Traveling by Amtrak Cascades: A Journey from Seattle to Vancouver

Traveling across the Pacific Northwest by train offers a unique experience. Initially, I thought of driving from Seattle to Vancouver during my October trip, but faced challenges with rental car policies. Many agencies do not permit one-way trips out of the US, and those that do often require extra paperwork and higher drop fees. Flying was an option, but the airfare was costly, at hundreds of dollars.

Upon exploring alternatives, I chose to travel by train, surprised by both the affordability and availability of Amtrak tickets. This route offered a straightforward and cost-effective way to cross an international border, something I had never done by rail before.

Starting the Journey

The journey began at Seattle’s King Street Station. I booked a four-hour trip on Amtrak Cascades from there to Vancouver’s Pacific Central Station. The one-way coach ticket cost $21.90. At the station, signs informed passengers traveling to Canada to check in at the ticket office. This instruction was repeated on loudspeakers and by Amtrak staff.

During check-in, I presented my passport and received a customs declaration card and an orange boarding pass. These documents validated my passport and indicated readiness to board.

On the Train

The train’s arrival was slightly delayed, only by six minutes. The train car displayed signs of wear, with shredded fabric seats. Despite their condition, the legroom was ample, and my spouse and I easily stored our bags and snacks under our seats. The train also featured seating arrangements with four seats facing central tables, designated for parties of three or more.

Amtrak’s WiFi was reliable, allowing me to watch the World Series with minimal buffering. As a fan from Wisconsin, seeing the Milwaukee Brewers play was essential. Additionally, the ocean views along the route were spectacular, especially as the sunset illuminated the horizon.

Onboard Facilities

The train’s bathroom was spacious, a contrast to typical cramped airplane lavatories. In the café car, a selection of meals, snacks, and drinks was available, priced in US dollars. I purchased a ginger ale for $2.50 to help with train-induced nausea. Although Canadian coins were not accepted in the café, Canadian paper money and credit cards were.

Crossing the Border

At the Canadian border, passengers remained seated while Canadian officials checked passports. With fewer passengers onboard, the process took about 15 minutes. The train continued to Vancouver, where we navigated through customs. Although the customs line extended outside in the chilly fall weather, it moved swiftly. I was glad to have kept my coat with me.

Traveling to Canada by train was a simple and affordable option compared to flying or renting a car. Flights cost around $350, and the rental car was $58 per day. At approximately $22, the train ride, albeit longer, was the most cost-effective choice without the hassle of long security lines or high gas prices.