# Travel >> Transportation >> Trains

How to Book Train Travel From Salem to Vancouver

On Amtrak, America's railway system, you can travel easily from Salem, Oregon, to Vancouver, Washington. You can also take the Cascades train on to Vancouver, British Columbia in Canada. Vancouver, Washington, is located on the border of Washington state and Oregon, just north of Portland. It is an extremely livable city with lots of mountainside scenery, friendly people and a relaxed atmosphere. Vancouver, B.C. is the first major city north of the U.S. and is home to Hollywood movie production, a thriving arts scene and ski resorts.

Map of Oregon, Washington, or British Columbia
Computer with Internet access for making reservations
Government-issued ID and/or Passport (if you're going to Canada you'll need both)

Instructions

Book Train Travel From Salem to Vancouver
- 1
  Book your ticket on Amtrak's Web site (see Resources) or by calling (800) USA-RAIL.
- 2
  Compare travel dates if your plans are flexible. You can usually find more desirable schedules and routes the more you search.
- 3
  Use your auto club, seniors club or student discount to save you up to 50 percent off regular adult fares.
- 4
  Print out your boarding confirmation so that you can use it to grab your "real" tickets at the Salem train station on your date of departure.
Get Ready to Depart for Vancouver
- 5
  Bring snacks and games to entertain children. The ride from Salem to Vancouver, Washington, is only about 2 hours, but the trip from Salem into Vancouver, B.C., is about 11 hours!
- 6
  Travel with your driver's license and passport if you plan on crossing the border into Canada. You will need proof of citizenship and identity, so if you don't have a passport, be sure to bring a birth certificate. Copies of any of these documents are not acceptable.
- 7
  Arrange for special dietetic meals ahead of time for you or passengers traveling with you. Amtrak will prepare kosher and vegetarian meals upon request, in addition to low-salt and low-cholesterol options as well.
- 8
  Bring your camera. You can get some really interesting pictures from the train windows during your trip. Binoculars are a good idea too, as most scenery is off in the distance on many of the mountain passes.