Seattle to Vancouver on the Amtrak Cascades: What We Wish We Knew
AI Summary
An honest, detail-packed review of taking the evening Amtrak Cascades from Seattle to Vancouver with a family. Learn how the unassigned seating works, what to expect at luggage check-in, and the real reason you should probably pack your own snacks.
The Route: Amtrak Cascades (Coach Class), Seattle to Vancouver.
The Cost: $256 for party of five—2 adults, 2 kids, 1 senior.
The Verdict: A gorgeous, scenic adventure worth doing once, but not a massive money or energy saver.
Top Tip: Skip the 6:00 PM train if you are traveling with kids or seniors; a late-running train means tackling a slow Canadian customs line late at night.
Seating Hack: Seats are unassigned. If you want a group table, hop on fast or stalk someone who is getting off at an early stop.
Excuse my glare 🌅✨ Rolling by the Salish Sea at Sunset
Ok, so we took the Amtrak Cascades from Seattle to Vancouver on May 30, 2026 at 6pm. “We” includes me, Kristin, a 43-year old mom, my husband Geoff (Dad), Carter (11), William (7) and Nana (Geoff’s mom).
Even though the Amtrak website provides a decent amount of information, we were still unsure what to expect. We had questions we couldn’t find answers to. Having completed the journey now, I feel it’s my obligatory pleasure to share our learnings with you. So, here we go. Please feel free to comment any additional questions below, and I will try to answer them.
The Set Up
First, some context for our trip: We live in Colorado. We were going on an Alaskan cruise vacation. The cruise left on Sunday, May 31, 2026 from Vancouver, Canada. The flights from Denver to Vancouver were like $700+/person. Crazy! So, we thought, instead, we could fly to Seattle (maybe $300/person), spend a day there and, then, take the train to Vancouver for some extra adventure. Cool cool cool.
When all was said and done…after like 10 Ubers (Nana can’t walk those steep Seattle hills, folks), meals ($$$), activities and the train, I am not sure it was a huge savings…but the adventure was a win.
Booking, Schedules and Costs
We booked our train on March 28, 2026 for the May 30, 2026 departure. These were coach-class, one-way tickets. We paid a total of $256 for two adults, two kids (ages 2-12) and one senior over 65. (I can’t remember the exact breakdown. Sorry.) If I had to do it again, I would have booked the tickets back in February when we originally priced them out. There were still business class seats available and the coach seats were closer to $50 than $70 for an adult. Live and you learn, I guess…and you learn from me, please.
For our day of travel, there were two schedule options: an 8 AM or a 6 PM. It’s a four-hour ride from Seattle to Vancouver, meaning you’d arrive at noon or 10 PM respectively. Assuming the train is on time, of course.
We really put some thinking power into which train to choose. The Amtrak website suggested getting to the station 30-60 minutes prior to departure. For an 8 AM train, that would have meant wrangling sleepy kids first thing in the morning, leaving the hotel around 6:45 AM. This would have gotten us to Vancouver midday. We’re not early or late risers, usually somewhere in the middle, but a 6ish wake-up call seemed unnecessarily early for a vacation travel day. So…we opted for the late train and to spend the day in Seattle. We played at the Pier 58 Jellyfish Playground (awesome!) and lunched at Pike Place Market (iconic) before packing up and heading to the King Street Amtrak station around 4 PM.
Success!! Mostly.
Read on…but take this spoiler with you: if we were granted a do-over, we may have chosen that earlier train.
Check In
We got to the station shortly after 4 PM and checked our luggage. Yes, the bags were weighed—50 lb. limit. Because we were going to Canada, we needed to show our passports, and in return, they provided us with a colored piece of paper or “ticket” that showed we went through the passport-verification process. They gave us a customs form to be filled out before reaching Canada.
We had quite a bit of time before our departure, so we left the station to grab an early dinner in Chinatown at Kau Kau BBQ. (We took a short Uber but there were many places walkable to the station.) We were back at the station by 5:05 PM, grabbed some seats and observed how the boarding would work. By this point, the station was getting busy and seating (especially near the line-up area) was dwindling quickly.
How the Boarding Works
Approx. 20 minutes before our scheduled departure, the station agent called for train 518 to line up. This cattle call was barely necessary as people were already crowding the line-up area (and were told to sit back down). Because there are no assigned seats outside of business class, everyone was clamoring to be first in line. No, you do not get seat assignments at check in. Yes, it’s a first-come, first-seated situation.
