Why Choose Amtrak Cascades?

• Unparalleled scenery: Enjoy views of rugged mountains, glacier-blue bays, cascading waterfalls, and volcanoes as you travel.
• City-to-city convenience: Connect major Pacific Northwest hubs (Vancouver, Seattle, Portland, Eugene) without the stress of driving.
• On-board comfort & amenities: Relax in reclining seats, access laptop outlets, bring your bike, and dine in the Bistro Car—making the journey a pleasure, not just a transfer

Amtrak Cascades Route & Highlights

Embark on a rail journey that spans key destinations from Canada into the U.S. and down into Oregon.

Departure Point	Key Stops & Highlights	Approximate Travel Time
Vancouver, B.C.	Start in historic Pacific Central Station; explore Gastown, Chinatown, and Granville Island; ride the Capilano suspension bridge above the rainforest.	North end of the corridor
Seattle, WA	Visit Pike Place Market, the Space Needle, and take a ferry across Elliott Bay to enjoy the waterfront views and urban culture.	Mid-corridor hub
Tacoma, WA	A city of art & nature—explore Museum of Glass, Point Defiance Park, Puget Sound shoreline.	Short hop southward
Portland, OR	America’s #1 biking city, explore Willamette River bridges, book-lover’s paradise at Powell’s, microbrews, and food scene.	Entering Oregon
Eugene, OR	Final stop option—great for nature lovers, outdoor adventure, and bypassing heavier urban traffic.	Southern extent of service

Amtrak Cascades Features & Amenities

Below you’ll find a breakdown of the services, seating options, onboard dining, pet policy, and more—so you can plan your journey with confidence.

Category	What to Expect	Additional Details
Seating Options	Coach Class – comfortable, reclining seats with laptop outlets.Business Class – wider seats, extra legroom, priority boarding/deboarding, dedicated carTrainside Checked Bicycle Service	Business class includes a $3 menu coupon and lounge access in Portland.
Onboard Dining	Bistro Car offering fresh regional cuisine, local micro-brews, speciality coffee (think Seattle’s famous brew)	Menus vary & are subject to change—please download the current menu in advance.
Amenities	Wi-Fi onboard, laptop outlets, bike racks, and checked baggage on select trains	Amenities may vary by train—check specific service.
Pet Travel	Small dogs or cats allowed (in approved carriers) on certain trains	Must reserve pet space, follow guidelines—see full pet policy.
Funding & Support	Service is largely ticket-funded, with supplemental support from the states of Washington & Oregon	Reflects regional commitment to rail service.

Why It’s More Than Just a Train Ride

Riding the Amtrak Cascades isn’t simply about getting from A to B—it’s about the journey.

• Scenic Routes: Travel across the Columbia River Gorge, past volcanic terrain, alpine meadows and coastal bays.
• City + Nature Balance: From urban cafés and vibrant neighbourhoods to forest trails and ocean views, you get variety in one journey.
• Relaxed Travel Experience: Unlike flying or driving, you avoid airport check-ins or highway stress. Bring your bike, choose your seat, and unwind with a scenic view.
• Eco-Friendly Option: Rail offers a lower-impact alternative to driving long distances—feel good about how you travel.

Amtrak Cascades Booking & Travel Tips

• Reserve early: Especially for Business Class or trains with limited amenities.
• Check schedule: Service frequency varies; verify departure times from your station.
• Pack smart: Utilize bike racks if you’re bringing your cycle; kennel your pet properly if travelling with animal.
• Arrive early: For priority boarding (Business Class) or to ensure checked baggage or bike services are processed.
• Explore beyond the rails: Each stop along the route has its unique culture, cuisine, and outdoor opportunities—consider extending your stay.