Just before COVID, I rode in reverse (Seattle to Vancouver) on my way to ride The Canadian. NO customs until Vancouver because Amtrak goes all the way into the Vancouver station. Customs as you are about to enter the Vancouver station. I too rode business and used points---don't remember how many. Thanks for the vid.
I did this trip in the daytime in 2017 but in reverse. Was visiting a friend in Tacoma and rode up to Vancouver. I think we rode coach and IIRC took about 4 hours including customs. It was a nice ride and lovely views. I've also taken the ferry from Seattle to Victoria. Your conductor was funny, "pretty please?" Nice to know you can turn the seats around in biz class if you have motion sickness.
I really like your channel! Hope to see you up here in Canada again. You should try the Ocean train from Montreal to Halifax. Until then, I look forward to your next Amtrack adventure.
You'll have to do this again now that it's running twice daily. The views are spectacular and rival, of not exceed, the Coastal Starlight (because of the Vancouver BC views).
Another great video of yours Allie & Rob. Just to give you some names of the area you passed through shown on your video that was New Westminster & crossing over to Surrey when you crossed the Fraser River Bridge. The place with all the lights outside was White Rock just before the US Border & where you cleared US Immigration at the Border that was Blaine Washington & that Border Crossing is the Peach Arch Border Crossing. From Pacific Central by car it's about 40 mins depending on traffic to the Border. The 2nd Amtrak Cascades Train starts back up on Monday with the evening arrival into Pacific Central Station & the first Morning Departure is at 635am. Next time book the Northbound departure out of Seattle to enjoy the view of the Pacific Northwest & Puget Sound. Also book your seats for the left side.
Thank you for these videos. They are really awesome and have helped me overcome my fears of taking the train. Your in depth description of the experience really helps make it seem more enjoyable. Blessings to you both and safe travels 🙏🏽
I always look forward to seeing new videos from your channel. That was a cool conductor that helped you with the chairs. Right on with the cozy Mac & Cheese! Yum!
Thank you for this video. I'm hoping to come back over (I'm an Aussie) next year. A week in Vancouver area, week in Vancouver Island and a week in Oregon. I think I might take the train from Vancouver to Portland after watching your video. I've taken the Amtrak (economy) before from Portland to Seattle but think I'll try business class next trip. I'll be saving your video as you've given me quite a lot of information and I don't want to forget it as my trip comes closer. Happy travels.
You need to do that over on a daylight trip, because there is some spectacular scenery. The last time I rode a Cascades was in 2016, from Bellingham to Seattle after getting off an Alaska Ferry from Ketchikan. They were using the Talgo cars which I found more interesting than the conventional cars you had. My favorite Amtrak cafe meal for years had been the DiGiorno pizza, but on my 6-train September trip, I saw it had been deleted from the menu. But your train's menu still showed it! My other favorite cafe food is the turkey & cheese sandwich, but I noticed that it was sold out on your train. On my September trip, the cheese changed from cheddar to swiss to havarti depending on the train!
Enjoyed the video. We rode the Cascades from Portland to Seattle years ago but never riding across the border. The $3 voucher can be used for all items in the cafe. Still BC not as nice as on Surfliners
Another fab video y’all! Rob, I actually think the same thing about the burger. Lol. The Mac & cheese is surprisingly good! So glad the service is back running again to Canada. Safe travels!
Love your videos and enjoy spending quiet time on Sundays watching them. I binge on them tbh 🤣 Train travel is preferable when time allows. Such a fab way to see more things and it's civilized.
Thanks for sharing. Im doing this trip in April so it was interesting to watch. I’ve done a few trips with via but this will be my first trip by Amtrak.
So cool. I watched your video on the Amtrak Cascades wifi while I was doing the exact same trip, except we left on the morning route. Loved your video and loved the ride in person. Thanks for sharing.
I’m American and what’s funny is the only time I’ve ever been on a “real” train was when we went to Europe. But… in Sept. we have an Alaskan cruise out of Seattle which disembarks in Vancouver so we decided to stay in Vancouver for a few days, then we plan to take the train to Seattle before we fly home. Can’t wait!
Ok we are taking this same journey in September…..only going Seattle TO Vancouver. What side to sit on and also, no seat assignments and we are in business class. What time will they start allowing us to get on the train? I want a good seat 😊. We will be departing on the 0750 train.
