Coast Starlight
{{Short description|Amtrak service between Seattle and Los Angeles}}
{{Italic title}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=November 2023}}
{{Infobox rail service
| name = Coast Starlight
| image = Coast Starlight crossing the Santa Ynez River, July 2019.jpg
| image_width = 300px
| caption = Coast Starlight crossing the Santa Ynez River as it drains into the Pacific Ocean near Surf, California, 2019
| type = Inter-city rail
| locale = Pacific Coast
| predecessor = Coast Daylight, Cascade
| first = May 1, 1971
| operator = Amtrak
| ridership2 = {{Amtrak route ridership|Coast Starlight}}
| start = {{amtk|Seattle}}, Washington
| stops = 28
| end = {{amtk|Los Angeles}}, California
| distance = {{Convert|1377|mi|abbr=out}}
| journeytime = 35 hours, 21 minutes{{cite web |title=Amtrak Timetable Results |url=https://www.amtrak.com/tickets/schedule-results.html |website=www.amtrak.com |access-date=December 13, 2021 |archive-date=January 16, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220116134018/https://www.amtrak.com/tickets/schedule-results.html |url-status=live }} (southbound)
34 hours (northbound)
| frequency = Daily
| trainnumber = 11, 14
| class = Coach Class
First Class
Sleeper Service
| access = Train lower level, all stations
| sleeping = {{Unbulleted list
| Roomette (2 beds)
| Bedroom (2 beds)
| Bedroom Suite (4 beds)
| Accessible Bedroom (2 beds)
| Family Bedroom (4 beds)
}}
| catering = Dining car, Café
| observation = Sightseer lounge car
| baggage = Overhead racks, checked baggage available at selected stations
| stock = Superliner
| gauge = {{Track_gauge|ussg|allk=on}}
| speed = {{Convert|40|mph|abbr=on}} ({{Tooltip|avg.|average speed (including stops)}})
{{Convert|79|mph|abbr=on}} ({{Tooltip|top|top speed}})
| owners = BNSF, SCAX, SDRX, JPBX, UP
| map = {{Coast Starlight}}
| map_state = collapsed
}}
The Coast Starlight is a long-distance passenger train operated by Amtrak on the West Coast of the United States between Seattle and Los Angeles via Portland and the San Francisco Bay Area. The train, which has operated continuously since Amtrak's formation in 1971, was the first to offer direct service between Seattle and Los Angeles. Its name is a combination of two prior Southern Pacific (SP) trains, the Coast Daylight and the Starlight.
During fiscal year (FY) 2024, the Coast Starlight carried 359,432 passengers, an increase of 6.3% from FY 2023.{{cite web| url=https://media.amtrak.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/FY24-Year-End-Ridership-Fact-Sheet.pdf| title=Amtrak FY24 Ridership| access-date=April 16, 2025}} In FY 2024, the train made 730 trips and 1 million train miles; it had a total revenue of $49.5 million, and operating expenses of $93.9 million.{{cite web |title=Monthly Performance Report YTD September FY 2024 |url=https://www.amtrak.com/content/dam/projects/dotcom/english/public/documents/corporate/monthlyperformancereports/2024/Amtrak-Monthly-Performance-Report-September-2024.pdf |website=Amtrak Media Center |access-date=16 April 2025}}
History
=Background=
Before the formation of Amtrak, no passenger train ran the entire length of the West Coast. The closest equivalent was the Southern Pacific Railroad (SP)'s West Coast, which ran via the San Joaquin Valley from Los Angeles to Portland from 1924 to 1949, with through cars to Seattle via the Great Northern Railway (GN).
By 1971, the SP operated just two daily trains between Los Angeles and the San Francisco Bay Area: the Los Angeles–San Francisco Coast Daylight via the Coast Line, and the Los Angeles–Oakland San Joaquin Daylight via the Central Valley. The SP also operated the tri-weekly Cascade between Oakland and Portland, Oregon. The Burlington Northern Railroad (BN) and Union Pacific Railroad ran three daily round trips between Portland and Seattle. The Santa Fe ran the San Diegan between Los Angeles and San Diego.
