The train journey with the Coast Starlight

Yesterday we arrived in the late evening after 33 hours with the Coast Starlight. 

The route runs from L.A. to Seattle and has numerous stops in between, such as Santa Barbara, San Francisco, Sacramento, Portland and many more. We drive through three states of the USA: California, Oregon and Washington.

At the beginning, we drove directly along the west coast. Later, the train passed through forests, valleys, and other landscapes.

Of course, we were on the road for a longer time than if we had flown. But the train journey was both cheaper and truly worth seeing.

We experienced everything from water and waves to wide grasslands and snow-covered forests, and stretches along rivers and lakes.

Our seats were in the upper section of the two-storey train. Especially at the beginning of our train journey, time flew by very quickly. The seats were comfortable, wide, and offered extra legroom. Since we were sitting in the last train compartment, we also didn't have any "through traffic" and could observe the surroundings from the window of the rear door.

Two compartments further down, there was a small kiosk in the lower area where you could buy snacks and drinks. The upper area of this compartment was particularly nice: it had seats that were turned towards the window and also had high windows, so you could observe the surroundings particularly well.

In addition, the dining car came after two more compartments. We had breakfast here on the second day.

As I said, the journey went by particularly quickly at the beginning because there was a lot to see in nature and the cities.

The night was a bit more exhausting. Although you could recline the seats far back and fold up a footrest, it was so cold in our compartment that I really froze. There was no blanket, so we had to cover ourselves with our jackets.

During breakfast, we got to know an older couple a few compartments away. They had a cabin with beds. It definitely sounded comfortable. The breakfast was pretty good. Definitely better than on the plane.

In some cities, the train made a slightly longer stop. Then you could also stretch your legs outside the train on the platform. The further north it went, the colder it became.

On the second day, we traveled through the snow-covered mountains. Suddenly, we emerged from a tunnel and a winter wonderland with snow-covered fir trees and tracks began around us.

When we arrived in Seattle in the evening, we walked to the hostel together with Trisha, who was also on our train. It's great that the hostel is only a few minutes' walk from the train station.

The train journey was truly something special. Since there was no Wi-Fi here, we were not reachable for 33 hours, with a few exceptions when we could catch Wi-Fi at a train station.

For example, at the beginning I used the time to write my report about L.A., later to read a book, chat with Julian, and simply observe the surroundings.

Such a train journey is definitely very relaxing. Next time, though, I will remember to bring a blanket!

Now Seattle is going to be explored before we take the bus to Vancouver in a few days. So the last days in the USA are about to begin.