Adventurous Las Vegans have an opportunity to take advantage of an offbeat, quick, and memorable road & rail weekend along the California coast aboard Amtrak’s Coast Starlight and Pacific Surfliner passenger trains. The road & rail weekend is not about getting anywhere fast, but rather focused on the “journey” as opposed to the “destination”—two forces that often stand in juxtaposition.
On day one of your weekend, plan to leave Las Vegas around 5 a.m. for the four-hour drive to striking Union Station in downtown Los Angeles. Long-term parking is available in the underground garage for $10 per day. The train’s 10:10 a.m. departure will place you in San Luis Obispo around 3:35 p.m.
The Coast Starlight Superliner is a comfortable, double-decker with coach and premium seating, as well as dining and sleeper accommodations. It’s part of Amtrak’s long-distance fleet, offers daily departures between Los Angeles and Seattle, and completes the 1,377-mile overnight route in thirty-six hours. For the roughly two hours of your trip between Ventura and Vandenburg Air Force Base, the Coast Starlight snakes its way north along California’s dramatic Pacific coast, qualifying that segment as one of the longest ocean-view rail lines in America. Views are stupendous.
The train is outfitted with an observation car that features floor-to-ceiling windows, table seating, and individual seating. A partnership between Amtrak and the National Park Service called Rails & Trails, arranges for seasonally-based volunteer docents who travel this most scenic part of the route, providing interpretations of area history and scenic beauty. Expect expert insight to coincide with great views. From Vandenburg, the train turns inland toward your destination.
Coach seating is roomy, providing comfortable, nearly fully reclining seats and ample legroom. Tray tables pull down. Power your devices using personal outlets. For overnight passengers, the Pacific Parlour features premium seating in a lounge with wireless Internet, a full bar, a small library that includes games, and a movie theater. Some will delight in the afternoon wine tasting, All passengers have access to the dining car. It has room for seventy-two at each seating and features a varied menu for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Let the romance of train travel comfort you with a good meal and your favorite libation as the scenery rolls by.
Since the Coast Starlight does not stop in San Luis Obispo on its southbound route until mid-afternoon, on day two, you’ll board the Pacific Surfliner at 6:55 a.m. for your return to Los Angeles. It’s also a double-decker, but only offers coach seating without sleeper, dining or sightseeing car amenities. The Coast Starlight and Pacific Surfliner both offer an on-board snack bar with a limited menu of carry-out items such as soups, sandwiches, sweets and snacks, as well as alcoholic beverages and refreshments.
Scheduled arrival at Union Station is 12:30 p.m. Consider lunch at one of the many Mexican restaurants at historic Olvera Street, the oldest part of the City of Angels, adjacent to the train station. You’ll have plenty of time for the drive back to Las Vegas without feeling rushed.
Reservations on Amtrak must be made prior to departure. Seat assignments are made trackside by an Amtrak agent. Depending on the season and date of booking, the one-way adult fare on the Coast Starlight between Los Angeles and San Luis Obispo costs $39. The return fare on the Pacific Surfliner runs $41. Ticket can be purchased online at www.amtrak.com or by contacting an Amtrak customer care agent at 1-800-268-7252.