How to train from Seattle to Vancouver

Table of Contents

• How to elevate your travel experience.
• Amtrak train schedules
• Train city codes for booking
• How much does the train cost?
• Is Business Class worth it?
• Where is the best scenery?
• Where are the best seats?
• Key planning considerations
• Seattle — Information & Cruise connections
• Seattle — what to expect
• Vancouver — Information & Cruise connections
• Vancouver — what to expect.

Amtrak train schedules — the train from Seattle to Vancouver takes about 4.5 hours.

Amtrak sells two trains per day each way. This complements the existing “connecting bus” service offered four times daily with an average fare of $45 each way — a 3.5-hour journey. Of course, this can change anytime, so refer to Amtrak’s official website.

The connecting bus service (and driving your vehicle) takes less time because the driving bridges approaching Vancouver are more direct than the rail lines.

Unfortunately, Amtrak does not own dedicated tracks for the train service between Seattle and Vancouver. This means there will be stops waiting for freight trains to pass along the way. Expect delays.

Northbound trains (as of April 2023):

• Depart Seattle at 7:50 am and arrive in Vancouver at 11:50 am.
• Depart Seattle at 7:00 pm and arrive in Vancouver at 11:00 pm.

Southbound trains (as of April 2023):

• Depart Vancouver at 6:35 am, and arrive in Seattle at 11:00 am.
• Depart Vancouver at 5:45 pm, and arrive in Seattle at 10:10 pm.

Amtrak Cascades

Amtrak Cascades is the Pacific Northwest regional service sponsored by the states of Washington and Oregon on the corridor between Eugene, Oregon, and Vancouver, British Columbia. 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).

Amtrak Cascades also features the Bistro Car, which has a few tables. They offer snacks, tasty sandwiches, warm food, adult drinks, and coffee. It’s usually open before the train departs in either direction — except alcohol is not served until the wheels start moving.

Might you remember? 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). All except one of these trains were retired, and a newly designed fleet is expected in 2026 and beyond.

How much does the train from Seattle to Vancouver 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 Kraken vs. Vancouver Canucks hockey matches, 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 Vancouver starts at $34 each way.

Here are some sample prices, which should only be used as a general guideline.

When is the best scenery? Spending time on the train

This train journey covers some stunning scenery. Since these tracks are on historic lumber routes that require being close to the shore, much of the rail line follows the beautiful Salish Sea. Almost all the great views will be from the west-facing side of the train.

Remember to find inner peace and grounding and focus on nature-forward concepts for at least 30 minutes. You’ll arrive more refreshed and ready to be present to yourself, your companions, and the wonders of the destination. I can help you with this in two other articles about How to nature-forward anywhere and why nature-forward concepts transform any travel experience.

Here are a few of my favorite scenery highlights from the northbound perspective.

• The first 45 minutes between Seattle and Everett is almost entirely along the Salish Sea. Inspiring views of the Olympic Mountains, with the potential for stunning sunsets on the evening train (spring and fall).
• The area between the Stanwood and Mount Vernon station stops features the beautiful Skagit Valley and views of Mt. Baker and the Cascade Mountains to the east.
• From Mount Vernon, the train heads toward the seashore for another beautiful view of the Salish Sea and the San Juan Islands to the west. Stunning sunsets on the evening train (summer) through Bellingham.
• The area approaching the US/Canada border is also along the sea and offers lovely views — especially while waiting for immigration inspection.
• Mud Bay in British Columbia is a lovely stretch of scenery for about 45 minutes.

The area within an hour of Vancouver Pacific Central Station and between Everett and Stanwood stops are excellent opportunities to hit the Bistro Car for a snack or libation and get caught up on journaling, editing photos of your fantastic PNW trip, or perhaps… relax.

Train from Seattle to Vancouver — key planning considerations.

You must have all required immigration documentation for travel between the US and Canada. There are no longer Covid-19 protocols. For more information on the specific requirements, refer to Crossing the US-Canadian Border on the Amtrak website.

