Amtrak Coast Starlight - Along the West Coast by Train

[@SimplyRailway]

@3:49 it's Zephyr and not Zephir. Also it's Chicago - San Francisco and not LA. :) Enjoy

[@TheSouthernOntarioRailfannner]

First one to comment.

[@AVeryRandomPerson]

A shower was included in the original Superliner Coach design, but was cut out of the final coach design for cost-saving reasons.

[@TheSouthernOntarioRailfannner]

@@AVeryRandomPersonYep

[@syawalauchika1884]

Oh, God, after taking Chinese bullet trains, riding Amtrak ones seems like forever. BEIJING SHANGHAI is only in 4 hours 40 minutes. That is the distance between NYC to Savannah Georgia in the USA about 800 miles.

[@karenogush5622]

I'm looking forward to when you do the Zephyr. It's my favorite of the Amtrak routes I've ridden. If you get a chance to ride it when there's a decent amount of snow on the ground in Colorado it's absolutely spectacular!

[@sarthsingh3271]

I took this train from LA to Seattle. It was actually an addition to my Pacific Surfliner trip. One of the most blissful journeys of my life

[@MikMoen]

Traveling by Plane = Trip Traveling by Train = EXPERIENCE I have fond memories of a childhood trip from Tacoma, WA to Portland, OR on the Cascades. I've been hoping to one day take a train over the border to Vancouver as well.

[@DownieLive]

I love that shot from the rear of the train around the Horseshoe Bend.

[@dynasty0019]

The differences between Business Class and Coach on the Coast Starlight are the leather seats, its own car attendant, complimentary bottled water, and a coupon that can used in the cafe and dining car. It’s worth it on longer trips, especially free Metropolitan Lounge accesses in LA and Portland. Seat sizes and legroom are the same though.

[@SimplyRailway]

Thanks :)

[@MakeMeThinkAgain]

Isn't it usually between the lounge and the dining car as well? That's a big advantage normally.

[@paulsuprono7225]

. . . great idea ! 🤗

[@brentonalexander3167]

@@MakeMeThinkAgain that is more or a viewing car and is free to everyone onboard

[@CharlesEvans1969]

Had wine tasting and games, one of which I won, in the club/purple lounge car for 1st class passengers with movie theatre downstairs northbound in summer of 2012 or 2013.

[@Toast0808]

I LOOOOOVE TRAIN TRAVEL. Amtrak is an amazing way to travel and see the country at the same time. (I am American).

[@kyotokid4]

...nice video. I live a couple blocks from Union Station in the Pearl, wonderful old building with that polished granite interior. Love the sound of the trains passing by (grew up on the Southeast side of Milwaukee near the old Chicago & Northwestern 400 Streamliner route to Chicago). Rode the Starlight a number of times, for pleasure and business, and yes I remember the "Pacific Parlour" cars (ex Santa Fe lounge cars from the old High Level El Captain) for the sleeping car passengers. Classier than the Sightseer as they had leather seats as well as sofas, a walk up bar and a video screen to watch films. I used to travel to the Bay Area regularly for my company to meet with our main client, much more relaxing then flying. Always took a sleeper for the trip as I cannot sleep sitting up due to serious arthritis and back issues Was mice to arrive well rested. Returning home was just as pleasant as it felt like a mini-vacation that I was being paid for. For those who haven't been to Portland, the Steel Bridge is a "one of a kind" vertical lift span in that the lower deck can be raised independently of the upper one (rode and walked along that jogging/bike path many a time). The bridge also handles Max Light Rail trains on the middle lanes of the upper deck (which also must proceed slow over the century plus old span) I would like to see an upgrade to the latest Viewliner series, fewer steps to deal with (getting old and stiff) and less "rocking" while moving.

[@tall1sobay]

I've done this from San Francisco to LA, coach only for that leg and its just amazing. I've done the Zephyr, San Francisco to Salt Lake City in a roomette. When you've got the time, riding the train is the best!

[@CharlesEvans1969]

David, My principal at the high school when I was a teacher, would always let me use PTO for any train trip I wanted to take.

