Although traveling by plane is quicker than going by land or sea, it can be expensive, and you miss out on some lovely views. If planned right, road trips can be both fun and entertaining, but you are still driving. It’s hard to rest and traffic sucks.

If you’ve been wondering about a way to travel where you can tour and be comfortable at the same time, why not do it by train? A ride on Amtrak’s Coast Starlight could be just the ride you didn’t know you needed to take.

Why? The route up and down the West Coast offers the chance to take in breathtaking views while riding in luxury. It is a 35-hour trip between Los Angeles, California and Seattle, Washington and is one of the rail line’s most popular. If you decide to coast it the whole way through, you’ll be in for a treat.

Panoramic windows in the observation cars allow you to take in the sights which include beaches, snow-capped mountains, natural parks, stunning coastlines, and cityscapes. There is so much to see, and among the numerous photo-worthy opportunities Amtrak promotes, there is the picturesque beauty of Klamath Falls, Mt. Shasta, the Pacific Ocean, and San Luis Obispo.

While riding, guests have the option of listening to podcasts by the National Park Service to learn about many of the cultural sites on the route. If you decide roll for the entire one-way trip in either direction, perhaps you will be lucky enough to encounter a docent in your car who can share everything they know about the history of Washington, Oregon, or California.

The Coast Starlight train has been operating since the 1970s when Amtrak first came on the scene. After a few changes over the years to the route, in 2008, the company totally revamped its offerings with upgraded equipment and new amenities. Ridership increased!

Passengers can choose to ride coach, business, or first class, but all the seats are roomy enough so that you won’t feel like a sardine. Just check out the online reviews on that! First class riders are also able to enjoy private rooms, a movie theater, and plush seating.

Grab a one-way coach seat for $98 and book in advance if you plan on going. That goes double if you want a room to sleep in. Because it is a popular route for casual travelers and tourists alike, it gets booked up.

Visit this side of America by train and you’ll get to relax, soak up the sights, and possibly make some new friends. Try doing that on a plane.

Watch this video to learn more about the much-loved Coast Starlight and why it’s making people’s bucket lists. Families, business travelers, and solo riders are among the fans of this trip that is rich in awesome vistas and education. Don’t you want to find out for yourself?

Have you already ridden the Coast Starlight and have an experience to share? Is this a trip you’d like to take with your family? What would you like to see the most?