Extra Amtrak Cascades train, bus service added for busy Thanksgiving holiday

Nov. 16, 2015

For more information: Kathy Holmes, Passenger Rail Program manager, (503) 986-5174 or Shelley M. Snow, Communications, (503) 986-3438

SALEM - ODOT, Washington Department of Transportation and Amtrak are partnering up to offer increased Amtrak Cascades passenger rail and Thruway POINT bus service for the busy Thanksgiving holiday.

WSDOT will offer two additional Amtrak Cascades train trips between Seattle and Portland. ODOT will operate on its holiday/weekend schedule Wednesday and Thursday, Nov. 25–26, and Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 28–29 and also offer extra Thruway POINT bus service on Wednesday and Sunday.Amtrak Cascades will add two trips each day between Seattle and Portland to its regular schedule Wednesday, Nov. 25, and Sunday, Nov. 29; Thruway/POINT buses will provide extra service continuing south to Eugene:

DP = Depart and AR = Arrive. Read down for Train 511 and from the bottom up for Train 514. (If you are having problems seeing this chart, visit the news release website.)

Changes to Oregon’s Willamette Valley service on Wednesday, Nov. 25 include the following:

Northbound, from Eugene

• The 5:30 a.m. northbound train from Eugene will be replaced by a bus.
• The train will then depart at 9 a.m.
• An additional bus will depart UO at 6:40 p.m., picking up passengers at the Eugene’s Amtrak station at 7 p.m. and making stops at Albany and Salem before arriving in Portland at 9:45 p.m.

Southbound, from Portland

• The 6 a.m. southbound train from Portland will depart at 8:30 a.m.
• Thruway/POINT buses will depart Portland at 6 a.m. and 7 a.m. for Salem, Albany and Eugene.

Regular, one-way adult fares between Seattle and Portland start as low as $26. All Amtrak Cascades trains require reservations.

Take these tips for relaxing travel on Amtrak Cascades

Amtrak Cascades is working hard to provide a great travel experience while connecting passengers with friends and family. These additional tips will help to ensure a smooth trip:

• Book early; avoid the rush: The busiest travel days are Tuesday and Wednesday before Thanksgiving and Sunday after the holiday. Other than Thanksgiving Day, morning trains typically have more available seats than those in the afternoon or evening.
• Arrive early: Allow plenty of time at stations prior to departure – at least 45 minutes beforehand if picking up tickets. Arrange for pre-boarding if you need extra time or assistance, and use Amtrak Red Cap agents to help you with your baggage.
• Purchase tickets: Use eTicketing at AmtrakCascades.com, ticket machines at staffed stations, or by calling 800-USA-RAIL.
• Carry photo ID: Passengers are required to show valid photo identification when purchasing tickets. Make sure to carry valid photo ID at all times, as it may be requested aboard trains.
• Be safe: Be aware of your surroundings, stand back from the edge of the platform, do not leave your bags unattended, and watch your step when boarding or leaving the train or when walking between cars when the train is in motion.
• Up to four baggage items travel free: Passengers can bring two bags and two carry-ons, collectively weighing up to 150 pounds, for free. Additional bags cost $20 each.