I havent had time to write my long post about the trip yet but I wanted to get word out quickly about four more dates in November that Amtrak is planning to detour the Coast Starlight over the Tehachapis.
Those dates are 8, 10, 12 and 14 November, both north and southbound.
The schedule will be the same as in October and presumably the train will also operate via the former Southern Pacific route in the San Joaquin Valley.
Southbound train 11
Leave Chico 3:50 a.m.
Leave Sacramento 6:35 a.m.
Arrive Los Angeles 6:15 p.m.
Northbound train 14
Leave Los Angeles 10:15 a.m.
Arrive Sacramento 9:30 p.m.
Leave Sacramento 11:59 p.m. (long wait in order to catch up with regular schedule)
Arrive Chico 1:55 a.m.
The best price for coach one-way is $62 ($55 from Sacramento) and appears to be currently available on most departures. (10% less for AAA members booked at least 3 days in advance; 15% off for seniors age 62+.) If you want to upgrade to the least expensive sleeping accommodation the lowest additional amount for a roomette is $124 and is still available at that price for most dates.
Book on-line at Amtrak.com or call Amtrak at (800) 872-7245. Amtrak does not charge an additional fee for telephone reservations unlike many airlines.
