I took a $40 Amtrak ride through California, and the views were so stunning that I barely noticed the lack of Wi-Fi

Anna HainesOct 22, 2022, 18:12 IST

I paid $40 for my coach ticket on the Coast Starlight and spent most of my time in the observation car.Anna Haines

I rode the Amtrak Coast Starlight for five hours from Los Angeles to San Luis Obispo for $40.
The observation car, with its stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, was the biggest highlight.

I traveled five hours on the Amtrak Coast Starlight from Los Angeles to San Luis Obispo.

The Coast Starlight's full route runs between Los Angeles to Seattle.Anna Haines

The attendant helped me board the Superliner train car.Anna Haines

I was only on the train for five hours, so I booked a coach ticket.Anna Haines

The seats in the observation car faced the windows, allowing passengers to get clear views of the passing landscapes.Anna Haines

The observation car was a major draw for passengers.Anna Haines

The Coast Starlight's coach car looked the same as the ones on other Amtrak cars I'd ridden.Anna Haines

The train passed by the Pacific Ocean for long stretches of the five-hour journey.Anna Haines

The train passed gorgeous hills covered in flowers.Anna Haines

I didn't buy any food from the café and didn't have access to the dining car.Anna Haines

Overall, I had a positive experience on the Coast Starlight.Laser1987/Getty Images