A video of cali to florida if you dont have passport or declaration wat is that can an I'd of stae ex cali n social security or birth certificate work..
The easiest place to stay in Seattle is the Embassy Suites Pioneer Square, it is right next to the station. We stayed this time at the Citizen M, which is not as close, but cheaper usually. Citizen M does have small rooms though.
I am afraid to fly. I haven’t take a plane in 12 years now. I don’t travel anymore, but I am getting old and I would like to go places, at least around 🇺🇸 and 🇨🇦. I can drive but I want to relax too. I am going to start saving money to take this route. I live in Southern California. If someone have done it, I will be happy to read your recommendations.
This might seem knit picky but you needed more lighting on the initial shots in this video. It’s your fault because you have set a high standard for travel videos. All of your videos are well lighted and framed; thank you.
I have a Question. I am an Indian Citizen with and I have a US B1/B2 Visa. How does the crossing work. Normally when i drive, I go into the secondary they get my fingerprints and I pay 6 USD for I94 and I am done.
Hi looking to fly from London UK to New York and start 'Amtraking' I was looking at package deals covering my flight from UK coming close to £3000 Sterling that includes stops/overnight stays in Washington, Chicago etc....Would you advise to book a package or book it all myself as a single traveller?
Hi, how do you know what train car/door to get into, on a platform only location? It stops for pickup/ drop off only no station, 1st timer fear of being left, thanks
It says on the outside of each car what class it is, but if you can't figure it out just get on the closest car and you can find the correct car or ask once on board. You can move between the cars from inside.
I hope they are not using those horrible coaches when I make my trip in May. Your experience on the Cascades is good intel for me as I put the finishing touches on my west coach trip
Everyone has to get off the bus at the border (both directions) and take all their bags (both carryon and checked bags from under the bus) with them and go through an airport style immigration/customs clearance procedure before reboarding the bus. Those who are ineligible for admission to Canada (or the US) will be put on the next bus that comes by to take them back to whichever country they originated.
hi there, i just have a question, as this is our first time to ride the train to seattle, is it okay to bring food inside? as i have a picky eater 8yrs old Boy
I'm disappointed! I thought you guys were going to be riding the new Tango train sets! You ended up riding in conventional Horizon fleet cars! Buy the way, when you said drinks aren't included, I hope you only meant the alcoholic variety?
Didn't make me want to travel to Canada via rail. Nothing exciting about the trip.. or to go to Canada! Sorry not an exciting video!!! I'll just plan and dream of somewhere in America to travel to or Europe to travel via train; no to Canada via rail .
Did you feel the business upgrade was worth it if you were to pay cash and had a longer journey (say to Portland, OR - 8 hours) in terms of seat comfort? 🫣 I have this same trip in May but in the opposite direction 👀 (I did the upgrade a few days ago but am genuinely curious on your opinion 👀) Did they at least provide water for free considering other drinks weren't free? 🧐
I would love to see that route during the day too. 😊
Hope you get to do the trip in the daylight sometime! The waterfront views along the coast are great
I hope so too!
Just before COVID, I rode in reverse (Seattle to Vancouver) on my way to ride The Canadian. NO customs until Vancouver because Amtrak goes all the way into the Vancouver station. Customs as you are about to enter the Vancouver station. I too rode business and used points---don't remember how many. Thanks for the vid.
Thanks for sharing your experiences
I did this trip in the daytime in 2017 but in reverse. Was visiting a friend in Tacoma and rode up to Vancouver. I think we rode coach and IIRC took about 4 hours including customs. It was a nice ride and lovely views. I've also taken the ferry from Seattle to Victoria.
Your conductor was funny, "pretty please?" Nice to know you can turn the seats around in biz class if you have motion sickness.
We have done this trip so many times ...Never get tired of it.
Our first time! Really enjoyed it
@@GroundedLifeTravel That's awesome. Thanks for producing such interesting productions.
Next time you go to Vancouver. Be sure to go hop onto the Translink Skytrain. You will see all kinds of scenery from it.
Thanks for the tip
You two are so fun to watch! So glad I came across your channel! 💜😃
Yay! Thank you!
Another very informative and very entertaining presentation! Thanks so very much!!
Glad you enjoyed it!
I'm excited to do another Amtrak trip this year, from Riverside, CA to Philadelphia, Pa.