=Amtrak era=
File:Coast Starlight at Tacoma's Union Station in 1974.jpg
File:Coast Starlight in the Cuesta Hills above San Luis Obispo, 1985 - 4 Photos (30935849422).jpg
The Seattle–San Diego route was initially left out of plans for Railpax (later Amtrak) until protests from politicians in California, Oregon, and Washington.{{cite news |last=Barr |first=Robert A. |date=March 22, 1971 |title=Seattle train service to be cut |page=A1 |work=The Seattle Times}} With the start of Amtrak operations on May{{nbsp}}1, 1971, a single train began running between Seattle and San Diego. The unnamed train (#11/12) ran three days a week; on the other four days, another unnamed train (#98/99) ran between Oakland and Los Angeles.{{cite book |url=http://www.timetables.org/browse/?group=19710501&item=0028 |title=Amtrak Nationwide Schedules of Intercity Passenger Service |page=26 |date=May 1, 1971 |publisher=National Railroad Passenger Corporation |via=Museum of Railway Timetables |access-date=November 1, 2018 |archive-date=November 4, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181104170157/http://www.timetables.org/browse/?group=19710501&item=0028 |url-status=live }} On November 14, Amtrak extended the Oakland–Los Angeles train to San Diego, renumbered it to #12/13, and renamed it Coast Daylight. The Seattle–San Diego train became the Coast Daylight/Starlight (#11-12) northbound and Coast Starlight/Daylight (#13-14) southbound.{{cite book |url=http://www.timetables.org/browse/?group=19711114&item=0069 |title=Amtrak Nationwide Schedules of Intercity Passenger Service |page=68 |date=November 14, 1971 |publisher=National Railroad Passenger Corporation |via=Museum of Railway Timetables}} Both trains were cut back from San Diego to Los Angeles in April 1972, replaced by a third San Diegan.{{harvnb|Goldberg|1981|pp=16–17}} On June{{nbsp}}10, 1973, Amtrak began running the combined Coast Daylight/Starlight daily for the summer months.{{cite book |url=http://www.timetables.org/browse/?group=19730610&item=0042 |title=Amtrak All-America Schedules |page=41 |date=June 10, 1973 |publisher=National Railroad Passenger Corporation |via=Museum of Railway Timetables |access-date=November 1, 2018 |archive-date=November 4, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181104211029/http://www.timetables.org/browse/?group=19730610&item=0042 |url-status=live }} Positive response led to Amtrak to retain this service, and the Coast Daylight name was dropped on May{{nbsp}}19, 1974.
An additional train, the Spirit of California, ran the section of the route between Sacramento and Los Angeles on an overnight schedule from October{{nbsp}}25, 1981, to September{{nbsp}}30, 1983.{{Vurek-Capitol Corridor |page=7}} From November{{nbsp}}10, 1996, to October{{nbsp}}25, 1997, through coaches were transferred between the Coast Starlight and San Diegan at Los Angeles.{{cite journal | title=Scanner | author=Staff | journal=Trains |date=January 1997 | pages=25}}{{cite book |url=http://www.timetables.org/browse/?group=19961110n&item=0042 |title=Amtrak National Timetable: Fall/Winter 1996/97 |page=42 |date=November 10, 1996 |publisher=Amtrak |via=Museum of Railway Timetables}}{{cite book |url=http://www.timetables.org/browse/?group=19971026n&item=0052 |title=Amtrak National Timetable: Fall/Winter 1997/1998 |page=52 |date=October 26, 1997 |publisher=Amtrak |via=Museum of Railway Timetables}}
The Coast Starlight originally used the Southern Pacific West Valley Line between Tehama and Davis. That route included a stop at Orland,{{cite web |date=October 25, 1981 |page=50 |url=http://www.timetables.org/full.php?group=19811025&item=0051 |title=Amtrak National Train Timetables |website=The Museum of Railway Timetables |publisher=Amtrak |access-date=May 23, 2020 |archive-date=June 4, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200604223312/http://www.timetables.org/full.php?group=19811025&item=0051 |url-status=live }} but bypassed Sacramento. On April{{nbsp}}26, 1982, the train was rerouted via Roseville on the Southern Pacific Valley and Martinez Subdivisions, with stops added at Sacramento, Chico, and Marysville,{{cite web |date=April 25, 1982 |page=46 |website=The Museum of Railway Timetables |title=The Coast Starlight |publisher=Amtrak |url=http://www.timetables.org/full.php?group=19820425&item=0047 |access-date=May 23, 2020 |archive-date=June 4, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200604210040/http://www.timetables.org/full.php?group=19820425&item=0047 |url-status=live }} per request from the state.{{CA-Rail Passenger Development Plan-1984|page=29}} In 1999, the Coast Starlight was rerouted onto the more direct ex-Western Pacific Sacramento Subdivision between Marysville and Sacramento, with the Marysville stop closed.{{cite book |url=http://www.timetables.org/browse/?group=19991031n&item=0053 |title=Amtrak Timetable: National: Fall 1999/Winter 2000 |page=53 |date=October 31, 1999 |publisher=Amtrak |via=Museum of Railway Timetables}}
