Discovering Portland by Train: A Traveler’s Guide

Amtrak’s Portland station is located in the historic Union Station building in downtown Portland. The station is served by Amtrak’s Coast Starlight and Cascades trains. The station also has a cafe, a newsstand, and a waiting room for passengers. This article is devoted to Portland as the destination of Amtrak Trains.

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The Union Station Building

The Union Station building was originally built in 1887 and is on the National Register of Historic Places. The building was renovated in 1977 to accommodate Amtrak’s Portland station. The station is located in the heart of downtown Portland and is within walking distance of many restaurants, shops, and attractions. Moreover, the station is also located near public transportation, making it easy to get around the city.

The waiting room at Amtrak’s Portland station is open from 4:30 am to 9:30 pm. The cafe is open from 6:00 am to 8:00 pm. The newsstand is open from 6:00 am to 8:00 pm.

If you are arriving in Portland by train, there are a few things you should know to make your trip go smoothly. First, let’s take a look at the Union Station building and what services Amtrak offers. Then, we’ll explore some of the best things to do in Portland.

The station is served by Amtrak’s Coast Starlight and Cascades trains.

The Coast Starlight train

Amtrak’s Coast Starlight train offers service from Seattle to Los Angeles, with stops in Portland, Sacramento, and San Francisco. The train offers a variety of amenities, including coach seats, business class seats, and sleeping accommodations. The Coast Starlight train also has a cafe car, where passengers can purchase food and drinks.

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The Cascades train

Amtrak’s Cascades train offers service from Eugene to Vancouver, with stops in Portland and Seattle. The train features spacious seating, large windows, and plenty of legroom. Onboard amenities include a cafe car, WiFi, power outlets, and baggage storage. The Cascades train is a great way to see the sights of the Pacific Northwest while enjoying a comfortable ride.

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Attractions of Portland

There are many things to see and do in Portland. As the largest city in Oregon, Portland is a vibrant and bustling metropolis with something for everyone. From the historic Union Station building to the many parks and museums, there is much to explore in Portland.

You can find the best things to do in Portland below.

Visit the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry

The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry is a great place to learn about the history and science of the Pacific Northwest. The museum has interactive exhibits, a planetarium, and a variety of educational programs.

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Explore Washington Park

Washington Park is a large urban park located in the west hills of Portland. The park features several trails, a playground, and a scenic viewpoint.

Visit the International Rose Test Garden

The International Rose Test Garden is a must-see for any gardener or rose lover. The garden features over 10,000 varieties of roses, making it the perfect place to spend a peaceful afternoon.

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Stroll through Pioneer Courthouse Square

Pioneer Courthouse Square is a public plaza located in the center of downtown Portland. The square is home to a variety of events and activities and is a great place to visit. Read more details about Square can be read there.

Oregon Zoo

The Oregon Zoo is one of the most popular attractions in Portland. The zoo is home to a lot of animals: tigers, lions, bears, etc. The zoo also offers a variety of educational programs and events. More info about the Zoo there.

Visit the Japanese Garden

The Japanese Garden is a beautiful oasis in the heart of Portland. The garden features a variety of plants and trees, as well as a peaceful pond.

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These are just a few of the many attractions that Portland has to offer. Whether you’re interested in history, science, or nature, you’ll find something to enjoy in Portland.

Listen to this pretty podcast from local people about different neighborhoods of Portland!

Services offered by Amtrak

Amtrak offers a variety of services to make your trip more enjoyable.

  • First, Amtrak offers checked baggage service for a fee. This service is available at all Amtrak stations. You can check two bags per person with a maximum weight of 50 pounds each.
  • Second, Amtrak offers a food and drink service on all of its trains. The cafe car offers a variety of hot and cold food items, as well as alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
  • Third, Amtrak offers WiFi on all of its trains. This service is free for passengers with a laptop, tablet, or smartphone.
  • Finally, Amtrak offers a baggage storage service at all of its stations. This service is available for a fee and allows you to store your luggage while you explore the city.

