COVID-19 Travel Guide
Learn more ›
Wanderu Logo
Canada flag
$
Log in

Trains from Seattle to Portland

Lowest Prices

We partner with the top bus & train carriers to bring you the best deals.

No Wanderu Fees

Without any extra fees, we make it easy to book your tickets.

Best Travel Options

We help you find & compare the best buses & trains in one place.

Seattle - Portland Train Schedule

Find cheap rental carsFind great deals on cheap cars in the area.
RentalCars logotypeRentalCars logotype
from$38.73

Train Route Overview: Seattle to Portland

There are 15 daily trains from Seattle to Portland. Traveling by train from Seattle to Portland usually takes around 12 hours and 19 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 3 hours and 25 minutes.

Distance145 mi (233 km)
Fastest train3h 25m
Lowest price$34.86
Trains per day4
Most frequent serviceAmtrak
Train lines3

Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Overall score for trains from Seattle to Portland

(Based on 40 ratings and reviews)

4.7

4.0

janice

May 14, 2022- Visiting family

Amtrak Cascades

Pros: Scenic view. Price. Cons: NA.

Pros: Scenic view. Price. Cons: NA.

4.0

Carlos

May 13, 2022- Couples trip

Amtrak Cascades

Pros: Coach was very nice seats comfortable, lots of leg room thought I needed business but Glad I didnt pay extra also the cafe was very nice food was good! Cons: Lol be in time. Tips: No need to worry about business class , Coach is just as nice and Comfortable.

Pros: Coach was very nice seats comfortable, lots of leg room thought I needed business but Glad I didnt pay extra also the cafe was very nice food was good! Cons: Lol be in time. Tips: No need to worry about business class , Coach is just as nice and Comfortable.

5.0

Michael

April 24, 2022- Couples trip

Amtrak Coast Starlight

No Wi-Fi that we were aware of

No Wi-Fi that we were aware of

4.0

Avisa

March 26, 2022- Solo travel

Amtrak Coast Starlight

Pros: The train was in better shape. The seats were clean and very spacious. The train made very little noise and comfortable overall. I liked the fact we were given seat number when checking in. Cons: Faster train speed and upgrade the trains. Tips: Good mode of trave...

Pros: The train was in better shape. The seats were clean and very spacious. The train made very little noise and comfortable overall. I liked the fact we were given seat number when checking in. Cons: Faster train speed and upgrade the trains. Tips: Good mode of travel to save money.

More

5.0

Louis

March 19, 2022- Solo travel

Amtrak Cascades

Pros: The trip was quick and inexpensive. Cons: I can't think of any improvements necessary. Tips: Bring headphones or something to read.

Pros: The trip was quick and inexpensive. Cons: I can't think of any improvements necessary. Tips: Bring headphones or something to read.

Seattle to Portland Route Map

Seattle Portland

Train service from Seattle to Portland

See more details

What is the price of a train ticket from Seattle to Portland?

In the last month, $115.13 was the average price of a train ticket from Seattle to Portland. You can expect to find tickets at that price or lower if you book your trip at least 4 days in advance. Otherwise, expect to pay around $7.01 more than that for a same-day booking.

Average prices by travel date

$232$155$77JunJul

Over the next 30 days, the average cost of a one-way train trip from Seattle to Portland will vary between C$114 and C$218. Planning a train trip to Portland within the upcoming week? The cheapest train ticket you can find from Seattle over the next 7 days is C$114. Make sure to book your trip as soon as possible as train fares tend to go up as you get closer to your travel date.

Monthly average prices

$129$103$77$52$26ASONDJFMAMJJ

If you are trying to decide when to travel from Seattle to Portland by train so you can score the best possible deal, your best bet would be to plan your trip for October. That’s when the average price for a train ticket is expected to be just C$46 – the lowest of the year.

Alternatively, if you plan to travel from Seattle to Portland in June, expect to spend more on your train trip, as the average ticket price usually surges to C$124 at that time of year. However, if you book your trip ahead of time, you have a high chance of scoring a ticket at a lower price.

Prices as travel date approaches

$161$129$97$65$323020100

If you want to score the best deal, you should plan to book your train trip online on Wanderu at least 4 days ahead of time. If you do that, your train ticket to Portland from Seattle will be about C$7.01 cheaper compared to what you would pay if you book at the last minute.

Which train should you take from Seattle to Portland?

There are 3 train lines with service from Seattle to Portland. Amtrak is the most popular choice with travelers, offering scheduled service on 12 trains each day.

