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Cheap train tickets from Vancouver, WA to Whitefish, MT

Find and compare the best ground travel options in one place.

Trip Summary

There are usually 5 daily train trips available from Vancouver, WA to Whitefish, MT. Traveling by train from Vancouver, WA to Whitefish, MT usually takes 16 hours and 22 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Empire Builder train can make the trip in 13 hours and 2 minutes.

Distance
436 mi (702 km)
Fastest train
13h 2m
Lowest price
TRY 5,124.08
Trains per day
1
Most frequent service
Amtrak
Train lines
2

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4.8 Rating

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Vancouver, WA to Whitefish, MT Train Schedule

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Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for trains from Vancouver, WA to Whitefish, MT (Based on 3 ratings and reviews)

4.7

4.0

Marci

December 27, 2023 - Vacation

Amtrak Empire Builder
Cons: Train cars could be upgraded. Seats are old and levers to adjust foot rests and seat positions are wonky. Lights above seats are broke or don't work properly. Restrooms worked but very antiquated. Was expecting to be able to check a couple of bags at station but could not and had to carry on larger bags and stash them in unprotected and overstuffed racks near the Restrooms. Very understaffed. I even saw a homeless man scale a fence and board the train undetected and even saw him still on the train later down the line. Snack bar was unable to take bank cards at least a couple hours into trip. Was like herding cattle. Tips: Just be aware and prepared.

5.0

John A

December 18, 2021 - Visiting friends

Amtrak Empire Builder
Pros: leave at night. sleep. arrive in the morning. no stressful lines nor adrenaline pumped run through an airport ... Cons: a man just across the aisle, would 'mask up' when the conductor was coming ... then quickly tear it off as soon as the conductor passed. he did it in front of his kids and laughed. it was disgraceful and also dangerous. Tips: bring snacks. wear your mask. be courteous to others. travel safely.

5.0

Peggie

July 9, 2021 - Visiting family

Amtrak Empire Builder
Pros: Friendly service in the cafe car. Beautiful scenery and easy overnight trip.

There are several train options that can take you from Vancouver, WA to Whitefish, MT:

See more details

What is the price of a train ticket from Vancouver, WA to Whitefish, MT?

In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Vancouver, WA to Whitefish, MT was TRY 6,002.49. This is somewhat expensive compared to other train fares, but it makes sense given the route’s long distance. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 23 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around TRY 3,695.68 more if you wait to book until the last minute.

Average train ticket prices from Vancouver, WA to Whitefish, MT by travel date

TRY 8,010TRY 5,340TRY 2,670SepOct

Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Vancouver, WA to Whitefish, MT will cost between TRY 4,685 and TRY 8,003. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.

Average train ticket prices from Vancouver, WA to Whitefish, MT by month

TRY 8,200TRY 6,560TRY 4,920TRY 3,280TRY 1,640JFMAMJJASOND

Ticket prices for the train from Vancouver, WA to Whitefish, MT often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in March when the average ticket price is only TRY 6,051. If you're thinking of traveling from Vancouver, WA to Whitefish, MT during December, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of TRY 8,199 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

TRY 9,725TRY 7,780TRY 5,835TRY 3,890TRY 1,945020

By booking your train trip from Vancouver, WA to Whitefish, MT on Wanderu at least 23 days ahead of time, you can save about TRY 3,695.68 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!

Which train should you take from Vancouver, WA to Whitefish, MT?

2 train services operate from Vancouver, WA to Whitefish, MT. Amtrak usually has more trains scheduled, with 3 trips per day. That said, it's still worth comparing the prices and trip durations:

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak318h 19mTRY 8,726.74
Amtrak Empire Builder213h 2mTRY 7,226.48

  • 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 3 Amtrak trains from Vancouver, WA to Whitefish, MT every day, as well as 3 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from TRY 3,806.46.

    Amtrak train passing through mountains, offering affordable train tickets for scenic rail travel - WanderuModern Amtrak train at a station, providing cheap train travel and convenient Amtrak tickets - WanderuAmtrak train speeding through scenic fall foliage, featuring cheap train tickets for long-distance trips - WanderuInterior view of a table in the dining car of an Amtrak train - WanderuInterior view of the dining car on an Amtrak train. Find affordable train tickets on - WanderuClean and spacious Amtrak bathroom, offering convenience and comfort for passengers during long train journeys with cheap Amtrak tickets - WanderuAmtrak power outlet for charging devices, providing convenience for passengers during affordable travel with cheap train tickets - WanderuComfortable Amtrak seats with ample legroom, ideal for relaxing during long journeys with cheap Amtrak tickets - WanderuSpacious Amtrak seats with reclining options, offering comfort and convenience for passengers on affordable train travel - WanderuAmtrak viewing car seats with large windows, offering panoramic views and comfort for passengers enjoying scenic routes with affordable train tickets - Wanderu

  • 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 Vancouver, WA to Whitefish, MT

There are 5 scheduled trains on most days. There is one direct train, which you can stay on for the entire journey from Vancouver, WA to Whitefish, MT. 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 Whitefish, MT to Vancouver, WA.

Trains per day

5

Direct trains

1

The distance between Vancouver, WA and Whitefish, MT is approximately 436 miles, or 702 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 16 hours and 22 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 13 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)

436

Distance (km)

702

The earliest train departs Vancouver, WA at 7:03am while the last train of the day leaves at 5:09pm. 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

7:03am

Last train

5:09pm

Trains from Vancouver, WA to Whitefish, MT are the most crowded on Monday. 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 Thursday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.

Busiest

Monday

Least crowded

Thursday

City Information

Vancouver

Vancouver, WA, US - VAN-0

Vancouver sits on the northern banks of the Columbia River in Washington and is the state's fourth most populated city. The surrounding Cascade Mountains offer incredible Pacific Northwest adventures. Mount Saint Helens and Mount Hood, two snow-topped volcanoes, are within short drives of Vancouver for easy access to hikes and ski runs. Beacon Rock State Park includes a trail to the summit of a monolithic rock formation. Plus, the Columbia River Gorge is easily one of the best destinations in Washington for breathtaking scenery.

Vancouver is located just across the Columbia from Portland, and Interstates 5 and 205 have north to south bridges connecting Portland to Vancouver. Within the city, you will find Vancouver's mass transit system, C-Tran, to get around with ease.

Several Amtrak services operate from Vancouver, including the Coast Starlight, Empire Builder, and Cascades routes. If you're arriving by air, the nearest airport is Portland International Airport, just a few minutes' drive from downtown Vancouver.

Station Information

Where is the train station in Vancouver, WA?

Main departure station: 1301 W 11th St

There is one train station in Vancouver, WA.

All train stations in Vancouver, WA:

  • 1301 W 11th St

Where is the train station in Whitefish, MT?

Main arrival station: Whitefish (Community Library)

Whitefish, MT has one train station.

All train stations in Whitefish, MT:

  • Whitefish (Community Library)

Need a return trip from Whitefish, MT to Vancouver, WA?

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