Imagine gliding alongside the waters of Puget Sound while enjoying a hot meal from the comfort of a spacious seat. Scenic train rides in Washington are the perfect car-free travel experience. Three primary Amtrak routes crisscross the state—the north-south Amtrak Cascades and Coast Starlight and the east-west Empire Builder—connecting major cities, charming towns, and stunning natural landscapes.
Taking Amtrak in Washington State allows you to transform your travel time into an enjoyable part of your vacation. No need to navigate unfamiliar roads or search for parking; instead, you can read a book, plan your next adventure, or simply lose yourself in the ever-changing panorama.
Each of these routes offers something different. The Cascades line hugs the western coastline, offering glimpses of the Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains, while the Coast Starlight runs more inland, showcasing the grandeur of the Cascade Range. The Empire Builder offers the chance to see the state’s varied landscape, from arid desert and rolling hills in the east to towering mountains in the west.
Whether you are looking for a train to Seattle or want to explore the whole state, Amtrak in Washington State proves the journey can be just as exciting as the destination.
Train Rides in Washington
Amtrak Cascades
The Amtrak Cascades route serves as a north-south connection between Vancouver, British Columbia, and Eugene, Oregon. Along its journey, the train makes 12 convenient stops throughout Washington State. From north to south, stops include Bellingham, Mount Vernon, Stanwood, Everett, Edmonds, Seattle, Tukwila, Tacoma, Olympia-Lacey, Centralia, Kelso, and Vancouver, WA. A first-time Rider’s Guide is available to help plan your trip.
This route largely follows historic lumber tracks along the Salish Sea shoreline, making for some spectacular landscapes. Gaze across the expansive Puget Sound to the majestic Olympic Mountains in the west, or search for the snow-capped peaks of the Cascade Mountains to the east.
In Bellingham, explore the historic Fairhaven district with its quaint cafes and artisan shops, or immerse yourself in nature at Whatcom Falls Park with its mesmerizing waterfalls and serene trails. Be sure to soak up some local flavor with a craft beer in a cozy taproom.
Farther south, Mount Vernon is particularly colorful during the spring bloom. Home to the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival, the city boasts a charming downtown where you can find antique shops, coffee houses, and cuisine from all over the world. Stretch your legs along the scenic Skagit River Walk and take in the public art installations along the way.
Hop off the train in Seattle or Tacoma to explore museums, fantastic dining, and more in these bustling urban centers. Dive into the state’s history of glass art with a visit to Chihuly Garden and Glass in Seattle or the Museum of Glass in Tacoma. Watch live glassblowing demonstrations at the Museum of Glass hot shop or simply saunter through the exquisite exhibits. For nature lovers, explore Tacoma’s expansive Point Defiance Park, which is located along the water and adjacent to the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium.
The southernmost stop, Vancouver, WA sits on the banks of the mighty Columbia River and invites visitors to explore its revitalized waterfront while sampling renowned local wines. History buffs can scout out fun facts at the Fort Vancouver National Historic Site.
On Board: Coach class is configured with two seats on either side of the aisle (no middle seat), plus ample recline and leg room. Passengers can enjoy a fully stocked Cafe Car with northwest nibbles and cuisine.
Amtrak Coast Starlight
Like the Cascades route, the Amtrak Coast Starlight runs north-south. However, this train ride in Washington offers a more extensive journey, connecting Seattle to Los Angeles with six stops within Washington. The Washington stops along this scenic corridor include Seattle, Tacoma, Olympia-Lacey, Centralia, Kelso, and Vancouver.
Whether starting or ending your journey, you’ll find a wealth of sights in Seattle. Head up to the observation deck of the iconic Space Needle for a birds-eye view of the city or browse handmade goods and nibble your way through the Pike Place Market. The city is a paradise for foodies, whether you’re looking for fresh seafood, craft cocktails, or authentic global cuisine.
To the south, Centralia’s historic downtown invites exploration. Don’t miss the Centralia Depot Antique Mall, where a treasure trove of vintage finds awaits. Get out into nature with a day hike at Seminary Hill or a picnic at one of several local parks.