That's a nice long trip, have a great time!
How did you like it?
Love Mac n cheese !! I got that on the Pennsylvanian Amtrak it’s delish !!!
Thank you for sharing this! Can't wait to experience this as driving from Vancouver to Seattle can be a pain
It is a very easy way to do it!
I really like your channel! Hope to see you up here in Canada again. You should try the Ocean train from Montreal to Halifax.
Until then, I look forward to your next Amtrack adventure.
That would be cool! Thanks
You'll have to do this again now that it's running twice daily. The views are spectacular and rival, of not exceed, the Coastal Starlight (because of the Vancouver BC views).
Another great video of yours Allie & Rob. Just to give you some names of the area you passed through shown on your video that was New Westminster & crossing over to Surrey when you crossed the Fraser River Bridge. The place with all the lights outside was White Rock just before the US Border & where you cleared US Immigration at the Border that was Blaine Washington & that Border Crossing is the Peach Arch Border Crossing. From Pacific Central by car it's about 40 mins depending on traffic to the Border. The 2nd Amtrak Cascades Train starts back up on Monday with the evening arrival into Pacific Central Station & the first Morning Departure is at 635am. Next time book the Northbound departure out of Seattle to enjoy the view of the Pacific Northwest & Puget Sound. Also book your seats for the left side.
Thanks! And thanks for the tips and info!!
@@GroundedLifeTravel You both are very welcome!
Thank you for these videos. They are really awesome and have helped me overcome my fears of taking the train. Your in depth description of the experience really helps make it seem more enjoyable. Blessings to you both and safe travels 🙏🏽
You're very welcome! Thanks!
Thank you for sharing. I’m thinking of taking this trip for my birthday this year. I love how in depth you are! Cheers!
Have fun!
Welcome to Seattle. Hope you have a good time if you are staying for any time.
Thanks!
6:12 🤣@ Rob's smiley face🙂ketchup.
Haha
Thank you! 😊
You're welcome 😊
I always look forward to seeing new videos from your channel. That was a cool conductor that helped you with the chairs. Right on with the cozy Mac & Cheese! Yum!
It was very nice of them, they were great on that train!
So awesome they could turn your seats around 😊
Totally! We were excited, they were very nice.
Thank you for this video. I'm hoping to come back over (I'm an Aussie) next year. A week in Vancouver area, week in Vancouver Island and a week in Oregon. I think I might take the train from Vancouver to Portland after watching your video. I've taken the Amtrak (economy) before from Portland to Seattle but think I'll try business class next trip. I'll be saving your video as you've given me quite a lot of information and I don't want to forget it as my trip comes closer. Happy travels.
You need to do that over on a daylight trip, because there is some spectacular scenery. The last time I rode a Cascades was in 2016, from Bellingham to Seattle after getting off an Alaska Ferry from Ketchikan. They were using the Talgo cars which I found more interesting than the conventional cars you had. My favorite Amtrak cafe meal for years had been the DiGiorno pizza, but on my 6-train September trip, I saw it had been deleted from the menu. But your train's menu still showed it! My other favorite cafe food is the turkey & cheese sandwich, but I noticed that it was sold out on your train. On my September trip, the cheese changed from cheddar to swiss to havarti depending on the train!
Hoping to! When we rode they still just had the one departure per day though. I think there are more now.
Enjoyed the video. We rode the Cascades from Portland to Seattle years ago but never riding across the border. The $3 voucher can be used for all items in the cafe. Still BC not as nice as on Surfliners
First time we have seen the voucher system, it worked well for us.
Yes, we want to go to Vancouver and around next year and by train to Seattle. Main reason to go to Seattle are Bruce and Brandon Lee ❤
Awesome!
Another fab video y’all! Rob, I actually think the same thing about the burger. Lol. The Mac & cheese is surprisingly good! So glad the service is back running again to Canada. Safe travels!
Thanks! We were really excited when we saw we could do the train again instead of the bus.
Love your videos and enjoy spending quiet time on Sundays watching them. I binge on them tbh 🤣 Train travel is preferable when time allows. Such a fab way to see more things and it's civilized.
Thanks so much and thanks for watching!
Amazing as always....Can't wait to see you do it during the day
We hope to get that chance soon
This is on our bucket list! We can't wait to do this route someday for our channel.
Nice to flip those seats around!!
