My family and I took the Amtrak from Seattle to Vancouver several years ago. The scenery was beautiful. At one point we were next to an inlet and there were 100’s of eagles both adults and yearlings. They were sitting on the beach, flying around (racing the train) and fishing. It was amazing. I would do that trip again. Also, if you travel across the border by land you only need a passport card.
I have taken this trip (and the reverse) many times over the last 50 years, and I never tire of it. There is some beautiful scenery, the ride is comfortable, the border formalities are easy, the train crew is friendly, and it is way less hassle than flying.
I came here because a friend and I plan to take this exact trip from Vancouver to Seattle and found this to be such an informative video! Thank you for posting this!
Last year, we considered this trek on Amtrak. My wife booked us a fast ferry ride from Seattle to Victoria and another from Victoria to Vancouver. The boat rides were out of this world. Fun and fast moving (no traffic, except a few boats). If you want to see gorgeous scenery, this is THE way to go.
Seattle to Victoria, Clipper Vacations: www.clippervacations.com/ Victoria to Vancouver, Prince of Whales: princeofwhales.com/victoria-tours/victoria-to-vancouver-butchart-gardens/
Awesome. I take the train from Portland to Seattle a lot to visit family in Seattle area. It's a great ride. One day I will make the trip to go all the way to Vancouver BC. Thanks for sharing.
My wife and I(Scotland) did this trip a couple of years ago, (I am a train driver) the one thing that stands out for us was how many times that bloody train horn was used, it was hardly a relaxing 4 hour journey, think I even heard it in my sleep for the next 3 months 😅
I did this trip between Vancouver and Seattle a few years ago. No problems whatsoever. Lovely conversation with a woman from England who sat next to me. Enjoyed it, and would go that way again.
Mark! Thank you for this. I’ll be in Vancouver on the 8th and needed to get back into the US. A $75 fare is a lot more affordable than a $200+ plane ticket, and I can spend the day in BC.
We do the Amtrak between Vancouver n Everett often. I enjoy it a lot going down, because it’s the first stop from Vancouver, and you’re assigned seats. But coming back is a different story. Getting on is hectic and trying to find a seat together is a drag, no seat assignments from Everett. Your luggage isn’t checked in either from the Everett stop, so we have to drag our suitcases on lol. At Christmas time it’s busy! But I really enjoy the great Amtrak staff. They’re always so kind and courteous.
We took the boat ride from Seattle to Canada. We had booked it ahead of time. But the day of we had to leave early, because of strong currents. So only spent about 3 hours in Canada. Next time up will use the train.
We took the bus and it wasn't the best experience for many reasons, but mostly because everyone has to get off the bus with their stuff while crossing the border. Definitely will do train next time thanks!
I've ridden the bus to and from Seattle to Vancouver, and its adequate for what it is. It's also the cheapest way between both cities, as Bolt Bus and Greyhound generally has tickets for around $20 each way. The border crossing can be a pain, but it's not too bad in my opinion.
Daniel D bolt bus is generally the best way to go. I've taken that route 20+ times and the train can be interesting to do once, but it's so expensive and a little bit of a let down. I paid like 140ish I think. Bolt bus tickets are usually less than $20, and are much faster then the train. Plus they run multiple times throughout the day.
Honestly, I took the interstate from Seattle to Vancouver and it was fairly scenic and you have more control if you want to stop anywhere. Would be interesting to ride the train,though. The U.S. needs to step up its train game.
Took the same route from Van to Seattle last year as well. We considered driving ourselves but the Amtrak was a far better option. You can walk around to stretch your legs or go grab a snack in the cafe cart. Definitely the way to go with a large family and lots of luggage. Fare wasn't too bad as well, about $45 USD.
Am a "First Time AMTRAK Rider" and I am taking this train (Seattle to Vancouver) first time soon this week (alone) - do I drag my carry-on along with me to go to the restroom & buy food in the cafe? I read somewhere you must attend to your carry-on at all times?;
Maybe I'm ignorant but i didn't know that amtrak cascades went to Canada , the train is just so unique and now thanks to this video i wanna go to Vancouver
I'm trying to show a bit more of the behind the Sean's stuff so people can see how to do it themselves. I know I had questions about the train but there wasn't really anything helpful out there so hopefully this can help a few travelers :)
As with all of your videos, this was super helpful! We're flying into Bellingham, Washington in a couple of months and taking this train up to Vancouver and back,. First time using Amtrak and loved getting a glimpse into what the experience will be like, Thanks!
