I took Amtrak my first and last trip. Value is not there. Too expensive for what you get. The worst are employees. Couldn't believe the rudeness. They are rude even in lounges at the stations. Funny how they have tip jars. They make between $700-$800 on 24 hour trip where 8 hours they are just sleeping. And yet they want to be tipped. Never again. read more

This review has to do with the train itself. It does not reflect the good service I had on the train. We booked a 1 Room sleeping car on the Coast Starlight. This room was $1300 for 2 people and came with a private bathroom. The train is very old & the entire room was the size of a closet. The sleeping quarters were unbelievable uncomfortable. And two people could not comfortably fit in the bed down below so one had to sleep in the bunk bed where your face is 6 in. from the ceiling and if you're over 6 ft tall you have to sleep in fetal position. There is no room to move. The toilet backed up. The air conditioner/heater didn't work properly. The one chair in the room was broken. Since I came home yesterday, I am still trying to get a hold of Amtrak to get compensated since this room wasn't all that was advertised. The reason I'm giving it 2 stars is because the service was very good. The people working on the train were very nice. But I can honestly say it was one of the worst vacations of my life. And I will NEVER overnight stay on a train again. read more

This Amtrak station is beautiful. It is pretty clean considering how many people travel through here daily. There are "regulars" who camp here, but security does a decent job of keeping them chill. I'm here often to ride the coast starlight 11 and 14 trains, so I know several of the workers and regulars. read more

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This review is for travel that occurred in late Dec, 2024. I really like the Diridon Amtrak Station, it is an historical building. It is always clean and safe. Food and drinks are available to purchase and there is plenty of room to sit. Unfortunately, overnight parking is not available at the Diridon Amtrak Station. Connect to Diridon Station via the Green Line from other locations, including the airport, via the Metro/Airport Station. Or, pay to park at a nearby garage that has a free shuttle. read more

I received exceptional customer service from Salvador regarding my ticket purchase. I will definitely come back here for my next Amtrak trip! read more

Customer service is amazing, I had to cancer reservation and gave me a full refund hassle free

this review is an overall review for all my experience with Amtrak. ive traveled across the country about 6 or 7 times now over the last 4 or 5 years. I like taking the train. I will continue taking the train and I know what im getting into when I take a trip on Amtrak. I accept that im rolling the dice so to speak on a lot of potential good and bad experiences along the way because I ride coach. My trip is always on the 449 lake shore limited and the 27 empire builder. the 449 between Boston and Chicago is typically the hardest part of the trip. little bit smaller room at your seat and the bathroom will be gross no chance that will be different. I mean they will be destroyed. you will be standing in pee. there will be all kinds of tissues and paper towels crumpled around with who knows what on them. there will be some form of poop visual. pray its only in the toilet bowl. and if your a dude like me and you want to lift the seat to pee. good luck getting the seat to stay up while you pee. very rare. I have my own system on using the bathrooms aboard the train that im comfortable with. just have a plan because they will be gross. Empire builder bathrooms can be nicer. there are many more of them so maybe they dont get used so much. and they are all downstairs and more private. not right in front of everybody like on the 449. the 449 will most likely be crowded also. if you get some time without a seat partner on the 449 its lucky. Tain seats have good amount of room length wise but no room to spare side to side. you will be bumping your seat partner if you try and reposition in any way and vice versa. if they only had a thin partition of some sort between the seats you could rest up against or push against so you wouldn't invade the other persons space and you could adjust your own position with out bumping the other person. that would be Wonderfull. The empire builder part of the trip is the best. I think there is a little bit more room in the seat and the bathrooms are a little bit nicer and it typically is less crowded. the patch between Chicago and minneapolis can be busy but between Spokane and Minneapolis is typically not busy and is a significant part of the trip where you won't have a seat partner and can be the most comfortable and private feeling. the cafe cars on both will have the same things. it will be pricey. it think its basically what you would expect at a convenience store or gas station just not nearly as big of a selection. Ive never had a bad experience with any employee. I personally dont interact with any any more than I have to, but that's just me. but when I have they have alway been at least polite basically and some really nice. like I said , I like the whole train experience. I know what it is and im ok with it. I think Amtrak as a company is a typical company and this year especially ive realized it due to there policies on train cancellations and reimbursement and what I would call "fairness". and my experience with there policies with purchasing the one time day pas for the metropolitan lounge in union station in person and redeeming a one time pass for the lounge on there website with the travel points. basically what I think you would expect from a big company where they are trying to make it seem like you are getting something but in reality your getting very little after you jump through all there hoops and policy strategies. So in summary. I like the train and I think that Amtrak as a company blows. this review has nothing to do with San Jose and im not form California. But there is no way I want to try and figure out how to correct that part of this review. Sorry. I dont have the energy. :) read more