Ridership declined by 26% between 1999 and 2005 as freight congestion and track maintenance on the Union Pacific Railroad reduced the Coast Starlight{{'}}s on-time performance to 2%, which Amtrak characterized as "dismal." By mid-summer in 2006 delays of 5–11 hours were common. Critics dubbed the train the Star-late.{{cite news | url=http://www.sfgate.com/news/article/COAST-STARLIGHT-LOSING-ITS-LUSTER-The-train-2491613.php | title=Coast Starlight Losing Its Luster | work=San Francisco Chronicle | date=August 8, 2006 | access-date=August 8, 2006 | author=Geiger, Kimberly | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151118001737/http://www.sfgate.com/news/article/COAST-STARLIGHT-LOSING-ITS-LUSTER-The-train-2491613.php | archive-date=November 18, 2015}} During early summer 2008, the Coast Starlight was relaunched with new amenities and refurbished equipment. In July 2008, refurbished Pacific Parlour cars returned to service as part of the relaunch. This was much anticipated, due to the success of Amtrak's relaunch of the Empire Builder. Between FY 2008 and FY 2009, ridership on the Coast Starlight jumped 15% from 353,657 passengers to 406,398 passengers.{{citation needed|date=November 2015}} Operating conditions on the UP improved as well; by May 2008 on-time performance had reached 86%.{{cite news | url=http://travel.latimes.com/daily-deal-blog/index.php/amtraks-coast-starli-2029/ | title=Amtrak's Coast Starlight Train Classes Up Its Act | work=Los Angeles Times | date=June 11, 2008 | access-date=July 4, 2008 | author=Engle, Jane | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080704123838/http://travel.latimes.com/daily-deal-blog/index.php/amtraks-coast-starli-2029/ | archive-date=July 4, 2008}}
Service was suspended north of Sacramento for a month in 2017 after a freight derailment damaged a bridge near Mount Shasta, California.{{cite web|last1=Sailor|first1=Craig|title=Amtrak resumes Coast Starlight service from Seattle to Los Angeles|url=http://www.thenewstribune.com/news/local/article149685804.html|publisher=Bend News Tribune|access-date=May 19, 2017|archive-date=May 14, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170514113037/http://www.thenewstribune.com/news/local/article149685804.html|url-status=live}}
File:Amtrak Coast Starlight 14 Moorpark 2018.jpg
File:The Southbound Coast Starlight at horseshoe curve.jpg
On February{{nbsp}}24, 2019, the southbound Coast Starlight struck a fallen tree near Oakridge, Oregon after a rare heavy snowstorm. The train was stranded for 36 hours before tracks could be cleared for a Union Pacific locomotive to tow the train back to Eugene–Springfield.{{cite news |url=https://www.npr.org/2019/02/26/698089129/180-amtrak-passengers-on-the-move-after-36-hours-stranded-in-oregon-amid-heavy-s |title=183 Amtrak Passengers Rescued After 36 Hours Stranded In Oregon Amid Heavy Snow |newspaper=NPR |date=February 26, 2019 |first=Amy |last=Held |access-date=February 27, 2019 |archive-date=February 27, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190227120755/https://www.npr.org/2019/02/26/698089129/180-amtrak-passengers-on-the-move-after-36-hours-stranded-in-oregon-amid-heavy-s |url-status=live }}
From October{{nbsp}}1, 2020, to May{{nbsp}}24, 2021, daily service was reduced to three trains per week due to the COVID-19 pandemic.{{cite news |last1=Lazo |first1=Luz |title=Amtrak is ending daily service to hundreds of stations. Blame the coronavirus pandemic, the railroad says. |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/transportation/2020/06/16/amtrak-is-ending-daily-service-hundreds-stations-blame-coronavirus-pandemic-railroad-says/ |access-date=June 5, 2021 |newspaper=Washington Post |date=June 16, 2020}}{{cite news |last1=Jorgenson |first1=Dawn |title=Amtrak is resuming a dozen long-distance trips, all across the country |url=https://www.ksat.com/features/2021/05/27/amtrak-is-resuming-a-dozen-long-distance-trips-all-across-the-country/ |access-date=June 5, 2021 |work=KSAT |date=May 27, 2021 |language=en}} On May{{nbsp}}24, 2021, as part of its post-COVID service restorations, Amtrak restored the Coast Starlight frequency to daily service in both directions.{{cite web |url=https://media.amtrak.com/2021/03/with-increased-demand-and-congressional-funding-amtrak-restores-12-long-distance-routes-to-daily-service/ |title=With Increased Demand and Congressional Funding, Amtrak Restores 12 Long Distance Routes to Daily Service |date=March 10, 2021 |website=Amtrak |access-date=May 1, 2021 |archive-date=October 12, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211012085947/https://media.amtrak.com/2021/03/with-increased-demand-and-congressional-funding-amtrak-restores-12-long-distance-routes-to-daily-service/ |url-status=live }}
In late June 2021, the Lava Fire seriously damaged a Union Pacific trestle on the Black Butte Subdivision between Klamath Falls, Oregon and Dunsmuir, California.{{Cite web|title=UP service disrupted by fire, weather|url=https://www.trains.com/trn/news-reviews/news-wire/up-service-disrupted-by-fire-weather/|access-date=July 3, 2021|website=Trains|language=en-US|archive-date=June 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210630183622/https://www.trains.com/trn/news-reviews/news-wire/up-service-disrupted-by-fire-weather/|url-status=live}} As a result, the Coast Starlight was initially split into two segments: Seattle to Klamath Falls and Sacramento to Los Angeles with a bus replacement service filling the gap between Klamath Falls and Sacramento.