Planning Your Trip

Now that you know a little bit about Portland and the services that Amtrak offers, it’s time to start planning your trip.

When planning your trip, there are a few things to keep in mind.

  • First, you’ll need to decide which train you want to take. The Coast Starlight train offers service from Seattle to Los Angeles, with stops in Portland, Sacramento, and San Francisco. The Cascades train offers service from Eugene to Vancouver, with stops in Portland and Seattle.
  • Second, you’ll need to decide how long you want to stay in Portland. Portland is a large city with many things to see and do. If you’re only staying for a few days, you’ll need to plan your time carefully so that you can see and do everything that you want.
  • Third, you’ll need to make sure you have a place to stay in Portland. There are many hotels, motels, and Bed & Breakfasts in Portland. You can also find vacation rentals, camping sites, and RV parks in the area.
  • Finally, you’ll need to decide what you want to do while you’re in Portland. There are many attractions, including the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, Washington Park, the International Rose Test Garden, and Pioneer Courthouse Square. You can also visit the Oregon Zoo or the Japanese Garden.

Now that you know a little bit about Portland and the services offered by Amtrak, it’s time to start planning your trip. With a little bit of planning, you’re sure to have a great time on your journey.

Conclusion

There is much to see and do in Portland, Oregon. From the historic Union Station building to the many parks and museums, there is something for everyone in Portland. Amtrak offers a variety of services to make your trip more enjoyable, including checked baggage, food and drink service, WiFi, and baggage storage. When planning your trip, be sure to consider which train you want to take, how long you want to stay, and what you want to do while you’re in Portland. With a little bit of planning, you’re sure to have a great time on your journey.

Watch the video about Portland to find out the places to visit:

Questions about Amtrak Portland

Is Amtrak running between Portland and Seattle?

Yes, Amtrak offers service between Portland and Seattle on both the Coast Starlight and Cascades trains.

How long is the Amtrak from Seattle to Portland?

The Amtrak from Seattle to Portland is approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes.

What is the price of an Amtrak ticket from Seattle to Portland?

The price of an Amtrak ticket from Seattle to Portland starts at $39.00 for coach class.

Is downtown Portland safe to visit?

Yes, downtown Portland is safe to visit. There are many hotels, motels, and Bed & Breakfasts in the area. You can also find vacation rentals, camping sites, and RV parks in the area. If you’re only staying for a few days, you’ll need to plan your time carefully so that you can see and do everything that you want.

Is Portland a dirty city?

No, Portland is not a dirty city. There are many parks and green spaces throughout the city. The Willamette River runs through downtown Portland, and there are many bridges that cross the river. In fact, Portland was recently ranked as the cleanest city in the United States.

What is the best time of year to visit Portland?

The best time of year to visit Portland is during the summer. During the summer, the weather is warm and there is less rain. However, Portland is a great city to visit any time of year.

What is the best way to get around Portland?

The best way to get around Portland is by public transportation. Portland has a light rail system, buses, and streetcars. You can also rent a bike or walk to get around the city.

How much is a bus ticket from Portland to Seattle?

The price of a bus ticket from Portland to Seattle starts at $39.00.

What is the weather like in Portland?

The weather in Portland is usually mild. However, the city does experience all four seasons. The average high temperature in Portland is 71 degrees Fahrenheit, and the average low temperature is 51 degrees Fahrenheit.

What is there to do in Portland?

There are many things to do in Portland, Oregon. You can visit the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, Washington Park, the International Rose Test Garden, and Pioneer Courthouse Square. You can also visit the Oregon Zoo or the Japanese Garden. There are also many restaurants, cafes, and shops in Portland.

Can you take a train from California to Portland?

Yes, you can take a train from California to Portland on the Coast Starlight train. The Coast Starlight train runs from Los Angeles to Seattle, and Portland is one of the stops on the route. The cost of a ticket from Los Angeles to Portland starts at $97.00 for coach class.

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