Portland Union Station

It's not popping but it has a quaint old time feel for a station in a quirky city. The food options appear to be lacking in the station proper so don't plan on eating here. The bathroom is spacious. Staff is accessible and friendly. They have neon lights in the lobby and it adds a strange aura to the place. The station is walkable to many places you'll probably visit in Portland and public transport is cheap in the city. Three dollars cash will get you a ticket on all forms of transport for a full day.

Amtrak is the best. It's clean and absolutely gorgeous. I'm newly disabled and was having a hard time traveling alone and right away and employee jumped to help me he was kind and wonderful. The food here is better than great.

A beautiful station. Take time to walk over to the river when the cherry blossoms are blooming! 🍒 🌸 When I missed my connection to LA, because of a late train, the friendly staff got me set up for two evenings in Portland. This included meal vouchers at the Royal Crown Plaza Hotel. What a great experience. I hadn't even thought I'd get some time in Portland. Bring the kids...

Beautiful old Train Depot. My Amtrak train was on time, bathrooms were in working order though old and in need of work. The gift shop and snack shop were great. Had an awesome hot ham and cheese sandwich and a pleasant time watching g people come and go as I waited for my train to arrive.

Small organized train station in downtown Portland. Taking the train from Portland to Seattle for 4 of us, check in was easy and the staff was organized as the long line boarded the train. There is a restroom and baggage area for checking large luggage.

Union Station is architecturally beautiful, a subtle and elegant contrapunto to the more modern elements of the Portland skyline. The interior feels like most other train depots, and could certainly use some updating. Admittedly, I am used to the station luxuries available in places like Chicago, Denver, New York and Washington. While small, the Metropolitan Lounge is still reasonably comfortable and the staff are friendly here. The area immediately surrounding the station might feel a little dicey, and although I navigated to the station on foot just fine, there isn't direct MAX/Streetcar service. You will have to walk a block or so no matter what. I can definitely imagine this station thriving after a refit the way the Denver station did!

Arrived here on the Cascades train from Vancouver, BC. Inside of the station was very spacious with nice architectural elements. There was a small gift store with souvenirs. Only issue was a small restroom that had a long line when everyone got off the train. Station is conveniently located downtown with great views and easy access to anywhere you want to go in the local area.

My first experience on Amtrak and it was awful. Unfortunately these people could careless. From the man who checked our bags, to the women who took our bags, to the ticket attendant. The attitude of the older man when I was measuring ,my bag to demanding my ticket. I wasn't checking my bag at this point. Simply measuring.The overall condescending attitude of the man, constant corrections, talking to people like they're not human beings. When my son thanked the woman for taking our bags , he was met with an unfriendly attitude. This is the short, brunette woman with the customer service jacket on that sits at the booth. Who was not at all friendly,as a customer service person should be. I love when someone is having a bad day or hates their Job, they turn it around on the passengers , as if we started the conflict. I would only answered questions, not engaging with his attitude. They ended up damaging my suitcase. I took an overview of the condition of my bag ahead of time. Pre-checking and there was no damage. When I ended in Washington damage. We could not find a seat due to it being a short train. Originally the man said he was happy to find us a seat. Turning into telling a customer and I quote. "He didn't care where we sat", then stopped helping us find a seat, due to these two women deciding to seat block for the people that were coming in Vancouver. We were not the problem. He stopped helping us look for a seat for the 3 of us. I found his behavior unprofessional as we had no problem sitting where he said. I also found it strange that he made a woman move out of the 4 seats, who was sitting alone when we got on the train, to helping this other family of three sit there. I found this very strange, just because we struggled to find seats at all. I can tell you on the way back there were signs on the other train preventing one person taking up 4 seats with her bag, laptop . Making sure no one else could sit there. The ticket attendant should have moved her to a single seat ahead of time. Like he said he didn't care. I also found this interesting that the man who had the terrible attitude (Ticket attendant with the brown hair and glasses) he would only help select people with their bags off the train. He didn't care if he saw someone snuggling, he wouldn't help. So if I need to take the train again. I am very well prepared for an unpleasant experience the second time around. But I can tell you I had a completely 180 experience coming home. That Amtrak station will be getting five stars. I've never even had this crazy and disrespectful experience at an airport or Greyhound station. Wow! How have things changed.

