Amtrak Guest Rewards - Check in time for early Vancouver - Seattle

Amtrak Cascades has a new train originating from Vancouver, BC at 6:40am. Anyone taken this that can report on the practical check in time? Amtrak always suggests 45 minutes before departure but I asked if that includes time for pre-clearance and they did not know what I was talking about.

Looks like the station opens at 6:00am... will be traveling on a Sunday morning and public transportation is limited at that hour.

I haven't taken that train (though I was looking at it and wondering the same thing), but the station actually opens at 5 AM. The 6 AM opening time would be for the ticketing office. I verified on Via Rail and Greyhound and both confirm a 5 AM opening time on Sunday (Greyhound actually says 4:45, but count on 5).

As far as getting to the station, that can be tricky so far as avoiding having to cab. I would've suggested renting a car the day before with Hertz, since they have a counter in-terminal at Pacific Central Station, however that counter isn't open on Sunday so they'd wind up charging you until they open again, which is 7:30 AM Monday. You could also consider the Comfort Inn on Nelson Street. Right now it's as low as $84 tax in and it's about a $7 taxi ride from the station. Could be a better alternative to cabbing in from farther out and/or having to wake up super early for an already early departure.

I haven't taken that train (though I was looking at it and wondering the same thing), but the station actually opens at 5 AM. The 6 AM opening time would be for the ticketing office. I verified on Via Rail and Greyhound and both confirm a 5 AM opening time on Sunday (Greyhound actually says 4:45, but count on 5).



Seems like another relevant factor is what time the pre-clearance line opens. Not much point in getting there before they open for business, especially if the OP already has the ticket in hand. To the OP, if at all possible pick up your tickets ahead of time. That will take some of the guesswork out of it.

Hopefully you can report back afterward and let us know how it went.