Cheap train tickets from Portland to Columbus
Find and compare the best ground travel options in one place.
Trip Summary
There are usually 4 daily train trips available from Portland to Columbus. Traveling by train from Portland to Columbus usually takes 1 day, 22 hours, and 18 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Empire Builder train can make the trip in 1 day, 19 hours, and 2 minutes.
- Distance
- 1655 mi (2664 km)
- Fastest train
- 43h 2m
- Lowest price
- MX$5,493.86
- Trains per day
- 1
- Most frequent service
- Amtrak Empire Builder
- Train lines
- 2
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Portland to Columbus Train Schedule

There are several train options that can take you from Portland to Columbus:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from Portland to Columbus?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Portland to Columbus was MX$6,849. Considering the distance between Portland and Columbus, tickets on this route are relatively expensive. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 1 day prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around MX$24,261.48 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from Portland to Columbus by month
Ticket prices for the train from Portland to Columbus often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in May when the average ticket price is only MX$4,259. If you're thinking of traveling from Portland to Columbus during July, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of MX$7,466 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
By booking your train trip from Portland to Columbus on Wanderu at least 1 day ahead of time, you can save about MX$24,261.48 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
Which train should you take from Portland to Columbus?
2 train services operate from Portland to Columbus. 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 | 51h 44m | MX$6,925.71 |
| Amtrak Empire Builder | 2 | 43h 2m | MX$11,986.94 |
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 Columbus
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 Columbus. 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 Columbus to Portland.
Trains per day
4
Direct trains
1
The distance between Portland and Columbus is approximately 1,655 miles. The average train journey between these two cities takes 1 day, 22 hours, and 18 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 1 day, 19 hours, and 2 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)
1655
Distance (km)
2664
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 Columbus are the most crowded on Thursday. 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.
Busiest
Thursday
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.
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 Columbus?
Main arrival station: 359 N Ludington St
Columbus has one train station.
All train stations in Columbus:
- 359 N Ludington St
Need a return trip from Columbus to Portland?
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