The Train from Vancouver to Seattle, Southwest a Hidden Gem of Economy Travel and Harnessing the Power of Credit Card Statements and Cash Back Portals

Being able to board in a specific spot and then grab an optimal seat makes for some awesome leg room.

VANCOUVER — Greetings from the Amtrak Cascades train where I’m going from Vancouver, B.C. to Seattle, Washington for the final stop on the Toronto Maple Leafs’ four-game road trip.

For the final leg of travel, I opted to take the Vancouver-Seattle train which features a gorgeous view of the Pacific Ocean for about half of it. The key is to ask the conductor as you board what side of the car faces the ocean and then it’s a nice and relaxing trip the rest of the way through.

Oh, and the fully refundable ticket only cost $41 U.S.

The beauty of the train is how much legroom you have in the economy class. Getting a business class ticket serves no purpose, other than having a slightly nicer seat assigned ahead of time, while the train can be a bit of a free for all. Thankfully, it is winter time and the seat next to me was empty. It isn’t like Via Rail’s first class where you get free food and alcohol. Otherwise, I may have opted for the better seating.