Took the afternoon one two years ago. Saw sunset over Puget Sound, plus great views of Mt. Baker. Really fun ride if you're not in too much of a hurry.
This is great video Mark! You've covered everything I needed to know as a "First AMTRAK Rider"!!! Although I wish you also covered "How to Check-in Carry-on in Seattle Kung Street AMTRAK station" and "How & Where to Claim your luggage or carry-on when you reached Vancouver Pacific Central Station"? And/or most importantly - do we drag and take our carry-on every time we use the restroom or when we go to buy food? Otherwise, this is great video!!! Thanks for sharing!!! Nina
Am a "First Time AMTRAK Rider" and I am taking this train (Seattle to Vancouver) first time soon this week (alone) - do I drag my carry-on along with me to go to the restroom & buy food in the cafe? I read somewhere you must attend to your carry-on at all times?;
Connecting from Vancouver to Seattle, end of January next year. Thanks for a very helpful video that convinced us the train definitely the better option although, sadly, I guess our trip (departing 5.45 pm) will be almost entirely in darkness
Nice video. Was a little surprised to hear Ivar’s described as a “local fast food place” but I guess for non-natives, that’s understandable. Us (older) locals know Ivar’s mainly for its full service restaurant(s). Their fast food outlets came much later - a few decades AFTER Ivar’s reputation was firmly established.
Love the vid, planning on a trip to Vancouver myself in a year or 2, but regarding the seat assignment, ask if you can get a specific seat, the more generalized the request is the more likely they will be able to get you that specific seat, but it falls back on how early you got in line
I am stunned by this. I live outside London and their is one train to London every quarter of an hour. With amtrak? It's two trains per day. You need more people out the cars and onto your trains
I know this is 4 years old, but they do have trains that come more often, but it depends where you live and the distantion. For example, I live in Connecticut where they have Metro North a commuter train that goes to and from NYC and New Haven, CT that leaves about every 20 minutes. We also have Amtrak too, which is long distance, the route is from Boston to DC, with a bunch of stops in-between and that comes about every hour. With that said train travel is more common in the Northeast than it is elsewhere in the US, but it is still not comparable to Europe.
VIA and Amtrak literally take all of the inherent advantages away from rail: such as being able to wait on platforms/board whenever you want, weighing bags etc.
Great video as usual but I would have liked to see what an economy seat looked like and the differences between Business Class and Economy. But still a good video. Thanks.
Trains are a uniquely civilized way to travel. I haven't done Amtrak to Seattle. Must do it some day. I've driven many times, taken the bus, and flown both commercially (SeaTac) and privately (Boeing Field).
Now you can fly EITHER one out of Paine Field (strongly recommend; having timed myself on both PAE and SEA passenger terminals, the former takes 12 minutes with everything going wrong, while the latter takes at least 20 minutes with everything going right).
I recently took Cascades down to Albany (Oregon) to meet up with a friend who was going to drive me and another friend (who hopped on the train partway down) to Crater Lake for a long weekend trip. Unfortunately, we were not on the Talgo trainsets, but the journey was still nice. And I’ve heard that customs at Pacific Central Station is a breeze (one person I spoke to said it took 6 minutes to get through, 3 of which were spent walking).
I took it but from Seattle last year. A bridge was supposedly damaged so they dumped all passengers in Bellingham... I think it was called. It was about 10pm. They didn't arrange alternate travel and left us to our own, I'm from Australia so was lost and finally took a cab, over $200 later, so disappointed and angry.
Gary Pierce I was told by local travellers that it happens fairly often.😕 I never claimed travel insurance or never chased up Amtrak but but being a visitor to the country was probably not worth it. If I was a US citizen then yes, probably would. 😊
Don'z Lockz I lived in Seattle for a couple years back in the 80’s and never took the ferry, but everybody who did said that was the way to go. Most of those went straight to Alaska. But yeah, about the train leaving you stranded, complete bs.
1:14 That sounds like what people used to do on planes. Canadian trains as well as the Eurostar seem to allow their customers to book their seats in advance. Also, passengers go through US customs in Vancouver.
