Amtrak to return rail service from Seattle to Vancouver to pre-pandemic levels

Amtrak will add a second daily scheduled return rail service from Seattle to Vancouver starting March 7, bringing service levels back to pre-pandemic times.

According to Washington Senator Maria Cantwell, Amtrak has advised the Washington State Department of Transportation and the Oregon Department of Transportation that the company will add the second round-trip to Vancouver.

The rail line is also increasing the number of daily trips between Seattle and Portland from four to six beginning in fall 2023.

“I’m thankful that Amtrak is finally on the path to fully restore service in the Pacific Northwest. I-5 corridor in the State of Washington is one of the most congested corridors in the nation and the Cascades service provides a convenient alternative to travellers,” Cantwell said.

Before the pandemic, around 750,000 riders used the route connecting the State of Washington, Oregon and B.C. each year. The service to Vancouver was suspended in May 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with one round trip returned in September 2022.