How to Travel from San Francisco. You are sitting in a glass domed observation car. The Pacific Ocean crashes against cliffs on your left. Forested mountains rise on your right. A stranger across the aisle points out a pod of dolphins. Another passenger pours you a cup of free coffee.
This is not a dream. This is the Coast Starlight.
Flying from San Francisco to Seattle takes two hours. Driving takes fifteen. But the train? The train takes 22 hours of pure, unhurried magic. You watch the landscape change from California chaparral to Oregon forests to Washington’s Puget Sound. You eat breakfast with a view of Mount Shasta. You fall asleep to the rocking of the rails. How to Travel from San Francisco
If you are wondering how to travel from San Francisco to Seattle by train , you have come to the right place. I have ridden the Coast Starlight three times. I have made the mistakes so you do not have to.
Let me walk you through everything: tickets, routes, what to pack, and how to make the most of one of America’s last great train journeys.
The Train Coast Starlight How to Travel from San Francisco
Operator:Â Amtrak
Route:Â Los Angeles to Seattle (the San Francisco to Seattle segment is the northern half)
Frequency:Â One train per day (departs daily)
Duration:Â 21 hours 45 minutes (scheduled) expect 22 to 24 hours with delays
The basic stats How to Travel from San Francisco
- Distance:Â 783 miles (San Francisco to Seattle)
- Top speed:Â 79 mph (slower than driving, but you are not driving)
- Stops:Â 15 stations between San Francisco and Seattle
- Cost:Â $80 to $300 depending on class and booking time
The catch: The train does not actually go through San Francisco. It stops in Emeryville , just across the Bay Bridge. But Amtrak runs a free connecting bus from San Francisco (more on that below). How to Travel from San Francisco
Getting How to Travel from San Francisco to the Train
The Coast Starlight does not serve San Francisco directly. The nearest station is Emeryville (10 miles east, near Berkeley).
How to get to Emeryville from San Francisco
Amtrak Thruway Bus How to Travel from San Francisco
- Cost:Â Included in your train ticket (free)
- Pickup:Â San Francisco Ferry Building (near the historic clock tower) or Fisherman’s Wharf (at the Amtrak stop on Mason Street)
- Drop off:Â Emeryville Station (direct connection to the train)
- Duration:Â 30 to 45 minutes (depends on traffic)
- How to Travel from San Francisco
Pro tip: The bus drops you right at the station platform. You walk 50 feet from the bus to the train. No dragging luggage through a city.
BART How to Travel from San Francisco
- Cost:Â $5 to $10 (separate from train ticket)
- Route:Â BART from San Francisco (any station) to MacArthur Station (Oakland), then transfer to the free Emeryville Go around shuttle
- Duration:Â 45 t0 60 minutes How to Travel from San Francisco
Rideshare How to Travel from San Francisco
- Cost:Â $25 to $40 (depends on demand)
- Duration:Â 25 to 40 minutes
My recommendation:Â Take the Amtrak Thruway bus. It is free, easy, and drops you exactly where you need to be. How to Travel from San Francisco
Booking Your Ticket How to Travel from San Francisco
The Coast Starlight has three classes. Here is the honest breakdown.
Coach Class How to Travel from San Francisco
Cost:Â $80 to $120 (one way)
Seats:Â Wide, reclining leather seats with footrests (similar to first class on an airplane)
Amenities:Â Access to the observation car (glass dome), cafe car, and free coffee/tea
How to Travel from San Francisco
Who it is for: Budget travelers, solo adventurers, anyone who can sleep sitting up
The sleeping reality: The seats recline far (further than any airplane) and have leg rests. Bring a neck pillow and an eye mask. I have slept in coach multiple times. It is not a bed, but it works.
Pro tip: Book a seat on the left side of the train (west facing). That is the ocean side between San Francisco and Santa Barbara. The views are better.
Business Class How to Travel from San Francisco
Cost:Â $150 to $200 (one way)
Seats:Â Same as coach but with more legroom and guaranteed window or aisle
Amenities:Â Observation car access, cafe car, plus a free nonalcoholic drink
Who it is for: Travelers who want a guaranteed seat location (coach can be crowded in summer)
Is it worth it? For the Coast Starlight, not really. Coach is fine. Save the $50 for meals in the dining car.
Sleeping Accommodations How to Travel from San Francisco
Cost:Â $300 to $800 (one way) How to Travel from San Francisco
Room types:Â Roomette (fits 2), Bedroom (fits 2, private bathroom), Family Bedroom (fits 4)
Amenities How to Travel from San Francisco
- A real bed (converted from seats)
- All meals included in the dining car
- Complimentary coffee, juice, and bottled water
- Shower access (in the bedroom, shared for roomette)
Who it is for: Couples on a romantic trip, older travelers, anyone who needs a full night’s sleep
Is it worth it? For a 22 hour trip, yes, if you can afford it. The dining car meals alone are worth $50 per person. And waking up in a bed as the sun rises over the Cascades? Magic. How to Travel from San Francisco
Booking tip: Book roomettes 6+ months in advance. They sell out quickly, especially for summer and fall foliage season.
