Amtrak Cascades Route Expands Service To British Columbia

SEATTLE — Monday morning marked the full restoration of the Amtrak Cascades route, resuming direct trips between Portland and Vancouver, B.C., with four daily roundtrips now available between Seattle and Canada.

Amtrak and the Washington State Department of Transportation have been on a roll in recent months, starting last September with the first restoration of service between Seattle and British Columbia since the pandemic began. In December, WSDOT announced the purchase of eight new trainsets and two locomotives to modernize the Cascades route, with delivery expected by 2026.

Earlier this year, Amtrak kicked off a hiring push to support expanded operations across the region. On Monday, Amtrak and WSDOT leaders gathered at Seattle's King Street Station to welcome and send off trains, celebrating the first full day of service since early 2020.

"With more people now traveling, we are thrilled to double the daily roundtrips between Seattle and Vancouver, B.C.," said Stephen Gardner, Amtrak's CEO. "By adding staffing and equipment to the region, we can once again offer customers a direct connection between Portland and Canada."

The fully-restored route serves 12 stations along the I-5 corridor. Travelers can expect a beautiful trip north, running through Washington and Oregon's scenic vistas and up along the water into British Columbia.

Riders can take advantage of each train's cafe car, stocked with food and beverages from around the Pacific Northwest, and seats with above-average leg room. Amtrak also allows riders to bring two carry-on bags and two personal items at no added charge.

More trains serving Seattle and Portland are on the horizon.

"WSDOT is pleased to be restoring trains between Portland, Seattle and Vancouver, B.C.," said Ron Pate, director of the Rail, Freight and Ports division. "The resumption of this additional roundtrip marks the first time since the pandemic that passengers can travel on the same train to all stops between these major cities. We're looking forward to adding even more Amtrak Cascades trains later this year between Seattle and Portland."

Customers can book tickets for upcoming trips using Amtrak's website and app, visiting a ticket kiosk or calling 1-800-USA-RAIL.