Thinking about taking a train from Seattle to Vancouver? The train is hands-down one of the easiest and most scenic ways to get there.
No long border waits in a car, no airport hassle: just sit back and enjoy the coastline glide by.
Let’s break down the train from Seattle to Vancouver to see if it’s right for you.
How to Get the Train from Seattle to Vancouver
As I mentioned in my post on how to get to Vancouver from Seattle – Amtrak Cascades runs the only direct train service between Seattle and Vancouver, BC.
It’s the main rail option for this route. No other train lines run it.
It’s much more scenic than the bus to Vancouver from Seattle – but since it only runs twice a day, you might find yourself opting for the bus instead.
⚠️ Warning: There are only two daily trains to Vancouver (8:00 am and 6:00 pm) so if you need to depart during working hours it’s best to book the Flixbus to Vancouver – it’s the cheapest way and has the most departures.
Heck, driving to Vancouver from Seattle might be the easiest if you’ve got wheels – just make sure you time the border correctly!
Even better, the seaplane to Vancouver from Seattle takes just an hour.
That said, let’s take a deeper look at the Seattle to Vancouver train.
🔥 Need a Vancouver itinerary before or after your train trip?
Check out my 2 Days in Vancouver: Plan a Perfect Weekend Itinerary for ideas.
Seattle Train to Vancouver Train Duration
First things first: how long is the train ride from Seattle to Vancouver?
You’re looking at about 4 hours and 25 minutes total. That’s on a direct Amtrak Cascades train, with no changes or layovers.
Boarding usually starts about 30–45 minutes before departure. Customs is handled at the Vancouver station after arrival — no mid-trip interruptions.
Seattle to Vancouver Train Prices
🔥 Not feeling the train? You can book an all-inclusive Vancouver day tour from Seattle with all transport included. You also get free cancellation + can book now and pay later – click the button for info.
So, how much is a ticket for the Seattle to Vancouver route?
It depends on how you’re travelling.
Train Price (no car or bike)
- Adult (16–64): $34–$56 USD
- Child (2–15): ~$17 USD
- Infant (under 2): Free (must sit on lap)
A single adult rider with a bike: about $42–$60 USD depending on time of day.
A family of four (2 adults, 2 kids): about $100–$140 USD.
Expect a bump in 2026. Check the Amtrak Cascades website for current pricing.
Seattle to Vancouver Train Schedule
During peak season (June–September), Amtrak Cascades runs two trains daily in each direction.
One is at 8:00 am and one is at 6:00 pm.
My tip? Book early morning or late evening trains if you’re price-sensitive. These often sneak in under the higher mid-day fares.
Reservations are required — this isn’t a hop-on kind of train.
⚠️ Warning ⚠️: The average attraction in Vancouver in June is booked 42 days in advance.
Especially in high season, booking online is the only way to avoid sellouts.
- ⛰️ Buy now: Grouse Mountain Admission + Skyride (book now/pay later)
- 🌁 Buy now: Capilano Suspension Bridge + free downtown shuttle (free cancellation)
- 🚌 Buy now: Capilano Suspension Bridge + Grouse Mountain combo (all transport included)
- 🐳 Buy now: Vancouver’s top rated killer whale tour (plus free photo and beverage)
All the links above offer the chance to book now/pay later, allow free cancellation, and guarantee you the best price – or you’ll be refunded the difference 🤝
How to Book a Train from Seattle to Vancouver
Booking is simple.
- Get to King Street Station in Seattle
- Buy your ticket online or at the kiosk
- Board and enjoy the ride
- Disembark at Pacific Central Station in Vancouver
Try to arrive 45–60 minutes before departure. There’s a security screening area and passport check.
Reservations open 11 months out. Best rates show up 7+ days before your travel date. Last-minute bookings are possible, but prices go up fast.
For this reason, I recommend booking online using the button below:
What to Expect on the Train: My Experience
Getting to King Street Station
The station is downtown, right near Pioneer Square. You can walk there from most city hotels, or take the light rail. Inside, it’s a mix of tile floors, big windows, and minimal chaos. Very un-airport.