The Coast Starlight Schedule How to Travel from San Francisco
The train runs once daily in each direction. Here is the northbound schedule (San Francisco to Seattle).
| Station | Arrive | Depart | Stop Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco (bus) | N/A | 8:30 AM | N/A |
| Emeryville (train) | 9:05 AM | 9:15 AM | 10 min |
| Martinez | 9:48 AM | 9:53 AM | 5 min |
| Davis | 10:35 AM | 10:40 AM | 5 min |
| Sacramento | 11:09 AM | 11:29 AM | 20 min (long stop) |
| Redding | 4:01 PM | 4:04 PM | 3 min |
| Dunsmuir | 5:11 PM | 5:13 PM | 2 min (smoke break) |
| Klamath Falls (OR) | 7:40 PM | 7:45 PM | 5 min |
| Chemult (OR) | 9:27 PM | 9:29 PM | 2 min |
| Eugene (OR) | 12:08 AM | 12:28 AM | 20 min |
| Portland (OR) | 6:05 AM | 6:35 AM | 30 min |
| Seattle (WA) | 9:45 AM | N/A | N/A |
Important note:Â All times are Pacific Time. The train runs late sometimes (freight traffic). Do not book critical connections within 2 hours of arrival. How to Travel from San Francisco
What to Expect Onboard How to Travel from San Francisco
The Observation Car How to Travel from San Francisco
This is the heart of the Coast Starlight. Floor to ceiling windows curve into the ceiling. Swivel chairs face every direction. You can sit here for hours, watching the world slide by.
Unwritten rules How to Travel from San Francisco
- Do not save seats (it is shared space)
- Keep phone calls short (people come here for quiet)
- Offer to share your table (strangers become friends)
Best seats:Â The forward facing chairs on the lower level. You feel like you are driving the train.
The Dining Car How to Travel from San Francisco
The Coast Starlight has a full service dining car (for sleeping car passengers) and a cafe car (for everyone).
Cafe car menu How to Travel from San Francisco
- Breakfast: Bagels ($3), oatmeal ($4), coffee ($2.50)
- Lunch: Sandwiches ($8 to $10), hot dogs ($5), chips ($2)
- Dinner: Microwaveable burgers ($9), pizza ($7)
- Beer and wine ($7 to $9)
Dining car (sleeping car passengers only) How to Travel from San Francisco
- Three course meals served at your table
- Real plates, real silverware, real food
- Breakfast: Omelets, pancakes, fruit ($20 value, free with sleeper)
- Lunch: Burgers, salads, sandwiches ($25 value, free)
- Dinner: Steak, salmon, pasta ($35 value, free)
Pro tip: Even in coach, you can eat in the dining car if there is space. Ask the dining car steward when you board. It costs extra ($20–$40 per meal) but is worth it for the experience.
The Cafe Car How to Travel from San Francisco
This is where you buy snacks, drinks, and microwaved meals. The coffee is surprisingly good (free refills if you buy a cup). The staff is friendly.
Budget hack:Â Bring your own food. The cafe car allows outside food. A loaf of bread, some cheese, and an apple cost $10 and feed you for two meals. How to Travel from San Francisco
The Scenic Highlights How to Travel from San Francisco
The Coast Starlight follows the Pacific Ocean, climbs through forests, and skirts volcanoes. Here is when to be in the observation car.
San Francisco Bay to Martinez How to Travel from San Francisco
What you see:Â The Bay Bridge, the San Francisco skyline, the Carquinez Strait, and the Benicia Martinez Bridge.
Best seat: Left side (west). The train runs along the bay.
Pro tip: Do not sleep through this. The departure from Emeryville is spectacular on clear days.
Mount Shasta How to Travel from San Francisco
What you see: Mount Shasta (14,179 feet) rising from the forest. On clear days, it dominates the horizon for 30 minutes.
Best seat:Â Right side (east). The mountain is on the east side of the tracks. How to Travel from San Francisco
Pro tip: The train stops in Dunsmuir (5:11 PM). You can step off the train for 2 minutes (smoke break). Stretch your legs. Breathe the mountain air.
click for more: Best Places to Visit in Northern Florida Away from Crowds
Cascade Mountains
The bad news: The best part of the Oregon Cascades happens after dark. You cross the summit around midnight.
The good news: On the southbound trip (Seattle to San Francisco), the Cascades are during daylight. Consider a round trip or southbound one-way for mountain views.
Columbia River Gorge How to Travel from San Francisco
What you see: The Columbia River at dawn. The sun rises over the gorge, lighting up the cliffs and waterfalls.
Best seat: Left side (west). The river is on your left heading north.
Pro tip: Wake up for this. Set an alarm for 5:30 AM. The sunrise over the gorge is worth the lost sleep.
