yummy on the dinner menu. You can also purchase wine with your meal.

A sleeper compartment has an upper and lower berth so two of you would fit just fine. During the day, the berths are folded up and there are two lounge chairs facing each other. You can have meals delivered to your compartment if you don't wish to go to the dining car.

In southern California, the train goes along the coast line so there are water views. In Northern California, the train passes right by Mt. Shasta, but usually very early in the morning (like 3 am) so likelihood of seeing it is small. Yes, it goes through the mountains at night so there isn't much to see. But in general, there is much to see; farmlands, hills, small towns, etc.

If you have the time and the money, it's a great comfortable way to travel.

[Smarmie Doofus]

12. Thanks, everyone. The need to book well in advance might preclude the train....

... as an option since I'm flying to Seattle on standby and don't even know when I'll be there.... exactly.

But, we'll muddle thru even if we have to take a plane or a .....gulp.... *bus*.

Or, we may just hang in the Seattle-Portland area.

Thx again.