Photo: Amtrak
Amtrak, in collaboration with ODOT, WSDOT and other agencies resumes Cascades service between Portland, Ore. and Vancouver, BC on March 6. Today’s announcement marks the first time direct service will operate between Portland and stations north of Seattle since 2020. Serving 12 stations along the I-5 corridor in western Washington, customers traveling north can depart Portland at 3:05 p.m. — Seattle at 7 p.m. — for an 11 p.m. arrival in Vancouver, BC. The southbound train leaves Vancouver, BC at 6:35 a.m. for an 11 a.m. stop in Seattle and a 2:55 p.m. Portland arrival.
“With more people now traveling, we are thrilled to double the daily roundtrips between Seattle and Vancouver, BC. By adding staffing and equipment to the region, we can once again offer customers a direct connection between Portland and Canada,” said Amtrak CEO Stephen Gardner.
Running along the water from British Columbia, through river and mountain vistas in Washington and Oregon, Amtrak Cascades offers views of some of the country’s most distinctive cities and spectacular natural attractions.
Amtrak Cascades restarted daily service to Canada, between Seattle and Vancouver, BC, in September 2022. Now fully restored on the popular Pacific Northwest route, Amtrak Cascades offers a cafe car, which features products grown and made in the Pacific Northwest on its Bistro Menu. Travelers also can enjoy large spacious seats with ample leg room, no middle seat and one of the most generous baggage policies in the travel industry, applicable for two personal items and two carry-on bags.
The states of Washington and Oregon jointly sponsor and fund the Amtrak Cascades service.
“WSDOT is pleased to be restoring trains between Portland, Seattle and Vancouver, BC. The resumption of this additional roundtrip marks the first time since the pandemic that passengers can travel on the same train to all stops between these major cities,” said Ron Pate, Director of WSDOT’s Rail, Freight and Ports Division. “We’re looking forward to adding even more Amtrak Cascades trains later this year between Seattle and Portland.”
“We’re aware of just how ready everyone is for this direct service from Portland to Vancouver, BC to come back,” said Karyn Criswell, administrator of the Oregon Department of Transportation’s Public Transportation Division. “With our new reduced rates for travel within Oregon on the Cascades, we’re excited to see ridership grow throughout the corridor, giving people in the Pacific Northwest an affordable, comfortable and safe option for travel.”
“Thanks to all the players who helped us return to full service, including ODOT, WSDOT, BNSF, VIA Rail, Sound Transit, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Canada Border Services Agency and the Congressional Delegation, including the key members who hold leadership positions on our transportation committees — Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA) and Rep. Rick Larsen (D-WA),” said Gardner.
Customers can visit Amtrak.com, AmtrakCascades.com, the Amtrak app, Amtrak ticket desks and kiosks and call 1-800-USA-RAIL for tickets. Travelers departing from Canada can also book their tickets at ViaRail.ca and through 1-888-VIA-RAIL.
The United States and Canadian governments have specific requirements for travel between the two countries. Those who fail to meet these criteria will not be allowed to cross the border.
Source: Amtrak