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Book your tickets in advance! That's my advice to you. We had plans to leave Seattle and take the train to Portland but... who knew that was the Disney train! Sold out. We ended up on a bus leaving from a different destination. I can share this is a beautiful facility. Very clean and the employees we dealt with were very nice.
This station was gorgeous and a lovely place to wait for our next cross country train trip on the #8 Empire Builder 2-day route Seattle to Chicago. Amazing architecture to take in while we waited and also informative displays detailing the history of the station and the rehabilitation project to reclaim its original beauty. I wish there had been more food and drink options available during our long wait time, but I did enjoy a hot coffee drink from a small vendor located in the corner of the station. Large room was a bit drafty, not unexpected with the hustle and bustle of people arriving and departing and exterior doors opening directly to the outside nearby. Clear signage displayed in several places located around the room to keep passengers informed regarding train schedules. Station master and employees were all fairly friendly and helpful, very business-like. We had all reserved individual roomettes and therefore were directed to a separate waiting area when boarding time approached. Boarding happens very quickly. Restrooms were clean and fully stocked. Benches and individual seating were fairly comfortable. The station was a little over 1/2 full during our visit there and we did not feel crowded.
This review is a warning of caution regarding the rogue taxis waiting out front. I jumped in one too soon and realized that I was not comfortable - the dashboard was full of garbage & fast food wrappers, and there was No Meter. We negotiated a fee (higher than what a metered fare would have been) but this transaction should not have happened. Check the cab for a meter prior to getting in it - you shouldn't have to but you need to. Avoid the folks with this card. By the way, the website does not exist. Who is the authorized cab service of King Street Station? I'd love to see this situation cleaned up to offer Amtrak riders clean, professional, metered rides from the station.
Stunning Architecture & Practical Tips for the Seattle-Vancouver Trek King Street Station is a masterpiece of historical architecture. The interior is breathtaking, featuring a grand waiting room with high, ornate white plaster ceilings and beautifully restored mosaic floors. It feels like stepping back into a golden age of rail travel. For those taking the Amtrak Cascades to Vancouver, here is some essential advice: Check-in: Even with an e-boarding pass, you must visit the ticket office first to show your passport. They'll give you a paper slip for boarding, which the conductor later places above your seat. Arrive at least 45 minutes early! Onboard: Sit on the left side for the best coastal views. The train is warm and comfortable with very friendly staff. Wi-Fi is spotty, but power outlets are available. I'd recommend bringing your own food as the bistro options are limited. Winter Travel: Be aware that Amtrak can face delays in the winter. My train arrived about 30 minutes late this time, which is something to keep in mind for your schedule. Arrival at Pacific Central Station: You cannot disembark all at once; there is a priority order. If you checked bags, you'll collect them right on the platform. Customs: After exiting the train, you must pass through Canadian immigration and customs. While it can take 30 minutes to an hour to exit the station, my experience this time was very smooth and efficient! A beautiful, classic way to travel--just give yourself a buffer for winter timing!
Enjoyable Amtrak Station with friendly staff and great service with lots of seating in a historical ornate ambiancey building.
Efficient train Amtrak system. Easy travel from BC to Seattle and then on to Portland. Dining car, while not gourmet, has a variety of food and beverages to satisfy. Enjoy!
Clean station. Noisy when full. Not enough seating for a full train. We are delayed 1.5 hours and people are sitting on the floors around the station while we wait. No access to food, there are water faucets and fountains. Bathrooms were out of toilet paper in a few stalls.
I haven't fully utilized this station but from my visits to it, I do like it. King Street Station is a historic Station, it first opened to the public in 1906 making it well over 100 years old. Reed and Stem, who were involved with New York City's historic Grand Central Terminal, designed the station. The San Marco bell tower of Venice, Italy, served as the model for the building's familiar clock tower. The structure was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973. I've had to pick up friends from here after they've arrived on their buses and day or night it's gone fairly well. There is often a line formed by ride shares/taxis and others picking up. I've never had much trouble getting in and out of there, though there are a lot of people walking around so you do have to be careful.
This is a clean and organized Amtrak station in downtown Seattle. There are a few parking spaces available at the drop off entrance and not much traffic in the area on a Black Friday morning. We are taking the Coast Starlight home and it is very convenient to not have to deal with airports, TSA, or traffic. The restrooms are easy to find and baggage drop off easy, too. I would recommend to have a few more vendor options in the train's heat.
They close the doors 5 minutes early, so arrive beforehand! We missed our first train and the staff was really helpful and didn't hesitate to move us to the next departure at no additional cost. They're very professional and helpful here without being abrasive to handling public confrontation from difficult travelers. I enjoyed this train station and was in awe of just how beautiful it was. It's a nice spot to hang out while waiting for your train to arrive. It's monitored by security at the entrance, so you just show your ticket and then relax in a safe space until it's departure time!
