Portland to Seattle by train

Two Amtrak routes travel between Portland and Seattle: Amtrak Cascades and Coast Starlight. It’s a scenic and easy trip with multiple trains to choose from each day. Here’s what you need to know.

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Travel Time

Travel time from Portland to Seattle on the Amtrak Cascades is 3.5 hours and 4 hours on the Coast Starlight. In comparison, drive time is about 3 hours (varies due to traffic), and a non-stop flight is one hour.

Ticket Options

On the Amtrak Cascades, you can choose coach or business class seats. Business class tickets are fully refundable if cancelled before departure and perks include a larger seat with extra legroom. In both cases, seats are unassigned.

If you prefer private accommodations, book tickets on the Coast Starlight. This train has roomettes, bedrooms and family bedrooms, and the ticket price includes one free meal. Coach seats are also available on this route.

Food & Amenities

The Amtrak Cascades and Coast Starlight have café cars open to all passengers, and if you book a roomette or bedroom on the Coast Starlight, you’ll have one free meal on the trip between Portland and Seattle.

Otherwise, the Amtrak Cascades has WiFi (Coast Starlight does not) and the Coast Starlight has a sightseer lounge, which is a great way to view the scenery.

Scenery

There is water and distant mountain views on the trip between Portland and Seattle. After departing from Portland, trains cross over two rivers, which you can see from either side of the train. Further north you’ll see the Columbia River, Salish Sea and Puget Sound on the left side. Across Puget Sound you might also see the Olympic Mountains. Additionally on clear days, you’ll be able to see Mt. Rainier from the right side of the train.