[@TheLpbrennan]

The Starlight is a great trip. I prefer it south to north, however. Leaving LA mid-morning, evening around San Jose, Sacramento at midnight - then you awake to see dawn on the peak of Mount Shasta lit by the sun! That is breathtaking. Shasta is a huge volcano (actually several in one mass) and you see it for quite a while as the sky lightens. Then through the forested Cascades to Portland and Seattle. I see you mentioned doing the California Zephyr. I suggest doing it westbound - you reach Denver in the morning, then all day alongside the Colorado River through the Rockies, and watch as they change from snow-capped, tree-covered mountains to the dry, semi-arid red rocks at Grand Junction - then the stark desert of southern Utah. The next morning in the sinks of Nevada, which make the Utah desert look lush. Up the Truckee River to Donner Pass, down the Sierras to Sacramento. Westbound on the Zephyr and eastbound on the Empire Builder. The Builder westbound arrives at Glacier Park at or after sunset, so you miss the views. Eastbound from Portland you follow the Columbia River gorge for miles; east from Seattle, miles along the shore of Puget Sound to Everett, then up into the Cascades along the Wenatchee River. Both sections join in the middle of the night at Spokane, and you have dawn around Whitefish, and a morning alongside Glacier National Park. Across eastern Montana, which is surprisingly rugged in places, then night through North Dakota, to dawn at St. Cloud. Along the Mississippi to LaCrosse, Wisconsin, and on to Chicago. All good, scenic routes.

[@alexahuatzi]

Star Wars!!! great show to watch before bed

[@SimplyRailway]

Indeed :)

[@Dask2004T]

Thank you for the videos that are useful for improving the details of railway models.

[@macmikey]

Looking forward to the Empire Builder review. I rode that one a few years back, single, in a bedroom the whole way. Stopped off at Minot, ND and Isaak Walton Inn near Glacier Park. Stayed at the Inn for 2 nights and then hopped back on that days train to finish ride to Seattle. I loved it. The bedroom on that trip was just right for me.

[@aprilbox3766]

me too, i live in spokane, train comes here about 2 am

[@HappyComfort]

I just took the Coast Starlight to Oregon. Sept 20&21, Much more life onboard now and diner, snack bar etc are open. The seats have an option I don’t think we’re shown where a padded portion flips up for your legs with one of those seat buttons. For new viewers that might be important. Thanks for the great video 😊👍🌷

[@dennisfox6343]

WELL - WELL done! I also appreciate very much your personal insight(s). I'm disabled & you give to me the ability to go to and see what I can't do for myself, Thanks so much. BTW, your dining car & conclusion needs to be sent to every person in Congress plus the new Administration in the White House, right to the TOP! It would be very useful on Amtrak's behalf.

[@ronclark9724]

Congress has a say too. Unfortunately Congress does not desire to increase Amtrak's subsidies significantly. The simple fact is the diner meals were getting so expensive no one in coach was buying meals in the diner. Only the sleeping car passengers were using the diner, and they were balking at the price of the sleeper with meals included. Therefore, the airline style preprepared box meals. Something European sleepers have been doing for over a decade. Amtrak employees are union employees, many earning over $25 an hour. Very few restaurants are paying that much even in cities with the $15 minimum wage.

[@gladfan1989]

Took this train last year between the same cities. Going south was in business class, loved it.

[@PH2LB]

Made the trip in April 1997 with my father (as part of a 11.500 Km train ride through the US), would do it again when I have the change with my son. I can understand that Covid19 is a mood killer, because one of the greatest thing on theses train rides is meeting other people. But loved to watch your video (I only have slides from that train ride), it brings back lots of good memories.

[@jen93106]

26:50 That Horseshoe Curve looks awesome! Thanks for pointing it out!

[@aprilbox3766]

i took the coast starlighter a few times, SLO to klamath falls and another time from san francisco to san diego. late 1970's and i got a drink when i was underage! i agree, the part along the ocean is the best. i was living in mendicino county when i went to san diego, i took greyhound to SF, bart to richmond, and up stairs to the amtrak station. i thought it was so cool that they were stacked like that.