The worker Marlene is always so kind and helpful and she is an awesome hard worker. If you ask her a question she either will answer or if she needs to find an answer for you she will. Station lobby had a little remodeling and some indoor seating was removed. The station lobby does close earlier tho but there is seating benches if you go in thru the side door by bus stop #1 and the pay phones read more

Amtrak is racist and unprofessional. I left my seat to watch the sunrise in the scenic car, but I left my ticket hanging by my seat to show it was taken. When I came back, a couple took over my seat and they refused to give me back my seat. The passenger who sat behind my seat said that he was getting off the next station, so I can sit next to them for now and when he gets off, I can have the row to myself. I thanked him. After he left, the couple turned around and told me that I need to give them my new seat. They pointed to a different row and said I can move there instead. I said that I didn't want to and the wife sat right next to me and started getting very close to me and tried to intimidate me. I did my best to tell her no, but she persisted. Eventually, the train stopped because the Amtrak thought they ran over a biker, and they were checking up on all the cars. Without asking me for the situation, the employees told me I should just move. I paid the same fare as everyone else and I was shamed into giving up my seat even though I already lost it once. Another nearby passenger stood up for me as well, but our voices do not matter because I am an Asian woman and the other passenger who stood up for me was a Black man. The employees and couples were both Caucasians whom do not care for their paying customers and peers. I have never had a bad experience with the Caltrain and I wish public transportation was more accessible. But experiences like these leave me with a bitter aftertaste. read more

The station was not staffed when I arrived at 6pm for an 8pm Amtrak trip - which is fine, but there was no information posted as to which track my train would be using. Very stressful for a multi-track station. read more

It's a train station! Seriously though, I've been through this train station about 6-7 times and it's always clean, the bathrooms are available without needing a key, and the Amtrak employees are helpful and friendly. What more can you ask for? The waiting area reminds me of a Spanish mission or church. read more

Nice sized station, easy to access and easy to find where you need to go. The metro is right around the corner of the platforms. The station was also cleaner than expected for the area. The paper signs do need to be replaced in some areas as the maps are faded and some have fallen in the case and you can't read them. But overall surprised and happy with the experience. read more

The trip was relaxing and staff for Amtrak were all very nice. I will definitely use Amtrak again.

worst Amtrak station I've been in. I want to say right out front that this station is in the middle of a remodel, but that should not stop them from providing a welcoming environment. The usual waiting area was blocked off so we had to sit in a corridor outside. the three benches in the hall were hard and uncomfortable, the phone rang constantly echoing in the corridor so their attendant could hear - it was not that loud in the station - I think they would recognize the nois difference and either answer the phone or turn off the volume so we could have the same peace as they do. I was there waiting two hours and th phone rang nonstop!!!! there was no snack areas or machines just benches phone ringing and people walking through the corridor. I understand that small stations can't afford a louge but having a welcoming space is important. read more

Amtrak Station - San Jose - Train Stations Near Me - San Jose, California

San Jose Diridon Station is a smallish station serving CalTrain, Altamont Corridor Express, Amtrak (Coast Starlight & Capitol Corridor), and VTA Light Rail trains as well as a number of bus lines. Because of the size it is not a comfortable place to wait for a train, especially if you are waiting for an Amtrak train. There is no Metropolitan Lounge for First Class Amtrak passengers. There is a constant stream of passengers arriving and departing on CalTrain and a mechanical male voice making an automated announcement every few minutes. Not to mention the ever present homeless person asleep on a bench. The person behind the Amtrak counter is very helpful with the patience of a saint. My approach is to spend as little time as possible in the station. read more

