Call Amtrak at 1-800-USA-RAIL or visit Amtrak's web site in the "Resources" section below. On the web site, you can book your train reservations via Amtrak's Fare Finder. You can also navigate the site if you have a PDA, Blackberry or other handheld device. Tickets are less than $50 one way, or $100 round trip. Discounts are available for children, seniors, retirees, military personnel and students with appropriate identification and discount cards.
If you ordered your tickets online or by phone, pick them up at a ticket agent or at one of the Quik-Trak kiosks that can be found at many Amtrak locations (you'll need to enter your reservation number). If you've booked your trip far in advance, you can also request that your tickets be mailed to you.
Plan on arriving at the Vancouver station at least a half hour early, especially if you're checking luggage. You may check up to three pieces of luggage, weighing no more than 50 pounds each. You can also carry on two pieces of luggage that may not exceed 50 pounds or certain size restrictions.
Carry the appropriate identification. Because this is an international trip, you are required to carry two pieces of identification that verify your identity and citizenship. Examples would be a driver's license and a passport or birth certificate. You will be required to provide your license or passport numbers when you make your reservation.
Plan on your trip taking approximately four hours. There are no major stops between Vancouver and Seattle.
Enjoy hot meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the dining car. For coach passengers, the meals cost extra, but they're included with the first-class fare.
Rent a digEplayer, an electronic device loaded with music, movies, and music videos. On some trips, there are volunteer park rangers who point out interesting sites along the way.
Leave your cigarettes at home or in your luggage, as this trip is non-smoking.