[@JamesThompson-oz8kh]

I think you nailed the feeling of the trip perfectly. I ride that train and the Southwest Chief a lot. Dozens of trips in the last 10 years or so. Back in the days before COVID the trains were alive with people. Everyone friendly and anxious to meet others. The dinning car was great. A new set of travelers to meet with every meal. The lounge was usually too crowded to find a seat. The Parlour Car (yes, that's the way Amtrak spelled it) was a delight if you were in a sleeper. It had plush overstuffed chairs and couches. There was a real mahogany type bar with a real brass rail. You could even take meals there. The menu was different from the dinning car. More adventurous. There was even a movie theater downstairs. All gone now. Very sad. I'll be riding it again this summer but it isn't quite the same anymore. It still beats the heck out of driving or flying if you want to see the countryside and have a day or two to unwind! 👍😁

[@JamesThompson-oz8kh]

Oh, and the Parlour Car was dropped well before COVID. Amtrak just couldn't afford it anymore. I think that was a false economy. Folks loved that car and they were the high paying passengers. Amtrak makes its money on the sleepers, not on coach.

[@AVeryRandomPerson]

@@JamesThompson-oz8kh The Pacific Parlour Cars were dropped because of Richard Anderson's money-saving quest. The old ATSF Hi-Levels could have been replaced with newer Sightseer Lounges, but that won't be done.

[@RagdollsOfLasVegas]

I just discovered you, today. What a fantastic ambassador you are for Amtrak! If they havent hired you on they should- we have begun looking routes for our family to take a getaway. I do wish you would speak so I don't have to wear my glasses to read everything, though@ Many happy journeys keep on clickity- clacking!🚈

[@CharlesEvans1969]

Amen!

[@edeinhorn6016]

Hi Melissa. I just found his channel today, June 26, 2022. I am wondering if he is not speaking because perhaps he has a thick accent and is worried we would not understand his English. But I agree with you, his videos are done quite well.

[@Roadcalldude]

You will be happy to know, Amtrak will be resuming Dining Car operations starting 6/23/2021. ONLY on routes West of the Mississippi River. This includes the Coast Starlight route. This is per the Washington Post Newspaper

[@AeanMichael]

What a beautiful journey. Thank you you sharing it with us. I am already checking out arrangements for a journey from Santa Fe, NM, to Seattle (Southwest Chief to Los Angeles and Coast Starlight to Seattle). I also liked the KU basketball shirt! since I graduated from KU. I think I will arrange for a roomette, however. I also loved your schematic of the train's consist and your location in each car as you gave your tour. Impressive!

[@Camibug]

I took this same train in December 2019 right before Covid and it was so full of life! I’d guess the lack of activity is due to Covid

[@hughosborn7292]

Great video !! Loved the scenery !!

[@psoras]

I took this train from Emeryville to LA in 2010, as a part of my trip to the USA. The street running section in Oakland is truly impressive, it felt like I was on the heaviest tram in the world. And the landscapes were breathtaking.

[@stevenvirdenrasmussen-jone4671]

I have ridden from Sacramento to Portland and back over 12 times. Your review is quite accurate and very much represents the journey, especially your nights sleep. To the pillows that Amtrak used to provide is bet placed on your side by the curved part of the seat. That is the main flaw to these seats. Yes, sleeping diagonally is the best if there is not other person there. Most people do that.

[@bethp1530]

This is so not typical of Amtrak coach class AT ALL. That seating, legroom, and overall newness is just that train. That is even better than reserved business class on any regular Amtrak. I'd call that Amtrak luxury LOL

[@ahyodem]

Another great trip report. The journey south of SF to the south looks amazing. I've only done the trip from Seattle to SF. I can only recommend buying a good neck pillow. I concur with your findings about the one that Amtrak provides (they were free until Covid). Business class long distance is a good value (maybe it was?). Even taking the train from Western NY to Chicago this year, you had free lounge access and a free drink. I think the lounge access in Chicago was worth the upgrade alone. It's great that you have experienced Amtrak in better times. Hopefully after Covid, things will go back to normal, where the service and the quality was actually improving. Looking forward to more trips...