I hate driving since I have a bad back. We go to Santa Barbara every summer decided to try out the Starlight #11 train . I saw a 20% off so bought my ticket , my teen daughter's ticket & her friend. We decided to just take it one way, my husband would meet us a few days later (he couldn't take off from work) & we'd drive back with him. A few days before our trip decided to upgrade to business. The gal on phone so nice gave us the AAA and student discounts. Business class gave us each a $6 food/drink voucher ,waters and little more space. I do think it was worth it. The coach section looked a little more cramped and crowded. I read the horror stories with delays so signed up for a text alert if any delays. Lucky us train was on time! Ample seating, lots of empty seats I had no one sitting next to me. My daughter and her friend sat right across from me. Business is on upper level so we got great views. There are bathrooms downstairs as well as a look out section on top with glass all around . We had our lunch in the dinning cart. We all had quesadilla and cheesecake. It was actually good! They sat us next to a regular, Joe, who recommended the hamburger. It was such a pleasant and sciencic trip. The trip took little over 8 hours. My daughter and her friend loved it and prefer the train over driving anyday(despite driving only taking half the time). Another bonus is Santa Barbara rewards you if you take the train. You can check into to the mall on state street, Paseo Nuevo, and they give you a coupon book. Also, we got 30% off our cruiser bikes at Wheel Fun . We got $25 off ! Just make sure you hold on to your ticket. The train ticket was a great value!! If you have the time and despise driving as much as me try it. Can't wait for our trip on the train next year read more

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The Amtrak Female Customer Service Agent at the Diridon walk-up window should not be dealing with Customers. (This is Wednesday, February 12, 2025 @ approximately 2:40pm.) although I did my research with Amtrak online prior to walking into the station I was a bit undecided as to the time of boarding needed to get to my destination in Truckee, California. My questions to her were friendly, brief and to the point, but it seemed to me that I was frustrating her within two minutes of my conversation with her. She didn't smile once and it just seemed that she was pissed off. Anyway, this is my first yelp review and I suppose I'm writing this only because I've been in a customer service role for over 20 years and if my company knew that my disposition and demeanor was like hers, I would expect to be fired... of course I'm not advocating for that to happen. But she could definitely use some training on how to truly offer excellent service. Sheesh!...C'mon Amtrak. Be a secret shopper and see for yourself. - D.G. read more

I love the train to Sac. It's clean, you can rest comfortably, eat and drink at the bar or the snack area. There are plugs at every seat for your chargers and drop down tables on the backs of the seats to work or eat. It's the best way to travel and it's faster than sitting in frustrating traffic. read more

Amtrak Station - San Jose - Seat table - Train Stations Near Me - San Jose, California

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I am particularly thankful to Cynthia, last April 20 @ 650pm. She took the time to figure out what type of service I needed and explained to me the various options that I could take advantage of as a regular Amtrak commuter. She showed me ways to save, earn points and understand the benefits that Amtrak has to offer. She definitely made my day! I love the convenience of the Amtrak trains. All the carriages are clean. The restrooms are clean and well- supplied. Love the options they offer at the cafe. And I appreciate the discounted BART tickets that they offer. It's convenient for business travelers to use their laptops and other gadgets without the concern of running out of power. They even offer free WI-FI! read more

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Nice classic Southern Pacific Train Station from passenger train serve of yesteryear. Train station staff has been nice, butt completely ignorant and close to useless for disabled passengers needing mobility assistance. ADA Today was the second time I have been questioned doubting my need for assistance and being effectively told it's not that that far, I think you can make it without assistance in an attempt to not provide service for a handicapped person. This literally is the ONLY location I have ever been to feel self conscious. On several occasion I have been left when getting off the train stranded without help, watched the train and literally been the only person in the off loading area unable to get to station a left stranded for to minutes before being assisted. In a side note, the elderly gentleman in tan pants and red vest (not quite worthy of the title gentleman but I'll use it for now) Has now openly in the main station ticketing area questioned my disability and tried not to pass on request for mobility assistance (cart or wheelchair). Amtrak Supervisor, this mans volunteering is not a benefit to your organization, in fact I would view him as a liability. He truly is a John Donkey. I think he's old school enough to figure out my evaluation of his service. read more

Amtrak Station - San Jose - Amtrak volunteer is not of any passenger assistance, and ignorant of ADA laws. - Train Stations Near Me - San Jose, California

Amtrak, turns out, is amazing. I used to think it would be a scary thing because of all the news stories I've heard about people being beheaded on rides and all that... but then I realized that I was thinking of Greyhound buses and also my boss bought the tickets so we wouldn't be women riding alone... which turns out, would've been fine. The station is quiet and clean. During what you'd think were peak business hours and had plenty of seating where people left you alone. The ride there was actually really nice. There's apparently a bar cart where you can get coffee and snacks, a restroom that looked extremely clean, wifi is included, and the seats are super comfy. It's easy to get work done (every row has an outlet) and some seats have tables, it's spacious, and if you wanted you could even nap and it seemed pretty chill. Timing was a little off and finding where our train was coming from the first time out was a little confusing but the conductors are extremely nice and it was definitely one of the better public transportation experiences i've ever had. read more

