Seattle to Portland train — the best Amtrak information
Everything you need to plan a great Seattle to Portland train ride — including schedules, photos and helpful considerations from a local.
Rail enthusiasts and sightseers are in for a treat on the Seattle to Portland train. Amtrak Cascades’ service covers some of the best views of the Salish Sea, framed in the Olympic Mountains and the majestic Columbia River. Taking the train can be an excellent way to get between Seattle and Portland (and even onward to Eugene, Oregon). This article will help you plan an incredible journey.
I love taking the Seattle to Portland train and want to help you plan the best possible journey with the information in this article
My life always straddled Oregon and Washington State, with my mom from the Seattle area and dad from Portland. So we traveled often between the two cities to visit relatives. Lots of driving, but also train rides, which were held over me as a treat for being well-behaved (didn’t happen too much). There was always something electrifying about gliding on rails while the familiar Pacific Northwest scenery morphed into a unique picture show.
The train from Seattle to Portland covers spectacular scenery. Plan the best possible journey with the information in this article.
Here is a recent TikTok about the train from Seattle to Vancouver, BC, which has many similarities to the Seattle to Portland train:
Table of Contents
- Other Seattle transportation options.
- Why listen to Matthew Kessi?
- How to elevate your travel experience.
- Amtrak Seattle to Portland train schedules
- The types of trains available?
- Train city codes for booking.
- How much does the train cost?
- Is Business Class worth it?
- Sleeping Car Seattle to Portland.
- Where is the best scenery?
- Where are the best seats?
- Key planning considerations.
- Seattle — Information & Cruise connections
- Portland — what to expect.
Suppose you are just looking at your transportation options from Seattle. You’ve come to the right place.
As a lifelong Oregon & Washington State local and former travel industry professional, I know how to get around the Pacific Northwest. In addition to this article, I’ve written about the general ways to get to Portland from Seattle (and vice versa) and an even more specific post with an an excellent itinerary for the Seattle to Portland drive.
And since I really do enjoy train travel, I have another piece on taking a sleeper car across the country from Seattle to Chicago — a very similar experience to the Coast Starlight version from Seattle to Los Angeles.
Since many of you may be transiting to and from beautiful British Columbia in Canada, check out two articles about how to train from Seattle to Vancouver and the Seattle to Vancouver drive, which has my very comprehensive map of things to do; see, and eat between the two metro areas.
Seattle is also a great jumping-off point for exploring the beautiful wilderness of Olympic National Park. Access my article, How to Plan an Epic Olympic Peninsula road trip, for all the details. Finally, for another epic experience in mountain grandeur, try Seattle to North Cascades National Park.
Do you need help planning an epic Pacific Northwest trip?
Whether it’s your first time to Washington State, or you plan to host out-of-towners, I can help you craft an ideal itinerary for your needs. We meet via Zoom for an hour and you’ll:
- Leave the call with a clear plan.
- We can map out two itinerary options.
- Two follow-up email correspondences.
Click HERE for more information or SEND ME AN EMAIL.
Why should you listen to Matthew Kessi (that’s me)?
- The Pacific Northwest is my lifelong playground.
- As a former travel industry professional, my experience guiding people around Oregon and Washington State gives me valuable insight into the right balance between what is possible and rewarding.
- Unlike big travel websites, I’ve been to all the places, tested the ideas, eaten the food, and taken photos. Unless specified, I don’t receive compensation for naming specific locations — my recommendations come from the heart.
- Since I’m from the Portland area and live in Seattle, I travel frequently between the two to keep my knowledge updated.
- I’m a practical mystic, which means I actively integrate spiritual sensitivities and meaningful applications in daily life. I can help you find more rewarding experiences grounded in nature — and you can be more present to yourself, your companions, and all the wonders of travel. In another article, “Six steps to deepen your nature connection, “ I write about the fundamentals to do this.
Three-day Olympic Peninsula nature meditation retreat.
In spring and fall I facilitate mystic nature meditation retreats on the doorstep to Olympic National Park — in a wild area of Washington State, about three hours from Seattle.
