Washington State offers some of the most scenic train travel in the Pacific Northwest, with Amtrak connecting its vibrant cities, charming towns, and stunning landscapes. Whether you’re commuting, exploring, or embarking on a cross-country adventure, understanding the state’s Amtrak stations is key to a smooth journey.
This complete guide will walk you through every Amtrak station in Washington, detailing their locations, key features, and crucial distances to major cities and airports.
Amtrak Routes Through Washington
Before we dive into the stations, it’s helpful to know the two primary Amtrak routes that traverse Washington State:
The Amtrak Cascades: This popular service runs multiple times daily between Vancouver, B.C., and Eugene, Oregon, with numerous stops in Western Washington including Bellingham, Everett, Seattle, Tacoma, Olympia-Lacey, Centralia, Kelso-Longview, and Vancouver (WA). Known for its European-style trains and scenic views of Puget Sound and the Columbia River.
The Empire Builder: This legendary long-distance route connects Chicago to Seattle (and Portland, splitting in Spokane). It serves Eastern Washington stations like Spokane, Pasco, Wishram, Ephrata, Wenatchee, and Leavenworth (Icicle). It offers bi-level Superliner cars, a dining car, and sleeper options.
Let’s explore the stations!
Western Washington Stations (Amtrak Cascades Route)
These stations are primarily served by the Amtrak Cascades, hugging the beautiful western side of the state.
1. Bellingham (BHM) – Fairhaven Station
Location: 1100 Harris Ave, Bellingham, WA 98225
Description: Located in the historic Fairhaven district, this charming station is a gateway to the San Juan Islands, British Columbia, and outdoor adventures.
Features: Staffed, restrooms, local bus connections.
Destination
Approximate Distance (miles)
Approximate Car Travel Time
Vancouver, BC
55
1 hr 15 min
Seattle (Downtown)
90
1 hr 45 min
Bellingham Airport (BLI)
5
10 min
Mount Baker Ski Area
50
1 hr 15 min
2. Everett (EVR) – Amtrak Station
Location: 3201 Smith Ave, Everett, WA 98201
Description: A busy intermodal hub north of Seattle, connecting Amtrak, Sounder commuter rail, and local bus services.
Features: Staffed, restrooms, accessible, connections to Sounder train (peak hours to Seattle).
Destination
Approximate Distance (miles)
Approximate Car Travel Time
Seattle (Downtown)
30
40-50 min
Paine Field Airport (PAE)
6
15 min
Mukilteo Ferry Terminal
10
20 min
Bellingham
60
1 hr 10 min
3. Seattle (SEA) – King Street Station
Location: 303 S Jackson St, Seattle, WA 98104
Description: Seattle’s iconic train station, a beautifully restored historic landmark in the heart of Pioneer Square, offering connections to Link Light Rail, Sounder, and numerous bus routes.
Description: Located within the lively Freighthouse Square market, offering food options and direct connections to Tacoma Link Light Rail and local buses.
Features: Staffed, restrooms, food court, accessible, connections to Sounder train (peak hours to Seattle).
Destination
Approximate Distance (miles)
Approximate Car Travel Time
SEA-Tac Airport (SEA)
20
25-35 min
Seattle (Downtown)
35
40-50 min
Olympia (Downtown)
30
35-45 min
Mount Rainier National Park (Paradise)
65
1 hr 45 min
5. Olympia-Lacey (OLW) – Centennial Station
Location: 6603 Yelm Hwy SE, Olympia, WA 98513
Description: Serving the state capital region, this station is a few miles east of downtown Olympia. Limited services, primarily for boarding and alighting.
Features: Unstaffed, restrooms, platform shelter.
Destination
Approximate Distance (miles)
Approximate Car Travel Time
Olympia (Downtown)
7
15 min
Tacoma (Downtown)
30
35-45 min
Seattle (Downtown)
60
1 hr 10 min
Aberdeen
50
1 hr
6. Centralia (CTL) – Amtrak Station
Location: 210 Railroad Ave, Centralia, WA 98531
Description: A historic, beautifully preserved station serving a charming railway town midway between Seattle and Portland.
