Amtrak Cascades will once again provide holiday travelers with more options for getting to destinations in the Pacific Northwest this Thanksgiving season.
During the Thanksgiving period, the Washington State Department of Transportation will offer two additional Amtrak Cascades train trips between Seattle and Portland. The Oregon Department of Transportation will add more buses between Portland and Eugene to supplement train travel, and Oregon’s trains will run on their weekend schedule all five days. Details are available on the Amtrak Cascades website.
Two trips have been added between Seattle and Portland in addition to the regular schedule. The two additional trains will depart from Seattle on Wednesday, Nov. 23, and Sunday, Nov. 27, at 12:30 p.m., arriving in Portland at 4:45 p.m. They will leave Portland at 5:45 p.m. both days and arrive in Seattle at 10 p.m.:
Regular one-way adult fares between Seattle and Portland start as low as $26. All Amtrak Cascades trains require reservations.
Amtrak Cascades is working hard to provide a hassle-free travel experience while connecting customers with friends and family. These additional tips will help to ensure a smooth trip:
Purchasing Tickets: Tickets sell out quickly so customers are encouraged to plan ahead and book tickets early for best availability. Travelers may purchase tickets early using AmtrakCascades.com, or by calling 800-USA-RAIL.
Baggage: Amtrak has a generous baggage allowance. Customers can bring two bags (up to 50 pounds each) and two carry-ons (up to 25 pounds each), collectively weighing up to 150 pounds, for free.
Avoid the Rush: The busiest travel days are the Tuesday and Wednesday before Thanksgiving and the Sunday after the holiday. Other than Thanksgiving Day, morning trains typically have more available seats than those in the afternoon or evening.
Arrive Early: Allow plenty of time at stations prior to departure – at least 45 minutes beforehand if picking up tickets. Arrange for pre-boarding if you need extra time or assistance.
All Aboard Pets: Bring Fluffy and Fido to Thanksgiving. Amtrak Cascades welcomes cats and dogs weighing 20 pounds or less for $25 each. Advance pet reservations are required. Some restrictions apply.
Bring your Bike: Some places are meant to be explored on two wheels. Make bicycle reservations when booking tickets.
Carry Photo ID: Customers are required to show valid photo identification when purchasing tickets. Make sure to carry valid photo ID at all times, as it may be requested aboard trains.
Be Safe: Passengers should be aware of their surroundings, stand back from the edge of the platform, never leave bags unattended, and watch their step when boarding or leaving the train or when walking between cars when the train is in motion.
More information: Visit the Rider’s Guide for details on baggage, pets reservations and bicycle reservations.
Lucky travelers could even be riding on the Amtrak Cascades Seahawks train, which was unveiled in Seattle last month.
Amtrak Cascades service is owned and managed by the Washington and Oregon departments of transportation. Visit AmtrakCascades.com or call 800–USA–RAIL for reservations and information.
Amtrak Cascades operates four daily round trips between Portland and Seattle; two daily round trips between Seattle and Vancouver, British Columbia; and two daily round trips between Portland and Eugene, Oregon.