Puget Sound How to Travel from San Francisco
What you see: The sound, the Olympic Mountains, and the Seattle skyline. The train hugs the shoreline for the final 30 miles.
Best seat:Â Left side (west). The water is on your left. How to Travel from San Francisco
Pro tip: Start packing 1 hour before arrival. The train pulls into King Street Station right on time (usually). You do not want to be that person dragging luggage through the aisle.
What to Pack for 22 Hours on a Train
Essentials How to Travel from San Francisco
- Neck pillow (coach passengers do not skip this)
- Eye mask and earplugs (the train is noisy at night)
- Power strip (outlets are limited a power strip makes you a hero)
- Snacks and drinks (the cafe car is overpriced)
- Entertainment (books, downloaded movies, podcasts cell service is spotty)
Nice to have How to Travel from San Francisco
- Blanket or travel sheet (the train can get cold at night)
- Slippers (shoes off = more comfortable)
- Deck of cards (make friends in the observation car)
- Camera (zoom lens for Mount Shasta)
Leave at home How to Travel from San Francisco
- Large suitcases (store on lower level, but dragging them is a hassle)
- Scented products (small spaces, strong smells)
- Alcohol (allowed in private rooms only, not in coach)
Arriving in Seattle How to Travel from San Francisco
Location: 303 S Jackson St, Seattle (right in Pioneer Square)
What to do upon arrival How to Travel from San Francisco
- Grab a coffee at the station (Caffe Vita inside)
- Walk 5 minutes to the Seattle Light Rail (connects to the airport, Capitol Hill, UW)
- Walk 10 minutes to the Seattle Waterfront (the ferries, aquarium, and Great Wheel)
Pro tip: The station has free luggage storage (first-come, first-served). Explore Seattle for a few hours before checking into your hotel.
Nearby attractions How to Travel from San Francisco
- Pioneer Square:Â Historic district, underground tours, art galleries
- Waterfront:Â 10 minute walk, great for photos of the skyline
- International District:Â 5 minute walk, amazing dumplings and noodles
Budget Breakdown How to Travel from San Francisco
| Expense | Cost |
|---|---|
| Train ticket (coach, booked 2 months in advance) | $90 |
| Food (bring your own + one cafe car meal) | $20 |
| Amtrak Thruway bus (free with ticket) | $0 |
| Total one-way | $110 |
Compare to flying:Â A one way flight from San Francisco to Seattle is $80 to $150. Add $30 to get to the airport, $40 for a checked bag, and $15 for airport food. Train is competitive on price and wildly better on experience.
Coast Starlight vs. Driving vs. Flying
| Factor | Train (Coast Starlight) | Driving (I-5) | Flying |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration | 22 hours | 14 to 16 hours | 2 hours + airport time |
| Cost | $80–$300 | $150 (gas + wear) | $80 to $200 |
| Scenery | 10/10 (ocean, mountains, forests) | 4/10 (mostly farmland and freeway) | 0/10 (clouds) |
| Stress level | 1/10 (sit back, relax) | 8/10 (traffic, road rage) | 6/10 (security, delays) |
| Social | High (observation car conversations) | Low (just you) | None (headphones on) |
The verdict: Take the train for the journey. Fly for the destination. Drive if you need a car in Seattle.
Conclusion
We are obsessed with speed. Flights that take two hours. Highways that prioritize getting there over being there.
The Coast Starlight is the antidote. It forces you to slow down. To watch the landscape change from city to farmland to forest to mountain. To talk to strangers. To eat a meal while Mount Shasta drifts past your window. How to Travel from San Francisco
Is it the fastest way from San Francisco to Seattle? No. Is it the best way? Absolutely.
So book the ticket. Pack the snacks. Settle into the observation car. And let the rhythm of the rails remind you why travel used to be an adventure, not just a commute.
Have you ridden the Coast Starlight? Drop your tips in the comments. And if this guide helped, share it with a friend who needs to slow down.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is the Coast Starlight train comfortable?
Very. The seats are wide and recline far. The observation car is a highlight. It is more comfortable than a plane or bus.
How long does it take to go from San Francisco to Seattle by train?
Scheduled for 21 hours 45 minutes. Plan for 22 to 24 hours with delays. Freight traffic is common in Oregon.
Is the Coast Starlight safe?
 Yes. Amtrak trains are very safe. There are conductors and attendants onboard. Keep your valuables with you (do not leave them in the observation car).
Can I work on the train?
 Possibly. There are outlets at each seat, but Wi-Fi is unreliable (cell service is spotty in the mountains). Download everything you need before boarding.
What is the best time of year to take this train?
Fall (September to October) for golden forests and Mount Shasta with snow. Spring (April to May) for wildflowers and fewer crowds. Avoid winter (December to February) snow delays are common.
How far in advance should I book?
2 to 3 months for coach. 6+ months for roomettes (they sell out fast). Prices double in the last 2 weeks before departure.