Amtrak debuts North America’s first passenger rail preclearance station
Posted June 10, 2026 6:50 pm.
Rail travel to the U.S. just got easier.
Passengers headed for the U.S. on Amtrak can now complete preclearance before boarding their train at Pacific Central Station.
CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO 1130 NEWSRADIO VANCOUVER LIVE!Preclearance has been available at select airports for many years, Pacific Central Station is the first rail station in North America to offer this capability.
“The launch of U.S. preclearance at Vancouver’s Pacific Central Station marks a major milestone in making cross-border travel and trade between our two countries safer, faster, and more efficient,” said Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Public Safety.
Delivered in partnership with the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), VIA Rail, and numerous agencies in both countries that include U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the Canada Border Services Agency, Transport Canada, and Public Safety Canada, the preclearance process consolidates inspection, security, and customs procedures into a single step prior to departure.
Trains departing Vancouver will now proceed directly into the United States without stopping for enroute border screening. To support preclearance, targeted upgrades were completed within the station to accommodate enhanced customs and security operations.
