Cheap train tickets from Seattle to Columbus
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Trip Summary
There are usually 3 daily train trips available from Seattle to Columbus. Traveling by train from Seattle to Columbus usually takes 44 hours and 29 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Empire Builder train can make the trip in 42 hours and 52 minutes.
| Distance | 1628 mi (2620 km) |
| Fastest train | 42h 52m |
| Lowest price | $356.00 |
| Trains per day | 1 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak Empire Builder |
| Train lines | 2 |
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Seattle to Columbus Train Schedule
There are several train options that can take you from Seattle to Columbus:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from Seattle to Columbus?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Seattle to Columbus was $361.67. Considering the distance between Seattle and Columbus, tickets on this route are relatively expensive. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 16 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $1,627.83 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from Seattle to Columbus by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Seattle to Columbus will cost between $167 and $384. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from Seattle to Columbus by month
Ticket prices for the train from Seattle to Columbus 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 $329. If you're thinking of traveling from Seattle to Columbus during December, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $745 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in December, is to book your trip well in advance.
Prices as travel date approaches
By booking your train trip from Seattle to Columbus on Wanderu at least 16 days ahead of time, you can save about $1,627.83 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
What train companies travel from Seattle to Columbus?
There are multiple trains that travel from Seattle to Columbus, including Amtrak Empire Builder, Amtrak. Here is what you should know about the 2 most popular train lines:
| TRAIN | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak Empire Builder | 2 | 42h 52m | $1,109.47 |
| Amtrak | 1 | 49h 52m | $835.67 |
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.
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 1 Amtrak trains from Seattle to Columbus every day, as well as 1 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $356.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Seattle to Columbus
The distance between Seattle and Columbus is approximately 1628 miles, or 2620 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 44 hours and 29 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 42 hours and 52 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)
1628
DISTANCE (KM)
2620
The earliest train departs Seattle at 9:55am while the last train of the day leaves at 4:55pm. 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
9:55am
LATEST TRAIN
4:55pm
Trains from Seattle to Columbus 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 Saturday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
MOST CROWDED
Tuesday
LEAST CROWDED
Saturday
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.
Station Information
Where does the train leave from in Seattle?
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
Where does the train arrive 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 Seattle?
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