Vancouver to Seattle via Amtrak

[jamminlion]

So, our cruise ends in Vancouver. We plan to spend a day, overnight, and then use Amtrak to Seattle. Unless there is a better option one of you know of and would share?

 

We don't want to be up at o'dark thirty to be at the train station an hour ahead because of the border crossing. That leaves bus transport booked through Amtrak that departs at more reasonable hours.

 

Who has done bus instead of train and would share their experience.

 

Thanks much!

[CruiserBruce]

If you look on the West Coast Departures board, this is discussed there regularly.

[Budget Queen]

So, our cruise ends in Vancouver. We plan to spend a day, overnight, and then use Amtrak to Seattle. Unless there is a better option one of you know of and would share?

 

We don't want to be up at o'dark thirty to be at the train station an hour ahead because of the border crossing. That leaves bus transport booked through Amtrak that departs at more reasonable hours.

 

Who has done bus instead of train and would share their experience.

 

Thanks much!

 

You're not receptive to taking the later train?

 

If you go with bus- makes no difference- since they are all just going to go down I-5. Pretty basic ride. I take Greyhound which uses the convenient bus terminal in Seattle- direct access to the Light Rail and city buses. There is also Bolt bus. No need to just limit yourself to Amtrak buses, which aren't as convenient going to the King Station. (plus not an area- a lot of people are comfortable in :) if not using a cab to/from the station)

 

 

Quick Shuttle- goes direct to Seatac.

 

By FAR, Amtrak is a much more scenic transit.

[4774Papa]

Seattle to Vancouver options

 

There are several transportation options between Seattle and Vancouver. In addition to cost, look carefully at the schedule of each; not just the departure time but how long it takes and how many stops it makes. Also look at the drop off location .... in some cases you'll need to take a taxi from pier to bus station or airport to train station.

 

Options include: Amtrak Cascades train, Amtrak Cascades bus, Quick Coach, Bolt Bus, cruiseline transfer, one-way rental car, Alaska Airlines.

 

Depending on your flight times and overall cost, it can be a real money saver to use Seatac, or, it might be too inconvenient for a savings of only $100. You really have to do the math and factor in all the considerations.

 

 

Amtrak

http://tickets.amtrak.com/itd/amtrak

If you take the train, you would need to take the early train that arrives just before noon. Remember, Amtrak can be unreliably late.

Wed 7:45 am Wed 11:45 am

 

 

Cheapest tickets are $31 one way. You would still need to pay for a taxi from the airport to train station. Also, your flight would likely not arrive that early in the morning and you would need to fly in the night before and stay in a hotel, then catch the early train.

 

The Best Way to Experience the Great Pacific Northwest

From Vancouver, British Columbia to Seattle, Portland and Eugene, Oregon, past Mount St. Helens and across the Columbia River Gorge, you'll witness some of our continent's most distinctive cities and most spectacular natural attractions.

 

Onboard these sleek, European-style trains, you'll enjoy wide, reclining seats, laptop outlets and bike racks. Relax in the Bistro Car, which features fresh, regional cuisine, wine, microbrews, and the coffees Seattle made famous.

 

To truly experience the luxury of travel on Amtrak Cascades, book a seat in the Business Class. You'll enjoy priority boarding and deboarding, wider seats with more legroom, a quieter car with fewer passengers, and complimentary newspapers.

 

For current news and information on Amtrak Cascades — including Bistro menus, and special promotions — please visit AmtrakCascades.com.

 

Popular Attractions near Each Train Station

Seattle Space Needle - Vancouver Science World

 

If you’re looking to get started with your trip immediately after detraining, you're in luck. Both the Seattle King Street Station and the Vancouver Pacific Central Station put riders within close proximity of many neighboring attractions.

 

Passengers destined for the Seattle King Street Station can walk to SAFECO field and CenturyLink field for a Mariners or Seahawks game. Other close and prominent sites include Pioneer Square, Seattle’s historic district; the original Starbucks; and the Seattle’s towering space needle.