This is a one-of-a-kind experience that will transform the way you see yourself in nature. When you pause daily life in order to see what impedes, supports, and transforms you, the resulting healing, wellness, and awakening may surprise you. Superb lodging, food, and mystic-guided experiences await.
A nature-forward train experience between Seattle and Portland helps elevate your travel.
It’s easier than you think to transform any trip into something even more special by elevating your nature connection. The more grounded you are (connected to the land), the more you can be present for yourself, your companions, and the wonders of travel.
The beauty of the scenery on this stretch of the track — that mostly follows the soul-nourishing Salish Sea — is the ideal place to practice a nature-forward approach to your trip. I write about all the steps in this article, “How to nature-forward on vacations.”
The key to a moving train is to shut out distractions around you and consider the natural elements outside. “Zone out” and soak up all the healing benefits of nature for as long as possible.
Click the link below for the complete guide to nature-forward vacations, including why it matters to you and how they can help mitigate your environmental impact when traveling.
Amtrak train schedules — the Seattle to Portland train about takes about 3.5 hours.
As of Summer 2024, Amtrak has bulked the schedule between Seattle and Portland, with six Amtrak Cascades trains and the daily long-haul train Coast Starlight — which travels all the way to Los Angeles. The two types of trains stop at most of the same stations along the way. All together, the seven daily trains cover a variety of convenient time bands throughout the day.
Unfortunately, Amtrak does not own dedicated tracks for the train service between Seattle and Portland. This means there will be stops waiting for freight trains to pass along the way. Expect delays. In particular, the northbound Coast Starlight slowly makes its way from California and is very prone to arriving into Portland late (for the onward trip to Seattle).
Here is the Seattle to Portland train schedule, as of summer 2024. This list also notes the trains that include Eugene, and Vancouver BC (underlined and italics, respectively).
Southbound trains (as of summer 2024):
- Lv Seattle 7:10 am Arv Portland 10:35 am
- Lv Seattle 8:55 am Arv Portland 12:20 pm
- Lv Seattle 9:55 am Arv Portland 1:55 pm
- Lv Seattle 12:10 pm Arv Portland 3:35 pm
- Lv Seattle 2:20 pm Arv Portland 5:45 pm
- Lv Seattle 5:40 pm Arv Portland 9:05 pm
- Lv Seattle 7:50 pm Arv Portland 11:15 pm
Northbound trains (as of summer 2024):
- Lv Portland 6:45 am Arv Seattle 10:10 am
- Lv Portland 8:30 am Arv Seattle 11:55 am
- Lv Portland 10:40 am Arv Seattle 2:05 pm
- Lv Portland 2:10 pm Arv Seattle 5:37 pm
- Lv Portland 3:56 pm Arv Seattle 7:51 pm
- Lv Portland 5:55 pm Arv Seattle 9:20 pm
- Lv Portland 7:25 pm Arv Seattle 10:50 pm
Bold: Coast Starlight long-distance train. Underline: Trains continue to/from Eugene. Italic: Trains continue to/from Vancouver, BC.
What are the types of trains offered between Seattle and Portland?
Amtrak Cascades
Amtrak Cascades is the Pacific Northwest regional service sponsored by the states of Washington and Oregon on the corridor between Eugene, Oregon, Seattle, Washington and Vancouver, British Columbia.
- Pacific Northwest regional service on one-level trains.
- This comfortable ride offers features like WIFI designed to create a seamless business travel experience.
- There are plugs at every seat in all classes.
- Cell service is spotty on the ride between Seattle and Portland.
- I like the Bistro Car with an elevated offering of Pacific Northwest cuisine, wines, beer and coffee. They offer snacks, tasty sandwiches, warm food, adult drinks, and coffee. It’s usually open before the train departs — except alcohol is not served until the wheels start moving. There are also a few highly coveted tables in this area.
- Practically speaking, because these trains only run between Eugene and Vancouver, BC*, their timeliness (especially southbound) is more reliable than the Coast Starlight.
- Once a ticket is purchased on Cascades, passengers select seats at boarding and scan their ticket with conductor on the train.
