Trade highway traffic for a laid-back train journey for the chance to truly soak in the scenery during your Washington State travels. Train rides in Washington are the perfect car-free travel experience, taking you past snow-capped mountains and along scenic shorelines. 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 transforms travel time into an enjoyable part of your vacation. No need to navigate unfamiliar roads. Instead, simply sit back and take in the changing scenery.
Whether you’re looking for a car-free trip to Seattle or want a scenic way to see more of the state, these Amtrak train rides in Washington prove the journey can be just as exciting as the destination.
At a Glance: Amtrak Train Routes in Washington
- Amtrak Cascades: Travels between Vancouver, British Columbia, and Eugene, Oregon, with views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains along portions of the route. Ideal for car-free city getaways and shorter trips along the Interstate 5 corridor. This route is the first to operate Amtrak’s new Airo trains on select departures.
- Coast Starlight: Connects Seattle and Los Angeles, passing through southwest Washington’s forests, farmland, and river valleys. Ideal for longer West Coast journeys with sleeper accommodations.
- Empire Builder: Connects Chicago with Seattle or Portland, showcasing Eastern Washington’s rolling hills and arid landscapes before continuing through the Cascade Mountains or Columbia River Gorge, depending on the branch. Ideal for scenic long-distance train travel.
Train Rides in Washington
Amtrak Cascades
The Amtrak Cascades route connects Vancouver, British Columbia, to the north with Eugene, Oregon, to the south. 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.
North of Seattle, portions of the route follow the Puget Sound shoreline, offering water views and glimpses of the Olympic Mountains to the west. Along the way, passengers can also admire forested landscapes, river valleys, and the distant 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: As of September 2026, travelers on select departures can enjoy a refreshed experience aboard the new Amtrak Airo trains. The new trains feature upgraded seating, panoramic windows, USB-C charging, Wi-Fi, improved accessibility, and a refreshed café experience. Additional trains are expected to enter service through early 2027.
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 in Washington: Seattle, Tacoma, Olympia-Lacey, Centralia, Kelso, and Vancouver WA.
Whether starting or ending your journey, you’ll find a wealth of sights in Seattle. Head to the observation deck of the iconic Space Needle for a bird’s-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 rent a car to visit Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument. The mountain made headlines when it erupted in 1980, and today you can hike through the blast zone, explore 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 more privacy. You’ll find a full dining car as well as a dedicated observation car perfect for taking in the scenery. All six Washington stops are also served by 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.
This route splits in Spokane, with one branch continuing to Seattle and the other heading southwest to Portland, Oregon. Stops along each route are as follows:
- Seattle branch: Seattle, Edmonds, Everett, Leavenworth, Wenatchee, Ephrata, and Spokane.
- Portland branch: Spokane, Pasco, Wishram, White Salmon-Bingen, and Vancouver, WA.
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.
In Wenatchee, sip apple cider or wander Ohme Gardens for sweeping views and winding stone paths through lush greenery. 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 escape. Known for its Bavarian-style architecture and festive atmosphere, you’ll find excellent local beer and wine and easy access to nature. Visit in May to enjoy 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: Designed for long-distance travel, the Empire Builder offers spacious coach seating and private sleeping accommodations. Dining options vary by segment, and passengers traveling on the Portland branch can enjoy panoramic views from the Sightseer Lounge as the train follows the Columbia River Gorge.
Know Before You Go
- Advance reservations are encouraged, especially during peak summer travel. Reserve via 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 check the baggage policies in advance.
- Travelers on the Amtrak Cascades route can identify departures using the new Airo Trains by looking for the “New Train” label when booking.
- Planning to explore several destinations by train? Travelers can book separate tickets for each leg of their journey or explore Amtrak’s USA Rail Pass. The pass allows multiple travel segments on eligible routes.
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, and MerakiTravels.org.
Featured image courtesy of Amtrak