I had a reservation to portland from San jose this August and due to some issues part of the trip was changed to bus instead of train and when i asked them to cancel it. They cancelled it with a penalty of around 500 dollars and this was through email as i could not reach them through customer service call as it was busy for more than 3 hours each time i called. This was a premium reservation - roommete and i could easily postponed it too with no fees but without consulting me they just cancelled it with 500 dollar penalty. Probably one of the worst customer service for any company that i dealt with. read more

NOTE: This is ONLY for the AMTRAK STAFF AT THIS STATION. NOTHING WRONG WITH CALTRAIN OR GETTING TO AND FROM THIS STATION. THE AMTRAK STAFF IS SO RUDE. I had a simple question about my clipper card yesterday and the lady straight up rolled her eyes and told me to call them. Then she continued to say "I don't know anything about Clipper or Caltrain, I don't work for Clipper or Caltrain, I work for Amtrak" She continued to play with her fingers as she was telling me this. Hey lady, sure, I bet you get questions about Caltrain and Clipper everyday. But fuck, seriously? Will it kill you to say "I'm sorry, I only have information on Amtrak, please call Clipper if you have any questions." It's not like I was asking her to give me a million dollars. read more

This train station is a major transfer station for Amtrak and Caltrans. There is a snack bar that serves general snacks like sandwiches, hotdogs, chips, drinks, etc. It's nothing too special. There are restrooms inside the station building. The men's restroom is pretty cramped and dirty. Expect to smell farts and urine coming from all angles. (Yes, it also comes from the top...) The waiting benches inside the station building are decent. It's made of wood. NOTE: If you have a bus/shuttle to catch, be sure to head out of the station and into the front lot with the bus stops. Some people miss their bus because they would unknowingly wait inside the station building. read more

Amtrak Station - San Jose - Train Stations Near Me - San Jose, California

Train is never on time. Always 1 hour late then scheduled time. Also, business class tickets have no special benefits. It was not that great experience. We took train from San Jose to los Angeles for an experience and it was not great experience. I would avoid travelling using Amtrack. Even going back to San Jose from Burbank train is late. Train always ran out of food. Horrible experience. They keep changing their schedule. Very unprofessional. Unless you need, stop using this service and they would improve! read more

I've never had a bad experience on any Amtrak train. My most recent trip was Caltrain from San Jose to San Francisco. An attendant advised me on where to park, they assisted me quickly when the ticket machine malfunctioned and they didn't mind us celebrating with mimosas. I took the Amtrak from Portland OR to Cincinnati OH and the nearly 4 day trip was great. Particularly the view passing near the bay in Washington. Attendants were quickly available and even gave some free snacks. The coffee was delicious too. A couple things that could improve would be larger portion sizes for the meals and it would be nice if carts were available close to where you exit the train in order to transport luggage to the next train. read more

I recently learned the San Jose station offers FREE parking for Amtrak ticketed passengers. It's in the far corner by the police station and bicycle lockers, but you must go inside and ask for a parking pass to avoid a 3-digit parking ticket as it is ONLY for Amtrak passengers and CalTrain employees. read more

The conductor on my cart was beyond rude and her name is Peggy. She wrongly assigned my seat and was angry that I pointed it out and started ranting about how this is her cart and her rules and singled me out making me feel attacked for no reason making my trip very uncomfortable. I attached her picture so possible disciplinary action can be taken against her. She should not be allowed in a customer service position. read more

Amtrak Station - San Jose - RUDEST CONDUCTOR I HAVE EVER COME ACROSS SHOULD NOT BE ALLOWED IN CUSTOMER SERVICE. - Train Stations Near Me - San Jose, California

Worst experience.... They refused my daughter and niece to get on the train in Washington. Then they had no record of them going up to Washington from California (even though I dropped them off). After fighting with them for several hours, I finally bought another ticket for an adult to ride with them with the hope that I could get it refunded. On Monday, I called to check on the refund. 1. They said that wasn't going to happen 2. They didn't have a seat booked for a return trip for the adult ticket I had booked. Mind you I was looking at the ticket that said round trip.... WTF Then I started emailing the corporate headquarters starting Monday and every day after. I have not heard back from anyone! Their executive team obviously doesn't care about their passengers and they have some serious flaws in their organization. Unfortunately, ignoring a situation is not the best way to solve it. I wouldn't ride on Amtrak if it was my last resort. read more

