On Monday, 6th March, Amtrak, in collaboration with Oregon Department of Transportation (OSDT) and Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) fully restored its Cascades service between Portland, Or. and Vancouver, BC.

In September last year the Cascades was partially restored with a daily service to Canada, between Seattle and Vancouver, BC. The train offers a cafe car serving products grown and made in the Pacific Northwest from its Bistro Menu. On board, the carriages have large spacious seats with ample leg room, no middle seat, and with two personal items and two carry-on bags, it has one of the most generous baggage policies in the travel industry.

The service is jointly sponsored and funded by the states of Washington and Oregon.

Travelling alongside the water in British Columbia, and through river and mountain vistas in Washington and Oregon, Amtrak’s Cascade service provides travellers with views of some of the country’s most distinctive cities and spectacular natural attractions.

The resumption is the first time since 2020 that there has been a direct service between Portland and stations north of Seattle. The Cascades serves 12 stations along the I-5 corridor in western Washington, with trains travelling north departing from Portland at 3:05 pm and Seattle at 7 pm to arrive in Vancouver, BC at 11 pm.
Southbound, the train leaves Vancouver, BC at 6:35 am, Seattle at 11 am, and arrives in Portland at 2:55 pm.

Tickets can be booked online at Amtrak.com, AmtrakCascades.com, or the Amtrak app, at Amtrak ticket desks and kiosks, or by calling 1-800-USA-RAIL. Travellers catching the train in Canada can also book their tickets at ViaRail.ca and through 1-888-VIA-RAIL.

Intending passengers should note that the United States and Canadian governments have specific requirements for travel between the two countries, and anyone who fails to meet those criteria will not be allowed to cross the border.

Amtrak CEO Stephen Gardner said: “With more people now travelling, 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.”

Ron Pate, Director of WSDOT’s Rail, Freight and Ports Division, said: “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.”

“We’re looking forward to adding even more Amtrak Cascades trains later this year between Seattle and Portland.”

Karyn Criswell, administrator of the Oregon Department of Transportation’s Public Transportation Division, said “We’re aware of just how ready everyone is for this direct service from Portland to Vancouver, BC to come back. 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.”

Amtrak CEO Stephen Gardner added: 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, including the key members who hold leadership positions on our transportation committees — Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA) and Rep. Rick Larsen (D-WA).”

Reactions:

Senator Murray (D-WA)

“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 Senator Murray (D-WA).

Senator Cantwell (D-WA)

“Finally, Amtrak Cascades service is restored to pre-pandemic levels, providing travellers a convenient transportation option to skip traffic along the I-5 corridor. But this meaningful milestone isn’t the final stop. Amtrak has committed to adding two additional trips between Seattle and Portland this fall providing commuters even more travel options.”

Senator Wyden (D-OR)

“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,” Wyden said. “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.”

Senator Merkley (D-OR)

“Restoring passenger rail in the Pacific Northwest brings economic and recreational benefits to the region by providing additional ways for people to travel from Portland to Vancouver, BC for business or pleasure,” said Senator Merkley. “I’ll keep working to improve and expand transportation options for residents and visitors to Oregon and the region.”

Congressman Larsen (D-WA-02)

“The full restoration of Amtrak Cascades service is great news for the Pacific Northwest,” said U.S. Representative Rick Larsen, the lead Democrat on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee! “Thanks to bold, long-term investments in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Amtrak is able to renew and support routes like Cascades, Empire Builder and Coast Starlight that connect communities like Edmonds, Everett, Mount Vernon, Stanwood and Bellingham in my district to Vancouver, British Columbia, Seattle, Portland and Eugene.

“I will continue to push for Congress to fully fund its passenger rail commitments to create more jobs, grow regional economies, reduce congestion and carbon emissions, and build a cleaner, greener, safer and more accessible transportation network.”

Congressman Blumenauer (D-OR-03)

“Travel by rail is one of the most enjoyable ways to see the country, with the bonus of skipping the all-but-certain traffic delays,” said Congressman Earl Blumenauer. “I proudly voted for an unprecedented investment in passenger rail in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and am hopeful that this will be the first of many instances of stronger rail service. The resumption of a second daily round trip route between Portland and British Columbia is an indicator that travel is bouncing back from the pandemic, and worthy of celebration.”

Congresswoman Bonamici (D-OR-01)

“Amtrak’s Cascade line is a crucial link between the major metro regions of the Pacific Northwest, and improving transit service is key to advancing equity and addressing the climate crisis,” said Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici. “The resumption of Amtrak’s second daily Cascades route to Vancouver, BC will increase mobility in our region, making it easier for more people to get where they need to go. I am grateful for Amtrak’s work to restore this service.”

Congresswoman Chavez-DeRemer (R-OR-05)

“Whether travelling for tourism or business, this route runs right through a thriving economic corridor that helps connect Oregonians to important industries and destinations up north. I’m glad to see regular service between Portland and Canada resume,” said Chavez-DeRemer.

Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler

“I welcome and celebrate the restarting of the Portland to Vancouver, BC train as an inter-city rail connection that transports visitors and business travellers 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.”