[@jonknorwood358]

Nice video - some synonyms of sublime are glorious, gorgeous, resplendent, splendid, and superb.

[@jandejonge2881]

As a Dutchman I was proud to see your in an NS hoodie. It was a great video. I love to do some Amtrak routes in the future.

[@transitcaptain]

Thibault was in VERY high spirits during the trip. 😃 I’m so happy for you

[@SharLyrixMorris]

😮 The shots going through the streets 😍. And also the Pacific Ocean ones 😍.

[@kentdavis6646]

Met Neil Young and chatted for over an hour in the club car with on this train, back in January 1992. Bought a round trip ticket from Los Angeles to Seattle to visitba,friend 5hen. Didnt come back until 10 years later...seriously. Good times, good memories on that train ride

[@eriks8382]

I could never imagine big rockstars taking the train these days. What a time it must have been to be riding the trains

[@jimpern]

I took the Starlight from L.A. to Tacoma during my recent multi-train adventure. I elected to try the Business class, which is rare on a long-distance train. The seat was identical to the coach seat except for the leather covering, but it was no more comfortable. The main advantage to Business class was the ability to use the Metropolitan Lounge in L.A. and the ability to eat in the dining car (now restored) for a fee. I ate from the Cafe at first, getting the same excellent turkey and cheese sandwich (this time Swiss) and the cheese stromboli that I had had on the Crescent. For the second dinner I paid the $45 fee (rather steep) and upgraded to the dining car for the excellent flatiron steak. I slept okay in my Business class seat thanks to a new acquisition - noise-cancelling wireless headphones! I strongly recommend them for sleeping in coach. Oh yes, thanks to delays going thru the Cascades in Oregon thanks to nearby wildfires, we arrived 90 minutes late, which forced the eastbound Empire Builder to leave Portland late as well. The fires ruined the views but we didn't smell the smoke inside the train.

[@bob297100]

Awesome video as always. I believe part of the business class upcharge is the free water bottles and the credits you get for food and beverage offerings. Also they have access to the first class lounges in LA and Portland.

[@HardRockMaster7577]

At 25, in March of 1981 I took my first Amtrak adventure. That solo trip included the Coast Starlight. We started in Seattle on a Thursday. I had brought along a pillow and a blanket, and some snacks for the coach experience. By Portland, the train filled up with a lot of folks headed to the Bay area. That was a very lively segment of the trip. A party atmosphere. That night something wonderful happened. We stopped somewhere near Crater Lake. It was late at night. And we were waiting to pick up some special cars. We had time to step out and look at that beautiful starry sky out in the middle of nowhere. I enjoyed the dining experience and the food on the train. I can honestly say, I had the best slice of cheesecake I have ever had the pleasure of eating. My adventure started in Minneapolis on the Empire Builder two days earlier, and so, by the time I got to LA, all I wanted to do is take a nice, long, hot shower!

[@Cal90208]

You got to experience Amtrak at its best, I wish I could’ve

[@alistairmcelwee7467]

Where are all the passengers? No wonder Amtrak is struggling financially. I live opposite the Emeryville train station, the stop a short distance from your final Oakland stop. Happy to video you from an overpass or the station if you’re passing through on another Coast Starlight trip, or a California Zephyr (Emeryville to Chicago). There’s another one from Emeryville to Sacramento but it’s mostly a business commuter train. However, there is one train not to miss here in California: THE WINE TRAIN. Totally old fashioned. It’s a day out where you sit in old fashioned cars and stop at a couple of vineyards. The trick is to sit in the viewing/dining car for spectacular views. Costs extra. Best done with a friend or three.

[@Cal90208]

This was during the worst bit of COVID. When I was on it it was much fuller. And pre-Covid it was nearly full on most of its runs.

[@salia4597]

Half the time we go to San Fran, we'd hop on at Davis CA and go to Emeryville, thanks for bringing back those memories. Now I wanna go back!

[@fuguwatt]

Anyone else shout "Toilets Time!!" when it gets to that part of the review?

