Taking the Amtrak Cascades Train from Vancouver to Seattle

We have been to Seattle, Washington many times but when we had to start our Japan cruise from there, we decided to take the Amtrak Cascades train from Vancouver to Seattle because it is scenic and efficient. With options like business class upgrades, cross-border travel insurance and Wi-Fi onboard, this eco-friendly train ride is popular among both tourists and business travelers. After taking the train, we would do it again in a flash. It was so much fun. The only thing we would do better the next time is to find the best hotels near Seattle train station.

If you haven't tried it yet, do so. It is really fun. Next time, I will remember to upgrade our seats which lets you sit closer to the restaurant. The Amtrak Cascades Business Class offers priority boarding, extra legroom seats, free soft drinks and reserved seating. It really is perfect for business travelers and tourists.

There are tables in the restaurant car where you can sit with a cup of coffee and a meal for the entire trip. Without the upgrade, you have to line up and find a seat that is 2-3 cars away from the restaurant. At first, I wasn't going to buy anything but an hour into the trip, I thought it would be nice to have something in my stomach so I went to the restaurant. I had to walk through 3 cars to get to the restaurant. There was a lineup of people and people sitting at tables. It was then I realized the upgraded seats were worth it.

The train is relatively smooth but carrying two cups of coffee on a tray with a breakfast sandwich can be quite challenging. Sitting closer to the restaurant car helps but not necessary. Before reaching the US border, the conductor comes through the train and tells us that the train will stop for a few minutes. Note that the immigration procedures are done before you get on the train so that it doesn't slow down the passage when you get to the border.

After leaving the border, the train makes several stops along the way. It stops at Bellingham, Everett and other US cities before it stops in Seattle. At each stop, there are people boarding the train and people getting off. 


When the train stops in Seattle, it is at the King Station which is an Uber ride to the Paramount Hotel. There are a few hotels near the train station. Next time, it may be worthwhile staying closer to the train station but it is pretty far from the attractions such as the Pike market or the Amazon Spheres.



If you are cruising with RCCL, the pier is north of downtown but close to the Space Needle. To save on Uber costs, stay at a hotel near the Space Needle. We stayed at the Paramount Hotel and they offered a ride to the pier for $10 per person. It was in a great location. Close to the Pike market, Amazon Spheres, Starbucks Reserve and downtown mall areas.


The Pike Public Market is always known to be an entertaining place to be, especially when someone buys a fish. The fish is thrown from the stand to the cashier. They used to throw fish around to attract customers. Nowadays, they will only throw fish around when someone buys it.











Location: Seattle, WA, USA

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