I'm thinking of giving my parents a trip on the Coast Starlighter from San Diego to Vancouver, B.C. for their 50th anniversary. I'd appreciate any opinions from those who have taken this trip.

That is a LONG trip....I went from Oakland to Seattle--took 24 hrs.This train is noted for NOT being on time.The trip would be great but not on coach. Sometype of "sleeper" includes meals and afternoon refreshments in the lounge car.If either one of your parents have an impatient disposition...forget it!! I enjoyed the trip because I was going just for the experience: food was good,employees very gracious and scenery was wonderful..

It used to be that the train originated in Seattle and L.A., so you'll want to check that out.

I took the Coast Starlight 2 years ago from LA to Seattle. We had a sleeper car. Beautiful scenery that you would not witness from a car. It took a day and a half. Food was first-rate. We walked back to the coach section - wouldn't go that route...sleeping upright with a lot of noisy people. We had porter that waited on our every need! Yes, the trains can be somewhat late, that's because the freight trains have right-of-way. Regardless, it was a wonderful experience.

I have taken that train from Sacramento to Seattle in the winter. The scenery was fantastic! Especially through Oregon. The food was very good - I was really surprised, and the service was excellent. While walking through the train, I noticed that some of the cars were hot, some warm and some downright cold. Luck of the draw, I guess. I would do this trip again. Check on the Seattle to Vancouver part of the trip. Sometimes parts of AmTrack "train" trips are actually on buses! Congratulations to your parents.

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