20 years of international rail service

It’s been 20 years since the State of Washington and Amtrak launched the first lines offering international service to Canada and the popular service continues to grow.

The Washington State Department of Transportation and Amtrak began operating a daily roundtrip from Seattle to Vancouver, British Columbia on May 26, 1995. Today, two daily roundtrips connect the cities, with one extending to Portland.

The number of travelers has more than doubled in the past 20 years. In 2014, approximately 148,000 people used Amtrak Cascades to travel to and from British Columbia.

“Our international Amtrak Cascades service provides residents of both countries an important, relaxing, inexpensive and scenic alternative to highway and air travel,” said Washington Transportation Secretary Lynn Peterson. “WSDOT also wants to thank all the partners who help make this service possible: Amtrak, the Oregon Department of Transportation, Canadian officials, United States Customs and Border Protection and the Canada Border Services Agency.”

An example of continued partnerships is the recent Preclearance Agreement signed by U.S. and Canadian officials. It’s a key first step in streamlining the customs process for travelers entering the U.S. from Canada while still maintaining strict security. The agreement should reduce travel time by eliminating a second customs stop in Blaine after initial screening in Vancouver.

WSDOT and Amtrak plan to host a formal anniversary event this summer at Pacific Central Station in Vancouver, B.C.

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, Ore.

All Amtrak Cascades trains require reservations, and passengers are encouraged to purchase tickets early to obtain lowest fares. Visit Amtrak Cascades or call 1-800-USA-RAIL (1-800-872-7245) for reservations and information.