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak1215h 37m$177.51
Amtrak Cascades23h 25m$55.71
Amtrak Coast Starlight14h 0m$65.46
  • Amtrak

    Amtrak

    Amtrak is the largest passenger railroad service in America, offering daily intercity trains to hundreds of destinations across the contiguous United States, as well as several cities in Canada. Every Amtrak train comes equipped with comfortable seats with extra legroom, as well as several four-seat areas with tables in the middle. In addition, each car has a freshly cleaned restroom, free WiFi and power outlets at every seat. There are also snack bars where you can purchase drinks or food during your journey. On average, there are 12 Amtrak trains from Seattle to Portland every day, as well as 12 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $35.

  • Amtrak Cascades

    Amtrak Cascades

    The Cascades is a passenger train service operated by Amtrak that runs between Vancouver, BC and Eugene, OR. Not only is the Cascades one of Amtrak's most scenic train routes, the trains also offer free WiFi, power outlets, reclining seats, and refreshments available for purchase. There are an average of 2 trips on the Amtrak Cascades from Seattle to Portland, and the average train ticket costs .

  • Amtrak Coast Starlight

    Amtrak Coast Starlight

    The Coast Starlight is an Amtrak train that travels the entire length of the West Coast, connecting Los Angeles to Seattle. The route starts hugging the California coastline, treating passengers to swoon-worthy views of the Pacific, before continuing into the verdant forests of the Cascade Mountains. The Coast Starlight indisputably earns its spot among the most scenic Amtrak train routes. Seating options include Coach or Business Class and roomettes or bedrooms for extra space. A trip from Seattle to Portland takes 4 hours and 0 minutes on average, and Coach tickets start at $36.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where do you catch the train from Seattle to Portland?

The Amtrak in Seattle departs from King Street Station, and arrives into Union Station in Portland. King Street Station is located at 303 South Jackson St., near CenturyLink Field.

Is Portland warmer than Seattle?

Throughout most of the year, the temperature difference between Portland and Seattle is negligible. In the summer, however, Portland tends to be warmer due to Seattle’s more maritime climate. Essentially, because Seattle is closer to the sea, it’s cooler than further-inland Portland. Otherwise, both cities experience similar weather, including a lot of rain.

How many stops are there between Seattle and Portland?

On the Amtrak Cascades, there are six stops between King Street Station in Seattle and Union Station in Portland. These stops are: Tukwila, WA; Tacoma, WA; Lacey (Olympia), WA; Centralia, WA; Longview (Kelso), WA; and Vancouver, WA.

On the Amtrak Coast Starlight, there are five stops between King Street Station in Seattle and Union Station in Portland. These stops are: Tacoma, WA; Lacey (Olympia), WA; Centralia, WA; Longview (Kelso), WA; and Vancouver, WA.

Is it safe to travel by train from Seattle to Portland during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Our train partners have implemented several different policies to keep you safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. From limiting vehicle capacity to enhancing cleaning protocols and upgrading air filters, train carriers are committed to maintaining a safe environment. For details on what each company is doing to ensure their fleet remains safe for travel, click here.

In addition, federal law requires all train passengers to wear a face covering for the entire duration of the trip. Please make sure you are wearing a face mask or you may not be allowed to board the train.

Please visit our COVID-19 Travel Guide for more information on all carrier policies and the latest travel advisories issued by every U.S. state, Canadian province, and European country.

Can you take a train all the way from Seattle to Portland?

Yes, there are trains that can take you the entire way from Seattle to Portland. However, there are also some trips on this route that require you to board another vehicle, such as a bus or a shuttle, during your journey. This is worth paying attention to as you book your trip, since a direct train may be preferable for its speed and convenience.

How long is the train journey from Seattle to Portland?

The distance between Seattle and Portland is approximately 145 miles, or 233 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 12 hours and 19 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 3 hours and 25 minutes.

Looking for ways to pass the time? Most trains are equipped with Wi-Fi, which means you can stream music, browse social media or get some work done during your ride. That said, in case your train has a spotty signal, or is among the few without Wi-Fi, we also recommend downloading TV shows and movies to your mobile device in advance of your trip. That way the ride will fly by whatever the Wi-Fi situation.

When are trains the most crowded?

Tuesday tends to be the busiest day of the week with travelers taking trains from Seattle to Portland. Ticket price also tend to be more expensive on Tuesday than other days. If you are hoping to have more room on the train and even save some change check out travel options on Thursday instead, as less people travel then and deals are more likely to be found.

When are the first and last trains of the day?

The earliest train departs Seattle at 12:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 11:00pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.

Is there a direct train from Seattle to Portland?

There are 15 scheduled trains on most days. 4 of these are direct connections to Portland. While direct trains may still make stops along the way, you will not need to switch trains at any point. If you're looking to get to your destination faster, a direct train is the convenient and time-efficient choice.

You can also take a train for your return trip from Portland to Seattle.

