Train to Portland – An easy Low Priced Tour

Check in

Our travel group arrived at the Eugene train station at about 7:15 for out trip in the Northwest Region. We were one of only a few vehicles in the parking lot right in front of the entrance to the station. We unloaded our bikes and noticed a sign that stated a parking pass was required. On the third try, the machine finally spit out a ticket for a mere eight dollars that would allow us to park at the station all day until our return. We wheeled our bikes inside and walked over to the ticket counter as our e-tickets had instructed us to do to accommodate our bikes on the train. The clerk at the counter greeted us with, “Oh you guys are the ones with the bikes.” This led me to believe we would be the only ones with bikes on the train to Portland.

Boarding the Train to Portland

We walked our bikes toward the back of the train where the same clerk met us and we helped him load them on to the cargo car at the back of the train. Within minutes of boarding the train we were moving. We used every bit of the 30 minutes suggested to arrive before departure, mostly because of the bikes. There were only about forty passengers total at this beginning departure location of the Cascades route train, which had about a half dozen total cars. We would pick up a few more passengers in Albany, Salem and Oregon City before arriving at our destination at Union Station in Portland. We enjoyed a relaxing journey with plenty of seats to choose from in coach.

On the Train to Portland

There was one car with what could have been business class seating. On the Cascades Train to Portland the difference in seating was minimal. The only noticeable difference was that it was closer to the cafe car, a well stocked resource with breakfast, lunch and even a few dinner items. The prices were reasonable for a captured audience and the attendant was friendly. At the end of a comfortable trip on the Amtrak Cascades Route, we hopped off the train, grabbed our bikes from the cargo car at the rear of the train. It was at this point we were told that our tires were too big for train travel. (We will address this bike tire size issue later in this article.) We took a couple photos with the friendly staff from Amtrak, then our bike riding journey begins.

Union Station to Pittock Mansion

The inside of the Portland Union Station boasts a wonderful mix of modern comforts and a nostalgic glimpse of what train travel might have been like years ago. We rolled our bikes outside to a small park-like area across the street from the station and we took a few minutes to prepare our gear for the day’s adventure. We rode through town on the west side of the Willamette River which divides Portland. After navigating the through a part of the downtown lined with craftsman style homes, we started our ascent toward the Pittock Mansion. Our navigation led us through streets dotted with potholes and then on to dirt trails for a short distance before we reached our destination. The house, surrounding gardens and views were well worth the climb up the hill.

Meeting a Train Enthusiast

While exploring the outside grounds of the house we bumped into a fellow train enthusiast. I noticed his Union Pacific hat and asked him if he liked trains. He told us of his interest in railroad travel and how he prefers not to travel by ship or plane. Then he told us of a time when you could travel across the United States by train without changing routes and jumping from train to train. He was on his way to Vancouver traveling by way of the Amtrak Cascades Route. He and his wife were going to travel across Canada using the Rocky Mountain Railroad. This is the only railroad left that offers a trip across the North American Continent with one railroad route. It was his dream trip of a lifetime. That is what we are all about at Travel by Train.

After we took in the views of Portland from the hill that the mansion sits on, we hopped on our bikes and made our way back toward downtown. We had intended to visit Washington Park and the Japanese Garden as well as the waterfront trail loop. Besides, we were getting a bit hungry and it was time for lunch. We made our way through an industrial area near the freeway to a brewery/restaurant where we would stop for a snack and a pint. One thing led to another as we visited a couple more brewery/restaurants. Suddenly it was time to head back to the train station and prepare for our return trip home. We left a few things on the table for our next train trip to Portland using the Cascades Route to Portland.

Back at the Station in Portland

Upon entering the Union Station in Portland, we were directed toward the baggage counter to arrange transport for our bikes. The same Amtrak employee that told us about the bike tire size limit in the morning was waiting for us. He again re-iterated the policy and was friendlier about letting us know this time. Our tires were 2.4″, a very common size on a mountain bike now. Some of the Portland roads were rough and our mountain bikes came in handy. He tagged our bikes and we made our way toward the baggage car. There, we helped the attendants load the bikes back on the train. They shared with us that the hooks to hang the bikes would only accommodate tires up to two inches. We found out that there were new cars coming some time in the future. They would have the same restrictions.

Relaxing on the Return from Portland

We boarded our train and proceeded to take a nice leisurely sunset ride back to Eugene on the return trip. There were a few more people on the train this time. We still had plenty of room to have a window seat and relax by with fellow travelers as we did. At this point, we noticed a few people coming back from the cafe car with beers and mixed drinks. We will investigate this policy further. Maybe a possible subject for another article. Overall our experience with the Amtrak Cascades Train to Portland was enjoyable. The cars were clean and the personnel were very friendly. The trains left on time to the minute and the stops were short and few. The cafe car had a nice selection at reasonable prices with no lines and plenty of condiments.

What a Deal!

Now for the best information of all! Most people are under the impression that train travel is expensive. Generally, it doesn’t have to be. Our trip from Eugene to Portland was $18 each way per person. This included the Flex option for $1 which allows a full refund if cancelled before departure. Changes are permitted with no change fees. We added $10 each to get our bikes to Portland and back to Eugene. Portland does have plenty of e-bike share stations about the city should you not want to bring your bike. All of this was done in one day with no overnight stays needed. This made for a very reasonable and enjoyable low stress travel day. Reach out to us if you have any questions about this trip or any other train trips. We will do our best to answer your questions or refer you to someone who can.