Cheap train tickets from Portland to Shelby
Find and compare the best ground travel options in one place.
Trip Summary
There are usually 4 daily train trips available from Portland to Shelby. Traveling by train from Portland to Shelby usually takes 21 hours and 19 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Empire Builder train can make the trip in 17 hours and 35 minutes.
- Distance
- 549 mi (884 km)
- Fastest train
- 17h 35m
- Lowest price
- MX$2,839.11
- Trains per day
- 1
- Most frequent service
- Amtrak Empire Builder
- Train lines
- 2
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Portland to Shelby Train Schedule

There are several train options that can take you from Portland to Shelby:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from Portland to Shelby?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Portland to Shelby was MX$3,913. Considering the distance between Portland and Shelby, tickets on this route are relatively expensive. The further in advance you book your travels, the more likely it is you can find tickets at this price or lower.
Average train ticket prices from Portland to Shelby by travel date
The cost of a one-way train trip from Portland to Shelby is expected to stay pretty stable over the next four weeks. No matter which day you travel, you can expect to pay about MX$1,991 for your ticket.
Average train ticket prices from Portland to Shelby by month
Ticket prices for the train from Portland to Shelby often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in March when the average ticket price is only MX$2,470. If you're thinking of traveling from Portland to Shelby during July, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of MX$4,535 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in July, is to book your trip well in advance.
Prices as travel date approaches
You can score the best price on a train ticket from Portland to Shelby by booking on Wanderu in advance. Tickets are nearly always cheaper the further in advance you purchase them.
Which train should you take from Portland to Shelby?
2 train services operate from Portland to Shelby. Amtrak Empire Builder 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 | 26h 17m | MX$4,633.53 |
| Amtrak Empire Builder | 2 | 17h 35m | MX$3,634.15 |
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 Portland to Shelby every day, as well as 1 trip on the weekends, with prices starting from MX$4,166.49.










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 about traveling by train from Portland to Shelby
There are 4 scheduled trains on most days. There is one direct train, which you can stay on for the entire journey from Portland to Shelby. 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 Shelby to Portland.
Trains per day
4
Direct trains
1
The distance between Portland and Shelby is approximately 549 miles. The average train journey between these two cities takes 21 hours and 19 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 17 hours and 35 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.
Distance (mi)
549
Distance (km)
884
The earliest train departs Portland at 6:45 AM while the last train of the day leaves at 4:45 PM. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
First train
6:45am
Last train
4:45pm
Trains from Portland to Shelby are the most crowded on Tuesday. 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 Thursday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
Busiest
Tuesday
Least crowded
Thursday
City Information
Portland



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 Portland?
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 Shelby?
Main arrival station: 230 W Central Ave
Shelby has one train station.
All train stations in Shelby:
- 230 W Central Ave
Need a return trip from Shelby to Portland?
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