[@samuelitooooo]

Yes. In my head

[@thibaultdemaziere3150]

I wish this was belguim🇧🇪 my homeland because I love this ❤️❤️❤️❤️🤩🤩😍👍👍 calerfornia the trian the view everything I love it

[@Randoman35]

Thanks for sharing. I just recently returned from a fantastic Coast Starlight trip from San Francisco to Seattle and back, however since I live in the Bay Area, I had to cut the southbound trip short at Emeryville. Thank you for filling in the rest of the trip through California.

[@wabash-fr9yu]

Rode the Texas Eagle to San Antonio in a sleeper (room A). The ride was good being up next to the engine (horns). Meals were airplane food and nothing to write home about. Great trip though seeing the Mississippi River. My car was then added to the Sunset Limited for the to Yuma ARIZONA with my back porch being the rear window. The food, as you mentioned before, on this portion of my trip was great!! It was a good overall.

[@arrowlogproductions2509]

I went on the Auto Train recently and it was so nice to have the actual dining car with real cooking

[@goodi2shooz]

Yeah for some reason the Auto Train was the only one that got to keep the real food. The rest of us get a lot of microwave junk

[@SimplyRailway]

Yep... the Auto Train is the last one to get a traditional dining. ;-)

[@ronclark9724]

@@goodi2shooz But even the Auto Train is running empty... COVID is hurting the travel/tourism economy HARD...

[@josephtambun3767]

I think 3:45 need a bit correction, California Zephyr route is Chicago- Emeryville (San Francisco Bay Area)

[@hbruins85]

I’ve been to the Bay Area countless times on biz trips, even spotted Trains 11 and 14 near San Jose a few times... but haven’t had a chance to actually ride it. Merci beaucoup for the great preview!

[@stevesteffen7001]

I really enjoyed your video and your honest assessment of your trip. First cutting out the dinning car is foolish of Amtrak, they could at least do carryout. Second cutting back to 3 times a week is really stupid. Currently this is the safest was to travel long distance. Thank you for you video I really enjoyed it.

[@ronclark9724]

The trains are running nearly empty. I recall a decade ago the sleepers were always sold out and the coaches were nearly filled. Notice the stark contrast during this pandemic. No revenues flowing in, services must be cut. Canada ceased running their long distance trains, only regional trains are running with reduced services...

[@MTREC]

My first AMTRAK is San Joaquins from Los Angeles to San Francisco in 1999. And then I visited Seattle,St.Paul/Minneapolice,Chicago,New York,Washington D.C.,Niagara Falles,Orlando,KeyWest,Miami,San Diego,Ground Canion,San Francisco,Hollywood,Santa Monica by Amtrak. So I went around The USA by Amtrak except from Chicago to New York. I had a good trip.

[@donfenton7473]

Love your channel. You are very relatable and provide good information and not a lot of uninteresting stuff.

[@amfm889]

I love that you wrote postcards to send home :-) I took the Starlight from Seattle to Klamath Falls, rented a car and took in Crater Lake National Park, and Lava Beds National Monument. The train route through the Cascades is awesome.

[@roygardiner2229]

Well done, sir! I enjoyed it a lot!🙂

[@Cal90208]

I took this exact route in late October, except from LA to Portland (where I then hopped on the empire builder). Loved your review on it! I was in a roomette so I had the dining car. I do really miss the traditional dining. When you do the CZ you will love it. It has even more scenery than this (I haven’t done it yet either). Anyways, great video!

[@michaelglass4701]

before the pandemic I rode the CZ from Chicago to Glenwood Springs in the Fall, it was a beautiful journey, I Love the CZ

[@Cal90208]

@@michaelglass4701 I really want to ride the CZ. If I do I will have ridden on basically all of the western long distance trains.

[@CiaGuy]

that heritage center you passed with the southern pacific cars houses the legendary SP 4449

[@davidchase4288]

So much has changed as we all no since COVID great train ride and video

[@SWITCHMASHER]

AGAIN, one of your wonderful videos. Really enjoyable and educational. Keep'um coming!

