Station guide · WA, USA
Seattle King Street Station
Opened in 1906, Seattle King Street Station serves as a major hub for the Pacific Northwest, connecting passengers to long-distance and regional Amtrak routes.
- Station
- Seattle King Street Station
- City
- Seattle, WA
- Code
- SEA
- Routes
- 3
At a glance
- King Street Station opened in 1906 and its ornate ceiling was restored in 2013
- Next to Pioneer Square and the Chinatown International District, with Link light rail at the nearby International District station
- Served by the Empire Builder, Coast Starlight and Amtrak Cascades
Seattle King Street Station is the primary rail gateway for the city. The building opened in 1906 and remains a prominent piece of local architecture. Visitors walking through the main waiting room will notice the ornate ceiling, which was carefully restored in 2013. The station handles a mix of long-distance and regional rail traffic. It provides a reliable starting point for journeys down the Pacific coast or across the northern United States. As an independent traveler, you will find the layout straightforward to navigate. The facility offers standard passenger services for those waiting to board their trains.
Trains from Seattle
| 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 |
Multiple Amtrak services call at the station. The Empire Builder travels from Chicago to Spokane and Seattle and Portland. This overnight route runs daily in each direction as of 2026, taking about 45 to 46 hours end to end. The Coast Starlight offers another daily overnight journey, running from Seattle to Los Angeles in about 35 hours. For regional travel, the Amtrak Cascades operates from Eugene to Vancouver. As of 2026, there are several trains a day from Seattle to Portland, with fewer continuing to Eugene and Vancouver. The regional trip takes about 3 hours 30 minutes from Seattle to Portland, and about 4 hours from Seattle to Vancouver, BC.
Getting to and from the station
The station is located next to Pioneer Square and the Chinatown International District. Passengers connecting to local transit can use the Link light rail at the nearby International District station. This provides straightforward access to other neighborhoods and the wider metropolitan area. If you are arriving by public transit, be sure to check local transit websites for current schedules and allow plenty of time before your train departs. Travelers using taxis or rideshares will find drop-off points near the main entrance. The central location makes it easy to reach from most downtown hotels.
Around the station
Passengers with time to spare can explore the immediate surroundings. The station sits right next to Pioneer Square, known for its historic buildings and public art. The adjacent Chinatown International District offers plenty of dining options for a quick meal before departure. If you are planning an extended stay in the region, you might consider visiting the Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad. This tourist line operates outside the city but is a popular excursion for rail enthusiasts visiting the state.
Station tips
- Review Amtrak and VIA booking tips to secure the best fares for your journey.
- Check the Luggage rules on Amtrak and VIA before packing for a long-distance trip.
- Arrive early if you are checking bags to allow enough time for the process.
- Read our guide for your First time on Amtrak to understand boarding procedures.
Popular trips from Seattle
Scenic railroads nearby
- Mt. Rainier Scenic RailroadElbe, Washington
Questions travellers ask
How long is the train ride from Seattle to Los Angeles?
The journey on the Coast Starlight from Los Angeles to Seattle or vice versa takes about 35 hours end to end. This overnight route operates daily in each direction as of 2026.
Can I take a train from Seattle to Chicago?
Yes, you can travel from Chicago to Seattle on the Empire Builder. The trip takes about 45 to 46 hours end to end. This long-distance service runs daily in each direction as of 2026.
How long does it take to get to Vancouver by train?
The trip from Seattle to Vancouver on the Amtrak Cascades takes about 4 hours to 4 hours 30 minutes. There are fewer trains continuing all the way to Vancouver compared to the Portland route.