Until the new fleet arrives in 2026 and beyond, two different Amtrak Cascades train experiences exist:
Standard Amtrak fleet:
The one-level rail cars are quite old, but the leather seats offer an updated feel. Plugs are at every seat, and the WIFI is reasonably good (it may not work in Canada).
Stylish Talgo:
For the last twenty years, Amtrak deployed Talgo trains for Cascades service. They offered a more European-styled experience, especially in Business Class (more about this below). Since the Oregon Department of Transportation owns these remaining trains, you’re more likely to see them on the two trains that go between Seattle and Eugene (noted on the schedules listed above).
Coast Starlight — Seattle to Los Angeles train
- Long distance double-decker train with service all the way to Los Angeles.
- While business class is not offered, there are overnight sleeping options (for an added charge).
- There is a dining car, and a sightseeing lounge car with skylights (and a snack bar on the lower level).
- The extra height of the second floor makes viewing the scenery much easier, and there are also limited seats on the first floor for passengers who prefer not to hike up the narrow staircase.
- There are plugs at every seat in all classes and no WIFI on board.
- Cell service is spotty on the ride between Seattle and Portland.
- Seats can be assigned at booking and tickets are scanned at boarding, along with the colored cards that let the conductor know passenger stops for the long journey.
It helps to know your Seattle to Portland train city-code jargon and options
Just like buying an airline ticket, the world of travel assigns a three letter code to every train station or other place to access transportation (like the Victoria Clipper Ferry Dock on Seattle’s waterfront). In the case of Portland (PDX) and Seattle (SEA), both the airport code and the train station codes are the same. But in reality, the airports are over 10 miles away from the Amtrak Stations — and both are easily connected via light rail public transportation.
The Amtrak booking portal can be somewhat confusing and frustrating if you’re not sure which city code to enter. For example, if you just type in “Seattle” you’ll get about five to six options, and it’ll matter how the schedule options return — since there are bus and boat services offered in conjunction with Amtrak. Using SEA and PDX will save time and ensure you’re searching for an actual train ride. It’s faster to enter them in ALL CAPS. Also note that there is a Vancouver, Washington (VAN), which is very different from Vancouver, British Columbia, in Canada (VAC).
Amtrak does offer “through-way” service on a series of coaches that feed traffic into Portland and Seattle, so it’s possible when looking up a ride between Portland and Eugene, for example, that schedules appear. Check the fine print closely because this service will be provided on a motor coach.
Just the train, please…
- (SEA) — Seattle King Street Station
- (PDX) — Portland Union Station
Now which one was it???
- (VAC) — Vancouver, BC, CANADA
- (VAN) — Vancouver, Washington (a suburb of Portland, Oregon).
But what about the other cities along the way?
- (TUK) — Tukwila, Washington. Right outside of Seattle, this may be more convenient to the Bellevue area or Kent. Note: The Coast Starlight does not stop at this location.
- (TAC) — Tacoma, Washington. This major city 45 minutes South of Seattle might be closer to your desired location.
- (OLW) — Olympia, Washington. The capital of Washington State and an hour-ish from Seattle by car. Note this station is about 20 minutes from the downtown area.
- (CTL) — Centralia, Washington. The name says it all. In the center between Seattle and Portland.
- (KEL) — Kelso, Longview. A jumping off point for going to Astoria or Mount St. Helens.
- (VAN) — Vancouver, Washington. This may be more convenient for Portland suburb locations in Southwest Washington State.
- (PDX) — Portland, Oregon.
- (ORC) — Oregon City, Oregon. Right outside of Portland, this may be more convenient to Clackamus County. Note: The Coast Starlight does not stop at this location.
- (SLM) — Salem, Oregon. The capital of Oregon and an hour from Portland by car.
- (ALY) — Albany, Oregon. The heart of the Willamette Valley.
- (EUG) — Eugene, Oregon. The Southern terminus of Amtrak Cascades. Also the same as the airport code.
How much does the Seattle to Portland train cost?
Well… like most transportation, it depends. Amtrak uses sophisticated software like airlines to maximize revenue on a supply/demand basis. Advance purchase timelines are essential pricing indicators, so prices increase closer to the departure date.