I walked by king street station only because i was not taking a train but just passing by but it's beautiful and well Maintained outside
The station looks nice even decorations were during winter holidays. But absolutely lack of services. The area is already very isolated from town and specially when you come very early/late for your departure you can't even get food anywhere. I had to buy water from vending machine, no food tho. Trains are old and even if you are business class it doesn't help much. Armrests are broken and food selection on train absolutely disgusting.
Took the Empire Builder from Milwaukee to Seattle. So many good things to say about this trip. The crew worked hard to make us comfortable. The food was better than expected. Way better than airline food and we had a roomette, it is considered a first class sleeper so our three meals a day were included. If you're not in a sleeper you had to pay $40/meal. Not sure I would do that. Our room also got us free soft drinks. Our train car's AC was not working in the room, just the hall so we had to sleep with our doors open, but the cabin guy stayed up in the hall way looking out for everyone. I was bummed that they could not move us to other cars but I get it. However we payed for comfort and did not get it. Once in Seattle we took the 517 on our last leg of our journey. Again the staff on board were amazing.
The King Street Union Station is only few blocks from the Seattle Seahawk's Lumen field Stadium. Actually the ramp from the station to street level has a wonderful view of the arena. The station primarily servers Amtrak trains, but there's adjacent entrance to the subway line as well, accessible via the ramp. The main building of the station has the iconic clock tower. The station's interior was also beautiful, with high ceilings, art decor on the walls, marble floors and shafts. There were plenty of benches for passengers to sit. Multiple displays were showing the arrival times of the trains. The atmosphere inside the station was much nicer than its exterior suddronding. Once we got to the station, we went to the baggage drop off area. A friendly staff member behind the counter helped us with weighing both of our luggages, tagging them and lining them up for the train. Our train arrived at the platform on time. Our tickets were checked at the door. Staff members were available on the platform to help us find the correct car. Overall I had a wonderful experience of boarding Amtrak train for the first time ever from this station. read more
7 days ago
King Street Station was ok. It's a fancy spacious station. They have lots of hard benches, but no first class lounge. We started our journey in Sacramento and I liked that station better. There they have a first class lounge enclosed from the rest of the station. They offered non alcoholic drinks and snacks. In addition they have soft chairs and sofas to sit on. King Street Station totally lacked this. In addition in Sacramento a tram picks you up from the station and takes you to the door of the train so no dragging your luggage across the station. When we arrived at King Street Station they told us to sit on the hard benches even though we were traveling in first class. We had a roomette. The station has bathrooms, but the Women's room was closed for cleaning the entire time we were at the station. We were there an hour. They have a security desk as soon as you walk in, but they don't have luggage tags there. They announced over the loud speaker that announced everyone needs luggage tags. I talked to an attendant and they said they were out. Oops!!! Poor planning. They do have 2 vending machines. A drink one and a snack one. There is no cafe or coffee shop. Sacramento has a coffee shop attached to the station. read more
We booked tickets Seattle to Portland in advance. Got the business class. Ground crew was very efficient and helpful. Checked baggage is available at both Seattle (King St) and Portland (Union Station). Passengers can also check up to four bags, first two free, next two with charge, 50 lbs per luggage. Lots of benches for travelers. Coffee station. Bathroom is good. Information board is clear. There was a homeless guy with blood on the head came to sit on a bench. Security came and asked if they need to call ambulance. Some words exchanged. Didn't escalate the situation. We left around that point. I think the security handled it well. Hopefully the guy got medical attention. read more
Book your tickets in advance! That's my advice to you. We had plans to leave Seattle and take the train to Portland but... who knew that was the Disney train! Sold out. We ended up on a bus leaving from a different destination. I can share this is a beautiful facility. Very clean and the employees we dealt with were very nice. read more
This station was gorgeous and a lovely place to wait for our next cross country train trip on the #8 Empire Builder 2-day route Seattle to Chicago. Amazing architecture to take in while we waited and also informative displays detailing the history of the station and the rehabilitation project to reclaim its original beauty. I wish there had been more food and drink options available during our long wait time, but I did enjoy a hot coffee drink from a small vendor located in the corner of the station. Large room was a bit drafty, not unexpected with the hustle and bustle of people arriving and departing and exterior doors opening directly to the outside nearby. Clear signage displayed in several places located around the room to keep passengers informed regarding train schedules. Station master and employees were all fairly friendly and helpful, very business-like. We had all reserved individual roomettes and therefore were directed to a separate waiting area when boarding time approached. Boarding happens very quickly. Restrooms were clean and fully stocked. Benches and individual seating were fairly comfortable. The station was a little over 1/2 full during our visit there and we did not feel crowded. read more
