Connecting two of California’s most iconic cities can be a real drag.
Although just an hour and a half apart by air, a road trip between Los Angeles and San Francisco takes up most of your day.
Hence why most opt to deal with hassles of LAX rather than spend a full day on California highways. But what if there was a more fun option where you can simply kick back, relax, and catch some much-needed z’s?
Come summertime, there will be. At least that’s the plan. The new train hotel operated by Dreamstar Lines is slated to hit the rails in summer 2024.
LA To San Fran The Fun Way
Few details have been shared about what’s going on behind the curtain now to bring the first luxury overnight train service between the two cities.
Considering this is happening in a state known for red tape issues, it’s no surprise the project has already been delayed.
But Dreamstar clearly has goals to launch this coming summer. When you think of taking a short flight, your mind probably doesn’t immediately factor in drive time to the airport, TSA agents barking at you, and possible delays.
With gas prices the highest in the nation, a road trip may be out of the question too. So, there is clearly a hole in the market Dreamstar is trying to fill.
The question now is can it finally come to fruition?
Don’t Call It A Comeback
This isn’t the first rodeo between these California icons. Back in the 40s and 50s, a ritzy overtrain train known as The Lark often sold out and was favored by the Hollywood elite of businessmen and entertainers.
As air travel became more popular, the train service dwindled down over the years and eventually met its demise in the late 60’s.
The Lark has a good run, but now it’s Dreamstar’s turn to go full steam ahead with a modern take on the concept.
A Train Hotel Or A Sleeper Train?
If you have ever traveled abroad, particularly in Europe, you may have come across sleeper trains. They do exist in the U.S., but the concept is more popular overseas.
And if you have had the courage to take said sleeper train, then surely you know you’re not signing up for a full night’s rest.
Chances are you arrived at your destination groggy, red-eyed, and in desperate need of coffee. That’s where Dreamstar is daring to be different.
Rather than consider themselves just another sleeper train, the new rail line considers themselves a train hotel instead, where the focus is on hospitality and comfort rather than just getting you from A to B.
Our last report on this topic claimed trains would depart around 10 pm and arrive by 9 am. Ticket prices range from $300 to $1000, depending on your room selection.
Since the delay, no updates on pricing or times have been provided.
An Alternative To Amtrak And Bus Travel
Let’s be honest – flights are the most efficient way to travel between these cities, but train travel can be a lot more fun!
Amtrak is your current option to travel by train, but it’s about as vanilla as it gets. The company made headlines for all the wrong reasons last year and was even shamed publicly by Congress for their lack of efficiency.
The same goes for bus travel, where you will definitely save money compared to trains, but seats are often just as crammed as airlines and nowhere near as speedy.
Plus, have you heard anyone excited about long-distance bus trips? Yeah, didn’t think so.
Are Los Angeles And San Francisco Worth Visiting?
We recently covered San Francisco as a place not to visit in 2024. While still a beautiful city packed with cultural neighborhoods and wonderful attractions, an uptick in crime has been a concern.
The same goes for Los Angeles, a city with many instantly recognizable sights from the bright lights of Hollywood to world-famous beaches.
Both cities have been clobbered in headlines since the pandemic, especially regarding safety in downtown areas.
Some travelers may feel the need to keep their heads on a swivel while still paying premium prices for their trip.
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