San Jose Amtrak and Caltrain station. Clean, modern and centrally located in the San Jose valley downtown. This is a part of the Coast Starlight route on the way to the ocean. As well as a part of the corridor train system for central California. Daily service to several destinations within the state as well as to locales across the country. Ride the train at least once in your life! read more

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Upgrading from two to three because... * They have wifi now -- with less than 3G speeds and some filtering -- but it's fine for email, paying bills, online shopping, RSS reading, etc. (My AT&T 3G connection is faster so I keep my phone off the Amtrak wifi.) * Now with 75% smiles! They're nicer to the regulars but the cafe service has almost always been pleasant. But! They still close doors a full minute early and the train is already moving a few seconds before the scheduled time so get there early. They rarely reopen doors for "late" passengers unless you're a regular. On the flip side, at least once a month, they're an hour or so late because of a slow ass drawbridge or a brush fire or a very depressed "trespasser." read more

Easy station for pick up and drop off. The platform attendant was rude when I was asking specific questions he kept repeating the same answer that I swear didn't answer my question. We stopped at the snack counter and the cashier heard me tell my daughter to ask her for a donut as I grabbed the milk and the cashier kept talking to another worker and the security guard, she then made a comment clear and loud how she would "kick his ass" if he didn't do what she said in front of my 6 year old. Absolutely unprofessional for that language and she never attended to my daughter's order until I stepped 3 feet back to the counter. Just not a friendly station. read more

The Ace Train Commuter Express is no worse than rhe LA Metrolink ... No better, but no worse. The trip should be tolerable. ... I suppose if you are a commuter this is ok. But if you are doing actial traveling, dont let rhem shove you onto a commiter traon worh youe overnoght bag. Being forced to hold a suitcase on your lap for two and a half hours 9s vegonng to suck badly. read more

Amtrak Station - San Jose - Train Stations Near Me - San Jose, California

Short version: if you are considering cross-country "see America" Amtrak trip--DON'T. Just don't. Took Amtrak back from Boston in early '07. Unspeakable nightmare--train hit a soybean truck in Ohio and after hours of waiting, stopped with no power or AC, we were crammed into buses and hauled to Chicago like so many cramped, suffering pigs on a very long ride to the slaughter. A real bad day but worse was to come. Now, credit is due to Amtrak for putting everyone up overnight at a good hotel. BUT... Upon resuming our cross-country voyage, we quickly ran into more trouble, due to one very important fact: Amtrak has to yield track priority to freight trains. What this means is, if a freight is coming through--and they always are, of course--the Amtrak passenger train goes onto a side track. And stops. For hours. And hours. And hours. Up in the mountains, in subzero winter weather, this becomes a truly sinister experience. The thin air gradually makes you a bit sick, and the colds/flus of other passengers begin to spread, and the stuffy cramped cars full of yapping people who won't shut up, become like mini-Mexican prisons. And you have no idea, no information, about when the interminable wait will end. Periodically we'd begin to move--very slowly--again. But then another disaster: there was a mechanical problem with the brakes or something. Now we were stopped for most of a day in the very highest heights of the Rockies. They had to let us out of the train for a few minutes to get some fresh, 30-below-zero air. That was the highlight of the day. Finally we got a new locomotive or whatever and got down into Nevada. By this time many people were sick and the tiny closet-like restrooms hadn't been cleaned or provisioned in days. I will not elaborate. And then we were held up AGAIN, by another freight. They came on the intercom and promised free meals would be brought for all when we got to Reno. But by that time, food was the last thing anybody wanted to think about. The end of the trip was a dark, half-asleep nightmare of misery and creeping nausea. Finally we reached the Bay Area, some more bus shuttling, and escaped into the land of the living around 5 AM, two days later than we were supposed to arrive. Short trips down the coast to Santa Barbara, may be OK. But don't ever even consider a cross-country train trip. It's not the same as it may have been 20-30 years ago. This is a decrepit, dysfunctional transportation system. read more

