A vital train route that travels through the breathtaking Pacific Northwest scenery from Portland, Oregon, to Vancouver, British Columbia, is the Amtrak Cascades line (Amtrak Portland to Vancouver). Direct service between these two cities resumed on March 6, 2023, following a pause brought on by the COVID-19 epidemic, creating a vital transit connection for both business and leisure passengers.
Amtrak Portland to Vancouver BC Route Details
The following table lists the main features and information about the Amtrak Cascades route between Portland (PDX) and Vancouver, British Columbia (VAC):
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Route Name | Amtrak Cascades |
| Train Number | Typically Train 516 (Northbound to Vancouver) |
| Departure Station | Portland Union Station (PDX) |
| Arrival Station | Vancouver Pacific Central Station (VAC) |
| Travel Time | 8 hours (varies based on delays/border crossing) |
| Distance | 315 miles (507 km) |
| Frequency | 1 daily direct train (additional options with connections in Seattle) |
| Border Crossing | Customs/immigration stop at Blaine, WA (all passengers must disembark) |
| Onboard Amenities | Free Wi-Fi (limited) Scenic views (Coach/Business Class) |
| Ticket Prices | Coach: 40–40–70 (one-way) Business Class: 90–90–150 (one-way) |
| Reservations | Required (book in advance for best fares) |
| Pet Policy | Small pets allowed (fee applies; check Amtrak rules) |
| Bike Policy | Limited bike spaces (reservation required + fee) |
| Booking Options | Available on Amtrak website, app, or at stations |
Amtrak Portland to Vancouver Schedule
The following table lists stops, departure and arrival times, and important information for the Amtrak Cascades route between Portland (PDX) and Vancouver, BC (VAC):
| Stop | Arrival Time | Departure Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portland, OR (PDX) | — | 2:25 PM | Departs from Portland Union Station |
| Vancouver, WA (VAN) | 2:50 PM | 2:55 PM | Short stop (5 mins) |
| Kelso-Longview, WA (KEL) | 3:40 PM | 3:45 PM | Connecting buses available |
| Olympia-Lacey, WA (OLW) | 4:35 PM | 4:40 PM | Capital of Washington |
| Tacoma, WA (TAC) | 5:20 PM | 5:25 PM | Near Tacoma Dome |
| Seattle, WA (SEA) | 6:10 PM | 6:30 PM | 20-min stop; transfer point for other trains |
| Edmonds, WA (EDM) | 6:55 PM | 7:00 PM | Scenic Puget Sound views |
| Everett, WA (EVR) | 7:25 PM | 7:30 PM | Major stop before border |
| Stanwood, WA (STW) | 8:00 PM | 8:05 PM | Limited services |
| Mount Vernon, WA (MVW) | 8:20 PM | 8:25 PM | Skagit Valley area |
| Bellingham, WA (BEL) | 8:50 PM | 8:55 PM | Last U.S. stop before border |
| Blaine, WA (BLA) | 9:15 PM | 9:45 PM | Border crossing (30-min stop for customs) |
| Vancouver, BC (VAC) | 10:30 PM | — | Arrives at Pacific Central Station |
Stations of Amtrak Portland to Vancouver
The following table lists the major stations along the Amtrak Cascades route between Portland (PDX) and Vancouver, British Columbia (VAC), along with their locations and unique features:
| Station Name | Station Code | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Portland Union Station | PDX | 800 NW 6th Ave, Portland, OR |
| Vancouver, WA | VAN | 1301 W 11th St, Vancouver, WA |
| Kelso-Longview | KEL | 501 S First Ave, Kelso, WA |
| Olympia-Lacey | OLW | 6600 Yelm Hwy SE, Lacey, WA |
| Tacoma Dome Station | TAC | 422 E 25th St, Tacoma, WA |
| Seattle King St Station | SEA | 303 S Jackson St, Seattle, WA |
| Edmonds Station | EDM | 211 Railroad Ave, Edmonds, WA |
| Everett Station | EVR | 3201 Smith Ave, Everett, WA |
| Bellingham Station | BEL | 401 Harris Ave, Bellingham, WA |
| Blaine Station | BLA | 500 H St, Blaine, WA |
| Vancouver Pacific Central Station | VAC | 1150 Station St, Vancouver, BC |
Benefits of Amtrak Portland to Vancouver BC
- Reclining Seats: Spacious and comfortable seating with ample legroom.
- Wi-Fi Access: Stay connected throughout your journey with free onboard Wi-Fi.
- Power Outlets: Conveniently located at each seat for charging devices.
- Business Class: Wider seats, extra legroom, and priority boarding for added comfort.
- Restrooms: Clean and accessible restrooms available in multiple train cars.
- Scenic Views: Large windows to enjoy the stunning Pacific Northwest landscapes.
- Luggage Storage: Overhead compartments and luggage racks for carry-on items.
- Bistro Car: Offers fresh, regional cuisine, snacks, and beverages, including wine and microbrews.
Amtrak Portland to Vancouver BC Cost
The following table lists the various fare categories, discounts, and extra costs for Amtrak tickets on the Portland, Oregon (PDX) to Vancouver, British Columbia (VAC) route:
| Fare Type | One-Way Price | Round-Trip Price |
|---|---|---|
| Coach Class | 40–40–90 | 80–80–180 |
| Business Class | 90–90–150 | 180–180–300 |
| Saver Fare | 35–35–60 | 70–70–120 |
| Flexible Fare | 60–60–120 | 120–120–240 |
Travel Tips for Amtrak Portland to Vancouver BC
- Book Early: Secure your tickets in advance to get the best prices and preferred seating.
- Arrive Early: Arrive at the station at least 30 minutes before departure for a smooth boarding process.
- Pack Light: Amtrak allows carry-on luggage, so pack efficiently to avoid extra fees.
- Bring Travel Essentials: Carry snacks, a water bottle, and entertainment like books or headphones for the journey.
- Check Travel Documents: Ensure you have a valid passport or required documents for crossing the U.S.-Canada border.
- Explore Onboard Amenities: Take advantage of Wi-Fi, power outlets, and the Bistro Car for a pleasant ride.
- Plan for Arrival: Research transportation options and attractions in Vancouver to make the most of your trip.
Final Result
The Amtrak Cascades experience, which runs between Portland and Vancouver, British Columbia, embodies the finest of Northwest travel, where the trip itself becomes a vital component of the destination. With this thorough course, you have the ability to:
- Maximize comfort and enjoyment
- Navigate border crossings smoothly
- Discover hidden route treasures
- Travel sustainably through spectacular scenery
The Best Routes on Amtrak
- 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
- Amtrak Los Angeles to Vancouver, Canada
- Amtrak Chicago to Phoenix
FAQs for Amtrak Vancouver British Columbia to Portland
The Amtrak Cascades service.
Two trains daily in each direction from Portland to Vancouver BC.
Approximately 7-8 hours of Amtrak from Vancouver to Portland.
50−150 one way depending on class and booking time for Amtrak Portland to Vancouver BC
Yes, for all cross-border travel.