Or, for popular holidays, weekend travel (Friday-Sunday), or Seattle Sounders vs. Portland Timber soccer madness, the cheap seats allocated for the train will sell out faster (sometimes months in advance), reverting to higher-priced tickets.
I could go on and on about this all day since I come from the airline pricing world — but if you have any additional questions about this, reach out to me. The prices are the same in either direction, and buying a round-trip versus a one-way ticket doesn’t seem advantageous.
The bottom line, service between Seattle and Portland starts at $27 each way.
Here are some sample prices, which should only be used as a general guideline.
| Amtrak Product | One-way fares start at: |
|---|---|
| Cascades Coach | Starting at $27 each way |
| Cascades Business | Starting at $86 each way |
| Coast Starlight Coach | Starting at $27 each way |
| Coast Starlight Business | Not offered |
| Coast Starlight Sleepers | Rooms start at $166 (for 2 people) |
Traveling with a bicycle on Amtrak
Carry-on bicycle service is offered on Amtrak Cascades for $10 each way and requires a reservation ahead of time. The online booking portal offers the service along the booking path. There are designated bike racks on the trains.
Train-side bicycle check service is offered on the Coast Starlight at select stations and it’s required to make a reservation online ahead of time. Upon arriving at the station, contact staff, get a luggage receipt, and hand the bike up to the Amtrak baggage crew loading the car. The fee for this service is $20 or less.
If you’re traveling on another Amtrak line or even on Greyhound, learn more — including how to pack a bike in a bag or box — about how to bring your bike on a bus or train.
Is Amtrak Business Class worth it on the Seattle to Portland train?
Might you remember? For the last twenty years, Amtrak deployed Talgo trainsets for Cascades service. They offered a more European-styled experience, especially in Business Class. A newly designed fleet is expected in 2026 and beyond. Until then, there is a mix of Amtrak standard one-level trainsets (like those on the US East Coast) and a few remaining Talgo trains that tend to travel on the Seattle to Eugene routes.
Business Class on Amtrak Cascades (Standard trains)
- Comfortable, updated burgundy leather seats (photo shown) are in a one-two pattern (or three across).
- The Business Class cabin is 12 seats in a secluded section of the Bistro Car. A blue curtain separates the spaces.
- More legroom — popular with business travelers who enjoy the space to work.
- Priority boarding and bonus points if you’re an Amtrak loyalty member.
- Receive a credit for $3 off anything in the Bistro Car.
How much more does Amtrak Business Class cost?
I’ve seen Business Class as low as $86 one-way between Seattle and Portland. Because of the limited number of seats (12), the cabin sells out regularly — there is no need for Amtrak to discount the service.
Amtrak BidUp option
A third option is to purchase a ticket in Coach and then bid for a Business Class seat should one be available on the day of travel.
For example, on my recent train trip to Vancouver, my Coach ticket was $34, and Business would’ve been $108. I bid $25 to upgrade, which would’ve made my overall price for a Business Class seat $59. But I didn’t “win” my bid.
If the bid was accepted, my credit card information was already entered to charge the additional $25. Notification, either way, is sent via email.
Summary — Is Business Class worth it on the train from Seattle to Portland?
It depends on how much you value roominess and exclusivity. I’ll wait until the new trainsets arrive to reconsider paying more for Amtrak’s Business Class product.
What about a room on the Coast Starlight? Is it worth it?
Riding in the sleeping car is a lot of fun. It’s definitely worth it if taking a longer train ride, like my journey from Seattle to Chicago on Amtrak’s Empire Builder. We stayed in the two person roomette that was just enough room for the two of us to squeeze our man-size bodies (my friend Paris and I are both 6’1) into the space during the day and then sleep in bunks at night. The morning shower was full size with a powerful stream of piping hot water. And, it’s fun to walk down the corridors, imagining romantic images of the past, to the diner car, where food is complimentary at meal times (and pretty tasty for riding on a train).
Bottom line — unless going for the novelty — for the added cost and relatively short travel time (around 4 hours between Seattle and Portland), you get much more space in Business Class with the Amtrak Cascades product.