What an incredible way to see America! For my birthday, I asked my spouse to take my son and I up to Sacramento to visit the California Train Museum. My son is addicted to trains (specifically Thomas the Tank Engine & Friends of course), as he knows all the different kinds of trains and what they are used for. I had been there as a child, and I knew that he'd get a real kick out of it. So that's where I wanted to go for my birthday. To make the experience even more train oriented, I insisted we take CalTrain to San Jose, and then Amtrak to Sacramento. And what a great idea it was! Amtrak was on time, but most importantly it was comfortable and offered scenic views that I didn't expect to see. I've often had imagined scenes of rolling hills for a train ride across America in my head for a decade, ever since I took the Eurorail in Europe to connect between various countries on a exploration trip there. I think Amtrak is the way to get a glimpse of America. While our trip to Sacramento did not offer views outside of California, it certainly proved to me that Amtrak is an affordable, capable, and beautiful way to travel and explore the country. read more

Ive used Amtrak a handful of times in the past for here and there travel, and it was all fine. Recently my minor son has needed to travel by train up to Sacramento and Amtrak has been able to accommodate us and get him from point A to point B with absolutely no problems. My son is 14, so he is old enough to know who to talk too and who not to talk too, so hes ok there... but Amtrak goes out of their way to make sure my child travels safely on their train without being accompanied by an adult. If you plan on sending your kid via train, alone... Amtrak is a good choice. Although you do have to pay the adult fare(I think at his age his fare is the adult price anyway), the security process is pretty decent. The attendants and conductor definitely know what they are doing. read more

I took the Capitol Corridor train to Sacramento over Thanksgiving to avoid the holiday traffic. I took VTA to the train station, but decided it was faster to walk from the Santa Teresa line instead of switching to the Winchester line to go the last few blocks. I really wish that VTA had its two main lines both go to the train station. But anyway, once I got to the train station, I felt so civilized. I pitied the folks stuck in the airports or in traffic. I strolled a few blocks from the light rail, into the lovely old train station, picked up my ticket, and strolled onto the train. Once on the train, I found a nice quiet seat with no one else around, put up the foot rest, reclined, and read my book. Ah, now this is the way to travel, and for only $28. The trip did not go as planned, however. My three-hour trip was extended 50% by a freight train derailment ahead of us, and we were stuck in Emeryville. But coming back from Sacramento, there were no problems at all, aside from the slightly loud other passengers. Thank god for iPods to help you sleep. Oh, and the Sacramento train station is quite nice as well--so much better than the crazy airports. There is something about the train that is calmer and, well, again, civilized. I just wish that there was an express train between the bay area and Sacramento. If they had a train that went between the two with little or no stops in less than two hours, it would be the most popular train around. No one wants to deal with 80. read more

Don't drive! Take the Coast Starlight for all your up and down the West coast travels. The scenery can't be beat, you can get up, move around, sleep (in the sleeper car), avoid hideous traffic, eat, have a cocktail, read...it's all about the journey, right? And, ladies, the ladies lounge in the sleeper car has a counter for your toiletries as well as a restroom and shower that doesn't get as much use as the other restrooms. Just sayin'. read more

I ride the Capitol corridor from Santa Clara to Sacramento with my 2 year old frequently. We always have great service and it's always on time! A bonus is that the changing table for diapers is in a spacious bathroom. That and the snack car make traveling with a toddler almost too easy! read more

I think your enjoyability of Amtrak all depends on your expectations. I had read that the Coast Starlight (which runs from LA to Seattle) is always late. It was an hour late picking us up in San Jose, and 3 hours late dropping us off in Eugene, Oregon. However, since we expected it, it was okay. We reserved a family cabin, and it was great. We had a window on each side of the train, full size bunks for me and my husband, and kid size bunks for the kids. Were they the most comfortable beds we'd ever slept in? No, but we weren't expecting them to be. The rock and sway of the train was very soothing during the night. In the morning, my son woke me up early, which I almost complained about, until I looked out the window. There was the most beautiful view, as we were riding by a mountain stream, with Mt. Shasta in the distance. We all woke up, and my husband and I took turns taking showers, which was surprisingly good, with decent water pressure. Breakfast and lunch in the dining car were both very good. The observation car is terrific, and we spent a long time in there enjoying the scenery. I don't think this trip would be doable without spending the extra money for the family cabin. And if I had somewhere I had to be at a certain time, I would never choose to take Amtrak. However, we had a wonderful time, because we expected a nice leisurely trip, where my husband and I wouldn't have to drive, and where getting there was part of the vacation. And Amtrak completely met our expectations. read more