I was pleasantly surprised with how clean and well kept this station was. They have a very dated little convenience store that sells snacks and knick-knacks. The restrooms were decent and the interior of the station was bright and beautiful. As a woman traveling on my own, I always felt safe and comfortable.

This was so much fun. We haven't rode the train in over 20 years. The train process was smooth. The train itself was wonderful. I recommend you purchase business class fair because it is a smoother ride more comfortable area and you get priority boarding.

The 7:25 pm train to Seattle is 1.5 hr Late. Our train broke down, so we had to wait for another N. Bound train to arrive. It seems this happens often. Last 4th of July weekend, my train back to Seattle was half hr late. Then it broke down in Tacoma. So we waited an additional 1 hr. I still prefer to take the train than the cramped bus. The snack bar store is not open Sunday evenings so you have to get Take out or eat before getting to the station. On the Train, their Snack Bar ran out of sandwiches and could only offer Cup of Noodles after a certain time. Then they closed up and offered only cups of ice since it was late. The Train conductor did make announcement before each stop and that that they won't be staying long. So he wanted People to be by the Exits and ready to get off, since they were running late.

A major stop for the Amtrak Coast Starlight Train, Amtrak - Union Station Portland provides all the major services of a 'Union' Train station, including a large waiting area, baggage pickup, and even a Metropolitan Lounge. We stopped in the afternoon of our second day of our West Coast train trip from Los Angeles to Seattle. It had a lot of people coming on or off, so it was a 25 minute stop. This gave me the opportunity to step off the train and enter the main building itself to have a look around. Getting out of the building required being checked to make sure you had a ticket (so need to bring your phone with you). Because there were multiple trains there, really appreciated the bright yellow step ladder that my attendant had put out in front of our car, to find my way back. Security here was definitely tighter than at any other stop along our way.

I love Amtrak and I love riding the train! Union Station in Portland is a little chaotic, so although we did get there 30 minutes before our train left, I wouldn't cut it any shorter than that. Otherwise, it's a beautiful building and everyone's very friendly and helpful. It's also in a great location and easy to take the max from there.

It's a stately old building that is really neat, but it also felt like it could use some TLC. Lines snaked around the building. Signage was questionable. Lighting was terrible. Seating didn't make sense. I'd love to see someone come in and fix this place up to its historic grandeur. I'm glad Portland still has it and hope it continues to serve as the city's historic train station long into the future.

A breeze to navigate! I had a bag to pick up in the baggage claim and all went well. It was also really easy to get a lyft outside of the station.

Our first train trip, because we have the Sleeper, we were treated First Class all they way! Station were clean. We were sent to a VIP Room. Own restroom, snacks, drinks, comfortable chairs. No one at the desk, so basically, anyone can come in. There's a section to put luggage, and leave. We stayed there until we were called to board the train.

Oh me oh my!!! This review I hope will help people to give themselves ample time if they are taking Amtrak to a connecting flight or having someone wait to pick you up. That said without dragging this out which a two paragraph detail essay Amtrak sucks when it comes to being on time... customer service is great, but that didn't help me when I missed my flight do to 3 hrs late to the airport and missed my flight I was got... I am still waiting for Amtrak to get hold of me after they sent me a survey through my email lol, I figured here's my chance to vent, get upgraded on my next ride only due to I have no other Choi, and tell them they really suck. I gave 2 stars only because that's the only transportation from PDX-Centralia WA.

Pleasant station under staffed and empty. Security guard was very nice and helpful. Bathrooms were pretty gross though

Your current display of a torn up ratty American flag is disgraceful Get a new flag ASAP!