But, in case you’d like more information, this is what you get with the three different sleeper products:
ALL SLEEPER PRODUCTS
- Seating by day; upper and lower berths by night
- Complimentary meals and a First Class attendant onboard
- Lounge access and priority boarding at select stations
- Newly upgraded bedding, pillows, towels and linens
ROOMETTE
- Up to 2 Adults.
- Access to restroom, shower in your car.
BEDROOM
- Up to 2 Adults
- 2x the space of a Roomette
- In-room sink, restroom and shower
FAMILY ROOM
- Up to 2 Adults, 2 Children
- Spans the width of the car
- Access to restroom, shower in your car
Where is the best scenery on the Seattle to Portland train? How we spent our time on the train
Business travelers are usually working the whole way and the Cascades experience caters to this with the relaxed Bistro Car. However, if you’re like me and love to take in the complete experience, here is my play-by-play recommendation from a recent journey (on the Coast Starlight).
- 9:30 — We show up at Seattle’s King Street Station and step in line to see an Amtrak employee for seating. Although we already have assigned seats (from the online booking path) he issues us a white white card stock of paper to give the conductor. This is only for the long-distance trains that make 25 or so stops, not the regional Cascades system.
- 9:40 — We board the train and the conductor checks our card and tucks it into the luggage rack above our heads.
- 9:45 — Push off on time. After we get all our belongings secured we immediately make our way to the Cafe Car. The Diner car is the next one down and it’s possible to make reservations for meals there based on time of day — in our case Lunch.
- 10:15 — we’re loaded up with refreshments as a large line forms with everyone else wanting food. Since I rushed out of the house in the morning I got mac-n-cheese, the breakfast of champions. It’s delicious. Mike gets a breakfast sandwich. We enjoy our food and beverages on the upper level of the Cafe Car, which is the sight-seeing part of the train with tables and skylights.
- 10:30 — Eastern views from the train hone in on majestic Mt. Rainier. She pops in and out of view in this section of the track.
- 10:37 — We pull out of the Tacoma station — a great gateway to exploring Mt. Rainier National Park — and get ready for the beauty of the Salish Sea. For the next 45 minutes the train makes its way along tracks next to the water, making this a scenic highlight. Since we’re seated on the east side of the train (in this case left-hand side) we stay in the Lounge Car to gaze out at the waves lapping onto pebbly beaches, with the Olympic Mountains in the background.
- 11:30 — I do some writing on the large Lounge Car table while Mike gets updated on social media.
- 12:00 — We return to our seats and take a quick nap.
- 12:45 — A few minutes from the Kelso-Longview station — a great gateway to exploring Mt. St. Helens — I drag Mike back to the Lounge Car so we can view the scenic highlight of the vast Columbia River, again on the west (right-hand) side of the train. We get a few more snacks.
- 1:18 — The train leaves Vancouver, WA, and we’re back in our seats for the final duration of the trip. I message my brother to head to Portland’s Union Station to pick us up.
- 2:00 — We arrive on time to Portland’s Union Station.
Where are the best seats on the train between Seattle and Portland?
Seats are not assigned in advance, so it’s first come, first served on the Amtrak Cascades service. With the Coast Starlight, you’ll need to check in at a kiosk in the station, where you’ll receive cards of paper and the conductor will give you a specific car or two at boarding.
Either way, when boarding, be sure to seek seats on the west side of the train. This is the right hand side for the southbound journey (from Seattle to Portland) or left hand side for the northbound trip (Portland to Seattle).
The seats are split into sections — one facing forward oncoming scenery and the other backward, viewing what has passed. While I prefer forward facing, the other option is lovely too.
It is not a secret that the best scenery is on the west-facing side of the train. People get there early to enjoy the views, so they arrive with enough time to claim a good seat — at least 30-45 minutes before departure is suggested.
Seattle to Portland train — key planning considerations.
- Since Amtrak does not own their tracks, it’s common for freight trains to take precedence over passengers, causing waiting “on the side of the road” and delays. Be prepared to be patient.
- For trips on the Coast Starlight — even if you check in on a mobile device or at a kiosk inside the beautiful nostalgic terminals, it’s important to queue to receive the card with destination to give the conductor.
