Seattle to Portland by Train

Taking the train between Washington and Oregon is a practical way to travel the Pacific Northwest. Instead of sitting in highway traffic, you can relax on a direct service connecting the major city centers. The route is fully operating as of 2026, supported by both states, and new trainsets are being introduced to the fleet. Whether you are traveling for a weekend getaway or a business trip, the rail connection offers a comfortable alternative to driving or flying. You will depart from downtown Seattle and arrive right in the middle of Portland.

Your train options

The primary service for this route is the Amtrak Cascades. There are several trains a day running from Seattle to Portland, making it easy to find a departure that fits your schedule. The trip takes about 3 hours 30 minutes to 4 hours. Because this is a daytime route, there is no overnight travel on this trip, meaning sleeper cabins are not offered.

Instead, passengers choose between Coach and Business Class. Coach provides standard reserved seating, while Business Class offers a bit more legroom and a dedicated car. Both classes have access to the Bistro car, where you can buy food and drinks during the journey. Since every train listed is direct, you do not need to worry about changing trains along the way. Just pick the departure time that works best for you and book your tickets in advance.

The journey

Leaving Seattle, the train heads south through the urban and suburban landscapes of western Washington. If you travel during daylight hours, you will see forests, rivers, and towns passing by your window. The route includes several stops in between the major cities.

You will first pass through Tukwila and Tacoma before continuing south to Lacey and Centralia. The train then stops in Kelso before reaching Vancouver. Shortly after leaving Vancouver, the train crosses the Columbia River into Oregon and arrives in Portland. Because there are multiple departures a day, your view will depend on whether you book a morning, afternoon, or evening train. Winter evening trips will be dark, so you might prefer a daytime schedule if you want to watch the Pacific Northwest scenery unfold from the Bistro car.

The stations

Your trip begins at Seattle King Street Station. Opened in 1906, the station features an ornate ceiling that was restored in 2013. It sits next to Pioneer Square and the Chinatown International District, with Link light rail available at the nearby International District station.

You will arrive at Portland Union Station. This historic building opened in 1896 and is easily recognized by its clock tower and Go By Train sign. Once you arrive, you can connect to the MAX light rail and the Portland Streetcar, which both stop nearby.