11 months ago
This review is a warning of caution regarding the rogue taxis waiting out front. I jumped in one too soon and realized that I was not comfortable - the dashboard was full of garbage & fast food wrappers, and there was No Meter. We negotiated a fee (higher than what a metered fare would have been) but this transaction should not have happened. Check the cab for a meter prior to getting in it - you shouldn't have to but you need to. Avoid the folks with this card. By the way, the website does not exist. Who is the authorized cab service of King Street Station? I'd love to see this situation cleaned up to offer Amtrak riders clean, professional, metered rides from the station. read more
Stunning Architecture & Practical Tips for the Seattle-Vancouver Trek King Street Station is a masterpiece of historical architecture. The interior is breathtaking, featuring a grand waiting room with high, ornate white plaster ceilings and beautifully restored mosaic floors. It feels like stepping back into a golden age of rail travel. For those taking the Amtrak Cascades to Vancouver, here is some essential advice: Check-in: Even with an e-boarding pass, you must visit the ticket office first to show your passport. They'll give you a paper slip for boarding, which the conductor later places above your seat. Arrive at least 45 minutes early! Onboard: Sit on the left side for the best coastal views. The train is warm and comfortable with very friendly staff. Wi-Fi is spotty, but power outlets are available. I'd recommend bringing your own food as the bistro options are limited. Winter Travel: Be aware that Amtrak can face delays in the winter. My train arrived about 30 minutes late this time, which is something to keep in mind for your schedule. Arrival at Pacific Central Station: You cannot disembark all at once; there is a priority order. If you checked bags, you'll collect them right on the platform. Customs: After exiting the train, you must pass through Canadian immigration and customs. While it can take 30 minutes to an hour to exit the station, my experience this time was very smooth and efficient! A beautiful, classic way to travel--just give yourself a buffer for winter timing! read more
4 months ago
Enjoyable Amtrak Station with friendly staff and great service with lots of seating in a historical ornate ambiancey building. read more
Clean station. Noisy when full. Not enough seating for a full train. We are delayed 1.5 hours and people are sitting on the floors around the station while we wait. No access to food, there are water faucets and fountains. Bathrooms were out of toilet paper in a few stalls. read more
I haven't fully utilized this station but from my visits to it, I do like it. King Street Station is a historic Station, it first opened to the public in 1906 making it well over 100 years old. Reed and Stem, who were involved with New York City's historic Grand Central Terminal, designed the station. The San Marco bell tower of Venice, Italy, served as the model for the building's familiar clock tower. The structure was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973. I've had to pick up friends from here after they've arrived on their buses and day or night it's gone fairly well. There is often a line formed by ride shares/taxis and others picking up. I've never had much trouble getting in and out of there, though there are a lot of people walking around so you do have to be careful. read more
This is a clean and organized Amtrak station in downtown Seattle. There are a few parking spaces available at the drop off entrance and not much traffic in the area on a Black Friday morning. We are taking the Coast Starlight home and it is very convenient to not have to deal with airports, TSA, or traffic. The restrooms are easy to find and baggage drop off easy, too. I would recommend to have a few more vendor options in the train's heat. read more
They close the doors 5 minutes early, so arrive beforehand! We missed our first train and the staff was really helpful and didn't hesitate to move us to the next departure at no additional cost. They're very professional and helpful here without being abrasive to handling public confrontation from difficult travelers. I enjoyed this train station and was in awe of just how beautiful it was. It's a nice spot to hang out while waiting for your train to arrive. It's monitored by security at the entrance, so you just show your ticket and then relax in a safe space until it's departure time! read more
4 years ago
The station looks nice even decorations were during winter holidays. But absolutely lack of services. The area is already very isolated from town and specially when you come very early/late for your departure you can't even get food anywhere. I had to buy water from vending machine, no food tho. Trains are old and even if you are business class it doesn't help much. Armrests are broken and food selection on train absolutely disgusting. read more
Took the Empire Builder from Milwaukee to Seattle. So many good things to say about this trip. The crew worked hard to make us comfortable. The food was better than expected. Way better than airline food and we had a roomette, it is considered a first class sleeper so our three meals a day were included. If you're not in a sleeper you had to pay $40/meal. Not sure I would do that. Our room also got us free soft drinks. Our train car's AC was not working in the room, just the hall so we had to sleep with our doors open, but the cabin guy stayed up in the hall way looking out for everyone. I was bummed that they could not move us to other cars but I get it. However we payed for comfort and did not get it. Once in Seattle we took the 517 on our last leg of our journey. Again the staff on board were amazing. read more
1 year ago
