Upper level Vs Lower Level
 

Hey everyone,
I'm taking the coastal starlight in March from Seattle to Sacramento. I was wondering other than being I'm different levels, are there any other differences in the seats?

Pretty much the same as far as seats go. The lower level is usually reserved for those that have problems with stairs and has more room to accommodate wheelchairs. The restrooms are on the lower level and can be problematic. Lower levels do not have access between cars. More rail noise in the lower levels.

Not an exhaustive list, but enough to keep me climbing the stairs.

Thanks... Ill stay with the upper I have no desire to be near the can LOL

The only other difference is slightly less of a rocking/swaying motion downstairs (due to being closer to the center of gravity/axis of rotation), so some people who suffer from motion sickness may prefer the lower level.

I do get carsick, especially if I read something and especially if I do so in the back seat, but I have never had an issue with motion sickness on a train, so you'd have to be very, very sensitive to motion for this to be a concern.

The vestibules are on the lower level and you can expect them to open at every stop ---

Also to walk through the train to the dinner, lounge, or cafe you'll have to go up to the upper level .... and if you're interested in looking out the window at some of the greatest scenery in the US, the view on the upper level is much better.

Bob H

Incidentally there is nothing stopping a non mobility challenged person from booking the lower level on long distance trains. You buy the lower level ticket and are entitled to occupy the seat. On a lightly traveled day, it can be extremely quiet as there is no through traffic. On western trains there is generally a door between the vestibule and the actual lower level compartment. So the noise of passengers hitting the restroom should be minimal. There is less sway, but more track noise, on the lower level. Also, since the lower level is a relatively small chamber, that means that if someone is snoring or talking loudly, that noise will not dissipate as quickly as on the upper level.