Every TGV does that, too, and all long-distance trains by SNCF, Renfe, Trenitalia, PKP, MÁV, TrainOSE... Germany and other similar systems give you the option to book your seat in advance for a small fee (think €5 or less), but no obligation. In the UK, if it's possible, you have to do it at least one day in advance.
You do book your seat in advance on Amtrak. He seems to be referring to the specific seat you sit in--which they tell you when you are boarding. But in my experience, you can change if you want to, once the trip starts. I do wish Amtrak would allow you to choose the specific place where you sit.
Ivar's (5:17) is NOT a fast food place, but a reputable seafood restaurant chain based in Seattle, Washington. (See en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ivar's and www.ivars.com/ .) The restaurant has locations throughout the greater Seattle area. It is famous for its thick and creamy Puget Sound Clam Chowder. You can buy it online by doing a Google search on "ivar's clam chowder shipped".
I wonder if anything has changed since your video was before Covid. We will be taking the train from Vancouver to Seattle in September. We are doing an Alaskan cruise out of Seattle that disembarks in Vancouver, but we are staying there for a few days before going home. We did look at flights directly from Vancouver, but they were all VERY long flights for some reason and we had better luck with flights from Seattle. Already have our train tickets booked!
Is business class a lot more comfortable than economy/2nd class? I am 6'2".. ard 230lbs. Also, apart from boarding earlier, are there any other perks for business class? Thanks for reading
There are fewer seats in Business Class carriages so you have some further room, you get priority boarding and get to go through Canada Customs first, and its generally quieter.
I considered using it, but the departure times are really inconvenient. The empty seats confirms it. I decided to fly direct from LA to Vancouver instead of stopping first in Seattle.
I took that train like 5 years ago from Seattle to Vancouver but... there was a huge storm so we our train had a delay of 9h ....... I mean we were sitting in the train for like 14-17h
We took the Cascades last week (the other way!) from the fabulous King St Station in Seattle up to lovely Vancouver! Sir Anthony Robinson and his film crew were aboard for his show “World by Train”. Everything was fabulous with ONE exception: the dirty windows... really Amtrak? All our videos of the incredible scenery had to be taken while standing to find a clean spot through the 🌫 glass 😟😖 thanks for your review
I rode this train in the other direction, Seattle to Vancouver. Missed the part I really wanted to see - Puget sound in the Seattle/Edmonds area due to slips on the tracks and got bussed past those to Everett. Very disappointing. The rest of the trip was fine and far more reliable that trying to fly to Vancouver on Air Canada which has been a disaster in multiple occasions with flight delays and outright cancellations. I have also extensively ridden trains in China and, sorry to have to say this, but Amtrak is just a joke I comparison. Slow, noisy, uncomfortable, jerky, late. Compare this with Chinese CRH typically running at 300 km/h (162 m/h) and smooth as silk. Latest versions of Chinese trains are even faster, 350 km/h (189 mph).
About customs going north to Canada: they do stop at the border but only to get permission from CBSA (customs) to enter and they promptly move on (albeit SLOOOWWWWLLLLYYYY) to Vancouver. Unlike going to the USA, I think the us CBP is really checking for drugs and the like at the border.
I was looking forward to the Clam Chowder for breakfast but they only offer it on afternoon trains so I had to settle for beers for breakfast instead. I really want the chowder still :(
We found that two adult RT tickets on Amtrak from Seattle to Vancouver was more expensive than just renting a car from an agency in downtown Seattle. Having a rental car made it a lot easier to get to Whistler and to UBC, and some of the areas off the beaten bus paths. Of course, we stayed in the suburbs and parked in the commuter lots on the days that we headed into the DT area. I have to confess that I have used the passenger service on Southern Railways and the Union Pacific as well as Canada's Via Rail so I cannot get to thrilled with Amtrak service.
hi were from Comerio Puerto Rico thanks for the advice because im planing a trip whit my family to seattle but maybe having the Idea of goin to Vancouver and Back to Seattle
I guess it depends on where you're from. The woman sitting next to me was from England and just showed her passport when the train stopped at the border. I think I just showed my driver's license, or maybe my passport. That was it.
Schengen is great. Traveling from Germany through Austria to Italy, the only border checks were Italian police doing a few spot checks at one of the stations, otherwise the borders meant nothing.
