Amtrak Station

Amtrak in Vancouver, Washington: A Scenic Gem of Rail Travel Tucked along the banks of the Columbia River, the Amtrak station in Vancouver, Washington, is more than just a travel stop—it’s a stunning convergence of history, nature, and industry. For those passing through or boarding here, the experience is memorable for its beauty, cleanliness, and uniquely Pacific Northwest atmosphere. From the moment you arrive, the station impresses with its well-kept appearance. The platform and grounds are spotless, and the historic brick station building is maintained with a level of pride that instantly sets a high standard. Unlike many transit hubs across the country, Vancouver’s Amtrak station has been preserved and enhanced with care, offering both charm and functionality. What truly elevates this station is its beautifully landscaped surroundings. Along the station’s borders are rows upon rows of manicured rose bushes, blooming in a spectacular variety of colors and forms. From vibrant reds and oranges to soft pinks and classic whites, these rose gardens are clearly maintained with dedication. The attention to detail—perfectly trimmed shrubs, mulched beds, and an absence of weeds—adds a calm, inviting aura to the space. It’s rare to find a transportation setting this thoughtfully adorned with live beauty. Looking out from the platform, passengers are treated to a breathtaking view of the Columbia River. The river’s wide, glistening surface reflects the natural light and gives a sense of vast openness, creating a peaceful backdrop for the station. Adding a historic touch to the scene is the old swing bridge that stretches across the river—a steel train trestle still in operation. Its weathered structure and functional design are reminders of America’s rich rail history. Watching trains cross this bridge against the flowing river is a sight that feels both nostalgic and cinematic. In the other direction, another unexpected element contributes to the station’s distinct character: a massive metal recycling center. Rather than clashing with the tranquil river and historic rail bridge, this industrial complex blends in naturally. It’s clean, orderly, and surprisingly unobtrusive. Its presence gives the area a unique sense of balance—nature, industry, and history, all coexisting in one scene. The hum of machinery at the recycling yard is subtle, almost rhythmic, complementing the slower pace of train travel. Altogether, the Vancouver Amtrak station offers a rare harmony of contrasts. It’s a place where wilderness, mechanical industry, and timeless rail travel come together without feeling forced. Whether you're catching a train or simply admiring the view, this station offers a multi-layered experience—visually, historically, and emotionally. If you're passing through the Pacific Northwest, don’t overlook this stop. Vancouver’s Amtrak station isn’t just a gateway to other destinations—it’s a destination all its own. I took a train from Vancouver to Olympia for $20 and it was well worth it. I would do it again without hesitation

It is a nice small station that represents Vancouver well. The Vancouver historical society has some displays and photos in the lobby. The station is clean and well maintained and the staff is kind.

I caught a train from Vancouver to Kelso Washington. A fairly quick trip, only about thirty minutes. Only $14 This Amtrak station is fairly quiet and clean. I did not go to the restroom, so I can't comment on that. If you have to wait here for a while, there's no place in walking distance to go eat. There are vending machines with snacks and sodas, but nothing of sustence. Also, if you're thinking of exploring the area. There is a substantially large homeless community, just off the train station grounds.

Small historic amtrack sation of Vancouver Washington USA 🇺🇸 ( yes the other southern Vancouver not Vancouver bc lol it's our sister Vancouver to the south ) .....this sation has parking ,benches to sit on and its the last amtrack stop before Oregon in Washington state and its the first stop in Washington state when coming up north bound from Oregon

My experience in the Vancouver Amtrak station was awesome! Sam the counter person employee was helpful, courteous n sweet. She helped me book a return train from Sacramento Vancouver WA because I couldn't figure out the online application n it really impacted me about the personal customer service she provided! Sam is an excellent and exceptional employee n representative of Amtrak! I hope she will help me book my next train destination with a sleeper car! I'm elderly n the online app confuses me. Thanks n shout out to Sam in the Vancouver WA train station!

Lovely old depot. The staff person at the desk (Sam) was super helpful. The young conductor on the Cascades #506 was funny and treated my bike with the kid gloves it deserves. Love you, Amtrak!

Very small but nice and clean and felt safe. The area is horrible though with allot of homeless lining the close by streets. Probably a good 50 tents. Would never walk to station but driving was fine and the station itself was nice

Every Amtrak station is different. Check the stations you are traveling to/from for specifics. Vancouver, WA is small and open with limited hours. Terrible lighting at night in parking lot. The station is in an isolated area part of town. Be very careful if traveling alone at night. Seattle, WA is large and comfortable. Located in a more populated area. Not sure of night time safeness. Taxis are lined up in front for transportation convenience, if needed. An easy 25 minute walk to Pikes Place from King Street Station. Train arrived and departed on time at each station.

