Station guide · OR, USA
Portland Union Station
Opened in 1896, Portland Union Station serves as a major hub for rail travel in the Pacific Northwest, connecting passengers to destinations across the United States and Canada.
- Station
- Portland Union Station
- City
- Portland, OR
- Code
- PDX
- Routes
- 3
At a glance
- Portland Union Station, opened in 1896, with its clock tower and Go By Train sign
- MAX light rail and the Portland Streetcar stop nearby
- Served by the Coast Starlight, Empire Builder and Amtrak Cascades
Portland Union Station is a historic landmark in Oregon. Opened in 1896, the building is easily recognized by its prominent clock tower and the vintage Go By Train sign. The station serves as a vital transportation hub for the Pacific Northwest, handling daily arrivals and departures for multiple major rail routes. Whether you are connecting to local transit or starting a long journey across the country, the station provides a central and accessible starting point. It remains a busy facility, so travelers should allow plenty of time to navigate the concourse and find their platform.
Trains from Portland
| Train | Between | Runs |
|---|---|---|
| Empire Builder | Chicago to Spokane and Seattle and Portland | Daily in each direction |
| Coast Starlight | Seattle to Los Angeles | Daily in each direction |
| Amtrak Cascades | Eugene to Vancouver | Several trains a day Seattle to Portland, fewer to Eugene and Vancouver |
Three Amtrak services call at Portland Union Station. The Empire Builder runs daily in each direction as of 2026, offering an overnight journey between Chicago, Spokane, Seattle and Portland. The trip from Chicago to Portland takes about 45 to 46 hours. The Coast Starlight also operates daily as of 2026, traveling between Seattle and Los Angeles. This overnight route takes about 35 hours end to end. For regional travel, the Amtrak Cascades connects Eugene to Vancouver. As of 2026, there are several trains a day from Seattle to Portland, with fewer continuing to Eugene and Vancouver. A direct trip from Seattle to Portland takes about 3 hours 30 minutes to 4 hours.
Getting to and from the station
Portland Union Station is well integrated into the local public transit network. Passengers will find that the MAX light rail and the Portland Streetcar stop nearby, making it simple to reach other neighborhoods in the city. If you are arriving with heavy bags, you might want to review luggage rules on Amtrak and VIA before your trip. Travelers should always check local transit websites for the most current schedules and service updates. Allow plenty of time to navigate between your local connection and the departure platform, especially during busy travel periods.
Around the station
The station is located near the Willamette River, placing arriving passengers close to the downtown area of Portland. From the station doors, visitors can easily access the central business district and nearby residential neighborhoods. Because the MAX light rail and Portland Streetcar are just steps away, reaching popular areas across the river or further into the city is straightforward. Travelers with extra time before their departure can explore the immediate neighborhood, but should keep an eye on the clock tower to ensure they do not miss their train.
Station tips
- Review first time on Amtrak if you are unfamiliar with the boarding process.
- Arrive early before your departure to allow plenty of time for ticketing and boarding.
- Read about Amtrak and VIA booking tips to secure the best fares for your journey.
- Check the local transit schedules for the MAX light rail if you plan to use public transportation.
Popular trips from Portland
Questions travellers ask
How long does the train take from Chicago to Portland?
The journey on the Empire Builder from Chicago to Portland takes about 45 to 46 hours. This is an overnight trip, so passengers should plan accordingly and consider booking a sleeping car for extra comfort.
Can I take a direct train from Los Angeles to Portland?
Yes, the Coast Starlight provides direct service from Los Angeles to Portland. The journey takes about 27 to 33 hours. The train runs daily in each direction as of 2026.
Are there direct trains to Vancouver?
The Amtrak Cascades offers direct service from Portland to Vancouver. The trip from Vancouver to Portland takes about 6 hours 30 minutes to 8 hours. There are fewer trains continuing all the way to Vancouver compared to the Seattle route, so check the schedule in advance.