Amtrak Cascades Train: Stops, Stations & Things To Know

Amtrak Cascades Train: Stops, Stations & Things To Know (A Complete Rider Guide)

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Let’s go on a scenic journey through the Pacific Northwest aboard the Cascades train! Amtrak’s Cascades route connects Vancouver, British Columbia, with locations in Oregon and Washington. It is an excellent commuter train choice, offering coach and business class accommodation. You will also get stunning views of Puget Sound and other bodies of water between Seattle and Bellingham, Washington.

In this blog post, we will cover approximately everything about Amtrak’s Cascades train, like stops, onboard experience, planning tips, and more. 

This is not Amtrak’s official website and is not affiliated with Amtrak; this is just for the reader’s guide.

Schedule Highlights

  • Traveling from Portland to Seattle can take 3.5 hours.
  • Traveling from Portland to Eugene takes 2.5 hours.
  • Traveling from Portland to Vancouver, B.C. takes 8 hours.
  • Traveling from Seattle to Vancouver, B.C. takes 4 hours.
  • Traveling from Seattle to Edmonds can take 40 minutes.
  • Traveling from Seattle to Everett takes 1 hour.
  • Trains depart Vancouver in the morning and evening.

You can see the latest schedules and timetables on Amtrak.com.

Stops & Stations

1. Stations

Here’s a complete list of Amtrak’s Cascades train stations:

Amtrak's Cascades train stops and stations

2. Major Stops

  • Eugene
  • Salem
  • Portland
  • Tacoma
  • Seattle
  • Vancouver B.C.

Things To Know About Amtrak Cascades Train

1. Amtrak Cascades TrainTicketing & Fares

It’s easy to purchase your Amtrak Cascades ticket. Here’s how:

A. Via the Amtrak Cascades website:

  • First, enter your “Origin”. For example (Vancouver, BC).
  • Then Enter your “destination”. Like (Eugene, OR)
  • Now select the trip type (one-way or two-way).
  • Then add the departure date.
  • After adding all this information, tap on “Book Your Ticket”.

B. BY PHONE

If you want to buy a ticket by phone, then call 1-800-USA-RAIL (1-800-872-7245) to speak with an Amtrak ticket agent.

C. From Station

If you want to purchase tickets at the station, you can purchase tickets at these Amtrak stations:

  • Vancouver, BC; 
  • Bellingham; 
  • Everett; 
  • Edmonds; 
  • Seattle; 
  • Tacoma; 
  • Centralia; 
  • Vancouver, WA; 
  • Portland; 
  • Salem; 
  • Albany; 
  • Eugene.

D. Through Mobile Apps

Download the WSDOT app to access local traffic information in Washington, purchase Amtrak Cascades tickets, and see train timetables and status.

Download the Amtrak app for Android and iPhone.

E. RESERVATIONS

Reservations for Amtrak Cascades service may be made up to eleven months in advance of the trip date. Remember to indicate any special requirements, such as wheelchair access, Business Class upgrades, dietary restrictions, checked bags, or bicycles. Upgrade to Business Class at any time. Trains are often packed on Friday and Sunday nights, throughout the summer, and on vacations. Also, make bookings for your bike and pet.

F. Change Fees

Amtrak will waive all change costs for tickets booked before December 31, 2024. A price difference may apply to your modified itinerary. The change charge waiver does not apply to previously paid fares that are rebooked for the same train, date, and origin/destination at a cheaper cost.  

2. Onboard Amenities

Amtrak's Cascades train Onboard Amenities

A. DINING

BISTRO: The Bistro car serves fresh, local dishes and beverages such as soups, sandwiches, candies, and snacks, as well as alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks. You may return your meal to your seat and utilize your big tray table, or rest in the Lounge car if your train has one. The Bistro is handicapped accessible, and two trainsets have panoramic windows. Amtrak Cascades is happy to offer items produced and created in the Pacific Northwest on our regular menu. View the Bistro menu.

LOUNGE: The Lounge Car offers casual seating for 30 on a first-come basis, with 10 tables for eating, reading, or playing games. It’s wheelchair accessible and is featured in two current trainsets.

B. Entertainment

If you want to rest while also having some fun, you’ve come to the right place. You are permitted to carry and utilize aboard personal electronic devices such as laptop computers, DVD players, and CD players. Standard 110-volt electrical power outlets are accessible near your seat to charge your electronic gadgets.

C. PASSENGER COURTESY

When using a coach, prioritize the comfort of others by using earphones or headphones for audio/video devices, being considerate of other passengers when using cell phones, and using vestibules between cars for longer or louder calls.

