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Seattle to Tacoma train

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Seattle - Tacoma Train Schedule

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Trip Summary

There are 8 daily trains from Seattle to Tacoma. Traveling by train from Seattle to Tacoma usually takes around 3 hours and 23 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 43 minutes.

Distance25 mi (40 km)
Fastest train0h 43m
Lowest price$12.00
Trains per day5
Most frequent serviceAmtrak
Train lines3

Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Overall score for trains from Seattle to Tacoma

(Based on 4 ratings and reviews)

5.0

5.0

marie-luise

June 21, 2022- Couples trip

Amtrak Coast Starlight

Die Reise war sehr angenehm, die Sitze bequem und die Beinfreiheit großzügig. Leider war unsere Reise zu schnell vorbei.

Die Reise war sehr angenehm, die Sitze bequem und die Beinfreiheit großzügig. Leider war unsere Reise zu schnell vorbei.

5.0

Miyosha

July 4, 2021- Visiting friends

Amtrak

Pros: First rime Amtrack rider everything was great. Nice and clean enjoy the short ride. And the peice was awesome. Cons: Nothing. Tips: None.

Pros: First rime Amtrack rider everything was great. Nice and clean enjoy the short ride. And the peice was awesome. Cons: Nothing. Tips: None.

Train service from Seattle to Tacoma

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

In the last month, $36.29 was the average price of a train ticket from Seattle to Tacoma. This is a good price that is inexpensive compared to most train fares. You can expect to find tickets at that price or lower if you book your trip at least 3 days in advance. Otherwise, expect to pay around $7.53 more than that for a same-day booking.

Average prices by travel date

$45$30$15MarApr

Over the next 30 days, the average cost of a one-way train trip from Seattle to Tacoma will vary between $32 and $45. Planning a train trip to Tacoma within the upcoming week? The cheapest train ticket you can find from Seattle over the next 7 days is $38. Make sure to book your trip as soon as possible as train fares tend to go up as you get closer to your travel date.

Monthly average prices

$175$140$105$70$35AMJJASONDJFM

If you are trying to decide when to travel from Seattle to Tacoma by train so you can score the best possible deal, your best bet would be to plan your trip for November. That’s when the average price for a train ticket is expected to be just $17 – the lowest of the year.

Alternatively, if you plan to travel from Seattle to Tacoma in May, expect to spend more on your train trip, as the average ticket price usually surges to $154 at that time of year. However, if you book your trip ahead of time, you have a high chance of scoring a ticket at a lower price.

Prices as travel date approaches

$50$40$30$20$103020100

If you want to score the best deal, you should plan to book your train trip online on Wanderu at least 3 days ahead of time. If you do that, your train ticket to Tacoma from Seattle will be about $7.53 cheaper compared to what you would pay if you book at the last minute.

Which train should you take from Seattle to Tacoma?

There are 3 train lines with service from Seattle to Tacoma. Amtrak is the most popular choice with travelers, offering scheduled service on 4 trains each day.

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak45h 5m$53.35
Amtrak Cascades30h 43m$14.24
Amtrak Coast Starlight10h 44m$16.07

  • 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 4 Amtrak trains from Seattle to Tacoma every day, as well as 7 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $12.

  • 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 3 trips on the Amtrak Cascades from Seattle 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

Our train partners have implemented several different policies to keep you safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. From limiting vehicle capacity to enhancing cleaning protocols and upgrading air filters, train carriers are committed to maintaining a safe environment. For details on what each company is doing to ensure their fleet remains safe for travel, click here.

Although masks are no longer required on public transportation, we stand behind CDC guidelines that encourage passengers to wear a mask over their nose and mouth while on the train or in stations.

Please visit our COVID-19 Travel Guide for more information on all carrier policies and the latest travel advisories issued by every U.S. state, Canadian province, and European country.

Yes, there are trains that can take you the entire way from Seattle to Tacoma. 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 Seattle and Tacoma is approximately 25 miles, or 40 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 3 hours and 23 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 43 minutes. It's a short and pleasant ride; the train is a perfect way to get to Tacoma.

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

The earliest train departs Seattle at 5:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 6:00pm. 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 8 scheduled trains on most days. 5 of these are direct connections to Tacoma. While direct trains may still make stops along the way, you will not need to switch trains at any point. If you're looking to get to your destination faster, a direct train is the convenient and time-efficient choice.

You can also take a train for your return trip from Tacoma to Seattle.

City Information

Seattle

Seattle is a must-see destination on the West Coast of the United States, offering many unique activities for any type of traveler. However, we're confident every visitor will enjoy the view of Mount Rainier from the top of Seattle's iconic Space Needle. Outdoor enthusiasts can bike, hike, boat, and ski in one of the top cities for outdoor activities in the U.S., while soaking in the Pacific Northwest's natural beauty (and yes, some rain as well). Urban explorers will love walking through Pike Place Market and experiencing Seattle's museums and public art, like the scenic Olympic Sculpture Park. These offerings and more make Seattle one of the best vacation destination in Washington.

Known for its coffee culture and as the birthplace of Starbucks, Seattle is also one of the top 5 craft beer cities in the U.S., which is ideal for those who prefer to experience the taste of a city served up in a latte mug or a pint glass.

Seattle is home to the largest airport in the Pacific Northwest, Seattle-Tacoma Airport, but there are plenty of other ways to continue your travels from the Emerald City. A short ferry ride to Bainbridge Island includes the chance to see orca whales in the Puget Sound, or you can catch the Amtrak Cascades train or one of several affordable bus options from the historic King Street Station to other exciting Northwest cities in British Columbia, Oregon and beyond.

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 located on Puyallup Ave 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 Seattle?

Seattle, WA - King Street Station - SEAAMT-0

Image credit: SounderBruce

Link to image attribution

Main departure station: King St Station - 303 S Jackson St

King Street Station is the main station for Amtrak train service and Greyhound bus service in Seattle, with connections to local public transit like the Link Light Rail and King County Metro at the International District/Chinatown station one block away. Located near downtown Seattle in the trendy Pioneer Square neighborhood, King Street Station opened in 1906 and continues to impress travelers with its restored Italian architecture and Venetian-style clocktower. King Street Station has on-site Amtrak staff, restrooms, and vending machines, and while there are no restaurants in the station, several nearby coffee shops and eateries make it easy to fuel up before your trip.

All train stations in Seattle:

  • King St Station - 303 S Jackson St

  • 10251 St Edwards Dr

  • Pacific Central Station

Where is the train station in Tacoma?

1001 Puyallup Ave - TACAMT-0

Image credit: SounderBruce

Link to image attribution
1001 Puyallup Ave - TACAMT-1

Image credit: Adam Moss

Link to image attribution

Main arrival station: 422 E. 25th St.

The Amtrak station in Tacoma is located at 1001 Puyallup Ave, just north of I-5 and very close to the Tacoma Dome. Local Sound Transit commuter rail uses the station, as well as Amtrak’s Coast Starlight from Seattle to Los Angeles and Cascades from Vancouver, BC to Eugene. The bus terminal at 510 Puyallup Ave is connected to 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 Museum of Glass.

All train stations in Tacoma:

  • 422 E. 25th St.

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