Portland OR's Union Station is a nice old school station the has been modernized without destroying the classic charm. It is a nice place to catch a train as long as you do not go through the front door. To get to the station our bus driver took us through homeless tent city. Our Uber drivers drove around the block to avoid the encampment. We arrived at the station a few hours before our train. Checking our bags was as easy as taking them to the baggage check-in and showing the person our tickets. He took care of the rest. We proceeded to the Metropolitan Lounge where the young lady issued our boarding passes and a paper ticket. We settled in to wait for our train. It is a comfortable place to wait for a train. Many of the seats had USB ports where we could charge our devices. Refreshments were coffee, apple juice, orange juice, and water. Once our train arrived, we were directed to our sleeping car and were soon on our way.

We were impressed by Tanisha Patterson 's outstanding service. She make us feel welcome and she's very accommodating. Although the food quality was a bit pricey, Tanishas' good attitude towards us Amtrak travelers made the food experience worth it and we came back for more. Amtrak 14 Starlight Coast, LA to Seattle.

This is a quaint lil station. The space is a beautiful space with great lighting. It's full of lovely photo opportunities. It's wide open though so it's a bit chilly right now. Also the store was closed so no chance to grab a last-minute souvenir. Whomp whomp.

After being told by an Amtrak customer service that there was wifi at this station, they're lucky there was no wifi when I was delayed there for 7 hours to write this review. Listen, this station is cute on the outside but come to your train within the last hour possible. The reason my stars are so low is because this facility is excruciatingly hot. There is no air conditioning inside, the seating is uncomfortable, and having to wait for hours with no wifi and all sweaty is just not it. If it is the summer time, get out there the latest you can because you're gonna be musty on the train. Additionally, I asked one of the Amtrak representatives a question, and was told he would follow-up with me after asking a co-worker, only for him to not follow-up at all. On the bright side, due to the delays, Amtrak did buy us all Popeyes. But be warned.

It's ok. While I enjoy riding the train to Seattle, the train station is a hit or miss of crazy. Some days it is clean and peaceful, other days it is dirty and chaotic.

As a traveler with mobility issues, the employees here have always been wonderfully accommodating and patient as sometimes getting on and off the train can be a challenge. Definitely my favorite Amtrak station!

Came through Amtrak to visit Portland in February. Nice and beautiful ride down. I really liked the station, a lot of interesting architecture and a great first impression of Portland (building wise). I didn't take a car so unsure on parking in that area, there is a nice turn around in the front for pick up, not too long of a walk to get to public transit either. I will say there are a lot of homeless and trash (including drug paraphernalia) around so not a place I want to be alone at night. Overall I just got in and got out.

We needed to pick up some friends coming in from Seattle. I will say this station is mostly well kept and the boards are easy to see and read for status updates. There is a lot of seating for waiting and things seem to more pretty well. The downsides are the bathrooms... The women's restroom looks pretty frightening and several sinks don't work. The men's bathroom was chained off for some reason so my friend needed to go and was unable to. There also are very few people around who actually work there so we had no one to even ask about with the bathroom.

In the evening I listen to my PM track, whereas in the morning, it's my AM-track. These days it's pretty sad here, because the Greyhound buses pick up everybody from a little curbside stop not too far from Portland's Union Station. The building just next to Union Station is the former Greyhound terminal that I used on many occasions between the 90s and 2019 when it suddenly no longer was and use. Close to here is the amazing historic Steel Bridge for the trains, and of course the grand and spectacular Union Station with its iconic Tower and it's beautiful Red Roof, and its lovely archway too. It looks sort of like a Mountain Chalet or something Italian, and nothing like the main train stations in other parts of the country for sure. It's right next to Chinatown of Portland Oregon, and so the train station and the curbside pickup for the Greyhound - and the vacated old building - are all a nice and historic transport hub - although they're not what they once were when Greyhound had its own terminal.

I've used this station a few times now and I love it every time (even when the train is late lol). The building is pretty, the staff is nice and helpful, and it's easy to get to/navigate. Only downside is that it's in a sketchy area of town but in general it's not too bad compared to other cities.

Beautiful station plenty of seating. Spotless clean. Grounds are nice and a smoking garden with benches and ash trays. One great things is the newsstand with small snacks soda and even hot dogs.

The station is very nice and old school. The outside appearance is stunning. Super quick and easy boarding and exiting. But when it's comes to railfanners like me, this station is not that great, they do not allow for you to take photos of trains and security runs after and restricts you to go into the station immediately. The reason I keep it at 4 stars is because most of us ride trains for transport not filming. For a passenger perspective this is an amazing station it's super strict and well managed. For the railfanners like me I would not recommend going here for filming.