I always thought that would make a great 'Geography Quiz' question: "You just arrived in Vancouver after driving three hours from Seattle. When you left Seattle, did you A) get on Interstate 5 heading NORTH or B) get on Interstate 5 heading SOUTH?" Either answer is correct. Vancouver, BC (Canada) is about a 3 hour drive North from Seattle along (mostly) I-5. Vancouver, Washington is about a 3 hour drive South from Seattle. Also on I-5.
Hmm maybe next year I'll pack up my road bike and make the 10 minute walk to Pacific station and take the train to Seattle... Been living in Vancouver for 8 years now and not once gone down lol (except walking across the border by accident in White Rock lol)...was in Washington for 3 hours before I knew lol. Luckily the cop that asked to see my ID understood when he saw my Manitoba ID lol. "You're not from here"... Nope
Weird that the platform is not at-level. Raleigh, NC just got their new train station and at-level platform makes such the difference especially for less-able people and elderly.
My family and I took the Amtrak from Seattle to Vancouver several years ago. The scenery was beautiful. At one point we were next to an inlet and there were 100’s of eagles both adults and yearlings. They were sitting on the beach, flying around (racing the train) and fishing. It was amazing. I would do that trip again. Also, if you travel across the border by land you only need a passport card.
... across the border* ...
what was the cost?
@@Viajerooeste back then it was $83.50 for 2 adults and 1 child. A lot cheaper than flying from Kansas City to Vancouver that’s for sure.
I have taken this trip (and the reverse) many times over the last 50 years, and I never tire of it. There is some beautiful scenery, the ride is comfortable, the border formalities are easy, the train crew is friendly, and it is way less hassle than flying.
I took that train from Portland to Canada and back twice. Glad to see you’re near my neck of the woods. Enjoy the Northwest.
I came here because a friend and I plan to take this exact trip from Vancouver to Seattle and found this to be such an informative video! Thank you for posting this!
I live in Alberta and I didn't know this train existed. I will have to check this out, when my husband and I decide to go to the US!!
Last year, we considered this trek on Amtrak. My wife booked us a fast ferry ride from Seattle to Victoria and another from Victoria to Vancouver. The boat rides were out of this world. Fun and fast moving (no traffic, except a few boats). If you want to see gorgeous scenery, this is THE way to go.
Jeff Coghill which website did you use to find the ferry rides?
Seattle to Victoria, Clipper Vacations: www.clippervacations.com/
Victoria to Vancouver, Prince of Whales: princeofwhales.com/victoria-tours/victoria-to-vancouver-butchart-gardens/
Jeff Coghill Thank you!
My Uncle's like to travel by boat to Alaska from the USA, appearantly it's quit the experience.
Just remember, the Prince of Whales boat only operates from May 25th to September 23rd.
I took this one from Seattle to Vancouver, it was ok, not too expensive. Definitely worth it.
As a local Vancouverite this is great! Didn't know a thing about the details of the train
Awesome. I take the train from Portland to Seattle a lot to visit family in Seattle area. It's a great ride. One day I will make the trip to go all the way to Vancouver BC. Thanks for sharing.
My wife and I(Scotland) did this trip a couple of years ago, (I am a train driver) the one thing that stands out for us was how many times that bloody train horn was used, it was hardly a relaxing 4 hour journey, think I even heard it in my sleep for the next 3 months 😅
I did this trip between Vancouver and Seattle a few years ago. No problems whatsoever. Lovely conversation with a woman from England who sat next to me. Enjoyed it, and would go that way again.
Mark! Thank you for this. I’ll be in Vancouver on the 8th and needed to get back into the US. A $75 fare is a lot more affordable than a $200+ plane ticket, and I can spend the day in BC.
We do the Amtrak between Vancouver n Everett often. I enjoy it a lot going down, because it’s the first stop from Vancouver, and you’re assigned seats. But coming back is a different story. Getting on is hectic and trying to find a seat together is a drag, no seat assignments from Everett. Your luggage isn’t checked in either from the Everett stop, so we have to drag our suitcases on lol. At Christmas time it’s busy! But I really enjoy the great Amtrak staff. They’re always so kind and courteous.
Charleen G The train stops in Bellingham, Mt. Vernon, and Stanwood first.
Max Buskirk the morning train south starts from Vancouver, so it’s the first stop. And I’ve traveled this route quite often, as stated in my post.
