Seattle: Amtrak from Seattle to Vancouver B.C.

[Virginiaman]

My last cruise left from Vancouver, but my airline doesn’t fly there and I had miles to use for a free trip. I flew into Seattle, spent the night, and the next morning boarded an Amtrak train for Vancouver. I was expecting the standard NE corridor type of experience, but the Amtrak Cascades was a BIG surprise. Clean, modern train with a stylish diner to sit and enjoy a breakfast while watching some of the most spectacular scenery pass right by my window. The route follows a coastal path, so much of the time you are only a few yards from the water, while the rest passes through lush green farmland. Customs in Vancouver was a snap, and the station was only a short cab ride to the Canada Place pier. The station in Vancouver is not the one adjacent to the pier, so have a few Canadian dollars in your pocket to speed your trip along. The extra treat comes in a few years when Seattle will jabe finished a complete renovated of their King Street Station. Now you are seeing a work-in-progess, but the portions that are completed give you a good idea of the grand station it was and soon will be again. Amtrak has a baggage car to check your bags, so no hauling those overpacked suitcases into the car unless you really want to. And the cost for a one way advance purchase ticket? $39.00 US.

[mjmel]

Thanks for posting. Some useful info here.

[THouTex]

How long did the train trip take?

[Virginiaman]

The train from Seattle to Vancouver took about 3-4 hours, but I have been told it is actually shorter than taking the cruise line buses as waiting in line to cross the border the border can be a real headache. At one point you do pass the border highway crossing and during one trip up to Vancouver there was lots of traffic. The main reason for the trip is the fantastic scenery, and I have never paid more than $35 one way as you can plan ahead.

[Kenito]

Hi VAman:

Did you consider public transportation? I understand that there is a shuttle from the pier to SEATAC for about $15, and a public bus for much less than that.

I've seen info on the shuttle, and some friends just got back and did the public bus.

I'm planning a trip next year for a gay group Alaska cruise... not sure I am willing to do a group thing on public transportation... but you seem to be familiar with the options, so thought I'd ask.

[Virginiaman]

I have only traveled from Seattle to Vancouver on the train, spending the night before visiting friends in Seattle. This is what I am doing for the third time on my upcoming Pacific Coast cruise this month. It really is that magnificent a trip.

Frankly,the train trip is so beautiful I would not take a bus traveling on a highway. Most of the trip is spent skirting the coast line with spectacular views. You can also get up and walk around and not sit in a cramped bus seat.

You do pass the highway boarder crossing and sometimes the backup with traffic is huge. The train sails through and it takes about 30-40minutes to clear customs at the train station. It can be shorter depending upon the way cars are processed.

The skytrain in Vancouver is a short ride to the pier, and you can use a credit card to buy the ticket.

Have fun on your cruise!

[Kenito]

Thanks for the response... it does sound very nice!

-Ken