 

Likewise, passengers destined for the Vancouver Pacific Central Station can walk or find quick transportation to a host of prevalent localities. If you're traveling with kids, consider soaking in a bit of inspiration at Science World. Head over to the Vancouver lookout for a 360-degree view of the city or appreciate fine art at the Vancouver Art Gallery.

 

Onboard Benefits

Hindering Traffic delays that affect buses and cars won’t be an issue when you opt to ride the Amtrak Cascades or Coast Starlight. The Amtrak Cascades and Coast Starlight will escort you north and south along the astonishing Pacific Rim, providing a host of amenities. You'll appreciate the wide reclining seats, electric outlets for your mobile equipment and a Quiet car to relax in. Something you won't find on a bus from Vancouver to Seattle but you will on the train is the Bistro car where passengers can purchase delicious microbrews, wines, regional cuisines and famous Seattle coffee blends. You can even bring your bike to and from Vancouver and Seattle.

 

We even offer great deals to our passengers traveling alone or with family. Children ages 2 through 15 ride at half-price every day and infants ride for free. Students carrying a Student Advantage Card may purchase tickets at a 15% discount. Travelers in large groups (20 or more) are eligible for up to 20% off each passenger's ticket cost. Others who benefit from choosing the train over the bus include, but are not limited to: AAA Members, Military, NARP Members and Veterans. No matter who you are, if you buy your ticket 14 days in advance, you’ll receive 25% off the lowest available fairs.

 

Tickets can be booked anytime online, over the phone or at the station. You can complete your trip with our best price guaranteed hotels, car rentals and prearranged things to do in your destination. So forget the bus from Seattle to Vancouver and take the train instead.

 

Photo credit, Vancouver Science World: Kenny Louie

 

 

 

BUS Service from Seattle Airport to Vancouver

 

http://search.gotobus.com/search/bus.do?nm=&st=0&gid=&option=Select&from_vendor_page=&hotel_bus_package=&is_roundtrip=0&submit_flag=submit_flag&roundtrip=0&bus_from=Seattle+Airport%2C+WA&bus_to=Vancouver%2C+BC&filter_date=2015-03-18&return_date=&adult_num=1&child_num=0

 

Cost $59, but you depart from the airport. First bus leaves at 8am.

 

http://search.gotobus.com/search/bus.do?nm=__AFFID__&st=&gid=&option=Select&max_price=&lowest_price=&left_point=&right_point=&min_price=&operator=&arrival_bss=&depart_bss=&time_left=&time_right=&d_position=&a_position=&operator_names=&x=220&y=507&roundtrip=0&bus_from=Seattle+Airport%2C+WA&bus_to=Vancouver%2C+BC&filter_date=2013-08-07&return_date=&adult_num=1&child_num=0&x=66&y=13

 

also,

 

Quickcoach

 

http://www.quickcoach.com/schedule.htm

 

http://www.quickcoach.com/index.htm

 

 

 

SeaTac Airport,

 

Pier 66,

 

Pier 91 Adult $59.00 $99.00 $90.00*

 

Senior/Military $55.00 $98.00 $85.00*

 

Student $49.00 $85.00 $69.00*

 

Child $20.00 $40.00

 

 

 

Downtown Seattle,

 

Tulalip Adult $43.00 $69.00 $51.00*

 

Senior/Military $41.00 $67.00 $49.00*

 

Student $29.00 $49.00 $47.00*

 

Child $15.00 $30.00

 

 

 

Bellingham Airport Adult $29.00 $49.00 $39.00*

 

Senior/Military $27.00 $47.00 $37.00*

 

Student $25.00 $45.00 $35.00*

 

Child $10.00 $20.00

 

http://www.soundtransit.org/Schedules/Central-Link-light-rail

 

BUSTOCITY

 

http://www.bustocity.com/Washington-Bus/Bus-From-Seattle-Airport-to-Vancouver/

 

http://www.whygocanada.com/seattle-to-vancouver-via-train-or-bus.html

[martincath]

As BQ already touched upon, all buses go from the same place to the same place so book the cheapest (almost always Bolt, although sometimes Greyhound with their Companion Fares make it cheaper for a couple - we've done both).

