Bypass the Skagit Bridge: New Amtrak Cascades trains to roll between Seattle and Bellingham beginning Friday, May 31

WSDOT, Amtrak, Sound Transit and BNSF Railway team up to quickly help people travel through the I-5 corridor where the Skagit River Bridge collapsed

To help travelers pass the collapsed Skagit River Bridge severing Interstate 5, the Washington state-sponsored Amtrak Cascades train service will roll out two extra train trips daily between Seattle and Bellingham.

This third, temporary round trip will depart Seattle at 8:15 a.m. and departs Bellingham at 5:15 p.m.

If passenger demand persists, the added round trip could remain in service until the Skagit River Bridge is repaired, rail officials said.

Reservations are required and tickets are available now by visiting www.AmtrakCascades.com or by calling 1-800-USA-RAIL. The lowest-priced tickets for Seattle-Bellingham will be between $17 and $23 one-way. Fares between Seattle and Edmonds are as low as $7 one-way. Customers will be able to receive the lowest fares by buying online more than two weeks advance.

 “The performance of the additional service will be evaluated in two weeks and adjustments may be made at that time to meet customer demand,” said WSDOT Rail Division Director Ron Pate.

Running time for the third round trip is two hours and 40 minutes. 

In addition to station stops in Seattle and Bellingham, trains will also stop for passengers in Mount Vernon, Stanwood, Everett and Edmonds. Amtrak Cascades Thruway Buses also offer ten more trips through the area daily.