The fact that Amtrak uses Union Pacific railroad tracks lost them only a little bit of rating-- I know that they don't have much choice. The bathrooms are tiny-- if you're less than magazine model size or a child, bathrooms are fine, but if you're a typical overfed/underactive American be prepared to spend 10-15 minutes getting your business done while doing as much yoga as Adrienne does. I understand that holiday travel is busy, so I suppose that sardine-canning of passengers is to be expected. I wonder if Amtrak has any say over etiquette i.e. certain passengers coming back from a stretch at a station reeking of reefer. Attendant and food staff are congenial, but the conductor can lower his voice before speaking into the PA.

I've been taking the Amtrak from PDX to SEA for 30+ years and commuted between those two cities weekly for several years. During that time I've seen Union Station go through a lot of changes, improvements and upgrades. Union Station is one of the last remaining old style big city depots. Not as grand as Grand Central or some of the others but very similar in many ways to King Street Station in Seattle. King Street Station is somewhat larger and grander though. Union Station is always clean, mostly efficiently run but the waiting room can become quite crowded sometimes. They recently put in a Business Class waiting lounge which is much appreciated. There is no longer a need for business class passengers to check in at the main ticket counter (assuming that they purchased their tickets on-line). Simply go to the business class lounge and they will check you in and provide a boarding pass and a reserved seat. KUnion Station isn't exactly in the best neighborhood but it is central to the city which is what one would expect in a train depot. While a lot of money is being poured into developing the area, you may (and probably will) see some shifty looking people in the area outside the depot. I've never personally felt unsafe walking from the depot to the nearby MAX light rail stop but you do want to maintain situational awareness. I've heard stories of scammers hanging out outside the depot asking to use someone's cell phone only to wind up stealing the passenger's luggage and phone. The moral of this story is that one should ALWAYS be suspicious and cautious when being approached by strangers. Being a "Good Samaritan" would get you a nice write-up in the bible in times gone by. These days, trust in your fellow man is mostly for saps and suckers. For the benefit of CHL holders, Amtrak has firearms regulations similar to those involving air travel. No metal detectors or anything like that but if you get caught with a firearm in your carry-on or on your person (loaded or unloaded) you could find yourself in deep legal do-do. Amtrak does have provisions for transporting unloaded firearms in checked baggage. Check the Amtrak web site for details on how to do that legally. Also note that Amtrak train depots are like any Federal building ....weapons are verbotten.

Cute clean train station in downtown Portland. Easy drop off and pick up. I already boarded and it's a full train. The staff is friendly and helpful. I booked my ticket online then came in to get my boarding pass. Super easy!!

Station, awesome. On board, not so much. Downstairs Grill closed early, per attendants announcements, complete with unwashed table tops and paperwork left on countertop. It's a little past 2 pm on this southbound train. Rudeness in the Dining Car, rudeness in the Biz Class. Can't seem to get requisite bottle of water! Was told to wait, then she sashayed out the car, never to be seen again! Hiring at Labor Ready would be a vast improvement over the current human resources agenda. Puhleeze! Monday. Nov 27th. Train is not crowded, sufficiently populated.

I'm so torn. I wanna give them a good review bcuz my trip was absolutely phenomenal. It was comfortable and I was relaxed. The views were really pretty and I enjoyed the experience a lot. On the other hand their customer service is absolutely rediculous . Not the people on the train but the people at the Amtrak station. I lost a gift. The first Christmas gift I had recieved in yeaaarrrs. I was so happy about it I took photos of em.. set the bags up and took pictures for memory's sake. I accidentally left it on the train cuz i almost missed my stop and it was under the seat ..I was sitting next to a lady and her baby so I didn't see it when i picked up my bags and forgot. As soon as I got off the train I called and it took hours to get through to someone and then they told me to fill out this form which I did. They took like 2 wks to get back to me to tell me they didn't find it. I'm heartbroken. Idk when I'll recieve a gift again. I haven't had a Christmas gift since 2015. Why couldn't they take tht more seriously while I was on the phone with them? They woulda found it cuz it was the day of me taking Amtrak. 2 wks later? Well ofc they can't find it now.. they didn't take it seriously when it counted. I called them 4 times to b told to do this n tht n "oh it's a process" why????? Again, I let them kno immediately. Called the moment I stepped off the train. These cant jus b replaced ... Edit: they found my lost item an entire month later. The only problem is I have 10 days to pick it up apparently. Which isn't fair with these weather conditions.. atleast it was found