D. SAFETY

  • Never leave children unattended.
  • Use seat backs and handrails.
  • Always wear shoes, especially non-rubber soled ones.

 F. SERVICE ANIMALS

They allow certified service animals to accompany people with disabilities in all customer areas of our stations, trains, and Amtrak Thruway motorcoaches. Trained service animals must always be under the authority of their owners or trainers. In compliance with their pet policy, the only animals permitted on trains other than service animals are small dogs and cats.

3. Baggage & Check-in

They offer the best baggage policy; three free items!

A. CARRY-ON ITEMS: 

One free personal item

Passengers may bring one personal item weighing 25 pounds (12 kilograms) and measuring 14x11x7 inches, such as a compact bag, backpack, pocketbook, or laptop. Personal things may also include neck pillows, blankets, and outerwear. The personal object must fit below the seat.

Two free Carry-on Items

Each person may carry two bags, each weight 50 pounds (23 kilograms) or less and measuring 28 x 22 x 14 inches or less. Carry-on baggage must fit in the overhead rack or luggage tower. You must be able to securely raise personal and carry-on goods over your head onto the baggage shelf.  

B. CHECKED BAGGAGE

Passengers can check up to four bags, with two free and two more for $20 per bag. Oversize bags between 75 and 100 linear inches can also be checked for $20 per bag. All baggage must be visibly tagged with the passenger’s name and address. Amtrak Cascades checked baggage service is available at several stations, with check-in times being 45 minutes early and one hour in advance for Vancouver, B.C. Checked baggage is available during staffed stations’ hours of operation. Free “Red Cap” service is available in Seattle and Portland. However, checked baggage is not available at Olympia, Tukwila, Kelso, Oregon City, or Stanwood stations.

C. Excess/Oversize Baggage Fees

  •  $20 fee for carry-on and personal items exceeding quantity and size limits.
  • Maximum of two excess bags per passenger.
  • Fee collected at station or onboard the train.
  • Checked baggage available for free to final destination.
  • Cancellation of transport for items exceeding policy limitations.
  • All baggage must be visibly tagged with name and address.
  • Carry-on items not needing tags.
  • Carry-on bags stowed in overhead bins or baggage rack.
  • Only luggage liftable overhead without assistance.
  •  Baggage not allowed in Bistro and Lounge cars.
  • Complete baggage policy available at Amtrak.com.

D. Amtrak Cascades Bicycle Reservations

  •  Reservations required for both passengers and bikes.
  • Two options: use onboard bike racks or box bicycles for check-in.
  • Ten bike racks available on each train, with a $5 reservation fee.
  • Bicycle racks don’t accommodate tandem, recumbent, or unusual bikes.
  • Boxed bicycles can be checked as baggage, with a $10 handling fee.
  • Checked baggage service may not be available at all stations.
  • Bicycle boxes available for purchase at staffed stations with checked baggage service for $15.

E. Amtrak Special Items Acceptance

  • Allows sports equipment, strollers, baby strollers, golf bags, musical instruments, snowboards, and skis.
  • Items must be properly packed and visibly tagged.
  • Handling charge of $10 to $20 per item.
  • For more information, contact 1-800-USA-RAIL.

F. Firearms and ammunition

Amtrak permits weapons and ammunition to be transported as baggage between staffed stations. Carrying guns and ammunition is forbidden. Visit Amtrak.com for additional information about weapons in checked baggage.

G. ITEMS NOT ALLOWED ON THE Amtrak Cascades Train

  • Incendiaries, large, sharp objects, harmful chemicals or materials.
  • Acid-spinning batteries (except motorized wheelchairs).
  • Club-like items like billy clubs and nightsticks.
  • Fragile or valuable items, including electronic equipment.
  • Animals (except service animals and small pets).
  • Oversized or overweight items.
  • Strict prohibition on personal alcohol consumption.

Note that this is not a complete list. Any item identical to those listed, even if not expressly named, is not permitted to be brought on board or checked as luggage.     

Travel Tips

  • Arrive early—it’s a good idea to arrive 30 minutes before your train is scheduled to leave, particularly if you’re checking luggage.
  • If you want to cross the border between the United States and Canada, please arrive one hour early.
  • Check in at the ticket counter to request pre-boarding if you need wheelchair access, a Business Class upgrade, checked bags, or bicycles.

Additional Resources

If you need more information, here are some helpful resources for riders, such as:

I hope you like this informative blog post, and if you have any query about Amtrak, you can read a complete Amtrak Train Guide or leave a comment in the comment section. I will try to answer you.

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