Now delighted to hear that Amtrak Cascades service between Vancouver and Seattle in conjunction with Amtrak and Via Rail has resume service, which was suspended in 2020 due to the pandemic.

The current schedule has the morning Cascades train to Vancouver departing Seattle at 7:45 a.m., stoping at five cities along the way and arrive into Vancouver at 11:45 a.m.

Traveling southbound, Amtrak will depart Vancouver at 5:45 p.m. and arrive into Seattle at 10:10 p.m.

Amtrak is planning to add a second daily trip with a morning departure from Vancouver in the near future.

Amtrak Cascades runs along the coast line from British Columbia, through river and mountain vistas in Washington and Oregon, offering passenger views of pacific northwest’s most distinctive cities and spectacular natural attractions. 

Seattle to Portland

In addition, to resuming service to Canada, the route offers three daily round trips between Portland and Seattle, two daily round trips between Eugene and Portland and four daily buses between Seattle and Vancouver BC.

While onboard, customers can enjoy the cafe car which features products grown and made in the Pacific Northwest on its current Bistro Menu. 

Customers also appreciate free Wi-Fi on the Washington segment of the trip, freedom to use phones and electronic devices at all times (no “airplane mode”), large spacious seats with ample leg room, no middle seat, and one of the most generous baggage policies in the travel industry, applicable for two personal items and two carry-on bags. 

Canadians can book tickets at Via Rail

Customers can purchase tickets at Amtrak online, travellers departing from Canada can also book their tickets at Via Rail.

For visitors and locals, the Amtrak Cascades Vancouver to Seattle is a wonderful way to view some of the most scenic vistas in the pacific northwest.

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Located south of Seattle at the foothills of Mount Rainier on the edge of a scenic forest, the Polar Express train departs from the small town of Elbe (population of 29) for 90-minute train rides on weekends and select weekdays until December 31^st.

While the Pacific Northwest is home to a number of Christmas train rides. Unique to this one are the holiday-themed pajamas and ugly Christmas sweaters that guests are encouraged to wear. That’s how I spotted the Canadians on board – they’re the ones who didn’t get the memo and show up in their regular clothes.

Built in 1927, the black steam locomotive #17, left the station pulling six train cars. As the train conductor punched our tickets, the story of a young child’s Christmas Eve journey to the North Pole aboard the Polar Express was brought to life by the performers in each car.

Riding in the Polar Express train’s wood trim first class car, surrounded by families dressed like it was Christmas morning, we traveled at 15 mph to the logging museum in the rural town of Mineral which was lit up with colorful Christmas lights.

First class is made up of vintage Olympian Hiawatha cars featuring table and chair configurations for four. Each passenger receives a collector’s edition souvenir mug, not available in standard class, with hot chocolate and a sugar cookie. 

Standard class passengers ride in 1950’s era Amtrak passenger cars on comfortable paired row seats. While they may not get the mugs, standard class passengers also enjoy hot chocolate and cookies.

Upon arrival at Mineral, Santa Claus and his elves jumps on board for the return trip and presents each guest, young and old, with a silver bell as an early gift for Christmas.

This delightful attraction is certainly worth adding to your holiday itinerary. For those travelling from a distance, Travel Tacoma + Pierce County offers Polar Express train overnight deals with several hotels and mountain cottages so there is no reason for late night drives home.

The Polar Express train ride is for those who truly believe in the magic of Christmas. With hot chocolate, cookies, Christmas lights and a visit from Santa himself, the journey is simply brimming with holiday cheer.

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