Cheap train tickets from Portland to Tacoma
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Trip Summary
There are usually 7 daily train trips available from Portland to Tacoma. Traveling by train from Portland to Tacoma usually takes 2 hours and 36 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 2 hours and 33 minutes.
| Distance | 120 mi (193 km) |
| Fastest train | 2h 33m |
| Lowest price | $19.00 |
| Trains per day | 7 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak Cascades |
| Train lines | 3 |
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Portland to Tacoma Train Schedule
Is it better to travel by train or bus from Portland to Tacoma?
There are usually 2 daily bus trips available from Portland to Tacoma.
Train | Bus | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$52.31 | Avg. Price$43.23Cheaper |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips7 | Daily Trips2 |
Duration | Duration2h 36mFaster | Duration2h 42m |
Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Average score for trains from Portland to Tacoma (Based on 28 ratings and reviews)
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There are several train options that can take you from Portland to Tacoma:
- Amtrak Cascades: 6 daily trains from $24
- Amtrak Coast Starlight: 1 daily train from $36
- Amtrak: 2 daily trains from $19
What is the price of a train ticket from Portland to Tacoma?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Portland to Tacoma was $34.00. 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 26 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $42.59 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from Portland to Tacoma by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Portland to Tacoma will cost between $31 and $70. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from Portland to Tacoma by month
Ticket prices for the train from Portland to Tacoma often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in October when the average ticket price is only $38. If you're thinking of traveling from Portland to Tacoma during November, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $53 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in November, is to book your trip well in advance.
Prices as travel date approaches
By booking your train trip from Portland to Tacoma on Wanderu at least 26 days ahead of time, you can save about $42.59 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
What train companies travel from Portland to Tacoma?
There are multiple trains that travel from Portland to Tacoma, including Amtrak Cascades, Amtrak Coast Starlight, Amtrak. Here is what you should know about the 3 most popular train lines:
| TRAIN | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak Cascades | 6 | 2h 34m | $46.07 |
| Amtrak Coast Starlight | 1 | 2h 42m | $82.86 |
| Amtrak | 2 | 2h 53m | $29.72 |
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 Tacoma, and the average train ticket costs $46.07.
The Amtrak Coast Starlight is a service provided by Amtrak that connects Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, and Los Angeles on the US Pacific coast. The full journey winds through the Cascade Mountains, perfectly clipped vineyards, and dense coastal forest, allowing passengers to get a glimpse of the US west coast while enjoying air-conditioned cars, power outlets, complimentary onboard WiFi, and snacks.
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 Tacoma every day, as well as 3 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $19.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Portland to Tacoma
There are 7 daily scheduled trains, all of which are direct trains that take you the entire way from Portland to Tacoma. You can also take a train for your return trip from Tacoma to Portland. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Portland to Tacoma for $19.
TRIPS PER DAY
7
DIRECT TRIPS
7
The distance between Portland and Tacoma is approximately 120 miles, or 193 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 2 hours and 36 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 2 hours and 33 minutes. Although it takes a couple of hours each way, it's still possible to make a round trip in a single day. Since most trains are equipped with Wi-Fi, you should be able to browse the Internet or get some work done during your journey.
DISTANCE (MI)
120
DISTANCE (KM)
193
The earliest train departs Portland at 6:45am while the last train of the day leaves at 7:25pm. 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
7:25pm
Trains from Portland to Tacoma 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 Monday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
MOST CROWDED
Tuesday
LEAST CROWDED
Monday
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.
Tacoma
Tacoma has seen some hard times in recent years, but the city is receiving many new revival attempts, turning it into a charming town with its own unique attractions. For those interested in the history of the city, as well as the creativity of its residents, head towards the Museum District, which houses numerous interesting museums such as the Tacoma Art Museum and the Washington State History Museum. While in the area, don’t miss out on the chance to marvel at the architectural ingenuity of the Bridge of Glass. If you wish to enjoy a bit of outdoor air, diving into the cold water of American Lake in Lakewood in the morning is bound to make you happy.
Seafood has always been among Tacoma’s finest offerings, and the best place to enjoy these dishes is Duke’s Chowder House, which features a bay view. For a more exquisite taste, head over to Indochine, a pan-Asian restaurant featuring mouth watering dishes.
The main bus station and the Amtrak train station in Tacoma are both near downtown, just a few blocks from each other. Tacoma is served by Amtrak’s Cascades and Coast Starlight lines. The city’s main airport is Seattle–Tacoma International and it sits 22 miles north of the city.
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 Tacoma?
Main arrival station: 422 E. 25th St.
The Amtrak station in Tacoma is located at 422 E 25th St, near I-5 and close to the Tacoma Dome. The Tacoma Dome Station is served by Amtrak Cascades, which travels between Vancouver, BC, Seattle, Portland, and Eugene, and Amtrak’s Coast Starlight from Seattle to Los Angeles. Local Sound Transit's commuter rail station is next door. The bus terminal on Puyallup Ave is across the street from the train station complex for easy transfers to local or intercity buses. The station complex includes two parking garages and a customer service center with restrooms and vending machines. Nearby attractions in Tacoma include Freighthouse Square, a shopping mall inside an old depot, and several museums like the Washington State History Museum and the Museum of Glass.
All train stations in Tacoma:
- 422 E. 25th St.
Need a return trip from Tacoma to Portland?
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