- Must visit
Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture
Spokane’s main regional museum, covering Inland Northwest history, Native culture, and rotating art exhibitions in Browne’s Addition.
Cheapest price
$102
Average price
$160
Fastest journey
7 h 32 m
Average duration
12 h 42 m
Trains per day
2
Distance
466 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Portland, OR to Spokane, WA is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Portland, OR to Spokane, WA will cost around $160 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $102.
Of the 2 trains that leave Portland, OR for Spokane, WA on Sun, Jun 07, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Jun 07 the direct trains cover the 466 km distance in an average of 12 h 42 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 7 h 32 m .
On Sun, Jun 07 the slowest trains will take 17 h 52 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
28 Empire Builder
500 Amtrak Cascades · 8 Empire Builder
28 Empire Builder
500 Amtrak Cascades · 8 Empire BuilderOmio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Portland, OR to Spokane, WA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $36. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 14m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.4kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $36, and a flight costs an average of $97.
Distance: 289 miles (466 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$86 Average price | $56 Average price Cheapest | $303 Average price | $70 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
8h 7m Average total duration 7h 37m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 48m Average total duration 7h 18m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 14m Average total duration Fastest 1h 14m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 5h 12m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.5 - 1.2kg CO2 emissions | 1.4 - 2.8kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Portland, OR to Spokane, WA:
A bus is $30 (€25) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Portland, OR to Spokane, WA costing on average $86 (€70).
A bus is $247 (€202) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Portland, OR to Spokane, WA costing on average $303 (€247).
Other travel options to Spokane, WA take longer:
Bus takes on average 7h 18m.
Train takes on average 7h 37m.
Tickets start at around $86 (€70) compared to roughly $70 (€57) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-16.17 (€-13.18). The journey takes 7h 37m versus 5h 12m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
The table below shows live departures for Portland, OR to Spokane, WA trains for today, Saturday, June 6. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
500 Amtrak Cascades · 8 Empire Builder | 6:45 AM Portland Union Station, Portland, OR | 17h52 | 12:37 AM Spokane Station, Spokane, WA | 1 transfer | |
504 Amtrak Cascades · 8 Empire Builder | 10:40 AM Portland Union Station, Portland, OR | 13h57 | 12:37 AM Spokane Station, Spokane, WA | 1 transfer | |
28 Empire Builder | 4:45 PM Portland Union Station, Portland, OR | 7h32 | 12:17 AM Spokane Station, Spokane, WA | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train, bus, and flight prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Trains from Portland, OR to Spokane, WA run on average 3 times per day, taking around 7h 37m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $43 (€35) but you can travel from only $36 (€29) by bus.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 03:19, the last at 17:09. The fastest train covers the 289 miles (466 km) distance in 7h 32m.
Distance 289 miles (466 km) |
Average train duration 7h 37m |
Cheapest ticket price $43 (€35) |
Trains per day 3 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 7h 32m |
First train 3:19 AM |
Last train 5:09 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 28 days |
Discover the best of Spokane — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Spokane trip today.
Spokane’s main regional museum, covering Inland Northwest history, Native culture, and rotating art exhibitions in Browne’s Addition.
A preserved 1898 mansion next to the MAC, offering guided tours and a detailed look at Spokane’s Gilded Age life and architecture.
Hands-on science and creativity museum geared toward families, with interactive exhibits that make it a popular downtown stop.
Spokane’s signature urban park with river views, waterfalls, walking paths, and major Expo ’74 landmarks in the heart of downtown.
Powerful downtown waterfalls that define the city’s landscape and are especially popular for photos and short scenic walks.
Large public park with formal gardens, conservatory areas, and broad walking paths, popular with both locals and visitors.
A regional Inland Northwest dessert made with wild huckleberries, prized for their intense sweet-tart flavor and strong connection to local mountain foraging traditions.
A classic local preserve served with toast, biscuits, or desserts. Huckleberries are one of the most iconic flavors of Eastern Washington and North Idaho.
Freshwater trout from the broader Northwest, often smoked and served as an appetizer or light meal. It reflects the region’s fishing heritage and love of preserved fish.
A well-loved neighborhood gastropub known for sandwiches, soups, salads, and a relaxed Spokane local vibe.
A classic downtown steakhouse offering dry-aged beef, seafood, and an elegant traditional atmosphere for special occasions.
A long-running downtown favorite serving refined New American cuisine with Northwest ingredients in an upscale but approachable setting.
Moderate by U.S. standards. Meals and coffee are reasonable, while hotels and fine dining cost more in peak periods.
Tip 18-20% at sit-down restaurants. Tip USD 1-2 per drink at bars, round up or tip 10% for taxis, and tip hotel staff USD 2-5 for service.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Portland, OR to Spokane, WA by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Spokane, WA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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