Good day trip to The Waterfront in Vancouver, WA. The train station is like 1/2 mile from the area. Go to the waterfront to listen to live music, eat at restaurants and walk the trails. The inside of the station has vending machines and facilities for riding the train use. It's a great ride. Cheap and maybe we will do this again.

We had a fun trip from Tukwila WA to Portland OR and back the opposite way the next day. Great seats and a smooth ride, lovely scenery and I didn't have to drive! Train crew were great.

When they are not 2 hours late every other trip, or when they mess up maintenance on the trains and send everyone on a buss that take 3 hours longer for my commute then I will say it's pretty nice and fun. You'd have better luck riding a monkey on jet pack to get to your destination on time, always make a note you will be late. I really don't understand how they still get government subsidies/contracts. They perform worse than my pet turtle does in nascar races.

I was Amtrak train 14 from San Jose to Seattle on Thanksgiving day. I was in a sleeper car so I expected just a little more.Drug addicts were plentiful in the SJ station with no security around. The dining experience was not pleasant. I'm not sure why the servers are in the service industry as they genuinely seem to hate most people. Also, when the dining car isn't full, why do I have to sit with a stranger? The servers seem to delight in your misery. And don't ask for extra Ketchup packets.

I enjoy travelling by train(partially due to a number of health reasons and I'm a lot older these days(71)....anyway, I usually go to Eugene, Olympia, Tacoma, or Seattle. I recommend the business car on the way up and the Coast Starlight if you stay overnight coming back(to Salem, Oregon) The Bistro car is next to business and on the Coast Starlight you have a car for snacking, lots of restrooms(incontinence, etc, pick the lower berth, nice viewing car w/all big windows, dinner car, too, and generally a nice trip even when going all the way to LA....quality people working and helpful for us w/canes.....I usually get Ivar's Clam Chowder on the northbound(only served on one or two trains)and Hebrew National Hot Dog/salad/or something else going south....good eats in the dining car, too....and great people working the train. Thanks...pretty busy on Seahawk or Mariner game days; just took it north to watch Super Bowl w/friends in Washington and it was smooth sailing(no freight trains slowing us down).

This review is for just the Vancouver Amtrak depot and not about Amtrak the service itself. Amtrak has had serious problems for decades. Systemic, institutional problems that the employees, try as they might, are simply not empowered to fix. Bottom line here is that train travel in the USA is what it is and shows no signs of improving any time soon. If you are in a hurry or if delays and so on will be a problem for you, find another way to travel. I take Amtrak to Seattle at least once a year (or at least I did until Seattle became an unsafe third world hellhole). For me, Amtrak is a mostly comfortable, inexpensive and leisurely way to travel. Plus, they let you off a block from Pioneer Sq in the center of town so no car is needed. Seatac is practically in another State. The depot itself is great. Very clean building and surrounds, very friendly staff, ample parking. The homeless have pretty much taken over nearby blocks so I don't know how safe cars are overnight now but before the homeless insanity this was a very safe area. If you have a choice between here and Portland's Union station, I'd choose this one.

Horrible customer support. Tried calling, was on hold for nearly 30 minutes, and then they hung up on me.

The Vancouver, Washington Amtrak station has super friendly folks working in the clean and quiet terminal. There are several benches in the station as well as a few historical exhibitions. Besides the happy people behind the counter, the other main positive is free parking. The location in an industrial zone is not ideal or convenient to visitors, so plan for someone to pick you up. This Amtrak station may not be the best welcome to The Couve, but the clean and peaceful atmosphere in the station speaks to a simpler time. The trains here head to Portland, Seattle, or Spokane. It'd really help the city of Vancouver and Southwest Washington, if they'd build a train station and metro connection with Portland, but don't count on it happening anytime soon. For now, this is simply a quiet train stop next to the industrial port of Vancouver serving the seemingly always overpriced and delayed Amtrak service.

