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Portland to Tacoma train

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Portland - Tacoma Train Schedule

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Trip Summary

You can pick from 7 daily train trips between Portland and Tacoma. The average train journey from Portland to Tacoma takes 2 hours and 35 minutes, but some Amtrak Cascades train trips are as short as 2 hours and 33 minutes.

Distance120 mi (193 km)
Fastest train2h 33m
Lowest price$22.00
Trains per day7
Most frequent serviceAmtrak Cascades
Train lines2

Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for trains from Portland to Tacoma

(Based on 22 ratings and reviews)

4.8

5.0

Patricia

April 27, 2023- Solo travel

Amtrak Cascades

Pros: The staff was brilliant. The train was in good mechanical condition. It was clean and seats were roomy. I was well informed. Cons: Nothing. Tips: Check your email for the attachment.

5.0

Lori

April 21, 2023- Solo travel

Amtrak Cascades

Pros: Most things but not the riding backwards thing . Would of preferred to see where I was headed. Cons: Help with luggage I had 2 heavy suitcases and 3 bags Luckily l secured a spot on the little cart to the train but no luck at the Tacoma Station. Tips: Listen Listen Listen Hard to hear instructions at the Portland train station.

5.0

Pamela

March 12, 2023

Amtrak Cascades

Relaxing ride

5.0

Sandra

January 25, 2023- Visiting family

Amtrak Cascades

Pros: Staff very helpful and cheerful. Cons: Stool and door somewhat a challenge when entering and departing. Tips: Neck cushion for long trip.

5.0

Winfred

December 25, 2022- Visiting friends

Amtrak Coast Starlight

Pros: The trip was good with good services from the staff. Cons: At give snacks and water. Tips: Kids to be controlled.

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

In the last 30 days, the average cost of a train ticket from Portland to Tacoma was $22.50. This is a fantastic deal for train travel. You have the best chances of scoring the cheapest ticket to Tacoma if you book your train tickets at least 24 days in advance. Waiting to purchase until the day of your trip could end up costing you an extra $16.18.

Average prices by travel date

$45$30$15AprMay

For the next 30 days, the cost of a one-way train trip from Portland to Tacoma will range from $22 to $32. If you're planning to travel by train to Tacoma in the upcoming week, the cheapest train ticket from Portland you can find in the next 7 days is $24. Be sure to book your trip in advance as train ticket prices typically increase as your travel date approaches.

Monthly average prices

$50$40$30$20$10MJJASONDJFMA
Mark your calendar for January if you want to score the cheapest train tickets from Portland to Tacoma. You’ll find the best deals during this time of year, when tickets cost an average of $28. If you're planning a trip from Portland to Tacoma during December, bear in mind that ticket prices are usually higher during this month. Expect to pay about $40 for your train ticket, unless you book well in advance and find an even better deal.

Prices as travel date approaches

$50$40$30$20$103020100

Planning ahead pays off when it comes to booking your train trip from Portland to Tacoma. By reserving your ticket on Wanderu at least 24 days before departure, you can save around $16.18. Don't miss out on these savings — book in advance!

Which train should you take from Portland to Tacoma?

2 train services operate from Portland to Tacoma. 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 Cascades62h 34m$27.42
Amtrak Coast Starlight12h 42m$30.11

  • 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 .

  • 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

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 35 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.

Saturday tends to be the busiest day of the week with travelers taking trains from Portland to Tacoma. Ticket price also tend to be more expensive on Saturday than other days. If you are hoping to have more room on the train and even save some change check out travel options on Sunday instead, as less people travel then and deals are more likely to be found.

The earliest train departs Portland at 6:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 7:00pm. 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 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.

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.

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 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 Tacoma?

422 E 25th Ave - TACAMT-0

Image credit: WSDOT/AmtrakCascades

Link to image attribution

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.

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