Cheap train tickets from Portland to Spokane
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Trip Summary
There are usually 3 daily train trips available from Portland to Spokane. Traveling by train from Portland to Spokane usually takes 12 hours and 32 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 7 hours and 31 minutes.
| Distance | 290 mi (466 km) |
| Fastest train | 7h 31m |
| Lowest price | $34.00 |
| Trains per day | 1 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 2 |
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Portland to Spokane Train Schedule
Is it better to travel by train or bus from Portland to Spokane?
There are usually 2 daily bus trips available from Portland to Spokane.
Train | Bus | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$131.26 | Avg. Price$61.88Cheaper |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips3 | Daily Trips2 |
Duration | Duration12h 32m | Duration8h 27mFaster |
Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Average score for trains from Portland to Spokane (Based on 7 ratings and reviews)
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There are several train options that can take you from Portland to Spokane:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from Portland to Spokane?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Portland to Spokane was $96.44. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 4 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $55.64 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from Portland to Spokane by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Portland to Spokane will cost between $77 and $169. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from Portland to Spokane by month
Ticket prices for the train from Portland to Spokane 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 $100. If you're thinking of traveling from Portland to Spokane during December, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $138 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in December, is to book your trip well in advance.
Prices as travel date approaches
By booking your train trip from Portland to Spokane on Wanderu at least 4 days ahead of time, you can save about $55.64 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
What train companies travel from Portland to Spokane?
There are multiple trains that travel from Portland to Spokane, including Amtrak, Amtrak Empire Builder. Here is what you should know about the 2 most popular train lines:
| TRAIN | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 2 | 15h 52m | $164.62 |
| Amtrak Empire Builder | 1 | 7h 32m | $81.14 |
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 Spokane every day, as well as 2 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $34.
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 Spokane
There are 3 scheduled trains on most days. There is one direct train, which you can stay on for the entire journey from Portland 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 Portland. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Portland to Spokane for $37.
TRIPS PER DAY
3
DIRECT TRIPS
1
The distance between Portland and Spokane is approximately 290 miles, or 466 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 12 hours and 32 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 7 hours and 31 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)
290
DISTANCE (KM)
466
The earliest train departs Portland at 6:45am while the last train of the day leaves at 4:45pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
EARLIEST TRAIN
6:45am
LATEST TRAIN
4:45pm
Trains from Portland to Spokane 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.
MOST CROWDED
Monday
LEAST CROWDED
Saturday
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.
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 does the train leave from 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 does the train arrive in Spokane?
Main arrival station: 221 W 1st Ave
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.
All train stations in Spokane:
- 221 W 1st Ave
Need a return trip from Spokane to Portland?
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