Station guide · BC, Canada
Vancouver Pacific Central Station
Vancouver Pacific Central Station serves as a major gateway for train travel in western Canada, connecting passengers to destinations across the United States and the Canadian provinces.
- Station
- Vancouver Pacific Central Station
- City
- Vancouver, BC
- Code
- VAC
- Routes
- 2
At a glance
- Pacific Central Station, a 1919 building, serves VIA Rail, Amtrak Cascades and intercity buses
- Main Street-Science World SkyTrain station is across the park
- US preclearance for southbound Cascades passengers happens here
- Rocky Mountaineer uses its own separate station nearby
Built in 1919, Vancouver Pacific Central Station is a historic transit hub located in British Columbia. The building handles both rail and intercity bus services, making it a busy departure point for travelers. Passengers traveling to the United States on the Amtrak Cascades complete their US preclearance right inside the terminal before boarding. The station is the western terminus for VIA Rail services across Canada. Note that the Rocky Mountaineer tourist train does not depart from here, as it uses its own separate station nearby. Whether you are heading south to Washington state or east across the Canadian Rockies, this station provides a straightforward starting point.
Trains from Vancouver
| Train | Between | Runs |
|---|---|---|
| Amtrak Cascades | Eugene to Vancouver | Several trains a day Seattle to Portland, fewer to Eugene and Vancouver |
| The Canadian | Toronto to Vancouver | Usually twice a week in each direction |
Two major long-distance routes operate out of Vancouver Pacific Central Station. The Amtrak Cascades runs south across the border, connecting Vancouver to Eugene. As of 2026, there are several trains a day between Seattle and Portland, with fewer continuing to Vancouver or Eugene. The next stop on this southbound route is Bellingham. VIA Rail operates The Canadian, an overnight journey traveling between Vancouver and Toronto. This long trip takes about four days and four nights end to end. The Canadian usually departs twice a week in each direction, though frequency and the exact route section can vary by season. The first eastbound stop is Kamloops. Popular direct trips include Seattle to Vancouver in about 4 hours to 4 hours 30 minutes, and Vancouver to Jasper taking about 20 to 22 hours.
Getting to and from the station
Reaching Vancouver Pacific Central Station is simple using local transit. The Main Street-Science World SkyTrain station is located just across the park from the terminal building. This rapid transit connection links you directly to downtown Vancouver and the wider metropolitan area. Because the station also serves intercity buses, the surrounding area sees plenty of pedestrian and vehicle traffic. Always allow extra time to navigate the local streets and find your platform. If you are catching a southbound train to the United States, you must arrive early to complete the mandatory US border preclearance process before departure. Check local transit websites for the latest schedules before you travel.
Around the station
The station sits just east of downtown Vancouver near False Creek. The immediate area includes a park separating the terminal from the Main Street-Science World SkyTrain station. Science World, a major local landmark, is located close by along the waterfront. Passengers have easy access to the nearby neighborhoods, which offer a variety of dining and lodging options. Since the Rocky Mountaineer uses its own separate station nearby, travelers booked on that service should double check their departure location to avoid arriving at the wrong building.
Station tips
- Arrive early for southbound Amtrak trains to clear US customs and immigration at the station.
- Review luggage rules on Amtrak and VIA before packing for your trip.
- Use the SkyTrain across the park for a fast connection into downtown Vancouver.
- Read our Amtrak and VIA booking tips to find the best fares for your journey.
Popular trips from Vancouver
Questions travellers ask
How long is the train ride from Vancouver to Portland?
The journey from Vancouver to Portland on the Amtrak Cascades takes about 6 hours 30 minutes to 8 hours. Travel times can vary based on border delays and track conditions.
How long does it take to travel from Toronto to Vancouver by train?
The trip from Toronto to Vancouver on VIA Rail takes about four days and four nights end to end. This overnight service usually runs twice a week in each direction, though schedules can change by season.