Amtrak Cascades trains set to return to Vancouver after two-year hiatus

After a two-year wait due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Amtrak Cascades passenger trains will be rolling into Vancouver once again starting Sept. 26.

Amtrak suspended service on the route to Canada about two years ago when the pandemic started and the countries’ borders were closed.

Amtrak says the first Cascades train heading to Vancouver will leave Seattle at 7:45 a.m. and will stop at five cities along the way, arriving at Vancouver’s Pacific Central Station around 11:45 a.m.

The first train heading southbound to Seattle will leave Vancouver at 5:45 p.m. and arrive at around 10:10 p.m.

“This single roundtrip will be offered daily, with a second daily trip added in the future as Amtrak staffing and equipment allow,” said an Amtrak statement.

(Photo credit: Amtrak)

Amtrak reminds people going into the U.S. that non-U.S. citizen passengers must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 to cross the border.

They add all passengers going into Canada must use the ArriveCAN app before travelling and wear a mask in Canadian stations and on trains while travelling in Canada.

As well, all citizens must be fully vaccinated and carry the vaccination record that was uploaded into ArriveCAN

Related links: Amtrak train from Seattle to Vancouver delayed half a year

The return to Vancouver is sooner than anticipated after Amtrak announced in May that service would not resume until December.

At the time, Ray Lang, vice president of state supported services with Amtrak, defended the company and said the process of training and hiring was long.

“Having enough qualified maintenance personnel is a critical piece of our ability to support the resumption of service to Canada,” said Lang in his letter.

“While we are making good progress hiring individuals to fill those positions, most of the new hired employees need to complete their training programs.”

Lang said that he understood the frustration with the lack of service and hoped the date might come sooner.

“I realize this is much farther in the future than either state would lie. This news is also very disappointing to Amtrak,” said Lang.

“We commit to an earlier start date if our employee resources allow.”

Customers can purchase tickets at Amtrak.com, AmtrakCascades.com, the Amtrak app, Amtrak ticket desks and kiosks, and by calling 1-800-USA-RAIL.

Travelers departing from Canada can also book their tickets at ViaRail.ca, and through 1-888-VIA-RAIL.

With files from The Canadian Press