{{Cite web|title=SERVICE DISRUPTION: Coast Starlight Train 14 departing Los Angeles (LAX) on 7/1 will operate as a bus between Sacramento (SAC) & Klamath Falls (KFS) missing stops at CIC, RDD, & DUN due to wildfires in the area. For reservation assistance please call or text 1-800-USA-RAIL.|url=https://twitter.com/amtrakalerts/status/1410616015793229826|url-status=live|access-date=July 3, 2021|website=Twitter|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210701150749/https://twitter.com/AmtrakAlerts/status/1410616015793229826 |archive-date=July 1, 2021 }} However, on July{{nbsp}}2, 2021, it was announced that service would be discontinued between Seattle and Sacramento until July{{nbsp}}14, 2021, with Amtrak Cascades replacing service for passengers booked between Seattle and Eugene. Through service resumed on July{{nbsp}}15 using overnight buses between Sacramento and Klamath Falls, and full-route train operation resumed on August{{nbsp}}23.{{Cite web|title=Coast Starlight to resume full-route operation Aug. 23 (corrected)|date=August 14, 2021|url=https://www.trains.com/trn/news-reviews/news-wire/coast-starlight-to-resume-full-route-operation-aug-23/|language=en|access-date=August 20, 2021|archive-date=August 20, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210820210112/https://www.trains.com/trn/news-reviews/news-wire/coast-starlight-to-resume-full-route-operation-aug-23/|url-status=live}}
A resurgence of the COVID-19 virus caused by the Omicron variant caused Amtrak to reduce the frequency of this route to five-weekly round trips from January to March 2022.{{cite news |title=Amtrak to decrease service on most routes Jan. 24 to March 27 |url=https://www.trains.com/trn/news-reviews/news-wire/amtrak-to-decrease-service-on-most-routes-jan-24-to-march-27/ |access-date=January 26, 2022 |work=Trains |archive-date=January 25, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220125210438/https://www.trains.com/trn/news-reviews/news-wire/amtrak-to-decrease-service-on-most-routes-jan-24-to-march-27/ |url-status=live }}
Trains began running over the Point Defiance Bypass between Tacoma and DuPont, Washington starting on November{{nbsp}}18, 2021.
=Future improvements=
The 2018 California State Rail Plan, prepared by Caltrans, outlines a number of planned improvements to rail infrastructure in the state of California.{{cite report|author=Caltrans|date=September 2018|url=http://www.dot.ca.gov/californiarail/docs/CSRP_Final.pdf|title=2018 California State Rail Plan: Connecting California|access-date=October 27, 2018|archive-date=December 2, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181202120305/http://www.dot.ca.gov/californiarail/docs/CSRP_Final.pdf|url-status=live}} The plan was updated in 2023.{{cite report|author=Caltrans|date=March 2023|url=https://dot.ca.gov/-/media/dot-media/programs/rail-mass-transportation/documents/california-state-rail-plan/20230309-casrp-public-dor-guidance.pdf|title=2023 California State Rail Plan|access-date=April 29, 2024|archive-date=March 29, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240329182619/https://dot.ca.gov/-/media/dot-media/programs/rail-mass-transportation/documents/california-state-rail-plan/20230309-casrp-public-dor-guidance.pdf|url-status=live}} In 2022, the California Transportation Commission approved $7.5 million for the construction of a new station in King City to improve access to the region,{{Cite web |date=March 23, 2022 |title=Press Release: California Transportation Commission Reserves Funding for King City Multi-Modal Transit Center |url=https://www.kingcity.com/press-release-california-transportation-commission-reserves-funding-king-city-multi-modal-transit-center-comunicado-de-prensa-la-comision-de-transporte-de-california-reserva-fondos-para-el-ce/ |access-date=June 2, 2023 |website=City of King |type=Press Release |archive-date=June 2, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230602182644/https://www.kingcity.com/press-release-california-transportation-commission-reserves-funding-king-city-multi-modal-transit-center-comunicado-de-prensa-la-comision-de-transporte-de-california-reserva-fondos-para-el-ce/ |url-status=dead }} including nearby Fort Hunter Liggett and Pinnacles National Park.{{Cite web |last=Cronk |first=Ryan |date=March 7, 2019 |title=King City train station becoming reality after state approves funds |url=https://kingcityrustler.com/king-city-train-station-becoming-reality-after-state-approves-funds/ |access-date=June 2, 2023 |website=The King City Rustler |language=en-US |archive-date=June 2, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230602182644/https://kingcityrustler.com/king-city-train-station-becoming-reality-after-state-approves-funds/ |url-status=live }} There is also a proposal in the Capitol Corridor Vision plan to improve the right-of-way shared by the Capitol Corridor and Coast Starlight between Oakland and Martinez.{{cite report|url=https://www.capitolcorridor.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/CCVIP-FINAL-REPORT.pdf|title=Capitol Corridor Vision Implementation Plan|date=November 2016|author=CCJPA|access-date=October 27, 2018}} The proposal would re-route the train from along the shores of San Pablo Bay and the Carquinez Strait to a new tunnel through Franklin Canyon and a right-of-way next to California State Route 4 that would reduce the trip time by several minutes.
