Amtrak, in collaboration with the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT), the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) and other agencies resumes Cascades service between Portland, Ore. and Vancouver, B.C., on March 6, marking the first time direct service will operate between Portland and stations north of Seattle since 2020.
“With more people now traveling, we are thrilled to double the daily roundtrips between Seattle and Vancouver, BC. By adding staffing and equipment to the region, we can once again offer customers a direct connection between Portland and Canada,” said Amtrak CEO Stephen Gardner.
Running along the water from British Columbia, through river and mountain vistas in Washington and Oregon, Amtrak Cascades offers views of some of the country’s most distinctive cities and spectacular natural attractions.
Amtrak Cascades restarted daily service to Canada, between Seattle and Vancouver, B.C., in September 2022. Now fully restored on the popular Pacific Northwest route, Amtrak Cascades offers a cafe car, which features products grown and made in the Pacific Northwest on its Bistro Menu. Travelers also can enjoy large spacious seats with ample leg room, no middle seat and a generous baggage policy, applicable for two personal items and two carry-on bags.
The states of Washington and Oregon jointly sponsor and fund the Amtrak Cascades service.
“WSDOT is pleased to be restoring trains between Portland, Seattle and Vancouver, BC. The resumption of this additional roundtrip marks the first time since the pandemic that passengers can travel on the same train to all stops between these major cities,” said Ron Pate, director of WSDOT’s rail, freight and ports division. “We’re looking forward to adding even more Amtrak Cascades trains later this year between Seattle and Portland.”
“We’re aware of just how ready everyone is for this direct service from Portland to Vancouver, BC to come back,” said Karyn Criswell, administrator of ODOT's public transportation division. “With our new reduced rates for travel within Oregon on the Cascades, we’re excited to see ridership grow throughout the corridor, giving people in the Pacific Northwest an affordable, comfortable and safe option for travel.”
“Thanks to all the players who helped us return to full service, including ODOT, WSDOT, BNSF, VIA Rail, Sound Transit, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Canada Border Services Agency and the Congressional Delegation,” Gardner said.
The United States and Canadian governments have specific requirements for travel between the two countries. Those who fail to meet these criteria will not be allowed to cross the border.
“I am thrilled to join Amtrak in announcing that service between Portland, Oregon and Vancouver, BC is resuming. This train line runs along a critical North-South corridor in Washington state, connecting families, communities and small businesses. Amtrak plays a critical role in getting people where they need to be on time and at a reasonable cost—this is great news as we work to keep Washington state moving forward,” said Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA).
“Restoration of this Cascades rail service between Portland and British Columbia provides a key reconnection for Oregonians to travel free of traffic headaches in the northwest,” said Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR). “Today’s wonderful news from Amtrak about restoring this valued and scenic route shows both the benefits of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s investments in passenger rail and indications of an ongoing recovery from the worst economic impacts of the public health crisis.”
“I welcome and celebrate the restarting of the Portland to Vancouver, BC train as an inter-city rail connection that transports visitors and business travelers between our two communities and makes our broader region more sustainable and competitive. I appreciate Amtrak for restarting this service and look forward to future opportunities to connect Portland with other communities throughout our region,” said Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler.
