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How to get from Portland to Seattle
Amtrak Cascades trains link Portland Union Station and Seattle King Street Station in about 3 h 30, several times a day. Driving the I-5 takes about 3 h without traffic. Flights are about 1 h but rarely save time once airport time is added.
Best option: Train. The train avoids I-5 traffic and runs downtown to downtown with good views of Puget Sound.
All the ways to make the trip
| How | Time | How often | Price* | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| train Amtrak Cascades from Portland Union Station to Seattle King Street; also the once-daily Coast Starlight | about 3 h 30 | several trains a day | about US$30–80 | Book ahead for cheaper fares; reserved seats. |
| car I-5 north via Olympia and Tacoma | about 3 h without traffic; often longer | fuel only; no tolls on the I-5 | Traffic around Tacoma and Seattle can add an hour or more at rush hour. | |
| bus Long-distance buses (for example FlixBus and Greyhound) | about 3 h 30–4 h 30 | several a day | about US$20–50 | Cheapest option; subject to I-5 traffic. |
| flight Flights from Portland (PDX) to Seattle–Tacoma (SEA) | about 1 h flight; about 3 h 30 door to door | several a day | about US$80–250 | Rarely faster than the train. |
*Approximate prices and times for 2026. Timetables change by season: check with the operator before you travel.
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Tips
- Sit on the left heading to Seattle for views of Puget Sound.
- Avoid driving the I-5 through Tacoma and Seattle at rush hour.
- Seattle King Street Station is close to Pioneer Square and the Link light rail.
- Book Amtrak tickets early for weekend and holiday trips.
Common questions
How long is the train from Portland to Seattle?
About 3 h 30 on Amtrak Cascades, which runs several times a day between Portland Union Station and Seattle King Street Station. The once-daily Coast Starlight also stops at both. Trains have reserved seats and Wi-Fi. Check current timetables, as schedules can change.
Is it faster to drive or take the train from Portland to Seattle?
Without traffic, driving the I-5 takes about 3 hours, slightly faster than the train. But traffic around Tacoma and Seattle often adds an hour or more, and parking in Seattle is expensive. The train is more predictable and drops you downtown.
What is the cheapest way from Portland to Seattle?
Usually a long-distance bus, at about US$20–50 if booked ahead, taking about 3 h 30–4 h 30. Amtrak saver fares can be similar if booked early. Driving is cheap for a group, but add Seattle parking costs. Flights are rarely cheapest.
Can I do a day trip from Portland to Seattle?
Yes, with an early train and an evening return you get about six to eight hours in Seattle, enough for Pike Place Market, the waterfront and Seattle Center. Check the last train back to Portland. An overnight stay makes the trip more relaxed.
Compiled by TonyPlan from operator and transport information and travel knowledge; updated 2026-10-05. Anything we could not confirm is marked as approximate.