Features: Limited staff (ticket agent usually available), restrooms, accessible.
Destination
Approximate Distance (miles)
Approximate Car Travel Time
Chehalis (Downtown)
5
10 min
Olympia (Downtown)
30
35 min
Portland, OR (Downtown)
85
1 hr 30 min
Mount St. Helens Visitor Ctr
50
1 hr
7. Kelso-Longview (KLW) – Amtrak Station
Location: 501 Broadway St, Kelso, WA 98626
Description: Serving both Kelso and Longview, this station is a good stop for exploring the Cowlitz River Valley and nearby natural attractions.
Features: Staffed, restrooms, accessible.
Destination
Approximate Distance (miles)
Approximate Car Travel Time
Longview (Downtown)
3
7 min
Mount St. Helens Visitor Ctr
35
45 min
Portland, OR (Downtown)
45
50 min
Vancouver, WA (Downtown)
30
35 min
8. Vancouver (VAN) – Amtrak Station
Location: 1301 W 11th St, Vancouver, WA 98660
Description: Washington’s southernmost station on the Cascades route, just across the Columbia River from Portland, Oregon.
Features: Staffed, restrooms, accessible, close to C-TRAN bus services.
Destination
Approximate Distance (miles)
Approximate Car Travel Time
Portland, OR (Downtown)
10
15-20 min
Portland Airport (PDX)
10
15-20 min
Columbia River Gorge (Troutdale, OR)
20
25 min
Fort Vancouver National Historic Site
1
5 min
Eastern Washington Stations (Empire Builder Route)
These stations are primarily served by the historic Empire Builder, connecting travelers to broader Eastern Washington.
1. Wishram (WSH) – Amtrak Station
Location: Wishram S Access Rd, Wishram, WA 98673
Description: A small, unstaffed stop along the Columbia River Gorge. Primarily for long-distance travelers on the Empire Builder.
Features: Unstaffed, platform shelter.
Destination
Approximate Distance (miles)
Approximate Car Travel Time
The Dalles, OR
10
15 min
Hood River, OR
25
30 min
Goldendale
20
25 min
Maryhill Museum of Art
15
20 min
2. Pasco (PSC) – Amtrak Station
Location: 100 N 4th Ave, Pasco, WA 99301
Description: The primary Amtrak station for the Tri-Cities region (Pasco, Kennewick, Richland), serving as a crucial stop in agricultural Eastern Washington.
Location: 22683 US-2, Leavenworth, WA 98826 (approximate, often referred to as “Icicle Station” or “Leavenworth Amtrak”)
Description: A unique, often unstaffed stop specifically for Leavenworth, a popular Bavarian-themed tourist destination. Note: This station is sometimes seasonal or has limited service. Always check Amtrak for current schedules.
Features: Unstaffed, platform shelter, a short distance from downtown Leavenworth.
Destination
Approximate Distance (miles)
Approximate Car Travel Time
Leavenworth (Downtown)
2
5 min
Wenatchee
20
30 min
Lake Wenatchee
20
30 min
6. Spokane (SPK) – Intermodal Center
Location: 221 W 1st Ave, Spokane, WA 99201
Description: The major transportation hub for Eastern Washington, connecting Amtrak, Greyhound, and local STA bus services in the heart of downtown.
Book in Advance: Especially for the Cascades route and peak travel times, tickets can sell out.
Arrive Early: Standard recommendation is 30 minutes before departure for staffed stations, 15 minutes for unstaffed.
Check Luggage Policy: Amtrak generally allows generous carry-on and checked baggage, but always confirm limits.
Enjoy the Scenery: Choose a window seat and let the views unfold, particularly along Puget Sound and the Columbia River.
Food & Drink: Cascades trains have a Bistro car; Empire Builder has a full Dining Car and Lounge car. You can also bring your own food.
Wi-Fi: Available on most Cascades trains, but can be spotty, especially in rural areas.
Whether you’re exploring the coastal beauty of the Puget Sound or the dramatic landscapes of Eastern Washington, Amtrak offers a unique and relaxing way to experience the Evergreen State. So, pick your destination, consult this guide, and prepare for an unforgettable train journey!
