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Vancouver to Spokane train

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Vancouver - Spokane Train Schedule

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Trip Summary

4 trains operate daily from Vancouver to Spokane. The train trip from Vancouver to Spokane is usually about 11 hours and 12 minutes long. However, traveling on the fastest Amtrak Empire Builder train can get you there in as little as 7 hours and 8 minutes.

Distance285 mi (458 km)
Fastest train7h 8m
Lowest price$32.00
Trains per day1
Most frequent serviceAmtrak
Train lines2

Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for trains from Vancouver to Spokane

(Based on 3 ratings and reviews)

4.7

5.0

Lorrie

August 20, 2022- Solo travel

Amtrak Empire Builder

It was quiet

4.0

Lynna

November 26, 2021- Visiting friends

Amtrak Empire Builder

Pros: Relaxed trip was nice. Cons: Maybe if a passenger is hacking up a lung over and over they could be guided to a seat away from densely populated seating. I'm on chemo meds immunocompromised and having someone coughing like crazy sit behind me made me nervous and changed my experience a bit. I know they had a mask and so did I but I ended up covering my head with my blanket for 3 hours of my trip. Tips: It's very possible to make yourself comfortabe. I suggest bringing a blanket and maybe a small pillow. Don't forget your headphones. Download some movies to watch and time flies.

What is the price of a train ticket from Vancouver to Spokane?

Over the past month, a train ticket between Vancouver and Spokane cost $36.00, on average. This is a great bargain given the length of the route. Booking your trip at least 18 days in advance can help you secure tickets at the best price. For same-day bookings, you’ll likely have to pay around $40.07 more.

Average prices by travel date

$60$40$20AprMay

The average cost of a one-way train trip from Vancouver to Spokane is expected to fluctuate between $41 and $53 in the next 30 days. If you’re planning a train trip to Spokane in the upcoming week, the cheapest price in the next 7 days for a ticket from Vancouver is $47.

Monthly avg. prices

$100$80$60$40$20MJJASONDJFMA
Ticket prices for the train from Vancouver to Spokane 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 $60. If you're thinking of traveling from Vancouver to Spokane during December, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $89 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

$100$80$60$40$203020100

Planning ahead pays off when it comes to booking your train trip from Vancouver to Spokane. By reserving your ticket on Wanderu at least 18 days before departure, you can save around $40.07. Don't miss out on these savings — book in advance!

Which train should you take from Vancouver to Spokane?

2 train services operate from Vancouver to Spokane. 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
Amtrak312h 36m$55.66
Amtrak Empire Builder17h 8m$44.16

  • 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 to Spokane every day, as well as 3 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $38.

  • 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

The distance between Vancouver and Spokane is approximately 285 miles, or 458 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 11 hours and 12 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 7 hours and 8 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.

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

The earliest train departs Vancouver at 7:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 5:00pm. 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 4 scheduled trains on most days. There is one direct train, which you can stay on for the entire journey from Vancouver to Spokane. 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 Spokane to Vancouver.

City Information

Vancouver

Vancouver, WA, US - VAN-0

Image credit: Unsplash

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.

Spokane

As the second-largest city in the state, Spokane is a family-friendly Washington destination that offers plenty of fun for everyone. The first thing you should do is explore the numerous lakes that the city is blessed with. Offering idyllic views as well as the chance to enjoy outdoor recreational activities, the local lakes allow you to fill an entire day with plenty of fun. The best choice would be Lake Pend Oreille, which features still water and a calm vibe. While you’re in town, check out Riverfront Park. Voted one of the most beautiful urban parks in the U.S. by National Geographic, the park sits on the bank of the Spokane River, offering a great chance for you to unwind and get lost in nature. If you seek a cultural experience, Corbin Art Center might just have what you need.

Spokane greets its hungry visitors with plenty of farm-to-table restaurants, which offer the freshest produce. Some local favorites you should check out include Gander & Ryegrass, Spencer’s for Steaks and Chops, or Churchill’s Steakhouse.

Spokane’s main hub of transportation is the bus & train station at 221 W 1st Ave right in the heart of the city’s downtown area. From there, you can catch buses to various cities like Seattle, Missoula and Portland, as well as trains to San Francisco, Chicago and Salt Lake City, among many other places. Spokane is served by Amtrak’s Empire Builder line. The city’s main airport is Spokane International Airport, situated 5 miles west of downtown.

Station Information

Where is the train station in Vancouver?

Main departure station: 1301 W 11th St

There is one train station in Vancouver.

All train stations in Vancouver:

  • 1301 W 11th St

Where is the train station in Spokane?

Spokane Intermodal Center - 221 W 1st Ave - SPKAMT-0

Image credit: Paul Sableman

Link to image attribution
Spokane Intermodal Center - 221 W 1st Ave - SPKAMT-1

Image credit: Nick Bramhall

Link to image attribution

Main arrival station: Spokane Intermodal Center - 221 W 1st Ave

The Spokane Intermodal Center on 1st Ave is Spokane’s primary hub for bus and train service. The city’s original train station was built at this location in 1891, and the red brick building has since been remodeled and expanded to include intercity bus service, too. Today, passengers can catch the iconic Amtrak Empire Builder train along its route from Chicago to Seattle or Portland, or hop on a FlixBus US or Jefferson Lines bus heading to destinations throughout the Northwest. The station is just north of I-90 and centrally located in Spokane, within a mile of the sprawling Riverfront Park, the Spokane Convention Center, and Gonzaga University.

All train stations in Spokane:

  • Spokane Intermodal Center - 221 W 1st Ave

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