The California trains probably arent worth the extra money but Ive only been on the Surfliners, not positive about about the others??
That's the only CA trains that have BC! There is no BC on the SJ or CC trains - or on the Thruway buses!
I personally would say the Cascades in the northwest are worth the extra $ for BC!
Actually, there is an exception to the otherwise true statement that Surfliner BC is not worth a penny extra.
The 798 and 799 Surfliners between LA and San Luis Obispo are Amfleet equipment, not the two-levels, and BC is in the refurbished cafe car,in the front, and has the wonderful, leather seats with full recline and leg and as well as footrests, from the old Metroliner first class. With no one walking through the section, and with it curtained off from the cafe counter, it is definitely worth the extra $15 as you ply the most beautiful section of the CS between Santa Barbara and Guadelupe along the blue Pacific.
The regular Surfliner BC is barely different from the regular coach and the USA Today and pedestrian snack pack is worth about a quarter, IMHO.
Also, a majority of the time, a Superliner coach runs as part of the surfliner consist, due to shortages of coaches, and it's open to everyone for the regular coach price! You'll never have to wait for a bathroom, either!