Amtrak Cascades cuts U.S.-Canada border journey instances with streamlined customs course of

OLYMPIA, Wash. — Traveling by practice from Vancouver, British Columbia, into the United States is anticipated to get quicker and simpler for Amtrak Cascades passengers, as worldwide soccer matches deliver extra guests to the Pacific Northwest.

Beginning this week, Amtrak Cascades passenger trains connecting Vancouver with 18 stations in western Washington and Oregon started providing streamlined customs inspections for passengers touring into the United States by way of a brand new “preclearance” designation, the Washington Department of Transportation (WSDOT) introduced.

Under the change, trains not have to cease in Blaine, Washington, for U.S. Customs and Border Protection brokers to board and conduct a second assessment of declaration playing cards, baggage and carry-on gadgets. Instead, vacationers are cleared by way of customs at upgraded station amenities earlier than departure.

The preclearance designation permits these searching for entry to the United States to be cleared by way of customs at areas outdoors of the United States. The course of has beforehand occurred at airports, not at practice stations. There are 16 preclearance airport areas around the globe, together with 10 in Canada. Vancouver’s Pacific Central Station is now the primary rail station in North America to obtain the designation, WSDOT stated.

For 25 years, Amtrak Cascades passengers touring to the United States underwent two separate inspections by U.S. officers. According to WSDOT, the pre-inspection occurred within the station earlier than passengers had been cleared to board the practice, and the second occurred onboard the practice when it stopped in Blaine, including at the very least 10 minutes to the schedule.

With the brand new preclearance designation, the 2 inspections are mixed, permitting Amtrak Cascades to cut back journey time by 10 minutes. With preclearance in place, the journey between Vancouver and Seattle now takes 4 hours.

In 2025, 149,000 passengers traveled to and from British Columbia on Amtrak Cascades trains, making Pacific Central Station the third hottest cease within the system, WSDOT stated.

“This is a milestone year for train travel in the Pacific Northwest. We’re pleased to offer Amtrak Cascades passengers a better cross-border experience, particularly as we welcome visitors from around the world as part of the international soccer games happening in both Seattle and Vancouver, British Columbia, this summer,” stated Washington Secretary of Transportation Julie Meredith. “In addition, we’re going to introduce new Amtrak Cascades trains later in 2026, with significantly more seats and onboard amenities. As a result, we’re anticipating record-breaking ridership in the year ahead and a bright future for rail travel throughout our region.”

Officials stated declaring Pacific Central Station a preclearance facility was years within the making, requiring important enhancements earlier than ultimate approval by each Canadian and U.S. officers to accommodate extra inspection and safety actions.

“This is a historic moment for passenger rail in North America,” stated Amtrak President Roger Harris. “Launching the continent’s first rail preclearance facility reflects what’s possible when strong partners come together with a shared focus on the customer experience. This improvement makes cross-border travel faster, easier, and more seamless from the moment passengers arrive at the station.”

“The launch of U.S. preclearance at Vancouver’s Pacific Central Station marks a major milestone in making cross-border travel and trade between our two countries safer, faster, and more efficient,” added Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Public Safety Canada. “I want to thank officials in both countries and all partners and agencies for their leadership and collaboration in strengthening the security of our shared border and bringing this streamlined rail service to life.”