After travelling VIA Rail across Canada we were curious about train travel in the USA. We decided to book passage on some Amtrack trains. We travelled south from Vancouver, B.C. to Sacramento, California in mid-November. We stopped along the route by booking three separate segments. We travelled in coach, business and sleeper classes during the three segments.

Vancouver to Seattle Segment

We boarded the Amtrack Cascades Train in Vancouver, British Columbia. We arrived one hour before departure and our Nexus card allowed us to board with Business class passengers even though we had Coach seats.

Learn more about Nexus membership in our post: https://lifeafter50travel.net/2024/10/16/we-love-the-convenience-of-our-nexus-card/

There was no assigned seating so being first on the train meant we could pick the right side (water view) of the train with a good window seat for the trip south. 15 minutes before departure, we were notified that our bid to upgrade to business class was accepted. We moved to the business class car for the 4h journey. 

The train was comfortable and business class was less busy than the coach car which we enjoyed. The route took us along the coast. We watched seabirds and enjoyed the ocean views. We observed blue herons fishing and other seabirds.

Border patrol boarded the train at Bellingham and quickly and efficiently checked our passports without incident.

We stayed in Seattle for two nights and explored the downtown core.

Seattle to Portland Segment

We selected coach class tickets for the 4-hour trip to Portland. We learned to get our assigned seats with the Amtrack attendant before boarding. Amtrack’s Starlight Trains are double-deckers and we had assigned seats upstairs. Our seats were spacious, fully reclining seats with footrests. The observation car and cafe were conveniently located in the adjacent car. They provided great views of the passing landscapes. This was a very comfortable coach class experience. Our time in Portland was short but we enjoyed the city.

Portland to Sacramento

We booked a roomette for this segment and were considered business class passengers. This meant we enjoyed the lounge while we waited for the train. It was very comfortable and we enjoyed the snacks and coffee. Once on the train, we ate in the dining car and had great service. Our roomette contained two tiny single berths and a sliding door provided privacy. It was much smaller than the berth or the room on VIA. We were on the train for one night so it worked out well. We arrived on time in Sacramento and quickly detrained. Our hotel was a short walk from the station.

How Did It Compare to VIA?

The Amtrack trains were newer than VIA’s Canadian. Coach travel on the Starlight train was more comfortable and had more features. We liked the observation cars and the Canadian landscapes experienced with VIA better than Amtrack’s observation car. All Amtrack and VIA staff we encountered were friendly and helpful.

When booked in sleeper class we preferred VIA’s service over Amtrack’s. The dining car meals, wait staff and food quality were better on VIA. Our berth area was larger and more private. The VIA was more costly but had fewer passengers. If I were travelling south to Los Angeles on the Amtrack Starlight I think I would go coach class and not book a roomette.

Read more about our VIA Rail experience post here.

Our post about our time in Seattle, Portland and Sacramento (along the Amtrack route) is next week’s post!