Eventually our train arrived and riders getting off in Seattle disembarked. There were A LOT of people getting off in Seattle, which soothed our worries about finding seats together.
Those in business class and those with accessibility needs had separate dedicated lines, and were allowed on first. Business class had to walk the farthest, to the very last car in the train. (The cafe car is next to that, and every other car is coach seating.)
Then, with less than 10 minutes until our scheduled departure, they allowed the rest of us to board. We had to show our “passports were verified” ticket to the attendant and then exited the building onto the platform and toward the train. The station conductor was standing on the platform, ushering us into cars in a semi-orderly fashion. Of course, once you’re on the train, all the cars connect and you can go wherever you like.
The coach class cars are organized with seats in pairs on either side of an aisle and two tables with four chairs each. There are signs above the table areas, requesting they be left open for groups, but this “rule” was not enforced. We ended up with two sets of two chairs and one chair by itself for the first stop or two before we could make an adjustment.
The train actually departed on time or nearly on time (maybe a minute or two late), which was quite impressive given the amount of people they had to board in less than 10 minutes. Nice work, Amtrak!
On the Train
Once we left the Station, the conductor made his way through the train to check our tickets, which were on my phone digitally. (Get the app.) He wrote our stop on a piece of paper and slipped it into a plexiglass holder above my seat. This is when I noticed the woman sitting at the four-top table by herself (hmph) was getting off at the next stop. OMG. I shook off my social anxiety for the sake of the family and asked if she was in fact getting off next. (Yes, she was.) And I asked if I could sit with her. (Yes, I could.) Despite her obvious neglect of the signage, she seemed quite lovely.
Pro Tip: If you want the coveted GROUP table, find someone getting off soon and hover. Annoyingly, if needed.
The ocean runs along the left side of the train going north, so we tried to find seats on the left side of the car. We were successful in finding 4 of 5 on the left; I took one on the right in an empty row. Note that it was VERY sunny and warm for those in the left-side seats. Beautiful—stunning—but very sunny, directly into your eye balls. Bring your sunglasses. You can lower the window shades partially or fully but then you can’t see the beautimous landscape, and neither can those around you.
As for the seats themselves, basic. Geoff said he read they’re making upgrades to the cars and/or seats in the Fall of 2026, which is needed as evidenced by the fraying arm rest upholstery and slanted table leafs. (You can’t put a drink on a slanted table, so it cut the usable space in half.) Refurb aside, each seat is equipped with a seat-back table as well as overhead and under-the-seat storage for bags and jackets, similar to an airplane. I did not notice whether the seats reclined.
Yes, there’s free wifi. It mostly works. Slowly. Don’t expect to stream things…download content in advance. There is also power at the seats, but I prefer to use my external charger.
There is no signage listing the stops. Find that online or on the app. There is one digital sign that tells you the next stop and how fast you’re going—the boys liked that.
Food, Drink and Bathrooms
As mentioned above, the cafe car is second to last in the train. There were lines, especially after stops, but they moved quickly. We didn’t order any hot food, so I cannot speak to those wait times.
The prices were what you’d expect for a captive audience. I think I paid $16 for a half bottle of wine. And they had a decent selection of beers, including an IPA for my hops-loving husband. You can view the menu online, but I want to say the prices have gone up. And will have likely gone up again by the time you’re reading this.
We purposely ate a full dinner in advance of our trip (after reviewing the menu online), and I am so glad we did. The hot food did not look appetizing. Granted, I can be bougie about food—it might be a go for some—but it’s a no for me. I recommend eating ahead or bringing some snacks.
The bathrooms were pleasantly large and clean enough. Trash receptacles seemed to be in every other car.
Disembarkation
There were a few delays at stops along our route. I am not sure how often this occurs, but I am guessing fairly if not regularly. We ended up arriving in Vancouver at about 10:40 PM. Once at the station, you have to wait until the conductor comes to your car and allows you to leave. He worked his way forward starting from the back, with business class going first, of course. If we had known this, we might have moved seats to a car further back before arriving. This process felt VERY long. We were tired. We had had a few beverages to pass the time but the novelty had worn off. The boys were also over it. And who can blame them? It was nearly midnight according to our body clocks.