Route
File:Amtrak Coast Starlight.png
Except for two sections, most of the Coast Starlight route is on former Southern Pacific lines now owned by the Union Pacific Railroad. The Coast Starlight runs over the following lines:
- BNSF Seattle Subdivision (ex-NP, later ex-BN): Seattle, Washington to Tacoma, Washington
- Sound Transit (SDRX) Point Defiance Bypass:{{cite news |last1=Sailor |first1=Craig |title=Amtrak resumes service on Point Defiance Bypass route where 3 died in 2017 |url=https://www.thenewstribune.com/news/local/article255927656.html |access-date=November 18, 2021 |agency=The News Tribune |date=November 18, 2021 |archive-date=November 19, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211119004303/https://www.thenewstribune.com/news/local/article255927656.html |url-status=live }} Tacoma to DuPont, Washington
- BNSF Seattle Subdivision: DuPont to Portland, Oregon
- UP Brooklyn Subdivision: Portland to Eugene, Oregon
- UP Cascade Subdivision: Eugene to Klamath Falls, Oregon
- UP Black Butte Subdivision: Klamath Falls to Dunsmuir, California
- UP Valley Subdivision: Dunsmuir to Marysville, California
- UP Sacramento Subdivision (ex-WP):{{CA rail schematics}} Marysville to Sacramento, California
- UP Martinez Subdivision: Sacramento to Oakland, California
- UP Niles Subdivision: Oakland to Elmhurst, California
- UP Coast Subdivision: Elmhurst to Santa Clara, California
- Caltrain (JPBX) Peninsula Subdivision: Santa Clara to Tamien, California
- UP Coast Subdivision: Tamien to San Luis Obispo, California
- UP Santa Barbara Subdivision: San Luis Obispo to Moorpark, California
- Metrolink (SCAX) Ventura Subdivision: Moorpark to Taylor Yard, Los Angeles
- Metrolink (SCAX) River Subdivision: Taylor Yard to Los Angeles Union Station
The Coast Starlight is occasionally diverted between Oakland and Los Angeles via the Central Valley and Tehachapi Pass due to track work or service disruptions on the Coast Line. These rerouted trains are popular with railfans because they use the Tehachapi Loop, which has not had regularly-scheduled passenger trains since 1971.{{cite news |url=https://www.trains.com/trn/news-reviews/news-wire/amtrak-to-detour-coast-starlight-over-tehachapi-loop/ |title=Amtrak to detour Coast Starlight over Tehachapi Loop |newspaper=Trains News Wire |date=February 22, 2013 |first=Angela |last=Cotey}}{{cite news |url=https://www.bakersfield.com/archives/railroad-buffs-from-far-and-wide-ride-the-loop/article_371d2c2b-0ecf-5712-9098-e72e5198d208.html |title=Railroad buffs from far and wide ride the Loop |newspaper=The Bakersfield Californian |date=June 22, 2018 |first=Steven |last=Meyer}}
= Stations=
| class="wikitable"
|+Amtrak Coast Starlight stations !State/Province !City !Station !Connections |
| rowspan='6'|Washington
|{{Unbulleted list |{{rint|us|amtrak}} Amtrak: Amtrak Cascades, Empire Builder |{{rint|us|amtrakbus}} Amtrak Thruway |{{rint|seattle|sounder}} Sounder: {{rint|seattle|N Line}} N Line, {{rint|seattle|S Line}} S Line |{{rint|seattle|link}} Link Light Rail: {{rint|seattle|1 Line}} |{{rint|bus}} ST Express, Travel Washington |{{bus icon}} Community Transit, King County Metro }} |
| Tacoma
|{{Unbulleted list |{{rint|us|amtrak}} Amtrak: Amtrak Cascades |{{rint|seattle|sounder}} Sounder: {{rint|seattle|S Line}} S Line {{rint|seattle|link}} Link Light Rail: {{rint|seattle|T Line}} |{{rint|us|greyhound}} Greyhound Lines |{{rint|bus}} ST Express |{{bus icon}} Intercity Transit, Pierce Transit }} |
| Lacey
|{{Unbulleted list |{{rint|us|amtrak}} Amtrak: Amtrak Cascades |{{bus icon}} Intercity Transit }} |
| Centralia
