Rail travel is experiencing a powerful resurgence, driven by a growing desire for meaningful, immersive, and sustainable holidays. Passengers are increasingly drawn to the tracks not just for convenience, but for the unique experience of slow travel.
The Rise of the Rail Vacation
Recent research underscores this shift in holidaymaker preferences. A Mintel report reveals that almost half (48 per cent) of UK holidaymakers are interested in long-distance rail journeys featuring stopovers and sleeper services. This significant level of interest has held steady throughout 2025, signalling a lasting trend towards more contemplative and scenic modes of transport.
For those planning an adventurous getaway for 2026 and wishing to explore the dramatic American West Coast without the hassles of airports or motorways, a multi-day sleeper train journey presents an ideal solution. It offers a chance to decelerate and absorb the region's finest landscapes in comfort.
All Aboard the Coast Starlight
One standout option for such an adventure is Amtrak's Coast Starlight service. Widely celebrated as one of the United States' most picturesque rail routes, it connects the major cities along the Pacific coastline. The 35-hour journey provides a stunning snapshot of three highly scenic states: Washington, Oregon, and California.
The train departs daily from Seattle, travelling south through Portland, Sacramento, the San Francisco Bay Area, and Santa Barbara, before concluding its 1,400-mile route in Los Angeles. Passengers are treated to an ever-changing panorama that includes dense forests, rolling valleys, famous beaches, and dramatic mountain ranges like the snow-capped Cascade Range and Mount Shasta.
The route also skirts the stunning marine waterways of Puget Sound and offers long stretches of views along the Pacific Ocean coastline. While most station stops are brief, the service includes scheduled 'fresh air' stops every few hours, allowing travellers to disembark and soak in the views for up to 20 minutes.
Accommodation and Onboard Experience
The Coast Starlight caters to a range of budgets and preferences. Coach Class offers wide, reclining seats with generous legroom, no middle seats, and amenities like tray tables and power outlets. For enhanced comfort, passengers can book a private Superliner Roomette. These rooms convert from daytime seating to upper and lower beds at night and come with upgraded bedding, access to shared showers, a dedicated attendant, and complimentary meals.
Families can opt for spacious Family Rooms in First Class, which sleep up to four people. Dining is a highlight, with full-service traditional meals and a café available onboard. The service is also pet-friendly, allowing small dogs and cats to travel for an additional fee, subject to specific guidelines.
Luggage allowances are generous, permitting one personal item, two carry-on bags, and up to four checked bags (with two free of charge). Ticket prices vary significantly based on route, season, and how far in advance you book. A Coach ticket from Los Angeles to Seattle typically ranges from $100 to $200, while a private sleeper room for the full journey can exceed $1,000 during peak seasons. Winter travel generally offers better value, and sleeper fares often include meals.
Closer to Home: UK Rail Adventures
For travellers seeking scenic rail journeys without crossing the Atlantic, Britain offers its own spectacular routes. In England, the 62-mile trip from Berwick-upon-Tweed to Newcastle skirts North Sea cliffs, offering views towards Holy Island. In Wales, the 27-mile line from Llandudno Junction to Blaenau Ffestiniog winds along the River Conwy through farmland and past former slate quarries. Scotland boasts the iconic 130-mile journey from Mallaig to Glasgow, featuring the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct, known to many as the route of the Hogwarts Express.
The collective appeal of these journeys, whether across the American West or the British countryside, lies in the same principle: trading speed for depth, and convenience for connection. As the demand for sustainable and immersive travel grows, the romance of the rails is firmly back on track.
