If you're traveling from Portland to Vancouver BC, consider taking the train! Here are some travel tips for taking the Amtrak Cascades route.
When my family and I travel through Europe, most of our travels are by train. I'm not sure why, but sometimes I forget that we have a friendly rail system right in our own backyard. Silly, I know, but I was so excited to have the opportunity to experience our own Amtrak rail line recently.
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Taking the train from Portland to Vancouver BC
As I type this, I'm sitting in Car 9, Seat 3 of Amtrak Cascades 506. This is the train I took to and from Portland, Oregon and Vancouver BC Canada.
I just spent a whirlwind 24 hours exploring and adventuring in Fraser Valley BC. I can't wait to share my adventures and travel tips with you soon! (Visit my Instagram photos for a sneak peek!)
How long is the train trip from Portland to Vancouver BC?
In the meantime, I wanted to share my experiences traveling by train. The ride from Portland, Oregon to Vancouver, BC Canada is eight hours going north by train. The return trip is approximatelyย 8.5ย hours going south. There are 14 stops total between Portland and Vancouver.
It's a smooth ride that takes you through some stunning landscapes that you won't see if you drive I-5 from Portland to Vancouver (especially since you're most likely focused on all that crazy traffic, am I right?).
I could have snapped photos during the whole trip, but here's a taste of the beautiful scenery you'll see on this train trip.
Tips for traveling on the Amtrak Cascades
If you've never taken the Amtrak Cascades before, here are some things you need to know before you go.
What to do once you arrive at the train station
Once you arrive, the process is similar to air travel.
There's a ticket counter at each station where you check-in and get your tickets, if you don't already have your e-ticket. You then look for your train number on the reader board. Once you find it, line up to get your seat assignment.
In Portland, you can line up about 30 minutes before your train leaves, and for our trip, there was a long line, so be sure to get there with plenty of time to spare.
Getting seated
You'll find car numbers on the side of each train car. Seat numbers are above each seat.
Once you get to your seat, place your seat assignment paper in the little plastic slit that holds the seat numbers. This is how train personnel, and other travelers, know that seat is taken.
Luggage
Each passenger is allowed two pieces of luggage and one personal item, just like most commercial flights.
Like on an airline, there is space beneath the seat in front of you for a handbag or small backpack. Then there is space overhead for carryon luggage.
There are also luggage racks behind the last seat of each car, and you can check larger luggage pieces.
Hungry? Find the Bistro Car & Dining Car!
If you are hungry or thirsty, walk over to the Bistro Car. It's usually situated between Business and Coach class.
On Amtrak Cascades, you'll find:
- breakfast sandwiches
- bagels
- yogurt parfaits
- turkey sandwiches
- hamburgers
- hot dogs
- salads
- cookies and other desserts
You'll also find a selection of soft drinks, wine, and beer.
Note: if you have any dietary restrictions, I recommend bringing your own snacks and breakfast/lunch/dinner, asย there are almost no gluten free, dairy free, egg free options in the Amtrak Cascades Bistro.
In the pic above, you can see that I purchased the chicken teriyaki bowl and an apple. I added these purchases to my own snack pack of Blue Diamond Almonds Blueberry Almonds. If there's an item you wish to purchase at the Bistro that is out of stock, you can check back after they restock the food inventory in Seattle.
Right next to the Bistro Car is the Dining Car. I recommend enjoying your meals there if there is an empty table. The Dining Car gives you some room to stretch your legs a bit and eat on a full table versus your seatback tray. Try to be considerate and only take up a table here if you are eating or drinking.
Hydrate
Unlike air travel, you are not limited in terms of liquids that you can bringย while traveling viaย train. So I highly recommend that you bring a bottle of water for the trip.
Free Wi-Fi
There is free WiFi on Amtrack Cascades train from Portland to Vancouver BC. I found it to be fairly reliable on both trips. It's a great way to get some work done while enjoying the gorgeous scenery!
Restrooms on the train
Restrooms are located at the back of each car, except for the very last car, in most cases. There are also trash and recycling receptacles behind the last seat in each car.
Room to move about
The train from Portland to Vancouver BC can be a lengthy trip, so it's good to stretch your legs. While leg room is similar on Amtrak Cascades to commercial airlines, there is more space in the middle aisle. So it's easier to get up and walk around as you need to.
There are also spots between trains where you can stand and stretch your legs for a bit while enjoying the views. This is also where you should take cell phone calls so as not to disturb your neighboring travelers.
Go by train: travel from Portland to Vancouver BC on Amtrak Cascades
I really enjoyed the Amtrack Cascades route from Portland, Oregon to Vancouver, BC. If you have travel plans anywhere between Portland and Vancouver in the future, definitely check it out!
Visit the Amtrack website for full details, including current ticket pricing and schedule, of the Portland, Oregon to Vancouver, BC Amtrack Cascades route.
Have you ever taken the Amtrack Cascades train, or embarked on other train travel within the US? Share your experiences in the comments below!
limousine Coquitlam says
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Lindsay Ingalls (@RunWithTongs) says
We are planning on doing a train trip or two in the next few years with our littles. This looks like a beautiful ride! Also just combined those salted caramel almonds with chocolate and lets just say you should try it!
Marlynn Jayme Schotland says
It's a great way to travel with the kids! They love the scenery and it's so nice for them to be able to walk around more on the train versus plane. The salted caramel almonds with chocolate really are delish! :)
Kelley says
I used to take it between Portland and Eugene a lot when I was a poor student dating another poor student at Oregon. (We're married now, so it worked out!) Definitely beats the bus, except that time there was a windstorm and the train had to stop at every crossing...
Marlynn Jayme Schotland says
The Cascade train does go all the way to Eugene and I've never done that leg, but I bet it's just as pretty of a trip!
Dawne says
I always wondered what it would be like to take the train to BC. It seems so romantic like an old movie. I'm gonna have to try it soon. I think I even heard there are some good wine train tours too, which would basically be heaven
http://www.dawnehanks.com
Marlynn Jayme Schotland says
There is a romance factor with train travel, for sure. And, there is a different wine train, I believe -- if you check Amtrak's website you can find all the info on that particular option!
Ryan says
Sounds like the Coast Starlight. Probably the wine and cheese tasting was in the First Class lounge car, the Pacific Parlour.
Raz says
Wow! Amtrak has WiFi that's awesome. Thanks for sharing :)
Marlynn Jayme Schotland says
WiFi is a must, right? :) Thanks Raz!
Cyra says
My mother took an Amtrak just last month that had two levels, a tour guide, and a wine and cheese thing going on in the dining car. It was crazy.
Marlynn Jayme Schotland says
I've heard those are great!
Pech says
Why fly or drive when you can be chauffeured by train and relax instead, enjoying the view and WiFi ! I always forget when the bridges come up to have my camera ready, glad you caught it!