Train Travel in Washington
Amtrak Cascades, Coast Starlight, and Empire Builder converge on King Street Station in Seattle.
Passenger rail services with at least one stop in Washington.
Regularly served stations in our research index.
U.S. census/transit region for connecting service.
Routes serving Washington
The following passenger rail services call at one or more stations in Washington. Routes range from short-haul commuter rail systems to transcontinental long-distance trains; the table below sorts by service type and distance. A useful supplemental resource is the state-level rail capital plan summary for context on funded improvements.
| Route | Type | Distance | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Empire Builder | Long-Distance | 2,257 mi | Daily |
| Coast Starlight | Long-Distance | 1,377 mi | Daily |
| Amtrak Cascades | State-Supported Corridor | 467 mi | Multiple daily round trips between Seattle and Portland |
| Sounder Commuter Rail | Commuter Rail | 82 mi | Weekday peak service on two lines |
Stations in Washington
Our station index covers 14 facilities in Washington, from large urban union stations to rural flag stops.
Travel notes
Washington is part of the Pacific Northwest region. Riders connecting between routes within the state can use any of the major hubs above for cross-platform or short-walk transfers, depending on the station. For onward travel beyond the rail network, intercity bus and connecting Thruway services often complement the train; consult the operator for current connecting itineraries.
Fare structures, on-board amenities, and ticketing systems differ between Amtrak, state-supported corridors, and individual commuter operators. Long-distance Amtrak trains typically offer reserved sleeping accommodations alongside coach class; corridor services are reserved coach with optional business class; and commuter rail is generally open seating with monthly-pass fare options.
More Washington Rail Resources
- Washington rail advocacy and ridership data
- A weekend rail itinerary across Washington