Beginning July 1, Amtrak is adding another train to the Seattle-to-Portland route. That'll mean a new 11:20am departure from Seattle and a new 2:50pm departure from Portland, in addition to existing STP trips at 7:30am, 2:20pm, and 5:25pm; and PTS trains at 12:15pm, 3:55pm, 6:20pm and 9:45pm. One-way fares start at $26 (and top out at $42).
You can buy tickets online here -- unless it's a last-minute purchase, in which case Amtrak wants you to avoid the speed and convenience of an online order. "Slow down," says Amtrak. "What's the rush! You come down to the station, stand in line. Maybe you'll get a ticket. Maybe not. But we're spending a lot of your money on the station decor. Enjoy it." (Speaking of which, this Saturday, MOHAI is sponsoring a walking tour in honor of the King Street Station's Centennial. Tickets are $20 -- meet up at 1pm at Union Station.)
We're fans of the Amtrak Seattle-to-Portland run because it's one of the few West coast Amtrak runs we know that is competitive, timewise, with driving a car. At 3-1/2 hours, it's within spitting distance of the 3 hours it takes to drive (legally), and it gives you 3 hours of free time to take in scenery, mess with your laptop, and stretch your legs. That and $3/gallon-gas has increased demand enough for the extra train service. Now all we need is service to West Seattle and we're golden.
add to digg
add to stumble upon
add to reddit
email this
add to facebook
add to del.icio.us
Did you know that it is legal to bring your own booze and have a semi-wild party on the train down to Portland? http://www.flickr.com/photos/39882521@N00/105144908/
Good lord, 8bitjake! Give a little NSFW warning, wouldya! That may be how you roll in B-town, but we Seattleites are a staid, sober bunch. ;-)
Hey that is the "Metal" sign. not the bird.