Took a ride from Kent, WA into Seattle, WA. The train wasn't crowded and was on time. Some of the areas are sketch and I wouldn't want to be here after dark. The station in Seattle is in the lower level and not enclosed. Lots of trash everywhere. I don't recommend traveling alone. The ride was convenient and cheap ($8 round trip). Was cheaper than driving. read more
The renovations on this building are beautiful, elegant, dramatic! The station has a large waiting area with tracks off the sides. There is also a multi-window ticket hall and a single luggage carousel in the back corner. Two restrooms are off the waiting area. This is a three story building. The bottom level where the tracks are located exits to King St. One level up is Jackson St. This exit has a good sized plaza that stretches out to the street, a large, neon 'King Street Station' sign and the best photo op of their tower. Which, by the way, is designed after the tower in St. Mark's piazza in Venice. If ya didn't know. The 2nd level includes balconies overlooking the wait area and offices. 3rd level is an art gallery for 'King Street Station Art'. The only amenity at this station is 2 vending machines. With 3 levels I would think they could at least include a cafe for coffee and sandwiches. The King Street exit has a restaurant nearby. Both the King St. and Jackson St. exits had a few homeless sitting or walking around. Taxi's, Uber and buses pick up at the King St. exit. read more
3 years ago
11 months ago
2 years ago
4 years ago
Taking an Amtrak to Seattle? This will be your destination. Located right next to Chinatown you are a stones throw away from lots of good eats. Dough zone is a favorite (seem my review of them). Uwajimaya is also very close. Theres also a bunch of snack / bubble tea / shaved ice places nearby. In the mood for games check out the pinball museum. There's an embassy suites 1 minute away (literally). If you have long stopover they have a bag storage area. Open from 630a to 8p you can leave your bag here (10 bucks a bag). Very handy if you want to dump your stuff and check out the sights for a few hour. Waiting area is huge and clean and they have free WiFi. Not an international first class lounge but also not a dump either. read more
Such a beautiful building. Free wifi is also useful. If you need to cross the border to Canada, you have to be here one hour before of departure because of check in process. There would be small podium with sign. There is one drink, one snack vending machines. I wish there is hot food/drink vendors. read more
5 years ago
5 years ago
Do not go here, it is hell. The bratty security here can't stand you staying on the station platform for more than a minute. They do not let you explore or take footage, they quickly start yelling at you like headless monkeys. Most of the employees on the platform are complete assholes and do not let you take in the experience. They send you straight to the terminal and they do not let you look at other trains. Good luck getting footage. If you think your smart (like me) you would leave the station and go up to the bridge above to try and get to the sounder station located directly to the right of the station. Apparently the Amtrak security think they have some sort of authority over the sounder station and follow you with an Amtrak police officer or two. Leave me alone you bum ass people. I'm just trying to film trains and have a good time. They will yell, they will screech, I have never been so disappointed in my life. One last thing, here is something Amtrak doesn't want you to know. The reason why they replaced the majority of their fancy talgo cars with old rusty horizon cars is because the talgo cars did not pass the federal railway administration's guidelines, it had multiple flaws and it was deemed unsafe to use for the cascade service. DONT RIDE THE CASCADES!!! It is not worth the money. Go on the coast starlight. read more
2 years ago
3 years ago
3 years ago
Beautiful architecture what with all the white and bronze. Very picturesque and a good example of the city's continuing efforts to improve. As a station, it appears to be perfectly placed with taxicabs outside and Amtrak permanently ensconced. We arrived here by bus. Not at the trains station itself, but the bus stop was less than a block away from here. read more
1 year ago
I came here not because I needed to take the train but to admire the architecture and craftsmanship of the beautiful intricate building. It was clean and gorgeous with the white space and tall long walls. Apparently, a group of three people were taking pictures with a professional camera and the worker aggressively shouted that it wasn't allowed. He shouted across the room alarming all persons in the building. We were glancing back and forth to see what was going on and the group was merely just taking pictures. Perhaps one is required to book the place to have a photography session? Who knows... but word of caution that you may run into mean workers if you do. read more
2 years ago
8 years ago
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Ask the Community - King Street Station
Can I take the monorail to Sea-Tac airport from King Street Station? How much does it cost & where can I find the schedule?
You can take it from the Chinatown/International District station across the street.
We have a 12 hour layover, so is there someplace in the station to rest comfortably?
For a train layover, there isn't many options in the station; just long wood benches and standard chairs. If the layover crosses into closed hours, you need to find lodging.
The connection between the King Street Station and the Sound Transit looks good. I am slow and elderly. Do I have to cross busy streets to get to the Transit from the train station? Are there any challenges I should know about? Thank you.
The Sound transit is literally right next door!
Review Highlights - King Street Station
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