Trains from Seattle to Spokane
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Train Route Overview: Seattle to Spokane
There are 3 daily trains from Seattle to Spokane. Traveling by train from Seattle to Spokane usually takes around 15 hours and 21 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Empire Builder train can make the trip in 8 hours,
| Distance | 228 mi (368 km) |
| Fastest train | 8h 0m |
| Lowest price | $37.71 |
| Trains per day | 1 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 2 |
What is the price of a train ticket from Seattle to Spokane?
In the last month, $94.87 was the average price of a train ticket from Seattle to Spokane. You can expect to find tickets at that price or lower if you book your trip at least 10 days in advance. Otherwise, expect to pay around $74.21 more than that for a same-day booking.
Monthly average prices
If you are trying to decide when to travel from Seattle to Spokane by train so you can score the best possible deal, your best bet would be to plan your trip for May. That’s when the average price for a train ticket is expected to be just C$48 – the lowest of the year.
Alternatively, if you plan to travel from Seattle to Spokane in March, expect to spend more on your train trip, as the average ticket price usually surges to C$103 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
If you want to score the best deal, you should plan to book your train trip online on Wanderu at least 10 days ahead of time. If you do that, your train ticket to Spokane from Seattle will be about C$74.21 cheaper compared to what you would pay if you book at the last minute.
Which train should you take from Seattle to Spokane?
2 train services operate from Seattle to Spokane. Amtrak usually has more trains scheduled, with 2 trips per day. That said, it's still worth comparing the prices and trip durations:
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 2 | 17h 14m | $125.74 |
| Amtrak Empire Builder | 1 | 8h 0m | $58.61 |
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 2 Amtrak trains from Seattle to Spokane every day, as well as 6 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $47.
Amtrak Empire Builder
The Amtrak Empire Builder is a long-distance passenger rail service that has been in operation since 1929. The full 2,200-mile route takes 45 hours to connect Chicago with the Pacific Northwest. Don’t let the length of the trip intimidate you; the Empire Builder is one of Amtrak’s most popular services, and often rated as the most scenic train route in the country. The sightseer lounge, home to enormous windows, is the perfect place to drink in the incredible views of the Mississippi River, the North Dakota Plains, Glacier National Park, and the Columbia River Gorge. Overnight trips on the Empire Builder include the option to book sleeper cabins, for a more comfortable journey and included meals. All passengers can purchase meals or snacks in the cafe car.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to travel by train from Seattle to Spokane 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 Spokane?
How long is the train journey from Seattle to Spokane?
The distance between Seattle and Spokane is approximately 228 miles, or 368 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 15 hours and 21 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 8 hours,
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?
Trains from Seattle to Spokane are the most crowded on Wednesday. Tickets also tend to be more expensive then. If you are looking for a great deal on your train tickets or just want extra room to stretch out, consider traveling on Friday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
When are the first and last trains of the day?
The earliest train departs Seattle at 5:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 4:00pm. 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 Spokane?
There are 3 scheduled trains on most days. There is one direct train, which you can stay on for the entire journey from Seattle to Spokane. In contrast, taking a non-direct train would require you to transfer trains during your trip.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Spokane 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.
Spokane
As the second-largest city in the state, Spokane is a family-friendly Washington destination that offers plenty of fun for everyone. The first thing you should do is explore the numerous lakes that the city is blessed with. Offering idyllic views as well as the chance to enjoy outdoor recreational activities, the local lakes allow you to fill an entire day with plenty of fun. The best choice would be Lake Pend Oreille, which features still water and a calm vibe. While you’re in town, check out Riverfront Park. Voted one of the most beautiful urban parks in the U.S. by National Geographic, the park sits on the bank of the Spokane River, offering a great chance for you to unwind and get lost in nature. If you seek a cultural experience, Corbin Art Center might just have what you need.
Spokane greets its hungry visitors with plenty of farm-to-table restaurants, which offer the freshest produce. Some local favorites you should check out include Gander & Ryegrass, Spencer’s for Steaks and Chops, or Churchill’s Steakhouse.
Spokane’s main hub of transportation is the bus & train station at 221 W 1st Ave right in the heart of the city’s downtown area. From there, you can catch buses to various cities like Seattle, Missoula and Portland, as well as trains to San Francisco, Chicago and Salt Lake City, among many other places. Spokane is served by Amtrak’s Empire Builder line. The city’s main airport is Spokane International Airport, situated 5 miles west of downtown.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Seattle?
Departure stations
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:
500 13th St SE
Union Station
433 Willamette St
1301 W 11th St
King St Station - 303 S Jackson St
422 E. 25th St.
6600 Yelm Hwy SE
211 Railroad Ave
Ferry Dock
110 10th Ave SW
10251 St Edwards Dr
Pacific Central Station
Sounder Rail Station - 7301 Longacres Way
210 Railroad Ave
1757 Washington St
Where is the train station in Spokane?
Image credit: Paul Sableman
Link to image attribution
Image credit: Nick Bramhall
Link to image attributionArrival stations
The Spokane Intermodal Center on 1st Ave is Spokane’s primary hub for bus and train service. The city’s original train station was built at this location in 1891, and the red brick building has since been remodeled and expanded to include intercity bus service, too. Today, passengers can catch the iconic Amtrak Empire Builder train along its route from Chicago to Seattle or Portland, or hop on a FlixBus US or Jefferson Lines bus heading to destinations throughout the Northwest. The station is just north of I-90 and centrally located in Spokane, within a mile of the sprawling Riverfront Park, the Spokane Convention Center, and Gonzaga University.
Train stations in Spokane:
Spokane Intermodal Center - 221 W 1st Ave
Need a return trip from Spokane to Seattle?
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