I've never traveled from Oregon before so I was a little overwhelmed when I arrived. I went to the counter and was greeted very kindly and walked to the area where I would be boarding. Cassandra checked me in and offered me complimentary coffee. She was welcoming and friendly. Workers like her make for a great experience. Jesse G. was dressed very nice and helped me when boarding. He let me know where my room was and informed me I had the option of lunch after I got settled. Shortly after returning to my room, Jesse checked on me to see if I needed anything & to let me know he was available until his shift ended (which was 10:00 PM). Jesse is the definition of stellar customer service. The train left EXACTLY when scheduled. In the dining cart for lunch, I was greeted by Olga. She was sweet, helpful, and quick to get my lunch order. I got the grill cheese with bacon & turkey. It was perfectly toasted and yummy. When purchasing a private room, I received complimentary meals and beverages (soda, tea, sparkling water). One alcoholic beverage is included with dinner, as an FYI for y'all. The private room can be used for 2 different things. The top area can be used to sleep and the bottom area for sitting. I opted to recline & flatten the seats (sitting area) so I could sleep there instead of the top area. The above bunk should have a mattress you can use below. I'd recommend that. Don't let my words fool you to believe the space is big because it's quite the opposite. The pictures from the Amtrak website are kind of misleading in my opinion. That is why I took a couple of pictures and added them to my review. I was totally comfortable throughout my time on the train which was 17 hours! This was my first time using the "private room" option to travel. Now that I have, I will probably never buy regular seating again (if my bank account can afford it). I'm curious what the sleeper option would include. I was able to get a quick peek at one of them and they do look much more spacious. One thing I did not appreciate was the announcer when announcing meal reservations. The volume was a bit too loud for me. He was also the waiter for dinner. The salad was drenched in dressing and my pasta was given to the wrong person, then handed to me. I was embarrassed to ask for a new plate of food so I picked at it with hesitation. He also made a comment to another passenger about me which made me uncomfortable. The comment was made out of humor but I didn't really appreciate it. I don't want to say his name because I don't see any point in busting anyone out. I chose to not have breakfast the next day. The air filter system on the train is in need of serious maintenance. My eyes and throat aches almost the entire ride because of the smoke from the fires. I hope to ride Amtrak again!

Best Amtrak/train station I've experienced. Baggage drop was quick and easy, same for the seat assignment. Boarding was quick. They have a restaurant inside for any food needs. Baggage pick-up is the only negative. There's no conveyor belt like with airports, it's just a small room where they set all of the baggage and everyone bumps elbows to retrieve their bag.

The Amtrak Station in Portland is much nicer, and larger, than Pacific Central Station in Vancouver. However, there's nothing particularly special or outstanding about the station, but there's nothing horrible about it either. It's a comfortable place to wait for a train. [Yelp collections: West Coast 2018; Planes, Trains, and Automobiles]

This is honestly the coolest train depot I've been in. The old architecture transports you back in time to when trains were actually popular. They have the coolest details, including neon signs, inlayed tile, and high ceilings that echo as you step. The staff is incredibly helpful, too. We almost missed our train but the staff noticed and guided us outside to the conductor and saved us a headache. It was amazing. I'd highly recommend this train and station for anyone trying to get to Seattle from Portland.