|{{Unbulleted list |{{rint|us|amtrak}} Amtrak: Amtrak Cascades |{{bus icon}} Lewis County Transit }} |
| Kelso
|{{Unbulleted list |{{rint|us|amtrak}} Amtrak: Amtrak Cascades |{{rint|us|greyhound}} Greyhound Lines |{{bus icon}} RiverCities Transit }} |
| Vancouver
|{{rint|us|amtrak}} Amtrak: Amtrak Cascades, Empire Builder |
| rowspan='6'|Oregon
|{{Unbulleted list |{{rint|us|amtrak}} Amtrak: Amtrak Cascades, Empire Builder |{{rint|portland|MAX}} MAX Light Rail: {{rint|portland|Orange}} Orange Line, {{rint|portland|Yellow}} Yellow Line, {{rint|portland|Green}} Green Line |{{rint|portland|streetcar}} Portland Streetcar |{{rint|bus}} The Bus, Central Oregon Breeze, FlixBus, Pacific Crest Lines, POINT, Shuttle Oregon, The Wave |{{rint|portland|trimet}} Trimet Bus }} |
| Salem
|{{Unbulleted list |{{rint|us|amtrak}} Amtrak: Amtrak Cascades |{{rint|us|greyhound}} Greyhound Lines |{{rint|bus}} POINT, Shuttle Oregon, The Wave |{{bus icon}} Cherriots }} |
| Albany
|{{Unbulleted list |{{rint|us|amtrak}} Amtrak: Amtrak Cascades |{{rint|bus}} POINT |{{bus icon}} Albany Transit System, Benton Area Transit, Linn-Benton Loop, Linn Shuttle }} |
| Eugene
|{{Unbulleted list |{{rint|us|amtrak}} Amtrak: Amtrak Cascades |{{rint|bus}} POINT, Pacific Crest Bus Lines |{{bus icon}} Lane Transit District, Link Lane }} |
| Chemult
|{{rint|bus}} Pacific Crest Bus Lines |
| Klamath Falls
|{{Unbulleted list |{{rint|bus}} POINT, Pacific Crest Bus Lines |{{bus icon}} Basin Transit Service, Crater Lake Trolley, Sage Stage }} |
| rowspan='18'|California
| |
| Redding
|{{Unbulleted list |{{rint|us|amtrakbus}} Amtrak Thruway: 3 |{{rint|us|greyhound}} Greyhound Lines |{{rint|bus}} FlixBus |{{bus icon}} Redding Area Bus Authority, Sage Stage, Trinity Transit }} |
| Chico
|{{Unbulleted list |{{rint|us|amtrakbus}} Amtrak Thruway: 3 |{{rint|us|greyhound}} Greyhound Lines |{{rint|bus}} FlixBus |{{bus icon}} Glenn Ride }} |
| Sacramento
|{{Unbulleted list |{{rint|us|amtrak}} Amtrak: California Zephyr, Capitol Corridor, San Joaquins |{{rint|us|amtrakbus}} Amtrak Thruway: 3, 20, 20C |{{rint|sacramento}} SacRT: {{rcb|SacRT|Gold|inline=route}} |{{bus icon}} El Dorado Transit, Sacramento RT }} |
| Davis
|{{Unbulleted list |{{rint|us|amtrak}} Amtrak: California Zephyr, Capitol Corridor |{{rint|us|amtrakbus}} Amtrak Thruway: 3 |{{bus icon}} Unitrans }} |
| Martinez
|{{Unbulleted list |{{rint|us|amtrak}} Amtrak: California Zephyr, Capitol Corridor, San Joaquins |{{rint|us|amtrakbus}} Amtrak Thruway: 7 |{{bus icon}} County Connection, Tri Delta Transit, WestCAT }} |
| Emeryville
|{{Unbulleted list |{{rint|us|amtrak}} Amtrak: California Zephyr, Capitol Corridor, San Joaquins |{{rint|us|amtrakbus}} Amtrak Thruway: 99 |{{bus icon}} AC Transit, Emery Go-Round }} |
| Oakland
|{{Unbulleted list |{{rint|us|amtrak}} Amtrak: Capitol Corridor, San Joaquins |{{rint|us|amtrakbus}} Amtrak Thruway: 17 |{{bus icon}} AC Transit }} |
| San Jose
|{{Unbulleted list |{{rint|us|amtrak}} Amtrak: Capitol Corridor |{{rint|us|amtrakbus}} Amtrak Thruway: 6, 17, 21 |{{rint|ace}} Altamont Corridor Express |{{rint|caltrain}} Caltrain |{{rint|santaclara}} VTA Light Rail: {{rint|santaclara|green}} Green Line |{{rint|us|greyhound}} Greyhound Lines |{{bus icon}} Santa Cruz Metro, VTA Bus }} |
| Salinas
|{{Unbulleted list |{{rint|us|amtrakbus}} Amtrak Thruway: 17, 21 |{{rint|us|greyhound}} Greyhound Lines |{{bus icon}} Monterey-Salinas Transit }} |
| Paso Robles
|{{Unbulleted list |{{rint|us|amtrakbus}} Amtrak Thruway: 17, 18, 21 |{{bus icon}} Monterey-Salinas Transit, Paso Express, San Luis Obispo Regional Transit Authority }} |