Great Video i’m from the UK and didn’t know there was a train ! Planning my trip now !
We took the boat ride from Seattle to Canada. We had booked it ahead of time. But the day of we had to leave early, because of strong currents. So only spent about 3 hours in Canada. Next time up will use the train.
We took the bus and it wasn't the best experience for many reasons, but mostly because everyone has to get off the bus with their stuff while crossing the border. Definitely will do train next time thanks!
Thabks for the heads up with the bus option. I was wondering about that.
yeah, you have to go through customs and immigration with all your stuff.. its annoying
one bus passenger who has trouble at the border can hold up the bus a very long time
I've ridden the bus to and from Seattle to Vancouver, and its adequate for what it is. It's also the cheapest way between both cities, as Bolt Bus and Greyhound generally has tickets for around $20 each way. The border crossing can be a pain, but it's not too bad in my opinion.
Daniel D bolt bus is generally the best way to go. I've taken that route 20+ times and the train can be interesting to do once, but it's so expensive and a little bit of a let down. I paid like 140ish I think. Bolt bus tickets are usually less than $20, and are much faster then the train. Plus they run multiple times throughout the day.
Keep in mind too that the train continues south from Seattle to Eugene OR.
actually the service from Vancouver, BC terminates in Portland, OR. But the SB service from Seattle and portland terminate in Eugene
Thank you for not stretching this out to 20+ mins
Glad to.
Thanks man, we’ll be on the train next month. Keep up the good work.
Honestly, I took the interstate from Seattle to Vancouver and it was fairly scenic and you have more control if you want to stop anywhere. Would be interesting to ride the train,though.
The U.S. needs to step up its train game.
Took the same route from Van to Seattle last year as well. We considered driving ourselves but the Amtrak was a far better option. You can walk around to stretch your legs or go grab a snack in the cafe cart. Definitely the way to go with a large family and lots of luggage. Fare wasn't too bad as well, about $45 USD.
Am a "First Time AMTRAK Rider" and I am taking this train (Seattle to Vancouver) first time soon this week (alone) - do I drag my carry-on along with me to go to the restroom & buy food in the cafe? I read somewhere you must attend to your carry-on at all times?;
Maybe I'm ignorant but i didn't know that amtrak cascades went to Canada , the train is just so unique and now thanks to this video i wanna go to Vancouver
Thanks! Something to look forward to next year ❤️
Beer, banana bread and chowder - breakfast of champions. 👍
Very cool that you took the train to show travel options. You’re the man.
I'm trying to show a bit more of the behind the Sean's stuff so people can see how to do it themselves. I know I had questions about the train but there wasn't really anything helpful out there so hopefully this can help a few travelers :)
As with all of your videos, this was super helpful! We're flying into Bellingham, Washington in a couple of months and taking this train up to Vancouver and back,. First time using Amtrak and loved getting a glimpse into what the experience will be like, Thanks!
I'll be relocating to this area with dual countries soon so very timely for me. 🚂🚅🚉 Thank you!
Took the afternoon one two years ago. Saw sunset over Puget Sound, plus great views of Mt. Baker. Really fun ride if you're not in too much of a hurry.
This is great video Mark! You've covered everything I needed to know as a "First AMTRAK Rider"!!! Although I wish you also covered "How to Check-in Carry-on in Seattle Kung Street AMTRAK station" and "How & Where to Claim your luggage or carry-on when you reached Vancouver Pacific Central Station"? And/or most importantly - do we drag and take our carry-on every time we use the restroom or when we go to buy food? Otherwise, this is great video!!! Thanks for sharing!!! Nina
Planning a trip from Vancouver to Seattle and found this guide really helpful - thanks for taking the time to do it. :)
I can’t believe you were just in my city. I love your channel!!!!
Ivar’s is always a must eat when you’re in Seattle! Especially the location on Alaska Way so you can sit outside and feed the seagulls
I took the train from Seattle to Vancouver and back, overall loved it, just wish it wasn't so damn early of a departure time!