The bathrooms are disgusting, and the exterior surroundings are no better. There is dog s*** all over the sidewalk, cigarette butts, and litter from homeless people tearing into trash cans. Across the block, there are homeless encampments, with people soliciting you for money, and it does not feel safe here whatsoever. I avoid spending time here as much as I can. They really need to clean up the area

We dropped by the station to drop off a friend and send her on her way. It is a very nice station but was packed when we went there (before covid). A lot of nice architecture surrounds the station and left a good impression on us all. Large parking area found outside the Station, Easy to pick up and drop off people with a lot of baggage. Its a very short walk from the parking lot to the station so no complaints there as it was quite clean compared to other lots we encountered in this city haha! Only complaint about this station really is the amount of homeless. They aren't in the way or block the entrances but they changed the vibe of the whole area making us feel uneasy at times. This is a issue in a lot of places in the city so it wasn't too much of a hassle.

During a recent extended vacation to the Pacific Northwest to see family and friends I several times passed through or spent some time at the station. Staff unfailing were helpful. The restroom is a bit antiquated but adequate (down a hall past cafe). Cafe/gift shop is a welcome amenity, with snacks, hot food, etc. Wish more stations had this. ATM is near baggage check in. There is a mailbox out front and a trendy restaurant next door, Wilf's. Surrounding area is a bit sketchy so don't leave anything unattended. TriMet MAX station and Greyhound depot nearby. POINT Thruway bus to Seaside loads out front. Has a Metropolitan Lounge for business class and sleeping car passengers. Has cushioned seating, an attendant, restroom (much nicer than the public one), free beverages and coffee. Look for neon sign that says Metropolitan around the corner from the cafe.

Biggest thing I like about this train station: it takes less than 30 seconds to get from the drop off zone to the Amtrak track. The first time I was here, I got here at 2:55pm for a 3pm train and ended up being early for the train. It's picturesque on the outside, but it has the problem that most train stations have -- it's a little janky in the surrounding areas. You see some trash around, some people wandering, and it generally doesn't feel as safe as a few blocks away in the Pearl. There's also a Nike BIKETOWN right outside, but it doesn't seem like anyone uses it, because all the bikes were still there on the racks. The last time I was here, I got to the train station at 245pm and realized I had forgotten my bag of blueberries at Jamison Square, and could have gone back on a bike to get them in time. I didn't want to risk it though :/

Always late and they refuse to take complaints in the station. They require you to call the 1800 number which never answers and is always busy.

I've never taken a train out of here but my bus drops me off here and I get picked up here (I take the Cobreeze) so sometimes I am stuck hanging around for awhile. It is generally pretty clean and has a couple good options for food. Lots of seating and have never been stuck having to stand anywhere. They have a nice outside smoking area too. Lots of benches and ashtrays so it's not crowded out there at all which is much appreciated! I have bought a ticket for someone else while here though and it was a very fast transaction and they were super helpful and friendly.

Cool station itself. Convenient location, easy check in and flow. The surrounding area is very urban and comes with its urban issues which is in someways a bummer.

An attractive way to arrive in Portland. The building is lovely and the signage is good. I hopped off my train and found the area for pickup and dropoffs. Plenty of seating inside and some outside... mostly taken up by a school/church group while I was waiting. Very lowkey and easy.

Woo-woo! All aboard! When I hear the sound of a train rumbling by, when I hear the invitation to hop aboard, I'm filled with happy feelings of nostalgia. My dad also loves trains too and when I was a little girl he would take me, my brother and sisters to visit train shows. Also as a child, our family took the train cross country to visit our relatives on the east coast. I loved every minute of being on that magical train. In France, I took the TGV (Trains à Grande Vitesse) which is the high speed train that travels at speeds of about 200 MPH. Riding on a TGV is really, really cool. The scenery just flashes by and you can't quite get a good look at anything, but you don't care because you are riding on a badass TGV! Come on America, build a damn TGV already! Here I am today, back aboard an Amtrak train, headed north to Olympia, Washington. I'm lulled into relaxation mode by the rhythmic sound of the rails. I feel like a little kid again. I need to do this more often. Trains are cool. Trains RULE. 2014 - Review # 31

