Taking the Train to Seattle Southside

Taking the train to Seattle Southside is an easy, stress-free alternative to driving.

The region is served by both Amtrak and Sound Transit's Sounder commuter rail, with stations in Tukwila that connect you to Seattle, Tacoma, and destinations throughout the Pacific Northwest. Leave traffic behind, skip the hassle of downtown parking, and enjoy the ride.

Amtrak: The Scenic Route Through the Pacific Northwest
Sounder: An Easy Commute to Seattle and Tacoma

Amtrak: The Scenic Route Through the Northwest

Traveling by Amtrak is one of the most scenic ways to visit Seattle Southside, with comfortable seating, free Wi-Fi, generous baggage allowances, and views of Puget Sound, forests, rivers, and charming Northwest towns along the way. Whether you're escaping for a weekend from Portland, visiting from Vancouver, B.C., or exploring the Pacific Northwest by rail, Amtrak makes getting here part of the adventure.

Taking Amtrak to Seattle? Stop at Tukwila Station.

For many visitors, Tukwila Station is the most convenient rail stop in the Seattle area. Here's why:

  • Restaurants and Shopping Galore: Tukwila Station is in the heart of Seattle Southside's retail district (often referred to as Southcenter). You'll be close to hundreds of places to eat and shop, including Westfield Southcenter, Washington's largest shopping center. With more than 200 stores and dozens of restaurants, you could easily fill a day there.
  • Hotel Hub: There are more than 60 hotels in Seattle Southside, where Tukwila Station is located. After arriving, you can take a short bus ride, a rideshare, or even walk to a hotel. Courtyard Seattle Sea-Tac Area and Embassy Suites by Hilton are both a 5-minute walk from the station. Browse more hotels.
  • SEA Airport Nearby: Stopping in the Seattle area before a flight? Reach SEA Airport in about five minutes by car or shuttle.
  • Family Friendly: There are tons of indoor and outdoor attractions within 10 minutes of Tukwila Station, from an amusement park to go-karts to cutting-edge escape games and more. Find out why Seattle Southside is a hub for family fun.
  • Less Traffic: Skip the congestion of downtown Seattle when beginning your trip.
  • Overnight Parking: If you're beginning your trip here, the station also offers free overnight parking in designated Amtrak spaces, making it easy to leave your car behind while you travel.
  • Easy Access to Transit: From Tukwila, you can easily connect to buses, Link light rail, Sounder commuter trains, or a guided day tour of Mount Rainier to continue exploring the region.

Where Can You Take Amtrak to Seattle Southside From?

Amtrak Cascades connects Seattle Southside with cities throughout the Pacific Northwest, making it easy to plan everything from a weekend getaway to a longer regional vacation. Traveling from even farther away? You can connect through Seattle to Amtrak's long-distance routes, including the Empire Builder from Chicago and the Coast Starlight from Los Angeles.

British Columbia

  • Vancouver

Washington

  • Bellingham
  • Mount Vernon
  • Stanwood
  • Everett
  • Edmonds
  • Seattle
  • Tukwila
  • Tacoma
  • Olympia/Lacey
  • Centralia
  • Kelso/Longview
  • Vancouver

Oregon

  • Portland
  • Oregon City
  • Salem
  • Albany
  • Eugene

How to Buy Amtrak Tickets

The easiest way to purchase tickets is through the Amtrak website or mobile app, where you'll receive a digital ticket to scan before boarding. If you want to leave from Tukwila Station, note that you'll need to search for and select Tukwila, not Seattle when looking up available tickets.

Because fares are demand-based, booking in advance often yields the best prices, especially for weekend and holiday travel. Business Class is available on many Amtrak Cascades trains for travelers looking for extra comfort.

Sounder: An Easy Commute to Seattle and Tacoma

For weekday travel around the Puget Sound region, Sounder (S Line) offers a comfortable, reliable alternative to driving. Sounder trains stop at Tukwila Station, providing direct service between Seattle and Lakewood, with stops in Kent, Tacoma, and other South Sound communities. It's also a great way to get to a sporting event at Lumen Field or T-Mobile Park. You'll skip all the freeway traffic while enjoying spacious seating, onboard restrooms, free Wi-Fi, and scenic views along the route.

How Often Does the Sounder Train Arrive in Tukwila?

Sounder operates primarily during weekday morning and afternoon commute periods, with select additional trains for special events. During weekday rush hours, Sounder runs every 20 minutes between Lakewood and Seattle.

Does Sounder Operate on Weekends?

Sounder serves select weekend events such as Seahawks, Sounders, and Mariners games. It does not operate every weekend. Check Sound Transit's Routes and Schedules page for up-to-date information, including whether it's operating on a particular weekend date.

Where can you take the Sounder from?

  • Everett
  • Mukilteo
  • Edmonds
  • Seattle/King Street Station (About 15–20 minutes from Tukwila)
  • Tukwila
  • Kent
  • Auburn
  • Sumner
  • Puyallup
  • Tacoma Dome (About 30 minutes from Tukwila)
  • South Tacoma
  • Lakewood

How to Buy Sounder Train Tickets

There are multiple ways to pay for Sounder train tickets. Tickets can be purchased through the Transit GO Ticket app, by tapping an ORCA card, or at station ticket machines. Sounder is operated by Sound Transit, the same public agency that runs Link light rail and local buses, so the payment process is the same for these public transit options.

How Much Do Sounder Train Tickets Cost?

One-way adult tickets (age 19-64) are between $3.25 and $5.75, depending on how far you travel. Youth 18 and under ride free on all Sound Transit Services, and there are reduced fares for senior/disabled passengers and low-income adults. Learn more.

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Land Travel

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Ferry & Sea Transport Services

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