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Portland to Spokane train

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Portland - Spokane Train Schedule

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fromRON 139.25

Trip Summary

3 trains operate daily from Portland to Spokane. The train trip from Portland to Spokane is usually about 16 hours and 51 minutes long. However, traveling on the fastest Amtrak Empire Builder train can get you there in as little as 7 hours and 32 minutes.

Distance290 mi (466 km)
Fastest train7h 32m
Lowest priceRON 148.53
Trains per day1
Most frequent serviceAmtrak
Train lines2

Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for trains from Portland to Spokane

(Based on 6 ratings and reviews)

4.8

5.0

Sasha

February 15, 2024- Visiting family

Amtrak Empire Builder

Make sure to bring enough water

5.0

Tessa

June 23, 2023- Visiting family

Amtrak Empire Builder

Pros: I liked that the staff were all very honest and matter of fact when it came to choosing a seat or arriving to our stations. Cons: At the snack car the man was a little short with guests and instructions on how to get food was not clear. Tips: Get a window seat to enjoy the view!

4.0

Shelley

August 28, 2022- Visiting friends

Amtrak Empire Builder

Pros: Cost and convenience. Cons: Better instructions on how to board train and when. Help getting on the train. Tips: Ask multiple questions before hand.

5.0

Kevin

December 4, 2021- Visiting friends

Amtrak Empire Builder

Pros: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️. Cons: Nothing.

5.0

Luke

November 4, 2021- Solo travel

Amtrak Empire Builder

Pros: Viewing car but it’s time to bring back the Lounge car. Cons: Longer car and games.

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

The average price for a train ticket from Portland to Spokane is RON 355.42, By booking your trip at least 29 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 RON 236.77 more.

Average prices by travel date

RON 557RON 371RON 186AprMay

For the next 30 days, the cost of a one-way train trip from Portland to Spokane will range from RON 441 to RON 557. If you're planning to travel by train to Spokane in the upcoming week, the cheapest train ticket from Portland you can find in the next 7 days is RON 469. Be sure to book your trip in advance as train ticket prices typically increase as your travel date approaches.

Monthly avg. prices

RON 580RON 464RON 348RON 232RON 116MJJASONDJFMA
You can find the lowest prices on this route during May. This time of year offers the best deals on train tickets from Portland to Spokane, with the average price at just RON 320. Train tickets on this route are most expensive in August, when the average price goes up to RON 483. You can still score cheap deals below this average price, though, especially if you plan ahead and book your ticket in advance.

Prices as travel date approaches

RON 580RON 464RON 348RON 232RON 1163020100

Planning ahead pays off when it comes to booking your train trip from Portland to Spokane. By reserving your ticket on Wanderu at least 29 days before departure, you can save around RON 236.77. Don't miss out on these savings — book in advance!

Which train should you take from Portland to Spokane?

2 train services operate from Portland 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:

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak218h 36mRON 560.90
Amtrak Empire Builder17h 32mRON 205.44

  • 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 3 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from RON 218.

  • 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

Yes, there are trains that can take you the entire way from Portland to Spokane. However, there are also some trips on this route that require you to board another vehicle, such as a bus or a shuttle, during your journey. This is worth paying attention to as you book your trip, since a direct train may be preferable for its speed and convenience.

The distance between Portland and Spokane is approximately 290 miles, or 466 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 16 hours and 51 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 7 hours and 32 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 Spokane are the most crowded on Saturday. 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 Tuesday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.

The earliest train departs Portland 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.

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.

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 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 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

  • Pacific Central Station

  • 10251 St Edwards Dr

Where is the train station in Spokane?

Spokane Intermodal Center - 221 W 1st Ave - SPKAMT-0

Image credit: Paul Sableman

Link to image attribution
Spokane Intermodal Center - 221 W 1st Ave - SPKAMT-1

Image credit: Nick Bramhall

Link to image attribution

Main arrival station: Spokane Intermodal Center - 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:

  • Spokane Intermodal Center - 221 W 1st Ave

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