We Dined For 35 Hours On Amtrak’s Coast Starlight Train. Here’s What You Should Know

Any adventure requires first navigating the mechanics of transportation. I was more than pleasantly surprised by the inviting ambiance of Union Station in Los Angeles. Absent are the hurried crowds, stressful security lines, and tedious baggage checks of airports. There’s also a private Amtrak lounge at Union Station, which provides eligible passengers with free snacks, drinks, and WiFi access, as well as dedicated attendants to help with reservations, ticketing, and any pertinent information.

While rolling my suitcase over polished tile floors domed by art-paneled ceilings and modern chandeliers, I accepted an offer of free golf-cart-style transportation to the train platform. Boarding is easy, and each passenger, regardless of the type of ticket purchased, can bring two bags and one personal item onboard, with an extra option of checking bulkier items such as skis, golf clubs, or baby gear for a fee.

Since I was there to experience traditional first-class rail dining, I found my way to the sleeper-car section, which comes with complimentary meals in the private dining car. These accommodations comprise two levels of private rooms in each rail car, with five sleeping setups: a roomette, bedroom, accessible bedroom, bedroom suite, and a family room. My car’s room attendant, Santi, greeted arriving passengers, explaining the dining procedures and providing menus for those preferring to have meals delivered to their rooms. Some guests chose this option, at least occasionally, but most wanted the full experience of restaurant-style dining with rolling landscape panoramas.