General Considerations for Train from Seattle to Vancouver

• Since Amtrak does not own its tracks, it’s common for freight trains to take precedence over passenger trains, causing waiting “on the side of the road” and delays. Be prepared to be patient.
• If you visit friends or family in either Seattle or Vancouver metro areas, ask them which station is most convenient. Sometimes the answer could be Edmonds for Seattle or Bellingham (Washington) for Southern BC. 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. It’s possible you can 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 Bistro.
• Seattle King Street Station and Pacific Central Station in Vancouver are perfect locations to jump on public transportation and/or just walk through exciting parts of both downtown areas. In Downtown Seattle, you will probably see people with unstable housing, but generally, they keep to themselves. I feel comfortable in either city at any hour, but if this could make you feel uneasy, keep this in mind for the time of day arriving/departing.

What to expect when leaving Seattle for Vancouver, BC

• Boarding closes about 15 minutes before the scheduled departure — arrive at least 30 minutes early to have enough time.
• Using the Amtrak App to hold your ticket information is fast and effective.
• You must see the conductor at the booth marked “Passport Checkpoint” to verify both ticket and proper travel credentials, like a passport. Have the information open and ready.
• Upon verification, you’ll receive a small slip of paper with writing like “V-1,” which you will show the agent at the Boarding Gate to be let onto the platform. They’ll direct you to a specific railcar or two.
• There are steep steps onto the train — be prepared to carry all your belongings.
• Each rail set has space for more oversized luggage, but you can also check it beforehand. See the Amtrak website for more information on checked baggage.
• Seats are not assigned — select your spot (see the section above about the fantastic views).
• The Bistro Car is open before departure but won’t serve alcohol until the train begins moving.
• Once moving, a line usually develops at the Bistro Car. I suggest waiting until after the Everett stop to enjoy food and beverage — so you can see the beautiful Salish Sea coastline.
• When the conductor comes by to check your ticket, give them the slip of paper provided at the check-in.
• About 30 minutes before crossing the US/Canada border, the Amtrak crew will distribute Canadian arrivals forms to be completed before reaching the border. Their instructions are clear and helpful.
• At the US/Canada border, the bathrooms and Bistro Car are closed for about 15 minutes, and you’ll be asked to stay seated and show your completed Canadian Customs form and travel credentials.
• Upon arrival at Vancouver’s Pacific Central Station, have passport and arrivals forms ready to present to the officials. Business Class is allowed to pass through Canadian customs first and then each Coach car afterward — one rail set at a time.
• Customs and Immigration will ask the usual questions, and processing is generally quick. They will not allow entrance to anyone intoxicated — so do not celebrate too much at the Bistro Car!
• Welcome to Canada!

What to expect when leaving Vancouver, BC, for Seattle.

• The Security Door closes 15 minutes before the scheduled departure — for real. Arrive at least an hour early to have enough time to clear US Customs & Immigration. Plus, snag better seats.
• Using the Amtrak App to hold your ticket information is fast and effective.
• Have a pen ready to fill out a paper US Customs form, which is provided on a table near the boarding sign.
• You’ll pass by a conductor checking documents and continue to a US Customs official, who will ask typical questions. Keep the form in your passport — you’ll need it later on the journey.
• Amtrak staff can tag your checked luggage near the train if needed (you must take it through Customs yourself). They will also direct you to a specific rail set.
• There are steep steps onto the train — be prepared to carry all your belongings.
• Each rail set has space for more oversized luggage, but you can also check it (mentioned above). See the Amtrak website for more information on checked baggage.
• Seats are not assigned — select your spot (see the section above about the fantastic views).
• The Bistro Car is open before departure but won’t serve alcohol until the train begins moving.
• Once moving, a line usually develops at the Bistro Car. But, since the first hour is through industrial areas, this is an excellent time to stock up on food and beverage.
• At the US/Canada border, the Bistro Car and bathrooms will close, and you’ll be asked to stay seated. Customs agents will sweep the train. They’ll look at your passport and take the US Customs form from you.
• Welcome to the United States of America. Continue to Seattle!

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