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Cheap train tickets from Portland to Seattle

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Portland to Seattle Train Timetable

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Is it better to travel by bus or train from Portland to Seattle?

There are usually 9 daily bus trips from Portland to Seattle.

Coach
Train
Avg. Price
Avg. Price
£24.04
Avg. Price
£38.07
Daily Trips
Daily Trips
9
Daily Trips
7
Duration
Duration
3h 50m
Duration
3h 29m

Trip Summary

There are usually 7 daily train trips available from Portland to Seattle. Traveling by train from Portland to Seattle usually takes 3 hours and 30 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Cascades train can make the trip in 3 hours and 25 minutes.

Distance145 mi (233 km)
Fastest train3h 25m
Lowest price£21.42
Trains per day7
Most frequent serviceAmtrak Cascades
Train lines2

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Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for trains from Portland to Seattle

(Based on 63 ratings and reviews)

4.6

4.0

Sarah

25 October 2024- Solo travel

Amtrak Cascades

Efficient seating - two wagons of empty seats

5.0

Lisa

8 August 2024- Visiting family

Amtrak Cascades

Pros: Speed and comfort and friendly staff. Cons: I was cold. Tips: Brung a blanket.

4.0

Lisa

8 June 2024- Couples trip

Amtrak Cascades

Pros: The train was a nice alternative to travel. Definitely do it again. Cons: The fact that it was an almost 3 hour delay. They could have offered to hop off or let ya know that it was delayed BEFORE getting on. Tips: Bring a sweater.

5.0

Kathleen

12 January 2024- Vacation

Amtrak Cascades

Pros: The annoncements on board were very clear and complete. In addition, the announcements established a friendly, relaxed and cooperative atmosphere. Very impressive. Cons: Internet service ranged from poor to non-existent. There was an apology in the announcements but nevertheless, no Internet. Tips: If you are disabled, there is a service to transport you from the station to your coach.

5.0

Walter

4 November 2023- Vacation

Amtrak Cascades

Pros: Meeting the handsome man next to me. Tips: Arrive early or you'll miss your train like I did. Ir scheduled to depart at 3:05 but I got there at 3 bur train left.

Portland to Seattle Route Map

Portland Seattle

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

In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Portland to Seattle was £27.27. Compared to most train fares, this is an excellent price. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 21 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around £25.36 more if you wait to book until the last minute.

Average train ticket prices from Portland to Seattle by travel date

£44£30£15JunJun

Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Portland to Seattle will cost between £26 and £41. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.

Average train ticket prices from Portland to Seattle by month

£37£30£22£15£7JASONDJFMAMJ
Taking the train from Portland to Seattle usually costs about the same throughout the year. In general, train ticket prices for this route are fairly consistent, so expect to pay around £25 whenever you decide to travel.

Prices as travel date approaches

£55£44£33£22£113020100

The price of train trips from Portland to Seattle doesn't fluctuate much throughout the year, so you don’t need to book your tickets super far in advance. However, to avoid last-minute price surges or sold-out tickets, we recommend purchasing your train tickets at least 48 hours before departure.

Which train should you take from Portland to Seattle?

2 train services operate from Portland to Seattle. Amtrak Cascades usually has more trains scheduled, with 6 trips per day. That said, it's still worth comparing the prices and trip durations:

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak Cascades63h 26m£35.90
Amtrak Coast Starlight13h 55m£54.79

  • 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 6 trips on the Amtrak Cascades from Portland to Seattle, and the average train ticket costs .

  • 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 Portland to Seattle takes 3 hours and 55 minutes on average, and Coach tickets start at £30.

Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Portland to Seattle

Yes, there is a direct Amtrak train that goes between Portland and Seattle. There are four daily schedules for this route, all of them direct. The first train of the day departs at 8 a.m., while the last leaves at 7 p.m.
The two trains that operate this route are the Amtrak Coast Starlight and the Amtrak Cascades. Both trains offer views of Commencement Bay and the Tacoma waterfront, as well as Mt. Rainier on a clear day. Because you’re in the Pacific Northwest, expect stretches of the route to be lined with lush green trees. Otherwise, for large parts of the ride, both trains parallel the I-5 freeway.

The distance between Portland and Seattle is approximately 145 miles, or 233 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 3 hours and 30 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.

Trains from Portland to Seattle are the most crowded on Monday. 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 Saturday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.

The earliest train departs Portland at 06:00 while the last train of the day leaves at 19:00. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.

There are 7 daily scheduled trains, all of which are direct trains that take you the entire way from Portland to Seattle.

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

City Information

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 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.

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.

Station Information

Where is the train station in Portland?

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

Image credit: Ian Sane

Link to image attribution

Main departure 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.

All train stations in Portland:

  • Union Station

Where is the train station in Seattle?

Seattle, WA - King Street Station - SEAAMT-0

Image credit: SounderBruce

Link to image attribution

Main arrival station: King St Station - 303 S Jackson St

King Street Station is the main station for Amtrak train service and Greyhound bus service in Seattle, with connections to local public transit like the Link Light Rail and King County Metro at the International District/Chinatown station one block away. Located near downtown Seattle in the trendy Pioneer Square neighborhood, King Street Station opened in 1906 and continues to impress travelers with its restored Italian architecture and Venetian-style clocktower. King Street Station has on-site Amtrak staff, restrooms, and vending machines, and while there are no restaurants in the station, several nearby coffee shops and eateries make it easy to fuel up before your trip.

Train stations in Seattle:

  • King St Station - 303 S Jackson St

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