Planning a scenic journey from Amtrak Los Angeles to Vancouver, Canada? Amtrak offers a comfortable and smooth travel experience that takes you through some of the most stunning landscapes in North America. Whether you’re traveling for leisure or business, here’s everything you need to know about the Amtrak route, schedule, and cost.
Amtrak Los Angeles to Vancouver, Canada Route Details
The Amtrak route from Los Angeles (LA) to Vancouver, Canada (VAC) can be found here, along with important information, train choices, and durations:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Route Name | Los Angeles → Seattle → Vancouver (Multi-Train Connection) |
| Total Distance | ~1,350 miles (2,173 km) |
| Total Duration | 35–40 hours (varies by connection) |
| Departure Station | Los Angeles Union Station (LAX) |
| Arrival Station | Vancouver Pacific Central Station (VAC) |
| Transfer Point | Seattle King Street Station (SEA) |
| Border Process | Canadian customs clearance upon arrival in Vancouver (no pre-clearance) |
| Passport Needed | Yes (or approved WHTI-compliant doc for U.S. re-entry) |
| Ticket Booking | Separate tickets for each leg (can be booked together on Amtrak.com) |
| Coach Class | Available on both trains (reclining seats, power outlets) |
| Business Class | Only on Cascades: Wider seats, priority boarding |
| Wi-Fi Availability | Cascades only (limited; no Wi-Fi on Coast Starlight) |
| Baggage Policy | 2 carry-ons + 2 checked bags free (50 lbs max each; checked baggage at major stations only) |
| Accessibility | Wheelchair-accessible cars on both trains |
| Alternative Routes | Thruway Bus: Seattle → Vancouver if trains are sold out/delayed |
| Best Booking Tip | Reserve sleepers 3–6 months ahead (peak season: May–Sept) |
| Time Zone Changes | PST (LA/Seattle) → PDT (Vancouver, same in summer) |
| Estimated Fare (Coach) | 120–120–200 (LA → Seattle) + 40–40–80 (Seattle → Vancouver) |
| Estimated Fare (Sleeper) | 300–300–800 (LA → Seattle, varies by room type) |
Schedule and Frequency of Amtrak Los Angeles to Vancouver
The Amtrak route from Los Angeles, California (LA) to Vancouver, Canada (VAC) has the following schedule and frequency table:
| Route Segment | Train | Departure | Arrival | Travel Time | Frequency | Days Operated | Connection Time in Seattle |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LA → Seattle | Coast Starlight #11 | 10:10 AM (LAX) | 8:51 PM (SEA) | 34h 41m | Daily | Everyday | N/A |
| Seattle → Vancouver | Cascades #510 | 7:45 AM (SEA) | 11:35 AM (VAC) | 3h 50m | Daily | Everyday | 10h 54m (overnight) |
| Cascades #516 | 6:50 PM (SEA) | 10:35 PM (VAC) | 3h 45m | Daily | Everyday | 21h 59m (overnight) | |
| Thruway Bus | 2:15 PM (SEA) | 6:15 PM (VAC) | 4h | Daily | Everyday | 17h 24m (overnight) | |
| Return Options (Vancouver → Seattle) | Cascades #509 | 6:35 AM (VAC) | 10:25 AM (SEA) | 3h 50m | Daily | Everyday | N/A |
| Cascades #515 | 5:45 PM (VAC) | 9:30 PM (SEA) | 3h 45m | Daily | Everyday | N/A | |
| Seattle → LA | Coast Starlight #14 | 9:45 AM (SEA) | 9:25 AM (LAX) | 35h 40m | Daily | Everyday | N/A |
Amtrak Los Angeles to Vancouver Ticket Cost
The following table shows the price of tickets for Amtrak’s Los Angeles to Vancouver route, taking into account all service classes and booking factors:
| Service Class | LA → Seattle (Coast Starlight) | Seattle → Vancouver (Amtrak Cascades) | Total Estimated Fare | What’s Included |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coach Seat | 120−120−220 | 35−35−70 | 155−155−290 | Standard reclining seat, power outlets |
| Business Class | N/A | 55−55−100 | 175−175−320 | Wider seats, extra legroom (Cascades only) |
| Roomette (1-2 people) | 400−400−800 | N/A | 435−435−870 | Private sleeping compartment, meals included |
| Bedroom (1-2 people) | 700−700−1,500 | N/A | 735−735−1,570 | Private room with toilet/shower, meals |
| Family Bedroom (2 adults + 2 kids) | 900−900−1,800 | N/A | 935−935−1,870 | Larger sleeper, meals included |
Facilities of Amtrak Los Angeles to Vancouver, Canada
- Spacious Seating: Comfortable seats with ample legroom and reclining options for a relaxed journey.
- Panoramic Windows: Large windows offering breathtaking views of the Pacific coastline and scenic landscapes.
- Onboard Dining: Access to dining cars with a variety of meal options, including snacks and beverages.
- Private Rooms: Availability of roomettes and bedrooms for added privacy and comfort, complete with sleeping arrangements.
- Wi-Fi Access: Complimentary Wi-Fi on certain segments of the route to stay connected during your trip.
- Generous Baggage Allowance: Amtrak allows both carry-on and checked luggage, making it easy to travel with your essentials.
Booking Tips for Amtrak Los Angeles to Vancouver
- Book Early: Secure your tickets in advance to get the best prices and preferred seating.
- Pack Essentials: Bring a blanket, pillow, and snacks for added comfort during the long journey.
- Stay Informed: Check for any schedule changes or updates on the Amtrak website.
Conclusion
Amtrak offers an unique combination of comfort, breathtaking beauty, and stress-free adventure when traveling from Los Angeles to Vancouver. Routes like the Coast Starlight and Amtrak Cascades highlight the best of the West Coast. Check the most recent timetables, get your tickets in advance, and get ready for an amazing rail journey by going to Amtrak’s official website right now!
The Best Routes on Amtrak
- Amtrak Los Angeles to Seattle Train Route
- Amtrak Los Angeles to San Joaquin Station
- Amtrak Los Angeles to Santa Barbara
- Amtrak Union Station to Los Angeles
- Amtrak Los Angeles to California
- Amtrak Los Angeles to Albuquerque
- Amtrak Los Angeles to Houston
FAQs for Amtrak Los Angeles to Vancouver Route
Amtrak’s Coast Starlight and Cascades routes connect Vancouver, Canada, to Los Angeles with a transfer in Seattle.
The Amtrak trip from Vancouver to Los Angeles typically takes around 35 to 39 hours, depending on the schedule and transfer times
Amtrak’s Coast Starlight and Cascades routes connect Vancouver to Los Angeles, with schedules varying daily. Check the Amtrak website for the latest and most accurate timings.
The cost of an Amtrak ticket from Vancouver to Los Angeles starts at approximately $248 for a one-way trip. Prices vary based on booking time and class of service
The best time to book Amtrak tickets from Vancouver to Los Angeles is as early as possible, ideally 11 months in advance, to secure the lowest fares and preferred seating.
Amtrak’s Cascades train departs Vancouver for Seattle early morning, connecting to the Coast Starlight for Los Angeles. Exact times vary; check the Amtrak website
for updates.
The Amtrak journey from Vancouver to Los Angeles includes multiple stops, with key ones in Seattle, Portland, Sacramento, and San Francisco. Exact stops depend on the chosen route.