Am a "First Time AMTRAK Rider" and I am taking this train (Seattle to Vancouver) first time soon this week (alone) - do I drag my carry-on along with me to go to the restroom & buy food in the cafe? I read somewhere you must attend to your carry-on at all times?;
Connecting from Vancouver to Seattle, end of January next year. Thanks for a very helpful video that convinced us the train definitely the better option although, sadly, I guess our trip (departing 5.45 pm) will be almost entirely in darkness
Nice video. Was a little surprised to hear Ivar’s described as a “local fast food place” but I guess for non-natives, that’s understandable. Us (older) locals know Ivar’s mainly for its full service restaurant(s). Their fast food outlets came much later - a few decades AFTER Ivar’s reputation was firmly established.
Thanks for the tips. I'm planning to do the same ride in October this year, taking the morning train...just for the views.
Thanks brother. Can't wait to do this trip!
Going to Vancouver from Seattle via train this April, looking forward to it.
Good luck bratha 😊
Love the vid, planning on a trip to Vancouver myself in a year or 2, but regarding the seat assignment, ask if you can get a specific seat, the more generalized the request is the more likely they will be able to get you that specific seat, but it falls back on how early you got in line
This train looks amazing! Thanks so much for this video :)
So incredibly helpful! super awesome
Fascinating, as always, Wolter's World!
I am stunned by this. I live outside London and their is one train to London every quarter of an hour. With amtrak? It's two trains per day. You need more people out the cars and onto your trains
The auto manufacturers lobby is too strong. They wouldn't allow train travel to succeed.
@@LoongAqua and people can chose the train more often but dont... i wish they did ..
I know this is 4 years old, but they do have trains that come more often, but it depends where you live and the distantion. For example, I live in Connecticut where they have Metro North a commuter train that goes to and from NYC and New Haven, CT that leaves about every 20 minutes. We also have Amtrak too, which is long distance, the route is from Boston to DC, with a bunch of stops in-between and that comes about every hour. With that said train travel is more common in the Northeast than it is elsewhere in the US, but it is still not comparable to Europe.
@@LoongAquaand airline. In the West SouthWest Airlines stopped a plan for train travel expansion.
Thanks for posting! Your videos are always enjoyable and informative.
Enjoyed your travel videos. Thanks for all your first hand experience.
you are very welcome :)
VIA and Amtrak literally take all of the inherent advantages away from rail: such as being able to wait on platforms/board whenever you want, weighing bags etc.
Worth noting, the morning Amtrak departure from Vancouver goes all the way to Portland, OR.
Ted ! And siqio
Hdgge
Hehehhwhewhrhuhue uruq
Great video as usual but I would have liked to see what an economy seat looked like and the differences between Business Class and Economy. But still a good video. Thanks.
Basically Business Class has fewer seats than economy. So somewhat more room and it tends to be a bit quieter.
Great tour! That's more info than a train nerd like me even knows about this train!
Trains are a uniquely civilized way to travel.
I haven't done Amtrak to Seattle. Must do it some day. I've driven many times, taken the bus, and flown both commercially (SeaTac) and privately (Boeing Field).
Now you can fly EITHER one out of Paine Field (strongly recommend; having timed myself on both PAE and SEA passenger terminals, the former takes 12 minutes with everything going wrong, while the latter takes at least 20 minutes with everything going right).
Thank you so much! I have always wanted to take an amtrak!
Really great and helpful video. Yes, Ivar’s is g-r-e-a-t clam chowder! This was fun and helpful. Thank you! 😎
I recently took Cascades down to Albany (Oregon) to meet up with a friend who was going to drive me and another friend (who hopped on the train partway down) to Crater Lake for a long weekend trip. Unfortunately, we were not on the Talgo trainsets, but the journey was still nice.
And I’ve heard that customs at Pacific Central Station is a breeze (one person I spoke to said it took 6 minutes to get through, 3 of which were spent walking).
I took it but from Seattle last year. A bridge was supposedly damaged so they dumped all passengers in Bellingham... I think it was called. It was about 10pm. They didn't arrange alternate travel and left us to our own, I'm from Australia so was lost and finally took a cab, over $200 later, so disappointed and angry.
Clarence Boddicker haha, very true! At least I made it, I had a Whistler booked for the morning so I still made it. 😊
Sounds like a lawsuit.
Gary Pierce I was told by local travellers that it happens fairly often.😕 I never claimed travel insurance or never chased up Amtrak but but being a visitor to the country was probably not worth it. If I was a US citizen then yes, probably would. 😊
Don'z Lockz I lived in Seattle for a couple years back in the 80’s and never took the ferry, but everybody who did said that was the way to go.