Service is always good, especially from the ticket machine. Station is always clean. Plenty of benches and free parking. Yo

Amtrak is OK. I like not having to drive I-5 between Tacoma to Everett any time of day so in that regard it's great. But I do have a few gripes: 1) they never have enough Business Class seats available and 2) when there aren't enough Business Class seats available and I'm forced to purchase a Coach Seat, they don't always honor their Senior Discount. What's up with that? And 3) the late afternoon train, arriving in Mt Vernon, WA requires a terrible bus ride into Seattle. Which, by the way, if during the week, requires a slow deride thru the horrendous Seattle traffic; one of the major reasons to take Amtrak in the first place.

I take the train a lot from the Portland area to Seattle but I don't think it is the most efficient way to travel. It is plagued by delays that can span from 10 minutes to 3 hours in my experience. The employees try their best to redirect people to other trains when there is an extreme delay but these trains don't come by often enough. I would avoid coast starlight for shorter trips. This train often takes longer time due to the scenic route and is more prone to delays due to the distance it travels. I think the employees are very friendly and understanding. I think the problem lies in the trains themselves. We need better train system. I honestly prefer the timeliness of bolt bus but I dislike the downtown location of the pick up and cramped seats. . . Also smelly toilets... but if you really need to get to Seattle punctually, bolt bus is the way to go.

This station is nice, however if you plan to go east be prepared for delays. Google search how often the routes to the east are CONSTANTLY delayed. I found out the hard way. I was on this train for 4 days. The train's electricity would constantly go out.. I mean in the middle of no where. We were delayed by 8 hours. We were so late, there were TWO FULL private busloads of people that had to sleep in a hotel in Chicago for the night to catch their next trains. Basically if you take this Amtrak route the only thing you can look forward to is a free night in a Chicago hotel because otherwise you're going to be delayed by 1-2 days. To make up what do they offer?... Besides beans, water and rice you get a free ride along the same route. Amazing!! During the night in Chicago they offered $10 vouchers per person for food, which would have been great if YOU WERE NOT IN DOWNTOWN CHICAGO where $10 doesn't amount to the paper it's printed on. The goods were that even the coach trains had electrical outlets. 2 per 2 seats. Plenty of space, I'm a tall guy and I was as comfortable as you can get on a train. The assistants were and the views were almost worth the trip alone..

The Vancouver, Washington Amtrak station has super friendly folks working in the clean and quiet terminal. There are several benches in the station as well as a few historical exhibitions. Besides the happy people behind the counter, the other main positive is free parking. The location in an industrial zone is so corrected written by another reviewer on Yelp. This station is clean and is a quiet atmosphere with hard benches. I traveled from Portland to Seattle, and decided to go business class because I do not travel by train much. More later.

We are on Amtrak on our way from Vancouver, WA to Vancouver B.C. (7 hr trip). First there were three delays before we finally got on board over an hour late. Then there was another delay ("traffic"). And now we are sitting here again - this time a " trespasser" on the tracks ( which apparently includes a search of the entire exterior of the train, talking with police and a brake test). And the staff apparently cannot remember to turn off the microphone after using so we can't even sleep while waiting to get going again. This is our first and likely last trip with Amtrak. All you friends who told me (" Train? That sounds so fun! " ......it's not. You've got to be kidding me...!!! Now we smell a HORRIBLE smell - in the cabin ( that we paid extra to upgrade to!!) coming from the bathroom!! And the mic being on non-stop... is because of a "mechanical malfunction". Stick to flights if you don't want to drive.

The worst experience I have ever had while riding rails. Trying to get to work. The train was late by two hours. While waiting inside no Communication or updates were given. When inquired to front desk the wicked witch from the west snapped at everyone "I let you know when I am ready." We waited outside where is was cold but not as cold as it was inside. This same wicked witch from the west came out to let us know that she would tell us any updated information when she knows any. With no date given the train finally arrived everyone was scrabbling to gather their things to get on. My daughter has a disability and can not walk easily. As we grew closer to the train it started to close all their doors. The Wicked Witch appeared out of the fog. Yells at us for not getting on the train. She flicks smithing and the train door opens up within the fog we see a light. We walk towards it. Out pops an Ogre and starts to yell at me. This creature is mad it must need an Ogre vacation I thought. He yells something about calling the police, if I don't get back off the train. Then I turn and say to monster yes, cal the police I think they need to see this. The monster yells at me to put take a seat now! I am so scared but a small voice turns to reach for my daughter who is held my my husband who is not traveling with us. The Ogre freaks out only to stop abruptly when it lays eyes on my daughter and husband. My knight in shining armor takes one look at me and asks, "is everything all right here?" The ogre recoils as it pushes as further in the train door. I gather my things and my daughter and we hide in the first car we come to,? The Ogre passes as grumpily. Once I stop shaking my knight in shining armor calls me. He wants to know if I am alright. I bust out sobbing. I have no idea why we were being yelled at, threatened, or harassed? the train starts to move along the rails and I hide. What will the ogre do next of anything. Then the train starts to slow again. The train stops and a few men get on the train and sit right next to us in the same car. All eyes were on a lady with her child. I had really done it now. But what? ............