- If you’re visiting friends or family in either Seattle or Portland metro areas, ask them which station is most convenient. Sometimes the answer could be Tacoma (TAC) for Seattle or Vancouver, WA (VAN), for Portland. You need to buy a ticket for the exact routing — it isn’t like a bus where you can jump off.
- No smoking anywhere on Amtrak — and there isn’t enough time to get off along the way (see next bullet).
- Speaking of jumping off, the conductors frown heavily on getting off the train along the way. There are no designated “smoke break” stops between Seattle and Portland. It’s possible to get left behind.
- I’ve always felt safe on Amtrak, but be aware of your surroundings and don’t leave valuables in plain sight if you stroll to the restroom or cafe car.
- This said, people are usually very friendly on the train. Chat with your neighbors to see where they’re headed. If you’re on the Coast Starlight, you could get some interesting answers.
- Both Seattle King Street Station and Portland Union Station are perfect locations to jump on public transportation and/or just walk through interesting parts of both downtown areas. You will probably see people with unstable housing, but in general they will keep to themselves. I feel comfortable in either city at any hour, but if homelessness makes you feel uneasy, keep this in mind for the time of arrival/departure.
Seattle to Portland train — Amtrak in Seattle & cruise connections
What to expect when in Seattle (SEA)
- There are two train stations in Seattle, very near each other. One is a commuter terminal and the other is the Amtrak Station. You want Seattle King Street Station. This station feels like you’re down at ground level.
- If you need a nearby hotel, the Embassy Suites by Hilton is located a block away and is a great option.
- If you’re hungry and have a little time, 13 Coins Seattle is a local favorite and is open late on weekends. There are also a lot of other places to eat in the Pioneer Square area of Seattle, just a few blocks away.
- Be sure to select a seat on the West facing side of the train (right-hand side) to view the water along the way.
- Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (Seatac Airport) is 12 miles and about 20 minutes by car away from Amtrak’s King Street Station. The two are connected by convenient light rail that costs $3 and takes 32 minutes.
- The Amtrak station is next door to Seattle’s two sporting arenas with easy walking to both Qwest Field and T-Mobile Field.
- The Coleman Ferry Dock is half a mile away and a 12-minute walk. This is where you can take the Washington State Ferry to Bainbridge Island, or local water taxis to places like West Seattle.
- Seattle Cruise Connections: Seattle Cruise Terminal is 4.5 miles & 20 minutes away by car. Bell Street at Pier 66 (Cruise Terminals of America) is 1.5 miles away in Downtown Seattle — 30 minutes walking or 8 minutes by car.
What to expect when in Portland (PDX)
- The Coast Starlight originates in Seattle, making the southbound service relatively reliable. Or, at least it will leave on time. However, since the northbound version begins the long journey from Los Angeles over 30 or so hours prior, it’ll very likely leave Portland late to get to Seattle. Check the status of this train — or take Amtrak Cascades Northbound.
- Union Station in Portland has better concessions than Seattle, making it possible to buy light snacks and beverages right in the historic terminal.
- The closest hotels to Union Station, walking, are Hampton Inn and Suites, Portland Pearl District and The Society Hotel – Portland. There is also a Residence Inn by Marriott but it’s awkwardly behind the massive Post Office — still very close to the train station.
- The Metropolitan Lounge in Portland is available for Business Class passengers and can be hard to find. It is located on the right-hand side of the main great room, just after the doors leading to the tracks. People line up here to board so you might need to weave through the crowds.
- Be sure to select a seat on the West facing side of the train (left-hand side) to view the water along the way.
- Even if you check in on a mobile device or at a kiosk inside the terminal, it’s important to queue to receive the card with seat assignment to give the conductor.
- Portland International Airport is 12 miles and about 20 minutes by car away from Amtrak’s Union Station. The two are connected by convenient light rail (transfer required) that costs $2.50 and takes a little over an hour.
Travel the Pacific Northwest with purpose and meaning.
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- Those wanting to experience travel + nature + spirit in new ways.
Learn what impedes, supports, and transforms you through Nature Meditation.
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