Coast Starlight

Coast Starlight
Name	Coast Starlight
Locale	United States
Start	Seattle
End	Los Angeles
Operator	Amtrak

Coast Starlight is a passenger train route operated by Amtrak that runs along the West Coast of the United States, passing through the states of Washington, Oregon, and California. The train travels along a scenic route, offering stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, Cascade Range, and Redwood National and State Parks. The Coast Starlight route is approximately 1,377 miles long and takes around 36 hours to complete, passing through notable cities such as Portland, Sacramento, and San Francisco. The train is known for its comfortable Superliner cars, which offer dining car and lounge car services, as well as sleeping car accommodations.

Introduction

The Coast Starlight is one of the most popular Amtrak routes, attracting tourists and commuters alike with its breathtaking scenery and convenient schedule. The train passes through the Columbia River Gorge, a scenic canyon carved by the Columbia River, and offers views of Mount Shasta, a prominent volcanic peak in Northern California. The Coast Starlight also travels through the San Francisco Bay Area, passing through cities such as Oakland and San Jose, before continuing south to Los Angeles. The train is operated by Amtrak's Western Division, which also operates other notable routes such as the California Zephyr and the Southwest Chief. The Coast Starlight has been recognized for its excellent service, winning awards such as the National Association of Railroad Passengers' Passenger Train Excellence Award.

Route

The Coast Starlight route begins in Seattle, where it departs from King Street Station, a historic train station that also serves as a hub for Sound Transit and Amtrak Cascades trains. From Seattle, the train travels south through the states of Washington and Oregon, passing through cities such as Portland and Eugene. The train then enters California, where it passes through the Sacramento Valley and the San Francisco Bay Area, before continuing south to Los Angeles. Along the way, the train passes through notable landmarks such as the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, and Big Sur. The Coast Starlight route is also home to several National Parks, including Redwood National and State Parks, Olympic National Park, and Crater Lake National Park. The train is operated in partnership with Union Pacific Railroad, which provides freight rail services along the same route.

History

The Coast Starlight route has a long history, dating back to the early 20th century when it was operated by the Southern Pacific Railroad. The train was originally known as the Shasta Daylight, and it ran from Portland to San Francisco. In the 1970s, the train was renamed the Coast Starlight and began operating from Seattle to Los Angeles. The train has undergone several changes over the years, including the introduction of new Superliner cars and the expansion of dining car and lounge car services. The Coast Starlight has also been recognized for its historic significance, with several of its train stations listed on the National Register of Historic Places, including Seattle's King Street Station and Portland's Union Station. The train has been featured in several films and television shows, including The Great Train Robbery and Murder, She Wrote.

Equipment

The Coast Starlight is operated using Amtrak's Superliner fleet, which includes sleeping cars, dining cars, and lounge cars. The train is pulled by GE Genesis locomotives, which are powered by diesel fuel and have a top speed of 110 miles per hour. The Coast Starlight also features cafe cars, which offer a variety of food and beverage options, including coffee, tea, and snacks. The train's sleeping cars are equipped with private rooms and public restrooms, and offer stunning views of the surrounding scenery. The Coast Starlight is also equipped with Wi-Fi and electrical outlets, making it an ideal option for business travelers and students.

Service

The Coast Starlight offers a range of services to its passengers, including dining car and lounge car services, as well as sleeping car accommodations. The train's dining car offers a variety of meal options, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and features a wine list with selections from California and Oregon wineries. The train's lounge car offers coffee, tea, and snacks, as well as alcoholic beverages and live music performances. The Coast Starlight also offers baggage services, including checked baggage and carry-on baggage options. The train is staffed by Amtrak's customer service team, which provides assistance with ticketing, seating, and special requests.

Stations

The Coast Starlight stops at several train stations along its route, including Seattle's King Street Station, Portland's Union Station, and Los Angeles Union Station. The train also stops at smaller stations, such as Eugene Station and San Luis Obispo Station. The Coast Starlight is a popular option for commuters and tourists alike, and offers convenient connections to other Amtrak routes, including the California Zephyr and the Southwest Chief. The train's stations are equipped with waiting rooms, restrooms, and ticketing facilities, and offer a range of food and beverage options. The Coast Starlight is operated in partnership with local transit agencies, including Sound Transit and Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority, which provide bus and light rail services to and from the train's stations.

Category:Rail transport in the United States