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Trip Summary
On most days, there is one scheduled train that travels from Columbus to Portland. The train trip from Columbus to Portland is usually about 43 hours and 22 minutes long. However, be prepared just in case your train arrives slightly earlier or later than scheduled.
| Distance | 1655 mi (2664 km) |
| Fastest train | 43h 22m |
| Lowest price | $178.06 |
| Trains per day | 1 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak Empire Builder |
| Train lines | 1 |
What is the price of a train ticket from Columbus to Portland?
The average price for a train ticket from Columbus, WI to Portland, OR is $178.06, Tickets are generally pricier for this train route, which is to be expected given the long distance. By booking your trip at least 2 days in advance, you increase your chances of scoring even cheaper tickets. But if you wait until the day of your trip to book tickets, expect to pay $223.61 more.
Monthly average prices
Ticket prices for the train from Columbus to Portland often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in December when the average ticket price is only $275,
If you're thinking of traveling from Columbus to Portland during July, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $468 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in July, is to book your trip well in advance.
Which train should you take from Columbus to Portland?
Amtrak Empire Builder is the one and only train line which connects Columbus to Portland. Furthermore, there is only one train per day, so you will have to plan your travel around this limited availability. On the other hand, you won't have to spend a ton of time comparing a bunch of possible options.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak Empire Builder | 1 | 1d 19h 22m | $366.54 |
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
The distance between Columbus and Portland is approximately 1655 miles, or 2664 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 43 hours and 22 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.
Trains departing from Columbus to Portland tend to have the most passengers on Friday. With higher demand ticket prices also tend to be higher on Friday. If you are trying to snag a cheap train tickets or just want an emptier train you'll have better luck by booking travel departing on Sunday as the least number of people tend to travel then.
Most days, there is only one train which leaves Columbus at 5:00pm and arrives in Portland around 43 hours later.
Typically there is only one scheduled train per day. Luckily, this train will get you to Portland with direct service. While there might still be stops along the way, you will not need to switch trains.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Portland to Columbus.
City Information
Portland
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
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 Columbus?
Main departure station: 359 N Ludington St
There is one train station in Columbus.
All train stations in Columbus:
359 N Ludington St
Where is the train station in Portland?
Image credit: Ian Sane
Link to image attributionMain 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
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Need a return trip from Portland to Columbus?
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