George the conductor was absolutely amazing and so friendly! I lost my phone in the Vancouver Station and he helped retrieve it. Thanks for saving my trip, Amtrak team both in Vancouver and Seattle!!!

Portland has Union Station, arguably one of the most spiffogastic train terminals in the west, but Vancouver WA has something else: free parking! If you're starting in N or NE Portland and headed to Seattle or thereabouts on the Cascades, consider this. You can hang out wherever you are an extra half hour or so, drive right to the station and walk onto the train. This may not work as well if it's rush hour northbound on I-5. Also if it's a crowded train (such as a Friday or Sunday night) you might not get the choicest seat assignment. If you find yourself having to wait, you can pass the time pretending you're at a little country junction because basically you are. Since the platforms aren't covered this plays best when the weather's nice.

Amtrak customer service SUCKS. Here is a real conversation I just had, when trying to book a ticket from Vancouver, WA to Bellingham, WA: Me: Just out of curiosity, how come a ticket for which half of the trip is by bus costs the same as a ticket for which all of the trip is by train, even when you can't check luggage on a bus, and there's no snacks or wifi? Ticket agent: Well, we can't make everyone happy! Me: But Amtrak is a large corporation that is selling a service. Your job, actually, is to make customers happy, because that's how you get more business. Ticket agent: I sell tickets all day long, and most people don't say [in a mocking, singsong voice] "Oh, I don't want to ride on a bus! I want to take my whole trip on the train!" Me: Are you making fun of me with that snotty voice? Ticket agent: Absolutely not.

Would love to travel by train more!! As far as this station, I forgot my friend left my car she borrowed there. It was there 4days and no ticket, complaint or issue at all!! Had it been Portland, where I usually travel out of it would have been towed. So grateful!!

Way better than the flight, but the female customers service rep here needs to consider a job change such as maybe "Greeter" in Hell! OMG I had a 5 word simple question "when does the train come" and I waited for her to come out of back room, where we call on her, for 10 min, then when she answered she immediately trilled around and left leaving no time for her POS answer to even digest, that she didn't even answer the question. Later that evening upon leaving she didn't help her coworker at all as the lined formed. He was very nice by the way. The fact a person like this is a customer service rep is clearly a management problem. She would do better cleaning the train or somewhere else where customers are not a problem.

This is my opinion of the Vancouver, Washington station, not Amtrak in general (which is positive for the most part.) While the station is neat and clean, and the model of what the Vancouver train yard was like in "the olden days" - 1940s was interesting and well done, the man who sold me my ticket was not friendly, and almost made me feel like I was bothering him. I put that down to maybe a bad day, but when I went back two days later to board The Cascades to Seattle, he was equally abrupt and acted like my question about checking in for the train was the stupidest question he'd ever heard. So, station: 4 stars, attendant: 1 star.

I support rail travel so always take the train when have the option, but Amtrak staff at Portland's Union Station are so consistently rude and unhelpful that I'm rethinking this. Love taking the Cascades for the view and booked business class for a bit of extra comfort but was given no seat optima snd am stuck in a backwards facing seat facing the wrong way. Will take that Alaska Air shuttle next time.

