For peope with Coast Starlight Amtrak experience-first, how is the upper level different from the lower level?

Question

in coach seating-what are the pros and cons of upper versus lower? Next question is, they require reservations, but are these trains actually filled up-or can I just show up at the train station and get a ticket-as in, reserve then and there? Or would that adversely effect my fare? My sense is that there would always be room on the trains as train travel in the U.S. isn't what it is in Europe (wish it was, then there'd be lots of trains available!)

Answer 1

If you are traveling South on the Coast Starlight, get a seat on the right side. The view  just north of Santa Barbara is spectacular. If you are a regular AMTRAKer, try the Empire Builder from Seattle to Chicago. It beat Canada's VIA and a helluva lot cheaper.

Answer 2

The Coast Starlight is one of the few runs that makes money.  It is popular and used by many.  I would recommend advance reservations, specially if traveling over a holiday.

"Upstairs" is where the people have their seats, dining facilities and lounge car.  The lower levels contain the snack bar and sitting rooms for conversation, card games, etc.

I don't have any info for you regarding roomettes or cabins.  Sorry...............

Have a safe trip.

Answer 3

Like hoghead said most of the seating is upstairs and the view is much better from there

Answer 4

Generally they seat you upstairs in coach.  They tend to put wheelchair and movement-impaired people on the lower deck, because it's near the door.  That's not a hard-and-fast rule; you could probably get a lower level seat if you asked.    The view is slightly better from the upper level, but the sensation of speed is greater on the lower deck.

You can check it out for yourself, as the lounge has both a lower and upper deck.   You are allowed to be in the lounge anytime you like, all day if you prefer.

Yes, you want to be on the WEST side of the Coast Starlight between SLO and L.A, and San Jose and Martinez.   Other places it doesn't matter so much.   If your coach seat is on the east side, then be in the lounge during that part of the trip.

Does the Starlight require reservations?  This is the third time you've asked that question!  Did you perhaps not like the other answers?   Well, then, how about I give you an answer I know you'll like.  It's cool.  The Coast Starlight is an unreserved train.  You can just show up anytime you like and ride.  It's never full, so that's not a problem.  Also, it always runs on time.  Hope you enjoyed this answer!

Seriously the Coast Starlight is *still* all-reserved.  You can make a reservation right up to train time, so your wanderlust is impeded only by the possibility of the train being sold out.  However the train often sells out.  

Why, if American trains are so unpopular compared to Europe?  Because as few riders as want to ride, we have even fewer trains. See these pictures?

http://tinyurl.com/2hazct

http://tinyurl.com/2h895f

Those are the "dead lines" of damaged Amtrak cars needing heavy repair or overhaul.  Waiting for Congress to vote money for their repair.   Amtrak loses a few every year  and it's starting to really hurt.

Answer 5

it depends on the season the starlight is a reserved

train but you can receive your seat at the train station when you

arrive to get your ticket..(or you can do it by phone )

most seating is upper level (sometimes the disable rooms

seats are on the lower portion of the car

there should be some seats on the train (unless you are traveling over the Thanksgiving Holiday then they get swamped)

lots of time due to freight traffic the Starlight train

runs sometimes 2 to 7 or more hours late..

thats how its gets its nickname star LATE

all ABOARD NOW!

note if you are just traveling from Los Angeles to San Luis

Obispo you do have an alternate train  Amtrak's Pacific surfliners they operate quite frequently  Santa Barbara to San Diego (via Los Angeles)

and these trains are all unreserved trains (unless you want

their business class service)