| San Luis Obispo
|{{Unbulleted list |{{rint|us|amtrak}} Amtrak: Pacific Surfliner |{{rint|us|amtrakbus}} Amtrak Thruway: 17, 18, 21 |{{bus icon}} SLO Transit }} |
| Santa Barbara
|{{Unbulleted list |{{rint|us|amtrak}} Amtrak: Pacific Surfliner |{{rint|us|amtrakbus}} Amtrak Thruway: 10, 17, 21 |{{rint|us|greyhound}} Greyhound Lines |{{rint|bus}} FlixBus |{{bus icon}} Santa Barbara MTD }} |
| Oxnard
|{{Unbulleted list |{{rint|us|amtrak}} Amtrak: Pacific Surfliner |{{rint|us|amtrakbus}} Amtrak Thruway: 10 |{{rint|losangeles|metrolink}} Metrolink: {{rcb|Metrolink (California)|Ventura County|inline=route}} |{{rint|us|greyhound}} Greyhound Lines |{{rint|bus}} FlixBus |{{bus icon}} Gold Coast Transit }} |
| Simi Valley
|{{Unbulleted list |{{rint|us|amtrak}} Amtrak: Pacific Surfliner |{{rint|losangeles|metrolink}} Metrolink: {{rcb|Metrolink (California)|Ventura County|inline=route}} |{{rint|bus}} VCTC Intercity |{{bus icon}} Simi Valley Transit }} |
| Van Nuys
|{{Unbulleted list |{{rint|us|amtrak}} Amtrak: Pacific Surfliner |{{rint|us|amtrakbus}} Amtrak Thruway: 1C |{{rint|losangeles|metrolink}} Metrolink: {{rcb|Metrolink (California)|Ventura County|inline=route}} |{{bus icon}} LADOT DASH, Los Angeles Metro Bus }} |
| Burbank
|{{Unbulleted list |{{rint|us|amtrak}} Amtrak: Pacific Surfliner |{{rint|us|amtrakbus}} Amtrak Thruway: 1C |{{rint|losangeles|metrolink}} Metrolink: {{rcb|Metrolink (California)|Ventura County|inline=route}} |{{bus icon}} Burbank Bus, Los Angeles Metro Bus }} |
| Los Angeles
|{{Unbulleted list |{{rint|us|Amtrak}} Amtrak: Pacific Surfliner, Southwest Chief, Sunset Limited, Texas Eagle |{{rint|us|amtrakbus}} Amtrak Thruway: 1 |{{rint|losangeles|metrolink}} Metrolink: {{rcb|Metrolink (California)|91/Perris Valley|inline=route}} {{rcb|Metrolink (California)|Antelope Valley|inline=route}} {{rcb|Metrolink (California)|Orange County|inline=route}} {{rcb|Metrolink (California)|Riverside|inline=route}} {{rcb|Metrolink (California)|San Bernardino|inline=route}} {{rcb|Metrolink (California)|Ventura County|inline=route}} |{{rint|losangeles|lacmta}} Metro: {{rint|losangeles|A}} A Line, {{rint|losangeles|B}} B Line, {{rint|losangeles|D}} D Line, {{rint|losangeles|J}} J Line |{{rint|bus}} FlixBus |{{rint|us|greyhound}} Greyhound Lines |{{bus icon}} Los Angeles Metro Bus, Antelope Valley Transit Authority, City of Commerce Transit, City of Santa Clarita Transit, LAX FlyAway, LADOT Commuter Express, LADOT DASH, Mount St. Mary's College Shuttle, University of Southern California Shuttles, Foothill Transit, Big Blue Bus, Torrance Transit, Dodger Stadium Express }} |
Equipment
File:Northbound Coast Starlight at Oakland (2), May 2023.jpg
The Coast Starlight typically uses two GE P42DC or Siemens ALC-42 locomotives.{{cite news |title=Amtrak ALC-42s to Make Appearance on 'Coast Starlight' Next |url=https://railfan.com/amtrak-alc-42s-to-make-appearance-on-coast-starlight-next/ |first=Justin |last=Franz |date=March 6, 2023 |newspaper=Railfan & Railroad Magazine |access-date=June 6, 2023}} The train uses double-decker Superliner equipment, including a Sightseer Lounge car that has floor-to-ceiling windows to view the passing scenery. {{As of|2024}}, a typical consist has a Viewliner baggage car, a transition sleeper, two sleeping cars, two coaches, one coach/baggage car, the lounge car, and a dining car.{{cite news |url=https://www.trains.com/trn/news-reviews/news-wire/amtrak-adds-to-texas-eagle-capacity-with-dedicated-sunset-through-cars-special-report/ |title=Amtrak adds to Texas Eagle capacity with dedicated Sunset through cars: Special report |first=Bob |last=Johnston |date=July 29, 2024 |newspaper=Trains News Wire |access-date=November 21, 2024}} {{As of|March 2025}}, Amtrak intends to add a third coach in May 2025.{{Cite news |date=February 25, 2025 |title=Texas Eagle lounge car set to return; other long-distance trains to gain capacity |url=https://www.trains.com/trn/news-reviews/news-wire/texas-eagle-lounge-car-set-to-return-other-long-distance-trains-to-gain-capacity/ |access-date=March 4, 2025 |newspaper=Trains News Wire}}