I would like to share an unpleasant experience I recently had with Amtrack. I take Amtrack almost every other week between Vancouver WA and Tukwila WA. On May 6, Friday morning, I got an email from Amtrack which advised that the train I was supposed to take in the evening (#508) was cancelled because of a mudslide incident. I called Amtrack and I was told that I could just go to the train station on schedule and Amtrack would provide the bus as alternative. I checked with Amtrack if my return trip on Sunday, May 8 would be interrupted. I was told that the train on Sunday is on normal schedule. I went to the train station on schedule and right before the time we were supposed to leave, the staff told us that the bus would be one hour late. After an hour, we were told that the bus would be late again and the time was not determined. Everyone got frustrated and finally the bus arrived almost 2 hours late. Before I boarded the bus, I asked the staff at Amtrack Vancouver station again if my return trip would be a problem. The staff told me that the train on Sunday would be on normal schedule. Finally I arrived in Tukwila with 2.5 hours delay. In the morning of the next day (May 7th) I received an email from Amtrack and said the train on Sunday, May 8 was interrupted and the alternative would be provided. I called the Amtrack again and I was told that bus would be there at Tukwila station instead. When I arrived at the train station on May 8 at 7:25am, there were 5 people were waiting for the same bus as me. We waited and waited since there was no bus 20 minutes after the time we were supposed to be picked up, we all called again and Amtrack said the bus went to a hotel (Embassy Suites), which was 700 yards from where we were told to wait to pick up the passengers. Myself and some of other passengers called and visited the hotel and were told that no bus ever arrived or waited to collect passengers. All of the passengers at Tukwila station were clearly advised of information that was false. Eventually I had to take a 1:00 pm Greyhound bus in the afternoon to Portland OR and find my way back to Vancouver WA. I was very disappointed in the treatment of myself and those other passengers who suffered on this Sunday. Some of the passengers were even children. I never received an email/phone call from Amtrack to apologize for what happened. I also followed up with some of the other passengers affected, and they too received no communication from Amtrak.

I have no problem with Amtrak's frequent delays (even the hours long ones), the busted seats, the broken ticket kiosks, or the typically nasty bathrooms. I figure it's still better than flying. No shoeless x-ray scans! I can keep my drink! And I can check luggage for free, and lots of it! Not to mention the seats (when not busted), are way comfier. What I do have a problem with, however, is being treated rudely by snarky ticket agents. This unfortunately happened at the Vancouver Depot, by an agent who seemed to go out of her way to make my experience hellish. So to Sara, I'd just like to say: please, please, for the love of all that is good and right (if you even care), GET SOME CUSTOMER SERVICE SKILLS!!!! That is all.

Overall, this is a pretty good way to get to Seattle. Rather than driving for 3 hours you can sit back and relax for the same time. I only wish the internet was better. My first ride it was usable for web browsing/email. However, on my last round trip (one leg of which was almost empty) the data was down to a trickle - not even enough to load my precious gmail. Also, just for future reference - riding during the day on a weekday is great - there is almost nobody else on the train so you can stretch out and relax. Weekends/evenings - watch out!

people were very helpful, easy on and off. If questions, just ask the employees at the counter. TIP: if you are on the 8:30am train, do NOT get there before 8am as they do not open til then. Even though the tickets say to get there an hour and a half before your train leaves. TIP #2: do not pay for business class. All you get for the extra $20 is a $3 voucher towards food and a little more arm rest room. They say you get a free paper but you don't. All the people that get on from Portland take the limited supply.

I've been sitting on board the Cascades train 10 minutes out of Portland - not moving - for two hours. Helpfully, the conductor announces every 3 minutes he doesn't know why we've stopped or how long we'll be here. 'nuf said about Amtrak's reliability?

I've taken 3 Amtrak trips along the west coast in recent years and each had at least a 3.5 hour delay. While the service is generally good and the stations are very well-maintained, it's not worth the 7.5 hour Seattle-Portland trip or 24 hours from Eugene to San Francisco. Take the bus!

I Never ride a f.....g train again! Always delayed, great for old people or big family. Plus to expensive.

I'm riding the Amtrak from Fresno, ca to Tacoma, wa. I should have paid a little more to fly! The employees here are so grumpy and rude! To start off, the train to pick us up in Martinez was 3 hours late, yeah, that's waiting until after midnight for your train. Maybe they couldn't help the delay, but the staff sure isn't helpful at all! For one, the intercom system is horrible and nobody can hear what anyone is announcing. If I ask another employee what the announcer said, they get rude about it! Even the younger riders couldn't understand, so it's not just my ears! 24 hours to get from fresno to tacoma is a long time to be uncomfortable and insulted! It's worth it to attempt one of those on line auctions to find an affordable plane ticket if traveling is necessary! I'll pawn my valuables to fly, before boarding another one of these trains! I will never ride with these grumpy folks again!

I do not recommend taking this train from Seattle to San Francisco as I did and came back home with stomach sickness and food poisoning. The train is extremely dirty the seats, the carpets, the lounge area; basically everywhere. The restroom is worse with small tiny narrow seat and super dirty. It was my first and last trip taking this route with the train.