[@manubird2475]

Aloha from Hawai'i! I agree with you. Portland Union Station is an awesome place. Except for this year, of course, I usually pass through it a couple of times per year when visiting relatives in the Northwest. I enjoyed this video. Thank you.

[@speedytrain9306]

Nice video! I agree that the train running down the middle of the street in Oakland Jack London Square is cool. I have railfanned there many times and it is cool to see the massive trains running right next to small cars. If I had known that you were coming, I definitely would have filmed your train for you! Great Video!

[@EzraM5]

I mean, $62 for a near 1200 mile journey? I don't even see buses go that cheap. Also I saw that leg room and immediately cried, it's so goddamn beautiful for my stupid tall ass.

[@adamm2837]

Excellent video, I agree with your description of the train being dead though. It did seem very relaxing though with it being so empty. The locomotives and the exterior of the passenger cars looked in good shape but the interiors looked like they could use a good refresh - they are starting to look a bit worn and dated. Its especially sad to see the Starlight like this since its always been treated as the Premier Amtrak long-distance journey. It used to always get the freshest equipment and had the Parlour Cars and food cooked onboard. You're right, this trip had a very weird vibe about it. Hopefully the COVID issue gets under control sooner then later and these trains get their life back!

[@ronclark9724]

These Superliners are approaching their end of life some 40 years old. Frankly, Amtrak has done a great job just keeping these cars running as well as they do. It isn't easy finding spare parts for stuff 40 years old. Amtrak suffers very few train cancellations considering the age of their cars...

[@Cal90208]

@@ronclark9724 Amtrak has done a great job even operating considering the hardships they have faved

[@adamm2837]

@@ronclark9724 You're not kidding. I always see people bad mouthing the P40/P42 locomotives because they fail now and then. The newest ones are turning 20 this year, most of them are around the 25 year old mark now. They are run across the country, year around on journeys that last days, then turned around to do it all over again. Couple in questionable maintenence and of course you are going to have break downs. Amtrak's fleet may be old but I think the equipment they have now is all the "good stuff" that withstood the test of time. The junk has been weeded out.

[@chrissirois]

I'm so glad I found your channel. I fell in love with train travel when I took my first Amtrak trip with my aunt from Hartford, CT to Tampa, FL. Having lived in NYC as an adult and with family in CT, I was on a commuter train almost every month, and, of course, the subway daily. I try to travel by train whenever possible. Thanks for your great videos! p.s. I've seen at least a dozen of your videos, and, this is the first long trip that you didn't have a room. It was quite a surprise!

[@dontedrake2316]

27 minutes has scheduled that's not too bad that's awesome that's a beautiful scenery you should take a trip from New York to Chicago on the Amtrak and see how you like it great video keep up the great content

[@FreihEitner]

I also took the Coast Starlight for the first time in 2015 (in August) and despite arriving multiple hours late in both directions, it was a wonderful, memorable experience. I rode again in 2017 and enjoyed it a lot. I was hoping to go again this year until the covid-19 pandemic. The closure of the dining cars is real shame. I had met so many friendly people in the diner on my prior trips--it won't be the same until the diner can eventually re-open, but by then Amtrak may be so financially unstable that they discontinue the Coast Starlight entirely. :-(

[@ronclark9724]

Amtrak's long distance trains are going to be around for a long time. However the daily service may be cut to thrice weekly or even as in some other countries the overnight sleeper trains have been reduced to a once per week service. And while folks are concerned Amtrak went to a thrice weekly service, Via north of us went to a once per week service with the Canadian, ceasing operations east of Winnipeg. Imagine the Canadian not serving Toronto? I dread the thought, but it happened. Amtrak's Maple Leaf not serving Toronto, but it happened.

[@Trainviking]

Although Europe & Asia are mainly on my travel list, your video's really make me want to go to America.

[@SimplyRailway]

You should. It's really different from Europe.

[@thefareplayer2254]

That “never found a position” is why I opt for the roomette whenever I can afford it.

[@Randoman35]

In addition to having an actual place to sleep, I actually had trouble deciding whether to sleep in the main bed or the bunk because they were both so comfortable!