"Pardon me, boy, is this the Chattanooga Choo Choo?" "Who the hell are you callin' 'Boy'?" I love classic train stations, and Portland has one. So does LA. But not San Francisco. At least not until the Transbay Terminal becomes what it's supposed to be sometime later in the century. Dammit. It's all in the architectural and design details. The marble walls. The ornate ceilings. The art-deco pendant lamps. The vibrant neon direction signs. I didn't take a train to Portland, but I did enjoy taking in the huge waiting room. Were it not for all the people on their cell phones, it would feel like a scene from one of those gauzy World War II movies. I can see Jennifer Jones saying goodbye to Robert Walker before he goes off to the front. She tries to keep up with the train on the platform as she dodges in between the columns. Romantic, huh? "GO BY TRAIN" shouts the big sign high on the clock tower. Hmmm, I just may do that. The Cascades Line that runs between Vancouver and Eugene sounds heavenly.

updated 12/17 If you haven't tried the Amtrak train ride from Portland to Seattle you're missin' out! Me and Colleen The Vinyl Queen took the trip, the train left Portland at 8:20 AM and arrived in Seattle around noon. We played around Seattle and then returned that same afternoon.. So, it's about 3-4 hours each way. Both ways, the train was close to on time. This also makes a great overnight trip. In the past we've stayed at a downtown hotel and returned to Portland the next day. Not having to deal with a car really works since the train station in both cities is downtown. The train is well worn and not totally functional, but fun. We went "Business Class" which is a little better, more space, not as many kiddies. Union Station, big, ancient, historic and a bit cool in the winter. The AmTrak people at the station and on the train are super friendly. Our conductor was all over the train and very nice. They have a snack car and a dining car, where you can get coffee, wine, soft drinks, sandwiches (packaged), candy, beer and some mixed drinks (prepackaged like on an airplane). The bus stops near the Greyhound Bus station, did not seem totally cool to us at night. I would move nearer Pioneer Square at night, that's nearby. The view between Portland and Seattle is quite cool. Check my photos!

Train service in the US isn't really what it could be but that's not the reason for this review. The Portland Union Station is exactly the station that a city such as Portland deserves. The station has been preserved beautifully, though it's not necessarily a center of the city. Still, it has character and, if you need to get between Portland and Seattle, it's a warm was at the terminus of your trip.

The platform is cold during the winter. It feels safe when there are fellow travelers waiting with you. I appreciate how close to home it is.

GET YOUR TICKET NOW! All aboard, lots of people Go-By Train. My wife and I have traveled to SoCal by train. I love sitting in the observation car for hours and just watch the sites go by. You'll see pristine snow covered alpines as the train meanders northern California mountains or cruises past the pacific ocean beaches. My wife took her ma to Seattle for the day! It all starts at the historic Union Station. Inside is Wilf's (a 5 star Yelper) restaurant. Train travel is easy and convenient. Seats are comfy. Stretch out, drink good beer. If you haven't gone by train, you don't know what you're missing. You must Go-By Train. Get your ticket at Union Station now!

This review is purely for the tourist attraction for those who love trains. My son is a train aficionado and wanted to visit Union Station while we are visiting Portland. Once he saw the lit-up sign on the skyline from a restaurant up high, he did not stop asking to go. We decided to make the trek from our Pearl District hotel after breakfast the next morning. The walk was nice early in July, with beautiful weather, and there are some cool sculptures and other sites to see along the way. If your child (or inner child) is also a train lover, be sure to check out the bridge just outside. You can see the trains rolling in and out and there is a good picture spot if you want the tower in the background. Inside the station, it is spacious and clean. There are many benches and, of course, train travelers. The train schedule is posted on a large monitor. Decor includes some cool old pictures, including one of the train station in 1915. Finally, there is a cool little newsstand inside with lots of train memorabilia for your train lover (hats, shirts, pins), as well as a good variety of snacks and even some hot meals. While it's no Grand Central station, it's totally worth a visit. Have fun!

Nothing special about the train station, it's an in & out situation. Extremely easy to navigate, lots of loud speaker reminders, only 1 coffee shop with deceit coffee, not too badly priced. Trains leave promptly, no BS'in so if you late, you SOL! My ticket was only $26 one way to SEA

I wish it was more cleaner. Trains are really old and in bad condition as well. Restaurant on the train was closed so we had to eat tasteless food from shop.