 

You didn't specify if you were going home to Seattle area, or to Seatac for a flight home - if the latter than QuickShuttle do offer a convenience boost as they will actually take you right to Seatac (for the first fare listed above in 4774papas cut & paste - the others are Return and Commuter fares respectively). Since you're overnighting here in Vancouver though the QS 'pick up at the pier' may not be useful so you could buy 2 Bolt tickets and a cab to Seatac from King St for less than 2 QS fares!

 

Amtrak buses are the biggest ripoff available - none of the benefits of the train: no pre-boarding immigration, no more scenic route, worse buses, no extra carry-on luggage space, no dining car, no booze, no WiFi. And the cheapest they get is Regular ticket price of c.$80, no Saver tickets on buses! I've never paid more than CAN$56 for two people on Bolt or Greyhound to Seattle - and both go from the same place in Vancouver as Amtrak, with Bolt stopping within a block of the Amtrak station in Seattle (Greyhound relocated last year, it's now a bit over 1/2 mile away but right next to a LINK stop ideal for onward Seatac travel).

 

If the evening train time works around your plans, I'd concur with BQ and do that - it's always a nicer trip on the train than by bus. If you do go by bus, book it through ABA - Anyone But Amtrak.

[Urban trekker]

I will chime in here.

 

I have taken:

 

1) Amtrak from Vancouver to Seattle - and will be on it on Friday

 

2) Amtrak bus to and from Vancouver and Seattle - usually ties in to whichever connecting train I am taking.

 

3) Quick Shuttle

 

Where practical I will take the morning train - pre-clearance customs boarding in Vancouver - no having to lug your luggage off the and on the bus at the border - able to get up and walk around - able to get a coffee or snack.

 

As mentioned above - will only take the Amtrak bus if using to connect to an Amtrak train in Seattle.

 

Use Quick Shuttle other times - has WI-FI on board.

 

Martin - Cantrail the supplier to Amtrak bus service has added much newer buses the last year or so.

 

Haven't tried Bolt or Greyhound so can't comment.

 

While price is always a factor which ever serves my needs is usually the one I select.

 

Hope this helps

 

Cheers!

[jamminlion]

Ya'll are awesome! We are traveling to Seattle because we love it there, and want to extend just a little longer before we head back to the oppressive TX heat.

 

We are staying at the airport so that option I will definitely be looking into.

 

Thank you, thank you!!

[xlxo]

In general.... Quick Coach is my preferred choice. With 6 to 7 daily trips to fit your schedule with stops in the city or direct service from cruise terminal to Seatac. No need for transfers to bus station that's needed with other modes.

 

Two scenic options to also consider to take in the region while trying to get between the cities.

• make the trip via Victoria and the ferry
  
• you can also Orca whale watch your way to Seattle.
  http://princeofwhales.com/seattle-tours/
  

[martincath]

<snip>

As mentioned above - will only take the Amtrak bus if using to connect to an Amtrak train in Seattle.

 

Martin - Cantrail the supplier to Amtrak bus service has added much newer buses the last year or so.

Thanks for the info on better buses Dennis; though unless they have added WiFi too they will still be notably worse than Bolt's entire fleet.

 

Never even crossed my mind about utilizing Amtrak connecting bus services - this of course makes sense, if you've blown the cash for an Empire Builder or similar long & expensive trip you want to be in the Amtrak 'system' straight away in case of delays. The extra $ seems like a worthwhile spend for the insurance factor, just like cruise air when you have to fly in day of departure.