Most of those went straight to Alaska. But yeah, about the train leaving you stranded, complete bs.
Don, that's what you get for trusting the US government with your well-being.
1:14 That sounds like what people used to do on planes. Canadian trains as well as the Eurostar seem to allow their customers to book their seats in advance.
Also, passengers go through US customs in Vancouver.
Every TGV does that, too, and all long-distance trains by SNCF, Renfe, Trenitalia, PKP, MÁV, TrainOSE... Germany and other similar systems give you the option to book your seat in advance for a small fee (think €5 or less), but no obligation. In the UK, if it's possible, you have to do it at least one day in advance.
You do book your seat in advance on Amtrak. He seems to be referring to the specific seat you sit in--which they tell you when you are boarding. But in my experience, you can change if you want to, once the trip starts. I do wish Amtrak would allow you to choose the specific place where you sit.
PerthTowne They haven't told me where to sit at any time I rode with them.
Ivar's (5:17) is NOT a fast food place, but a reputable seafood restaurant chain based in Seattle, Washington. (See en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ivar's and www.ivars.com/ .) The restaurant has locations throughout the greater Seattle area. It is famous for its thick and creamy Puget Sound Clam Chowder. You can buy it online by doing a Google search on "ivar's clam chowder shipped".
I wonder if anything has changed since your video was before Covid. We will be taking the train from Vancouver to Seattle in September. We are doing an Alaskan cruise out of Seattle that disembarks in Vancouver, but we are staying there for a few days before going home. We did look at flights directly from Vancouver, but they were all VERY long flights for some reason and we had better luck with flights from Seattle. Already have our train tickets booked!
Is business class a lot more comfortable than economy/2nd class? I am 6'2".. ard 230lbs. Also, apart from boarding earlier, are there any other perks for business class? Thanks for reading
There are fewer seats in Business Class carriages so you have some further room, you get priority boarding and get to go through Canada Customs first, and its generally quieter.
@@shawnbell6392 thanks shawn!
I considered using it, but the departure times are really inconvenient. The empty seats confirms it. I decided to fly direct from LA to Vancouver instead of stopping first in Seattle.
Its a morning and evening departure schedule on both ends. It was one train a day for years though.
I learn so much from your vids
Thanks for posting
glad we can add a bit of something something :)
His contents are for advertisement, but very useful.
I took that train like 5 years ago from Seattle to Vancouver but... there was a huge storm so we our train had a delay of 9h ....... I mean we were sitting in the train for like 14-17h
I wish it ran more frequently. I ended up driving because there were no late night trains. Drive is cool too btw!
Thank you for these video. I will travel to Seattle hopefully this December 2022.
We took the Cascades last week (the other way!) from the fabulous King St Station in Seattle up to lovely Vancouver! Sir Anthony Robinson and his film crew were aboard for his show “World by Train”. Everything was fabulous with ONE exception: the dirty windows... really Amtrak? All our videos of the incredible scenery had to be taken while standing to find a clean spot through the 🌫 glass 😟😖 thanks for your review
this is extremely helpful so thank you!
Thank you so much. That has really helped our understanding. Brilliant video
Wow this was so useful to me! Thanks a whole bunch for posting.
Awesome Tripreport, Greetings from The Netherlands (Europe)
Is it like the airport, do you clear customs at the pacific station and arrive in Seattle as a domestic?
Great vid mate! You're a natural at it!!
I'm curious what was the cost?
Right now, looking out 6 months, it's $28 to $63 for a seat.
This was super useful, thank you!
Good advice! I was thinking of going from Los Angeles to Seattle. Now maybe we will go all the way to Vancouver
Now when are they gonna extend the Surfliner down to Tijuana?
This was extremely helpful!!!
I rode this train in the other direction, Seattle to Vancouver. Missed the part I really wanted to see - Puget sound in the Seattle/Edmonds area due to slips on the tracks and got bussed past those to Everett. Very disappointing. The rest of the trip was fine and far more reliable that trying to fly to Vancouver on Air Canada which has been a disaster in multiple occasions with flight delays and outright cancellations.
I have also extensively ridden trains in China and, sorry to have to say this, but Amtrak is just a joke I comparison. Slow, noisy, uncomfortable, jerky, late. Compare this with Chinese CRH typically running at 300 km/h (162 m/h) and smooth as silk. Latest versions of Chinese trains are even faster, 350 km/h (189 mph).