[@SimplyRailway]

Indeed. that is what I suggest in the video.. :)

[@ronclark9724]

Coach is okay when you are not riding Amtrak overnight. But I require a flat bed to sleep on, not a chair even if it is reclined...

[@risasb]

I was almost always lucky enough to commandeer two seats, had my own (better insulation) blanket, and slept well. But on one trip they missed the Capitol connection in DC and to make up for it put me in the biggest room on the Meteor. I had no idea there was a suite like that! HUGE. It was mine (for the price of Coach) all the way to Palatka, Florida, where the porter handed me down the steps like a queen. photos.app.goo.gl/NENKvMstmqn5gKp66

[@edvaira6891]

Too bad you didn’t continue the rest of the way down the coast to my hometown, San Diego...you would’ve loved it down here,

[@goodi2shooz]

watching this the night before boarding the Zephyr, heading home from Reno, Nevada to mid California. I've ridden the Coast Starlight many times between L.A. and Portland. I was in Portland station this August for a trip to the Oregon coast. And I caught the Empire Builder from there to Montana. I love me some Amtrak.

[@Cal90208]

How was it?

[@davidt2362]

Beautiful! Thank you

[@compdude100]

Wow, this train sure was empty in 2020, especially since you rode it just after the lockdowns were being lifted. I don't miss that year at all! I rode this train in July 2022 from Seattle to Chemult, OR and it was pretty packed. I would definitely ride this train again; I liked it more than driving.

[@nicksgarage2]

My first train trip was on the Coast Startlight in October of 1998. I traveled from San Diego to Seattle and back by train. Rode coach both ways and wished I'd flown back instead. I had layovers in Los Angeles both directions and also a stop in Chico on the way up. Train was 7 hours late getting there because it hit someone on the tracks near Santa Maria. Still a great trip but sleeping on the train in coach was a pain as it was totally packed.

[@ronclark9724]

And most likely the person sitting next to you snored...

[@momodoc]

Inspiring video. I want to take that trip from Eugene, Oregon. You made it look fantastic. Hopefully social experiences improve for you post Covid.

[@jamesking1952]

Another great video, keep up the good work.

[@Likers-jz6ss]

Very lucky p42, p42 #7 was one of 2 engines that took the first alc 42 number 300 to the California Zephyr

[@ronclark9724]

Unfortunately the Mount Shasta area of Northern California is in the middle of the night going southbound, but northbound is in the early morning hours after dawn... Paramount Pictures logo is Mount Shasta...

[@hardstuff57]

Enjoyed this and your other NY to Miami video. Just so you know, Google allows you to store up to 5 omits maps on your phone, so you won’t incur or need a mobile data connection for access.

[@dragon32210]

I like the vegan burger and marshmallow treat from the cafe car

[@theobrattinga500]

Great video !!

[@redlinedreamin]

i love that he's watching star wars while on this trip, and the clone wars of all things :)

[@maulanaakbar5209]

Awesome trip dude

[@vivvar2000]

Beautiful Journey !

[@thatsme9875]

another excellent production, many thanks, I need to do this trip as soon as covid will allow me.

[@josephallard6394]

At 74, I am getting ready to take a cross country (round) trip via the California Zephyr from PDX to Albany, NY and back, on My 5th 2021. Taking coach all the way. You have to be a billionaire to afford a sleeper on such a long trip... @ nearly $3,500... round trip... compared to $577 + meals. Still cheaper than a sleeper. I have done this three times before but by way of the Empire Builder. The California route adds an extra day.

[@ronclark9724]

People spend as much for a one week cruise in a luxury cabin... Think in terms that every night on the train is one less night at a nice hotel... Not a dump, a nice hotel... You will be hard pressed to avoid spending less than $200 per night sleeping and dining in a nice hotel... Your coach fare is very affordable...

[@josephallard6394]

@@ronclark9724 All well and good if I were going to spend my vacation sleeping in a hotel. I am going home to spend six weeks at my brother's home. My home away from home. He doesn't charge me $200 per night eighter. Incidentally, I have never been on a cruise and have no desire to. Too many hidden costs I am told... by a friend who took one. On a side note, this may be the last time my brother(s) and I see each other. Two of us are 73 and 74. The other two are ten years younger. Being 3200 miles apart, along with the pandemic who's to know what the future holds for any of us. Here today, gone tomorrow?!?

