I am from Australia and am cosidering catching the train from Los Angeles to Sanfransisco while on holidays. Does anyone know if the service is reliable and comfortable. I've checked out the amtrak site and noticed there are a few changes to get to sanfran' . Ideally I would like to catch a sleeper train but it doesn't appear as though ther is one available. Any assistance would be appreciated.

Thanks Allan

Allan, I would fly. It's cheap and quick. Amtrak is pretty notorious for poor service and being late. However, if you're determined to take the train then it's not a bad trip as it's short.

SueAnn, thanks for responding, I just had a thought, is the bus service any better. The reason I'm not keen on flying is I'm a keen photographer and will have unprocessed film with me which I don't want put through airport scanners.

Thanks again

I, too, would fly. I think film can go through scanners.

Unless you film is over 1000 asa the scanners won't hurt it. It is multiple exposures that are a problem - an around the world trip with 7 stops - worry; one hop from LAX to SFO - don't worry. For this route, flying is cheaper and faster.

Janis, this would not be my only flight and therefore trying to eliminate as many scans as possible.With the events of sept 11 last year, carry on luggage scanners apparently have been upgraded and the fuji and kodak websites indicate that any film 400 and above can be affected by carry on luggage scanners. The other thing to consider is that random checks using high power ctx-5000 scanners (previously only used for check in luggage only )are now being carried out on 'carry on luggage' in the united states. If your film is zapped by one of these, then you can kiss your film goodbye. It has been mentioned to place your film in a clear plastic bag and have the film hand inspected. Unfortunately airport security staff in the usa will not necessarily allow this and you may get the response "place your film through the scanner or your not getting on the plane."
I know that catching a plane would be the most convenient, comfortable and quickest, but does anyone have any bad experiences using the train or bus.

Thanks Allan

All my years in California I still have never done the LA-SF Coast Starlight. Many have sold me how beautiful the trip is. Unless there are some tracks under construction or washed out, I know of no tranfers required on that trip (except for the brief bus ride from Oakland to SF -- Amtrak trains don't actually go into SF side of the bay). You should try it. Have you looked at this site?

http://www.amtrak.com/trains/coaststarlight.html

If you have, and it hasn't answered your questions to satisfaction, try emailing or calling them.

Sorry, I failed Proofreading 101.

Allan, you have touched on a sore point with us Californians, because we desperately need a high speed train from Los Angeles to the SF bay area! If you take the train it will be more expensive than a one way ticket on Southwest Airlines, and it will take a long time. Check out the link Michael has provided, I believe the journey is around 9-10 hours. Even with the extra security measures at the airports it would be quicker to fly. Don't know what you can do about the film though. If you put it in a lead-lined film bag would they have to hand inspect it??

TRAIN? Why? Why, when you can fly into San Jose, the BEST airport on the planet. We have coca-cola flowing out of our water fountains, we give everyone dollar bills as they get off the plane, and free gold bars as you head to your rental car. Make sure to visit our TWO museums, of course. I wont list them because I have many times in other threads. Or go to the SoFA area (not like a SOFA where you sit, but a made up geographical locale) and bar hop amongst our 4 bars. They close at 10pmm though. Finally, DRIVE to LA. Avoid the train, because I don't think San Jose makes any money on that deal, and it wouldn't help me and my position here. After all, I'm MR. SAN JOSE!

Thanks for the responses, am checking out the starlight at the moment. Susan have enquired about lead lined bags, but am told that if they can't see through the bag the machine is turned up until they do see something,(probably worse for the film than if were out of the bag)after all there is nothing to say you don't have a gun in the bag. Thanks again for the responses

Allan

Allan,
We live in L.A., and I have taken the Coast Starlight twice. If I remember correctly, it leaves L.A. union station (terrific station!) at around 9 a.m. and passes some of the most gorgeous scenery you can imagine (not to mention the nude beach south of Santa Barbara!). Until it heads inland, the train hugs the coast from Ventura County. The downside of the trip is that it takes forever, and frequently experiences delays. Also, you end up, as another poster mentioned, in Oakland, and then board a bus to the Mission District in San Francisco. On one occasion, we did not arrive in San Francisco until midnight. Meanwhile, my husband drove up with some friends visiting from England, and they arrived hours before we did.
Considering the length of the trip, if you drive, I would suggest hiring a car and driving if you want to avoid the plane. On Highway 5, you will get there is about 6 1/2 hours, on Highway 101, it will take about 8 hours, and on Highway 1 (the most scenic), it will take about 10 hours (including time to stop and take photos of the incredible scenery). If you leave L.A. early enough, you could stop (if you're taking highway 1) in Big Sur for lunch (at Nepenthe), or in Carmel. You might even want to break up the trip and spend the night in Carmel or Monterey, giving you even more photo-ops.
Shannon

TAKE THE TRAIN--
Scenery is beautiful with great views from the vista dome car,seats are comfortable,food good and has snack bar. I have done that trip 3-4 times. On time 2 trips but even then only one hour off schedule. Bus leaves from Oakland station to take you to San Francisco. It is a "slow" trip so if you are in a hurry---Fly.

We did Amtrak's Coast Starlight in 1998 and absolutely loved it! (You might do a search here on Fodors - one poster who took it last year had a bad experience, but then...that's travel: win some/lose some).

If you are 'seeing' America AND interested in photography, I can't imagine a better experience than the CS. We did an "interrupted" trip, getting off in Santa Barbara for about a week of family visitng, etc. before re-boarding at Sacramento to resume the journey all the way to Seattle. Even tho we were not spending our first nite on the train, we booked a compartment - traveling 1st class gives you access to a wonderful observation car, and your meals in the dining car are included. I hope you choose the train route...also, train passengers are very friendly - just seems to go with the territory.

I agree with above, the train is worth the extra time it will take. You will see things you miss from the freeways, seats are comfortable, food is ok, and you arrive relaxed! Good luck!

Allan - As others said I would go with the train especially since you are into photography. Again this is suppose to be one of the most beautiful areas viewed by train. Plane is fast, but your on vacation.

On the site Michael gave you the area that says arrival and departure info - click there and check the arrival times of the train in the last week - I check for Mar 12 and one portion was 20 min early, another was 17 min late!
I hope you choose the train - great experience

I have taken the Coast Starlight twice now. It leaves LA in the morning and arrives in San Jose about 5 pm. Then it goes over to Oakland. You could stay on until Oakland and take the BART over to SF or you could get off in San Jose and drive to SF. If you like traveling by train, it's a nice one, one of the best of Amtrak. You can get on and off if you wish---a nice place to stop is San Luis Obispo, rent a car and see a bit of the Central Coast, then continue on the train the next day about 3 pm. Good food service and usually fairly on time, but there are always glitches. Flying on SWA would be the fastest and cheapest (but again they don't go to SFO, you'll have to go to San Jose or Oakland) or driving will give you the most flexibility (takes about 7-8 hours on the inland 101, not the coast road). There are beautiful views on the train around Pt. Concepcion which you can't see from a car. The sleeper part is from Emeryville (near SF) up through Oregon to Seattle, not on the LA/SF leg.

BTW, do NOT take a bus!!! Ugly!

Allan,
We, too, are Australian and took the Coast Starlight last year. It was a great trip and we would thoroughly recommend it.

If you have the time and don't mind the long ride, take the Coast Starlight. I'm going to San Luis Obispo soon and I will be booking the trip on Coast Starlight. It's an enjoyable ride. I took this train by chance when I went to the mid state fair a couple of years ago. It was one of the most enjoyable rides I've ever taken on the train.
So go!! You'll enjoy the ride and the scenery (see if you can a window seat on the ocean side of the train).