I took the train with business class, very old and slow train. But the sight is very enjoyable
About customs going north to Canada: they do stop at the border but only to get permission from CBSA (customs) to enter and they promptly move on (albeit SLOOOWWWWLLLLYYYY) to Vancouver. Unlike going to the USA, I think the us CBP is really checking for drugs and the like at the border.
Didn't know there was a track from Vancouver being and island, great views 😍😍, now checking on your Europe footage, cheers!
City of Vancouver, which is on the mainland. There is also a Vancouver island.
Ohhhh, that´s why! Thank you very much! ;)
I was looking forward to the Clam Chowder for breakfast but they only offer it on afternoon trains so I had to settle for beers for breakfast instead. I really want the chowder still :(
That's wonderful, but why are the platforms so low ? Looks quite uncomfortable to get on !
We found that two adult RT tickets on Amtrak from Seattle to Vancouver was more expensive than just renting a car from an agency in downtown Seattle. Having a rental car made it a lot easier to get to Whistler and to UBC, and some of the areas off the beaten bus paths. Of course, we stayed in the suburbs and parked in the commuter lots on the days that we headed into the DT area.
I have to confess that I have used the passenger service on Southern Railways and the Union Pacific as well as Canada's Via Rail so I cannot get to thrilled with Amtrak service.
Flying Vancouver to Seattle may be 30 minutes but once you factor the 2 to 3 hour check in time for the flight, the train looks compelling.
You can drive the distance in around two hours...
Train is the only way to travel fantastic video.
Great informative video! Thanks!
Cool video, not sure if you meant to imply that Kokanee is a craft beer but that was a little off. The train looks comfy!
Thanks, Mark! I was wondering how to get between the two cities :)
i was too :) thats why i did this video because i couldn't find anything so i am glad i helped :)
Good info I will take my grandson he wants to go on the Train and will be a nice trip for us
This was amazing! Thanks so much for the share.
Can I go from Seattle to Vancouver and back in 1 day? Do you think it's with going there just to stay for like 4 hours?
It’s not worth it. Too much too see. You need at least 3 days to really appreciate it
hi were from Comerio Puerto Rico thanks for the advice because im planing a trip whit my family to seattle but maybe having the Idea of goin to Vancouver and Back to Seattle
Nice video. Is it easy to do the Customs and immigration procedure when traveling from Canada to the US if you are a non US-citizen?
I guess it depends on where you're from. The woman sitting next to me was from England and just showed her passport when the train stopped at the border. I think I just showed my driver's license, or maybe my passport. That was it.
Schengen is great. Traveling from Germany through Austria to Italy, the only border checks were Italian police doing a few spot checks at one of the stations, otherwise the borders meant nothing.
I didn't realize you meant Vancouver CANADA until you mentioned passports.
(There's another Vancouver in south Washington near Portland Oregon...)
I always thought that would make a great 'Geography Quiz' question: "You just arrived in Vancouver after driving three hours from Seattle. When you left Seattle, did you A) get on Interstate 5 heading NORTH or B) get on Interstate 5 heading SOUTH?"
Either answer is correct. Vancouver, BC (Canada) is about a 3 hour drive North from Seattle along (mostly) I-5. Vancouver, Washington is about a 3 hour drive South from Seattle. Also on I-5.
Don't they scan your passport like the road or airport border crossings do? Very nice video!
Thanks for posting. This is super helpful! Can you bring food and drinks on the train given this is international amtrak?
Yes, there is a cafe car. It accepts Canadian bills but not coin as well as US money and any bank cards.
Hmm maybe next year I'll pack up my road bike and make the 10 minute walk to Pacific station and take the train to Seattle... Been living in Vancouver for 8 years now and not once gone down lol (except walking across the border by accident in White Rock lol)...was in Washington for 3 hours before I knew lol. Luckily the cop that asked to see my ID understood when he saw my Manitoba ID lol. "You're not from here"... Nope
Weird that the platform is not at-level. Raleigh, NC just got their new train station and at-level platform makes such the difference especially for less-able people and elderly.
taking my trip on 12/19 thanks a lot for the video!
I didn't even know this was a thing, and I've lived in British Columbia my whole life. Might just do this if I ever want to go to Seattle.