City Information

Seattle

Seattle is a must-see destination on the West Coast of the United States, offering many unique activities for any type of traveler. However, we're confident every visitor will enjoy the view of Mount Rainier from the top of Seattle's iconic Space Needle. Outdoor enthusiasts can bike, hike, boat, and ski in one of the top cities for outdoor activities in the U.S., while soaking in the Pacific Northwest's natural beauty (and yes, some rain as well). Urban explorers will love walking through Pike Place Market and experiencing Seattle's museums and public art, like the scenic Olympic Sculpture Park. These offerings and more make Seattle one of the best vacation destination in Washington.

Known for its coffee culture and as the birthplace of Starbucks, Seattle is also one of the top 5 craft beer cities in the U.S., which is ideal for those who prefer to experience the taste of a city served up in a latte mug or a pint glass.

Seattle is home to the largest airport in the Pacific Northwest, Seattle-Tacoma Airport, but there are plenty of other ways to continue your travels from the Emerald City. A short ferry ride to Bainbridge Island includes the chance to see orca whales in the Puget Sound, or you can catch the Amtrak Cascades train or one of several affordable bus options from the historic King Street Station to other exciting Northwest cities in British Columbia, Oregon and beyond.

Portland

Portland, OR - PDX-0

Image credit: Unsplash

Portland, OR - PDX-1

Image credit: Unsplash

Portland, OR - PDX-2

Image credit: Unsplash

Portland is the largest city in Oregon and accordingly one of the state's best vacation destinations. Also known as the City of Roses, this city along the Willamette River wows visitors with its diverse street food, quirky counterculture, and sprawling bookstores such as the world-famous Powell's Books.

Portland is the 5th best city in the United States for outdoor activities, thanks in part to open-air grounds like the expansive Forest Park. Gardens are also excellent outdoor date locales for couples on a romantic getaway: stop and smell the roses at either the International Rose Test Garden or the Portland Japanese Garden.

Once you've gotten hungry from a long day wandering outside, nearly every block downtown has a plethora of food trucks waiting to tickle your taste buds. Or, kick back at one of the many breweries in the #3 best city for craft beer in the United States. Unique locations like McMenamin's brewpubs in renovated cinemas or historic hotels do their part to "keep Portland weird."

As the biggest city in Oregon, Portland is a hub for travel throughout the Pacific Northwest. Amtrak train service and various bus services operate primarily out of Union Station, conveniently-located downtown, and nearby Portland International Airport makes it easy to travel to Portland from near and far.

Station Information

Where is the train station in Seattle?

Main departure station: 3201 Smith Ave

Because some trains make multiple stops before leaving the city, there are 15 stops and stations in Seattle where you can board the train.

All train stations in Seattle:

  • 3201 Smith Ave

  • King St Station - 303 S Jackson St

  • Pacific Central Station

  • 10251 St Edwards Dr

  • 211 Railroad Ave

  • Spokane Intermodal Center - 221 W 1st Ave

  • 401 Harris Ave

  • Skagit Transp Ctr - 105 E Kincaid St

  • 5555 DeMers Ave

  • Syracuse Hancock Intl Apt

  • Ferry Dock

  • Union Depot

  • Union Station

  • Whitefish Cmnty Library

  • 420 4th St N

Where is the train station in Portland?

Union Station - 800 NW 6th Ave - PDXAMT-0

Image credit: Ian Sane

Link to image attribution

Main arrival station: Union Station

Located in Portland’s Old Town Chinatown area at 800 Northwest Sixth Avenue, Union Station features a glowing neon sign encouraging you to “Go By Train.” Union Station serves several iconic Amtrak routes including the Cascades through the Pacific Northwest, the scenic Coast Starlight from Los Angeles to Seattle, and the long-distance Empire Builder which travels all the way to Chicago. Along with train service, Union Station serves intercity bus service via Greyhound, and connects to the Portland Streetcar, MAX Light Rail, and several local TriMet buses. There is a restaurant and bar onsite, as well as a Metropolitan Lounge reserved for Amtrak’s first- and business-class passengers.

Train stations in Portland:

  • Union Station

Related reading

Need a return trip from Portland to Seattle?

Search Train Tickets

Plan your next adventure

More trains from Seattle

Continue by train from Portland

Check out these popular routes

Wanderu is the simplest way to book bus and train travel.

With just a quick search on Wanderu, you can compare bus and train schedules and prices from hundreds of travel companies in one convenient place to find the trip that works best for you. Wanderu’s simple checkout process makes it easy to book cheap bus and train tickets hassle-free and with no additional fees. Most importantly, as Wanderu is an official partner of all leading bus and train companies, we always have the best bus and train deals out there.

Book buses and trains on the go with the Wanderu app.

Download our app and snag the best travel deals across North America & Europe.Learn more

iPhone
Android
Available on iOS & Android