Getting a Seat for the Ride: My Suggestions
You get assigned seats when you check in. My personal tip? Ask to sit on the left side (heading north). That’s the coastal side. You’ll thank me when you’re staring at the water instead of brush.
Quiet car is near the front — great if you’re noise-sensitive.
Train to Vancouver Amenities
There’s a small café car with snacks, drinks, and sandwiches. Wi-Fi works okay near cities, then drops off hard in the woods. I download stuff before.
Bathrooms are fine, nothing fancy. Bring hand sanitizer. No real kids’ zone, but there’s room to walk around.
If you like views, head to the bistro car mid-trip — it has larger windows and sometimes fewer people.
Vancouver Train Arrival
You’ll roll into Pacific Central Station, just east of downtown Vancouver. It’s clean and well-marked, with customs officers waiting as you disembark. The check is usually quick unless the train is full.
Right outside the station you’ll find buses, Vancouver taxis, and the SkyTrain.
You can be in downtown Vancouver in about 10 minutes flat.
🚀 Extra tips: Vancouver public transportation guide.
Train to Vancouver from Seattle Tips
- Get there at least 60 mins in advance
- Dress for weather/conditions (e.g., deck wind, cabin AC)
- Wi-Fi is spotty — download shows beforehand
- Bring snacks or a reusable water bottle
- Lock your vehicle or secure bags properly
- Book early for weekends/holidays
- Consider package upgrades for flexibility
- Always check status day-of
🚗 Not convinced about the train? Consider getting a car and planning a Seattle to Vancouver road trip.
Seattle to Vancouver Train FAQ
What’s the fastest train route from Seattle to Vancouver?
The direct Amtrak Cascades line is the fastest rail option, with no changes needed.
How long is the train ride between Seattle and Vancouver?
Roughly 4 hours and 25 minutes from downtown Seattle to Vancouver’s main station.
How much does it cost for the train to Vancouver?
Ticket prices range from $34 to $56 for adults. Children’s fares are around half.
Where do you board the train to Vancouver?
You board at King Street Station in Seattle. It’s a historic terminal downtown.
Is there a direct route?
Yes. No transfers or changes required.
When is the last departure of the train to Vancouver?
Usually around 7:00 PM daily from Seattle.
How often does the Seattle Vancouver train run?
Twice daily each way, with increased frequency during peak travel months.
What’s the best time to avoid crowds?
Midweek, early morning departures usually feel the quietest. Avoid Fridays and Sundays.
Are pets allowed?
Small pets are allowed in carriers under certain conditions. Check Amtrak’s pet policy before booking.
Ready to Board Your Train from Seattle to Vancouver?
The Amtrak Cascades route is an easy, scenic, low-stress way to go north. No traffic jams. No long customs waits. Just a good window seat and a smooth ride.
Got questions I didn’t cover? Drop them in the comments — I always reply.
You might be interested in:
-
Seaplane from Vancouver to Seattle: Is it Worth it?
Taking a seaplane from Vancouver to Seattle is the fastest way to travel between the two cities, hands down. The experience of this once-in-a-lifetime flight sells itself. But what’s the difference in price and travel time compared to other options? And most importantly, is it worth it for you? Let’s break down the Vancouver to […]
-
How Far from Seattle Washington to Vancouver Canada?
You’re staring at the map, wondering if hopping from Seattle to Vancouver is a quick trip or a full-day mission. The two cities do look close – but how far from Seattle, Washington to Vancouver, Canada? And does the border make everything more complicated? I’ve made the trip more times than I can count. Let’s […]
-
Vancouver to Seattle Bus: 2025 Info & Tickets from $20.00
The Vancouver to Seattle bus is a great way for visitors to explore the Pacific Northwest. The journey is easy and convenient, with multiple daily departures from both cities. Best of all, with one-way tickets as low as $20, it’s the cheapest way to travel between Vancouver and Seattle! Let’s look at the options available […]
No comments found.