Prior to February 2018, the Coast Starlight was unique in that it included a first-class lounge car called the "Pacific Parlour Car". The cars were Budd Hi-Level Sky Lounge cars, built in 1956 for the Santa Fe's El Capitan service. Called a "living room on rails", the Parlour car offered several amenities to first-class sleeping car passengers including wireless Internet access, a full bar, a small library with books and games, an afternoon wine tasting, and a movie theater on the lower level. Sleeping car passengers could also make reservations to dine in the Parlour car, which offered a unique menu not offered in the standard dining car.{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140330055128/https://www.amtrak.com/ccurl/929/627/Coast-Starlight-Pacific-Parlour-Menu-northbound-train-1113.pdf|url=https://www.amtrak.com/ccurl/929/627/Coast-Starlight-Pacific-Parlour-Menu-northbound-train-1113.pdf|author=Amtrak|archive-date=March 30, 2014|title=Pacific Parlour Car Northbound Menu|access-date=October 26, 2018}} In February 2018, in a cost-cutting measure, Amtrak retired the Pacific Parlour Cars, citing the move as "part of Amtrak's ongoing work to modernize its fleet of equipment."{{Cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180202071606/https://www.amtrak.com/alert/pacific-parlour-car-retired.html|archive-date=February 2, 2018|url=https://www.amtrak.com/alert/pacific-parlour-car-retired.html|title=Amtrak Advisory {{!}} Coast Starlight Parlour Car Removed|website=www.amtrak.com|language=en|access-date=February 1, 2018}}{{clear}}
{{clear}}
References
{{reflist}}
- {{cite web|title=PRIIA Section 210 FY12 Performance Improvement Plan|url=http://www.amtrak.com/ccurl/676/676/PRIIA-section-210-FY-12-performance-improvement-plan-amtrak,0.pdf|work=Amtrak|access-date=December 18, 2013|ref={{Harvid|Amtrak|2011}} }}
- {{Goldberg-Amtrak}}
- {{cite news |last=McKinney |first=Kevin |title=At the dawn of Amtrak |date=June 1991 |publisher=Trains Magazine}}
- {{cite news |last=Schafer |first=Mike |title=Amtrak's atlas |date=June 1991 |publisher=Trains Magazine}}
- {{cite news |last=Zimmermann |first=Karl |title=All Aboard! The Coast Starlight |date=July 2, 2001 |publisher=Trains Magazine |url=http://www.trains.com/Content/Dynamic/Articles/000/000/001/187ruzpj.asp |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051125183206/http://www.trains.com/Content/Dynamic/Articles/000/000/001/187ruzpj.asp |archive-date=November 25, 2005 }}
Notes
{{notelist}}
Further reading
- {{cite magazine | last=Veary | first=Bruce | title=After the Daylight: Today's Coast Line | magazine=Trains | date=July 1986 | volume=46 | issue=9 | pages=26–46 | issn=0041-0934 }}
External links
{{Attached KML|display=title,inline}}
- {{Commons category-inline}}
- {{amtrak web|route=yes}}
{{Amtrak routes}}
{{Authority control}}
Category:Passenger rail transportation in California
Category:Passenger rail transportation in Oregon
Category:Passenger rail transportation in Washington (state)
Category:Public transportation in Southern California
Category:Night trains of the United States