Extended Rail Trip from Los Angeles to Seattle Spans Over 35 Hours
Rewritten Output:
Hopping on a plane might be faster, but there's something special about choosing to embark on a 35-hour train ride like Julien James did, traversing from Los Angeles to Seattle aboard Amtrak's Coast Starlight. As the train wheels northwards, fall's gentle nip takes over summer's warmth, treating passengers to breathtaking landscapes of the Pacific coast and the Cascade Range.
Julien James didn't approach this journey with journalistic intentions; he simply felt a strong desire to take the train. For many, a lengthy train trip might seem daunting, but Julien loved the idea of doing "nothing, but also doing something at the same time." He sought the "weird liminal space of moving forward, but staying stationary."
Life on a long-haul sleeper train is shared and communal, away from one's berth. You're bound to find yourself seated next to a complete stranger, having conversations that you wouldn't ordinarily engage in. Julien reflects on this: "The beautiful thing about the train is that everyone is a stranger until they're not."
One memorable moment for Julien was a 6:15am breakfast with a fellow passenger—somewhere between waking and sunrise—overlooking Mt Shasta's peak bathing in the early morning light. Their conversation began in quiet reflection, but soon blossomed into thoughtful, unexpected, and profound sharing.
The Coast Starlight's cars function as incredible arenas for people-watching, with overheard snippets of conversations and observed gestures providing ample entertainment. Julien spent time observing from the observation car, lit up by daybreak streaming through expansive windows, as they slowly trudged through Oregon. A retired teacher on her way to visit her son in Eugene, a Canadian traveler en route to see old friends, and Julien—three strangers moving alongside one another. Their conversations revolved around parenting, ideologies, and the art of wandering, mirroring the train's meandering path.
Julien filled his journal with musings and fleeting feelings, such as:
The Amtrak Coast Starlight invites travelers to bask in the journey. The energy is tranquil, the experience low-key. Julien saw it as a reminder of the beauty in stillness and the power of observation. This is a deliberate decision to slow down and appreciate the road instead of solely focusing on the destination.
[En Route: People-Watching and Connecting]Traveling aboard the Coast Starlight is often described as a unique blend of scenic beauty, communal interaction, and contemplative solitude. The cozy, communal areas cultivate unexpected conversations, with fellow passengers bonding over shared stories and various subjects.For example, Julien experienced a profound "breakfast between sleep and sunrise," sharing silent observations of Mt. Shasta with a fellow traveler, before their conversation evolved into meaningful dialogue. The train's warm staff, such as Maureen, frequently contribute to the familial atmosphere, playing a role in forging connections among passengers.
In addition to shared stories, the liminal space of the train encourages people-watching and overhearing fragments of life stories. The train ride offers a unique balance of solitude and social energy, turning the environment into a form of passive storytelling. This blend is highlighted by TikTok creators and bloggers, who often document their travels on the Coast Starlight,ers, who often document their travels on the Coast Starlight, highlighting the solitude and social energy it offers.
[Practical Insights from Riders]Traveling on the Coast Starlight can be an immersive and rewarding experience. However, there are a few practical aspects to consider:
- Cost considerations: Roomette prices can vary significantly, ranging from $500 to $800+ based on booking timing [1].
- Amenities: In-train WiFi is absent, offering an opportunity for a digital detox. Although phone signals generally persist for most routes, reception can be spotty at times [1].
- Dining: Meals receive mixed reviews, with some impressive breakfasts and entrees, but the steak frequently faces criticism [1][2].
The Amtrak Coast Starlight presents passengers with an opportunity to embark on a consciously slow journey, prioritizing connection and introspection amid ever-changing landscapes. Whether through shared meals or quiet observation, the experience compels travelers to appreciate the beauty of human connection and the power of observation.
- The train journey, as experienced by James, offers a unique blend of introspection and interaction, where strangers become acquaintances and conversation topics range from parenting to ideologies.
- As the train traverses the Cascade Range and Pacific coast, it provides a perfect canvas for observation, with scenes of starlight, mountaintops, and coastal landscapes, likely inspiring James to reflect upon life and its meaning.
- Given the communal atmosphere on the Coast Starlight, travelers might find themselves engaging in profound conversations with fellow passengers, but should also consider the expense of roomette reservations, the absence of in-train WiFi, and the mixed reviews on dining services when planning their lifestyle adventure on this long-haul train ride.