In Kelso, check out the Cowlitz County Historical Museum for insights into the region’s past, or head east to visit the awe-inspiring Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument. The mountain made headlines when it erupted in 1980, and today you can climb to the crater rim, hike subterranean lava tubes, and kayak in clear mountain lakes.
At the Olympia-Lacey stop, you can visit the impressive Washington State Capitol Campus. In the spring, the campus is lined with cherry trees in bloom, creating a canopy of pink flowers. Shop for vintage clothes and antiques in downtown Olympia, view the city’s murals, or stroll along the scenic Percival Landing on the waterfront.
On board: The Coast Starlight provides a more traditional long-distance train experience with the option of a sleeper car for enhanced comfort and privacy. You’ll find a full dining car as well as a dedicated observation car perfect for taking in the scenery. Some stops on this route are also served by the Amtrak Cascades.
Amtrak Empire Builder
The Amtrak Empire Builder carves an east-west path across the northern United States, stretching from Chicago to the Pacific Northwest. This scenic train ride in Washington makes several stops, allowing riders to take in the state’s diverse geography.
Notably, this train route splits in Spokane, with one branch continuing westward to Seattle and the other heading south to Portland, Oregon. Stops along the Seattle-bound route include Spokane, Ephrata, Wenatchee, Leavenworth, and Everett, while Pasco and White Salmon-Bingen are served on the Portland branch.
Each stop along this Washington train route offers distinct attractions. In Spokane, Washington’s second-largest city, stroll the beautiful Riverfront Park and take a gondola ride over Spokane Falls (the largest urban waterfall in the country). Explore the city’s history at the Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture or immerse yourself in the culinary scene with a visit to a local brewery or coffee shop.
Wenatchee, known as the Apple Capital of the World, is home to the stunning Ohme Gardens County Park on the edge of the Wenatchee River. Love a farmers market? Head to the Pybus Public Market for bites and local goods. Nature lovers can stroll Wenatchee Confluence State Park, where the Wenatchee and Columbia rivers meet.
A stopover in Leavenworth in the eastern foothills of the Cascades offers a delightful immersion into Bavarian culture. Known for its charming architecture and festive atmosphere, you’ll find excellent local beer and wine and easy access to nature. Visit in May to take in the traditional spring celebrations during Maifest.
On the Portland route, Pasco in the Tri-Cities provides a glimpse into the area’s rich agricultural heritage. Located in Wine Country, it’s the perfect place to savor a glass of wine right in the vineyard. You can also find plenty of attractions related to history and science, including part of a Cold War-era submarine.
East of Vancouver in the Columbia River Gorge, White Salmon-Bingen is a world-renowned hub for windsurfing and kiteboarding.
On board: As the Empire Builder is equipped for longer journeys (46 hours from Seattle to Chicago) it offers both coach seating and private sleeper cars, which range in occupancy from doubles to family-friendly options with private bathroom facilities. Enjoy meals in the dining car or soak up the view from the observation deck, where you can watch the landscape change from rolling hills to dense forests.
Know Before You Go
Tickets and reservations: Advance reservations are encouraged, especially during peak summer travel, and can be made online at Amtrak.com or through the Amtrak app, where you can also check arrival and departure times. Plan to arrive at the station at least 30 minutes before departure and familiarize yourself with the baggage policies in advance. For detailed information on ticketing, schedules, and station information, visit the official Amtrak website.
Multi-destination passes: If you want to visit multiple stops along a route, Amtrak offers rail passes, which function similarly to hop-on-hop-off passes. The multi-ride and regional passes let you stop at various destinations, spend some time exploring, and then reboard a subsequent train. Amtrak Cascades offers two multi-ride passes: 10-ride and monthly unlimited.
Travel tip: Always review the terms and conditions of these passes, including any restrictions on the number of stops or direction of travel.
About the Author
MaryRose Denton is a freelance travel writer who grew up in Seattle and now calls Anacortes her home. She enjoys writing about local culture, PNW history, and the state’s rich agriculture along with sustainability and wellness adventures. Her work can be seen in Seattle Refined, Edible Seattle, NW Travel & Life, Irish Independent, Wander With Wonder, and her blog, MerakiTravels.org.
Featured image courtesy of Amtrak