Cheap train tickets from Columbus to Portland

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Trip Summary

There are usually 4 daily train trips available from Columbus to Portland. Traveling by train from Columbus to Portland usually takes 45 hours and 6 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Empire Builder train can make the trip in 43 hours and 22 minutes.

Distance
1655 mi (2664 km)
Fastest train
43h 22m
Lowest price
$443.00
Trains per day
1
Most frequent service
Amtrak Empire Builder
Train lines
2

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Columbus to Portland Train Schedule

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What is the price of a train ticket from Columbus to Portland?

In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Columbus to Portland was $596.00. Considering the distance between Columbus and Portland, tickets on this route are relatively expensive. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 7 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $474.50 more if you wait to book until the last minute.

Average train ticket prices from Columbus to Portland by travel date

$390$260$130SepSep

Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Columbus to Portland will cost between $226 and $382. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.

Average train ticket prices from Columbus to Portland by month

$450$360$270$180$90JFMAMJJASOND

Ticket prices for the train from Columbus to Portland often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in April when the average ticket price is only $262. If you're thinking of traveling from Columbus to Portland during July, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $448 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

$1075$860$645$430$2150

By booking your train trip from Columbus to Portland on Wanderu at least 7 days ahead of time, you can save about $474.50 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!

What train companies travel from Columbus to Portland?

There are multiple trains that travel from Columbus to Portland, including Amtrak Empire Builder, Amtrak. Here is what you should know about the 2 most popular train lines:

TRAINDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak Empire Builder243h 22m$952.25
Amtrak247h 52m$569.20
  • 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 2 Amtrak trains from Columbus to Portland every day, as well as 1 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $558.

    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

Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Columbus to Portland

There are 4 scheduled trains on most days. There is one direct train, which you can stay on for the entire journey from Columbus to Portland. 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 Portland to Columbus.

TRIPS PER DAY

4

DIRECT TRIPS

1

The distance between Columbus and Portland is approximately 1655 miles, or 2664 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 45 hours and 6 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 43 hours and 22 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 Columbus at 1:55pm while the last train of the day leaves at 5:55pm. 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

1:55pm

LATEST TRAIN

5:55pm

Trains from Columbus to Portland 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 Sunday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.

MOST CROWDED

Monday

LEAST CROWDED

Sunday

City Information

Portland

Portland, OR - PDX-0Portland, OR - PDX-1Portland, OR - PDX-2

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 does the train leave from in Columbus?

Main departure station: 359 N Ludington St

There is one train station in Columbus.

All train stations in Columbus:

  • 359 N Ludington St

Where does the train arrive in Portland?

Main arrival station: Union Station

Union Station - 800 NW 6th Ave - PDXAMT-0

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

Need a return trip from Portland to Columbus?

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