[@some_guy_in_earth7075]

Omg what an awesome videos!

[@robyoungquist5803]

As always, Thibault, another outstanding presentation! Looking forward to your California Zephyr review. The scenery on Coast Starlight was amazing. If I were on this trip, though, you’d find me in bedroom accommodation. It is my intention, after Covid, to move from East Coast/ Ft. Lauderdale to Southern California. This will be on my tic list 😉

[@robyoungquist5803]

@Brian Kay ... I’ve been on it twice ... once when it was operated by Santa Fe and was their “Premier” train all deluxe sleepers and once with Amtrak which was just ok

[@percismehta8959]

Nice idea. Next. When I cook chicken i will make Maggi Noodles . It will taste delicious.

[@amcaljosh]

3:48 *the California Zephyr is Chicago to San Francisco. The route you were talking about is the Southwest Chief. Anyways, nice vid!

[@AVeryRandomPerson]

No, the Chief is Chicago-LAUPT.

[@AVeryRandomPerson]

The Zephyr is Chicago-Emeryville

[@Cal90208]

@@AVeryRandomPerson And that is what he said...

[@annwilliams6438]

Nice. Giving the few folks on board the Business class facilities for the normal rate. :)

[@discgolfillustrated2640]

Excellent video, ty👍🏼

[@Busboss1811]

Traditional dining is back on the trips from Chicago westward as of 2022.

[@oskehcat]

I hope showers will be added to maybe some new Superliners? That would be nice...

[@maxmegamax2174]

12:04 "Face covering required" And nobody in that car Is wearing a mask...

[@cocobeanie4704]

Ya idk why they weren’t...

[@asiablack1968]

@@cocobeanie4704 they are stupid humans who don’t give a duck about anyone else

[@anthonyc8248]

I cant wait to move to Portland.

[@danielbliss1988]

Daily frequencies on the long distance trains are coming back in May and June.

[@sandieinatlanta9587]

This was recorded during the beginnings of Covid. Proper dining with Real Food, attendants in business class, and people on the train have all been restored nearly two years later. I am booked on the Zephyr this June and perhaps next year on this train. Thank you for a glimpse at West Coast.

[@atlasdude]

Love your videos Simply Railway. Would you consider putting footage of the destination rail stations in your future videos?

[@BloomInTune]

I would guess that the "too crowded business class" accounts for the requirement to space out seating during this pandemic as well. All the same, your videos always make me excited to travel by train in the future (once I feel it's safe to do so, hopefully in a year's time or so if there's no hiccups). I've traveled by train on my two vacations to date - to Washington DC and to Baltimore - and look forward to more chances going forward. It's also great insight into my overnight options if I take on similar options in my travel.

[@avanb8818]

Your videos are fantastic about these trains In South Africa we have a VERY VERY bad railway system as they steel the rail tracks and the copper cables for the signal system. The say it could take ten years to get the system working properly again

[@deaventuraconkikomas4281]

Hi... Of course Amtrak should offer showers with a fee or something alike for Coach passengers. Last year I did segments of 19 hours on coach and at least a shower one time in the trip will be great to have a more comfortable stay between the starting and ending point of the trip.

[@brookelynrhodes1998]

One day, I need to take the Coast Starlight. I see it stop at the Tacoma Dome Station every time I board the Amtrak Cascades northbound. Being on a train is definitely more scenic than on a plane or a charter bus.

[@brendalogan6281]

did or would you have time at the fresh air stops to buy food in those stations?

[@danielonn2002]

I am going to Lamy NM from San Jose r/t for $246 less than a flight and I did Business Class on the Starlight from LA-San Jose. Its very comfortable like First Class and I have the time to do it!

[@sammy7068]

hello i agree about the dining cars hopefullyl once covid is over they will get tranditonal dinng back. amtrak is pretty cool i traved in cocabhh but some tins u get seat assiments ididn get to sit next to the window which was a downer