Yay for single seats! I didn't know such a thing existed.
They are in business class
Mac n cheese looks delish I get the cheeseburger on the Pennsylvanian when I go to Philly or Pittsburgh
It was pretty good!
Thank you so much. I want to do this soon! 🇺🇸 🇨🇦 🚅
Have fun!
Thanks for sharing. Im doing this trip in April so it was interesting to watch. I’ve done a few trips with via but this will be my first trip by Amtrak.
Have fun!
Thanks so much how cool ! 🙏
Our pleasure!
Loved the seat tour music, made me smile.
I hope you can get some Beecher's mac & cheese while you are in Seattle. Yum!
Thanks for the recommendation!
😊Hello…Thanks for sharing all your travels..What a joy❤❤❤
Our pleasure!
Love your channel and thank you!
You are so welcome!
Hello.miss y'all videos welcome back 😊😊❤❤
Thank you! 🤗
So cool. I watched your video on the Amtrak Cascades wifi while I was doing the exact same trip, except we left on the morning route. Loved your video and loved the ride in person. Thanks for sharing.
That microwave hamburger looked delicious!
It wasn't bad!
Thinking of doing this trek soon! I’ve always wanted to go by train. Thanks!
I had these videos playing in the background today...THANK YOU!!! Esp, thankful for the food parts!! :)
Come to Australia and take the Indian pacific across the country it's on my bucket list
Would love to!
My favorite travelers. Lol
Thanks!
I’m American and what’s funny is the only time I’ve ever been on a “real” train was when we went to Europe. But… in Sept. we have an Alaskan cruise out of Seattle which disembarks in Vancouver so we decided to stay in Vancouver for a few days, then we plan to take the train to Seattle before we fly home. Can’t wait!
Have a great trip!
Hi, never heard of this Amtrak train. Love my visit to Seattle last August. It's a beautiful city. Enjoy your trip.
Thank you! Will do!
What do they ask at customs? Before you get on the train
If you have business class and traveling through Portland you get metropolitan lounge there
So great to travel with you. My mom and I talked about a train ride for fun but we decided we are probably getting to old, lol
Thanks for watching!
Wow they did that with seats but qonder why driving option not on both ends of train so it's never backwards
It’s pretty at night.
Thanks
On Amtrak and Via rail, there is preclearance at the station instead at the border.
Yes, on the Cascades, but it is at the border from NYC to Toronto.
I wish they still had the talgo 6
Ok we are taking this same journey in September…..only going Seattle TO Vancouver. What side to sit on and also, no seat assignments and we are in business class. What time will they start allowing us to get on the train? I want a good seat 😊. We will be departing on the 0750 train.
Boy those passenger cars look old!
How is the train trip from Canada to Seattle is it nice scenery
REALLY WORRIED ABOUT YOU ALL. HEARD ABOUT TRAIN WRECK IN GREECE. SO SAD ABOUT THE OTHER PEOPLE BUT GLAD YOU ARE OK, ENJOY YOUR VIDEOS. THANKS
Thanks
Same here😔
We’re there cabs available at the Seattle station?
With so much useless trash and propaganda on you tube, a real life experience like yours is actually appreciated and useful.
Thanks for the video
What month are you on this train
How do you get a back seat
Thanks for answering my questions
We rode in January and it was open seating so just sit wherever you like.
@@GroundedLifeTravel Thanks
Cool Trip
A video of cali to florida if you dont have passport or declaration wat is that can an I'd of stae ex cali n social security or birth certificate work..
Do you have any videos regarding checked bags from Vancouver BC to Everett on coach class?
Great info thanks. Where did you stay in Seattle and was it easy to get to hotel from King St station? Want to take Grandson in May.
The easiest place to stay in Seattle is the Embassy Suites Pioneer Square, it is right next to the station. We stayed this time at the Citizen M, which is not as close, but cheaper usually. Citizen M does have small rooms though.
I am afraid to fly. I haven’t take a plane in 12 years now. I don’t travel anymore, but I am getting old and I would like to go places, at least around 🇺🇸 and 🇨🇦. I can drive but I want to relax too. I am going to start saving money to take this route. I live in Southern California. If someone have done it, I will be happy to read your recommendations.
Thanks for another great trip report. How long was the journey?
Thanks! It's 4 hours and 25 minutes
If coming back to US and lost passport are you stuck in Canada?