When we got off our train, the luggage was all there, outside on the dark, narrow platform. My husband had to use the light on his cell phone so we could read the tags. It felt like a mad dash. Was this just us or was everyone frantically looking for their bags?! It took us a hot minute to find all five pieces of luggage, and by then, the customs line was quite long. And slow.
By this point, we were really wondering if the morning train wouldn’t have been better. I’m thinking it would have been.
We did eventually get into Canada. And eventually to our hotel around 12:45 AM after our first Uber refused us (he couldn’t fit us and our luggage). But we made it and it was an adventure to remember!
Final Thoughts
Would I recommend the Amtrak Cascades to my fellow travelers? I would! Us United Statesians don’t travel by train too often…speaking mostly for myself here. It’s fun! It’s novel! You can order half a bottle of wine, listen to a podcast, and enjoy the scenery. It truly was a spectacular landscape—the views alone make it pretty special.
BUT did we save money by flying to Seattle and taking the train? Minimal at best. Were we already exhausted by the time our cruise started? You bet. Was it still worth it? For the memories…yeah. It was worth it.
Welcome to Canada! 🇨🇦
My Amtrak Cascades FAQs
Q: Do you really need a seat on left side of the train in order to appreciate the scenery?
A: No…not really. If photography is important to you, aim to secure a left-hand side seat. Otherwise, you will be able to see the views from either side. If you are sensitive to sun, you may prefer the right-hand side if traveling in the summer evening.
Q: What time in advance of your departure time do you really need to be at the station?
A: I agree with the stated, recommened 30 minutes in advance…at least. Even if you’re not checking bags, Vancouver-bound passengers need to show their passport and get the customs forms and the “passport verification” ticket thingy. Don’t be the woman who had to swim upstream to exit the line because she didn’t go through this process. We arrived to the station 2 hours in advance (cuz we over achievers) and had no lines. We were able to leave, eat, and come back with plenty of time.
Q: If I have my choice, which train car should I choose?
A: Look…when you first get on, sit anywhere that keeps your party together. You’re going to be able to move around as the trip goes on. Before you arrive in Vancouver, though, try to find seats closer to the back of the train, near the cafe. This will ensure you’re able to get off the train, find your luggage (in the dark), and get in the line for customs sooner.
Q: How is the food?
A: I am so glad we ate a full meal before the train. I didn’t eat the hot food, so maybe it was secretly great. One girl passed me with her pizza, though, and it looked like the cheese had entirely melted off the sides, forming a sort of cheese moat around the crusts. IDK. Not for me, bro.
Q: Should I travel in the morning or evening?
A: It really depends on your travel party’s needs and preferences. If you’re a morning person, go in the AM. If a night owl, go in the PM. (For real, if you’re either of these people, you already know which train you’re taking.) For everyone else, just consider that trains can and do run late.. Also, consider if you can you get up in time to get some breakfast before the 8 AM? Might you save money by avoiding the happy-hour hours? Do you want to see the sunset from the train? The late May date meant sunset after 9 PM—about the time we hit the Canadian border.
Q: Were the bags weighed at the station?
A: Yes. Checked bags were weighed at the station. Fortunately, we didn’t have a bag over 50 lbs (the max) but that means I have little info on what happens if your bag is.
Q: Do you receive a seat assignment for coach-class tickets?
A: No, ma’am or sir. Not even at check in. It’s first in line, first seated (after business class).
Q: Can I just skip the checked bag chaos and bring my suitcase on the train with me?
A: Yes, you can, but you still have to check in and get your passports verified. Coach cars have overhead racks and large luggage shelving at the end of the car that easily fit standard carry-on suitcases. If you can do this, do it and eliminate the midnight search for bags in the dark.
Q: I have someone in my party who has trouble walking. Is the train accessible?
A: Yes, but with a caveat. King Street Station and the boarding platforms are flat, and Amtrak does have a dedicated line for those with accessibility needs so you can board first. However, the train aisle itself is quite narrow, and moving between cars (like walking all the way down to the cafe car) while the train is moving is a balancing act even for the able-bodied.
Q: Is there power at the seats, or am I going to watch my phone die at the Canadian border?
A: There are standard outlets at the seats but I did not test them out—I prefer to use my external charger. Just make sure you have your charging block in your personal bag and not checked.
Q: What happens with the customs form they give you at check-in?
A: Fill it out on the train and turn it in at customs (in the Vancouver station). Bring a pen. Write in all caps.