Summary:
Traveling by train from Vancouver, British Columbia, to the U.S. is set to become faster for Amtrak Cascades passengers thanks to a new "pre-clearance" customs process. The Washington Department of Transportation (WSDOT) announced that starting this week, Amtrak Cascades will allow passengers to clear customs at upgraded station facilities before departure, eliminating the need for a stop in Blaine, Washington, for second inspections by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. This will reduce travel time by about 10 minutes.
Vancouver’s Pacific Central Station is the first rail station in North America to receive this designation, which allows cross-border travelers to pass through customs outside the U.S. Previously, Amtrak passengers faced two inspections, causing delays. WSDOT projects that 149,000 passengers will travel between British Columbia and the U.S. via Amtrak in 2025, making the station the third most popular on the system.
Washington State Transportation Secretary Julie Meredith highlighted this milestone as beneficial for visitors, especially during upcoming international soccer events, and announced plans for new Amtrak Cascade trains with more amenities in 2026. The establishment of the pre-clearance facility required years of collaboration between Canadian and U.S. authorities, marking a significant improvement in cross-border rail travel. Amtrak President Roger Harris praised the initiative as a demonstration of effective partnership enhancing the customer experience, while Canadian Minister of Public Safety Gary Anandasangaree emphasized its importance for border security and efficiency.