Thx so much how did u back from Seattle same train and place ?
This might seem knit picky but you needed more lighting on the initial shots in this video. It’s your fault because you have set a high standard for travel videos. All of your videos are well lighted and framed; thank you.
Business Class looked comfy. How was the temperature in that section? Are you planning on filming a Via Rail-Amtrak comparison video?
It was good, perfect. Yes, we hope to soon.
I have a Question. I am an Indian Citizen with and I have a US B1/B2 Visa. How does the crossing work. Normally when i drive, I go into the secondary they get my fingerprints and I pay 6 USD for I94 and I am done.
Hi looking to fly from London UK to New York and start 'Amtraking' I was looking at package deals covering my flight from UK coming close to £3000 Sterling that includes stops/overnight stays in Washington, Chicago etc....Would you advise to book a package or book it all myself as a single traveller?
If you are comfortable booking it you can save money doing it yourself.
Hi, how do you know what train car/door to get into, on a platform only location? It stops for pickup/ drop off only no station, 1st timer fear of being left, thanks
It says on the outside of each car what class it is, but if you can't figure it out just get on the closest car and you can find the correct car or ask once on board. You can move between the cars from inside.
👍
I hope they are not using those horrible coaches when I make my trip in May. Your experience on the Cascades is good intel for me as I put the finishing touches on my west coach trip
Coaches are great and they'll be waiting for you. They are dedicated to this route.
Do you know if Customs works the same way when using the Amtrak “Thruway” (bus) service on the same route?
We don't know, but maybe someone who has done it can answer it.
Everyone has to get off the bus at the border (both directions) and take all their bags (both carryon and checked bags from under the bus) with them and go through an airport style immigration/customs clearance procedure before reboarding the bus. Those who are ineligible for admission to Canada (or the US) will be put on the next bus that comes by to take them back to whichever country they originated.
Great video. How long was the train ride?
Thanks, it is 4 hours and 25 minutes
What happens to foot rest or tray if seat in front of you decides to recline?
It's not like an airplane, there is more room on the train
Is there lounge access in Vancouver?
Is the ride bumpy or just like car? My pregnant friend has to travel in 3td trimester, thus asking
As someone who also struggles with motion sickness, how bad is it for you on trains?
Do you have to get off at customs at every station or just between Vancouver and Seattle
Do you get to set together if you buy two tickets?
Yes it was open seating so you can sit wherever you want
Too bad you had to ride in the crappy Horizon cars but WashDOT panicked and scrapped the Talgo 6 trains after the NTSB blamed them for DuPont.
hi there, i just have a question, as this is our first time to ride the train to seattle, is it okay to bring food inside? as i have a picky eater 8yrs old Boy
It seems, based on what you get, that paying the extra for business class on Amtrack is never really worth it. Glad you got to use points.
The quality of business class varies by route unfortunately.
Did you get to check out business class?
Yes, we rode in business
Try Japan...
We will be there soon
@Grounded Life Travel
Make sure you research Hakone . Known for its onsen ( hot springs) ..It only take 90 minutes by train. Awesome . Have fun
Why not do this trip in daylight
There was only one train per day, and this was the time it goes.
I'm disappointed! I thought you guys were going to be riding the new Tango train sets! You ended up riding in conventional Horizon fleet cars!
Buy the way, when you said drinks aren't included, I hope you only meant the alcoholic variety?
All drinks were not included. They only had one train running at the time.
Shocker!😮
So skip the food on the train. 7/11 anyone?
That microwave food is gross on the train and to expensive lol
I agree. Same Ole food.
Too many commercials. Way too many now.
Didn't make me want to travel to Canada via rail. Nothing exciting about the trip.. or to go to Canada! Sorry not an exciting video!!! I'll just plan and dream of somewhere in America to travel to or Europe to travel via train; no to Canada via rail .
Did you feel the business upgrade was worth it if you were to pay cash and had a longer journey (say to Portland, OR - 8 hours) in terms of seat comfort? 🫣 I have this same trip in May but in the opposite direction 👀 (I did the upgrade a few days ago but am genuinely curious on your opinion 👀)
Did they at least provide water for free considering other drinks weren't free? 🧐
Nothing was free, which was surprising. I'd say if it is a large difference I'd do coach, but a small one I'd do business.