Is There a Train from Seattle to Vancouver? 2025 Updates 🚆

You’re planning your Pacific Northwest trip and wondering if there’s a smooth, scenic way to get between these two classic cities.

So naturally, you ask: is there a train from Seattle to Vancouver?

Stick around – I’ve done this trip myself, and I’ll tell you exactly how it works (plus a few things I wish I knew the first time).

Is There a Train from Seattle to Vancouver?

⚠️ 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.

Yes, there’s a direct train between Seattle and Vancouver – if it fits your schedule it’s one of the best ways to get to Vancouver from Seattle.

If you’re thinking this sounds too easy, you’re not alone.

A lot of travelers assume crossing an international border by train must be complicated.

But honestly? It’s the most relaxing way to travel between these two cities. I’ve taken it a few times – no long lines, no weird surprises at the border, just a comfortable ride with some serious window views (Puget Sound, anyone?).

Compared to driving to Vancouver from Seattle, this is a breeze.

Here’s How the Vancouver Train Works

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Amtrak runs the Amtrak Cascades train from Seattle’s King Street Station to Vancouver’s Pacific Central Station. It’s direct, no transfers, and the ride takes about 4.5 hours.

You’ll pass through some wild coastal scenery, rolling farmland, and thick forest. I’ve never once regretted taking the train over flying or driving.

There are usually two daily departures from Seattle at 8:00 am and 6:00 pm, but this can shift depending on the season. One goes in the morning, and the other usually leaves late afternoon.

Always check the latest schedule because it’s not one of those hop-on-whenever kind of deals.

Tickets start at around $35 USD if you book in advance. I once booked two days before and ended up paying nearly double, so my tip: buy early if you can.

Bring your passport. You’ll clear customs in Vancouver when you arrive, and yes, it’s a real international border. They’ll ask the usual questions, but it’s a smooth process handled in the station.

A Few Things to Make it Better

If you like quiet, try to sit on the left side of the train when leaving Seattle—that’s where the coastline is. You’ll get sunset over the water if you’re lucky.

The snack car isn’t bad (there’s local beer and Washington wine), but I usually bring my own lunch – Pike Place Market is five minutes from King Street Station and you can grab something to-go.

Whale Watching Tours

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If you’re tight on time or the train schedule doesn’t line up, there’s also the FlixBus service to Vancouver, which is a cheaper but less scenic and sometimes slower if the border’s backed up.

Driving works, too, but border wait times at Peace Arch can be awful in summer. I once spent 90 minutes parked at the crossing, and I’ve avoided driving ever since.

My Final Final Word

The train from Seattle to Vancouver is real, scenic, and simple to use. It’s perfect if you want a no-stress travel day with great views and no rental car hassle.

If this helped you, I’d love to hear about it. Leave a comment, send me a message, or share your own experience—good or bad. Over at Vancouver Planner, I’m always happy to help make your trip smoother.